BOO BAGS

I'VE ATE MY FAIR SHARE OF REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS AND miniature HERSHEYS BARS before Halloween.  It seems like one habit that is still practiced in the month of October.  A ritual that comes to mind.  I buy miniature candy bars and some of them find their way into my diet.  Maybe it's the magnesium that chocolate has that I'm craving or the sugar.  grins.  

The BOO BAGS were made up for the Grandchildren.  Lil Miss called the treats BOO BAGs and it stuck.  I like the term.

Using brown luncheon bags for the BOO BAGS, I wrote the child's name on it, printed from Gma and Gpa for HARVEST TIME as well, filled with miniature candy bars then rolled the opening of the bag down and simply stapled them shut.  I have no idea where my twine is to close them so a staple had to work.  Nothing fancy, but I really don't think they will care so long as they get miniature candy bars like a Milky Way bar, Hershey's, Mister Goodyear, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups.

With that out of the way, I need to go to the storage unit and look for my boys' childhood Christmas ornaments that are in vinyl sweater boxes.  Need to give them these.  Daughter got her's last year.  

We woke in the COTTAGE being our 5th night here.  I'm not sleeping the best as I miss my recliner like crazy.  Going to have to figure out how to make room somewhere in the COTTAGE for one.  I don't see this happening until we have cleared out much that's in the middle of the rooms.  Mazes everywhere.

I find myself tossing and turning on the Victorian Bed mattress and then laying down on our loveseat.  Tossing and turning requires a great deal of effort in which I let out a groan as I am extremely sore.  My neck still aches, but is better.  Lower back...well that's questionable.  I pray I didn't ruin my back lifting too much weight as I was moving boxes out of the house to the COTTAGE or storage unit. 

The house is on the market.  Pause.  We did it.  We have officially moved into our small COTTAGE.  Wanting to keep a cheerful attitude.  Looking at all the things longing for their place and a place for everything is mind boggling.  TODAY, I will go EXTREMELY SLOW as I go about moving things.  This morning we hooked up the KEURIG as Hubby loves his morning coffee.  He embraced the small pods that he found carrying them to the coffee maker like they were gold nuggets.  I found some throw away coffee cups and lids.  Placed them in a acrylic container and sat it beside the Keurig.  Whalaah.  Some order took place just like that.

My hands this morning are stiff and the fingers swollen.   They look fatter than usual.  Also my feet are puffy.  Locating the Vitamin B6 and taking some should help with the puffiness.  I stopped taking vitamins and minerals plus the apple cider vinegar a while back, but I know I must get on the wagon again.  TODAY IS THE DAY.

I fixed a large salad for Lunch and took a CO Q 10, 2 Ceylon Cinnamon capsules, and a Vitamin B6 pill with water.  That's a start.  When I find my Apple Cider Vinegar pills, I'll take some.  I've got to gather the meds in the Kitchen for easy access.  Right at this moment a weight scale is stacked on some boxes, a frying pan leans off a box, small electric fan in a box awaits a new home, tea, and a whole lot of stuff crowds the middle of the room.  I'll have to get this thinned out as my dear Hubby said he'll try to work on the TV so we can watch late night television.

THE GILDED AGE series started on Sunday and I missed it.  This is what I'd like to watch this week as a reward for working so hard and diligently for months.  I need to rest throughout the day as I am worn out.  The muscles are weak.  Whaah.  With each new passing day, may we regain our strength.  Right now I am beyond the comfort zone.

We HOPE to see one of our Oklahoma grands play Basketball.  The drive is long, but I think we can handle sitting in the car making our way to OKLAHOMA.  He turned 14 on the 26th so I want to give him in person his Birthday card and gift.  I have some BOO BAGS for the grandchildren and a couple of Soccer figurines for the youngest.

After we get the house sold, I'm in hopes that we will go stay at our Sons' towns and visit with them and their families for a little longer than we have in the past.  I am hoping we slow our pace down in a good way.  Have FAITH and TRUST GOD that we will get to do this soon.

SOON.  

Halloween is here.  I think we'll stay at the main house this evening to keep an eye on the goblins so no vandalism occurs with an empty house on the market.  This will be a good time to just sit and talk and REST.  

November is inching its way to our front door.  NOVEMBER!  How did this happen so fast? Time has flown.  Blink and the week was gone being Friday again.  

SPRING was taken up with health issues, medical appointments in Topeka, trips to Kansas City for test and working at getting moved into the COTTAGE one piece at a time.  About as quickly as Spring appeared it was gone.  SUMMER was spent having medical tests, recovering from a hysterectomy and continued house projects.  Wham...AUTUMN arrived with brightly colored leaves, a cold weather snap, finishing house projects and getting the house on the market.

Here we be.  In the COTTAGE resting and attempting to unpack.  I am in a navy blue housecoat resting.  The noon hour passed right on by.  Hubby went to get some washers at a special store so he can tighten an old fashioned door knob.  We need to go to one of the storage units this afternoon to look for a few things.  Trying to figure out what Supper will be as the KITCHEN is in complete disarray.  May have to go to the store and get some sandwich material.  Eating out gets very expensive.  

I just heard the car door shut.  Hubby is HOME.  Steps heard on the wood porch.  It's him.  Off we shall go.
~d

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY

 Please join me as I participate with the 
Happy Homemaker Monday party: 

Happy Homemaker Monday 10/30/2023 

https://familycorner.blogspot.com/2023/10/happy-homemaker-monday-10302023.html

 

*** The Weather ***

WOKE TO FREEZING TEMPS THIS MORNING, but it warmed up into the 30s.  Suppose to be rather cold till Wednesday and then it will begin to warm a little into the 60s.  I am never ready for COLD WEATHER.  I adjust.  

*** Right now I am ***

RESTING AS BEST I CAN.  I AM COMPLETELY WORN OUT AFTER WORKING ON GETTING THE HOUSE READY TO SELL.  I FEEL THE STRESS ALL OVER MY BODY. 

 

*** Thinking and pondering ***

HOW TO MAKE THIS MOVE IN GO SMOOTHLY.

 

*** How I am feeling ***

EXHAUSTED.

*** On the breakfast plate ***

AIR.

*** On the lunch plate ***

HUGE SALAD.

*** On the dinner plate ***

MEAT LOVERS PIZZA AND DESSERT.

 

 *** On the menu ***

WITH UNPACKING TAKING PLACE THE MENUS WILL BE DECIDED EACH DAY AS THE ENERGY LEVEL PERMITS, BUT SALADS WILL BE HAD BY ALL EACH DAY.

 

*** What I am wearing ***

THERMAL TOP WITH FALL LEAVES WITH BLUE JEANS. 

 

*** On my reading pile ***

NOTHING RIGHT NOW AS WE HAVE MOVED AND THERE ARE PILES ALL OVER THE FLOORS OF EVERYTHING INVOLVED WITH HOME LIFE.

*** On my TV this week ***

TELEVISION IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING HOOKED UP DUE TO OUR MOVE.  HOPEFULLY THE GILDED AGE SERIES AND THE SERIES MAID.

 

*** Looking around the house ***

LOOKS LIKE A WAR ZONE AS WE HAVE HOME ITEMS CRAMMED INSIDE DUE TO OUR MOVE.

*** To do list ***

REST AND UNPACK.

 

*** From the camera ***

GRAND PARTICIPATED IN STATE HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY MEET WINNING 5TH PLACE IN HER DIVISION.  112 GIRLS RAN.

*** Something to share ***

*** Devotional, Bible Verses ***

KING JAMES VERSION   PROVERBS 30

30 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,

2 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.

3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.

4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

7 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:

8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

10 Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.

11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.

12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.

14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

15 The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:

16 The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.

17 The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

18 There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:

19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.

20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

21 For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:

22 For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;

23 For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.

24 There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:

25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

26 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

27 The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

28 The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.

29 There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

30 A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

31 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.

32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

HOME LIFE is for me,

~d

100 Mile Marathon

AS HUBBY AND I WERE LOADING THE CAR WITH ALL OUR CLEANING SUPPLIES AND TOOLS, I noticed the FOR SALE sign in our front yard.  Our Realtor had placed the sign before 5 pm.  We knew the house would be listed at 5, but were too busy to notice the exact time when the Realtor placed the sign in our yard.

This was a day that we knew would come.  We started working on the last of the projects we had hoped to get done before 5 early in the day.  

The fronts of the Living room stairs that lead to the upper floor were painted.  

The toe kick under the Kitchen cabinets was painted.

Reflector tape was placed on the newly painted Basement stairs.

Touch up polishing of the fridge was done.

Cleaning more on the large stove.

A small repair to the Kitchen wood floor took place.

Fridge cleared out.

Freezer cleaned out.

Living room closet cleaned out.

Outside Basement stairwell cleaned out.

Some sweeping done.

Tidying done with paint cans and supplies.

I think that was it.  

I was about to fall over from being fatigue.  I fell asleep in a sports chair.  Zonked.  SO tired and ready for this day to be done.  Finished.
We drove around the block and took a picture of the FOR SALE sign in the yard.  Drove through the Public Park and then headed over to our Daughter's for Supper.  Exhausted.  Completely exhausted.  We needed some Ibuprofen from Dollar General and as I was waiting in the car, our Realtor called and said that we had a looker at 6 pm.  That was fast.  Less than 50 minutes after being listed the first appointment was schedule.  

We shall see how things go.  We'll take a few days off before getting serious about unpacking our COTTAGE.  I need some time off from working so hard and I know my Husband does as well. We are both extremely tired and worn out.  This fixing up the house to sell, packing, shuffling, MOVING THINGS has been our 100 mile Marathon for two old peeps.  Time to recover and regain our strength.

~d

MOVING ON

A FREEZING 27 degrees Saturday morning.  We didn't want to miss the STATE High School Cross Country event as one of our grandchildren was running.  So we bundled up and went.  It was difficult for us to walk as we have been working at moving,  house projects going on and moving things into storage units.  These old bodies feel the work that's been going on.  It was wonderful to be able to be there for the big MEET.  By running time it was only about 47 degrees.  Chilly weather with some sunshine.  Bundled up and still cold.  

In Lil Miss's group there were 112 runners and she placed 5th.  Very proud of our champion.  She ran well and beat her time from last week by 2 seconds.  She had some tough competition.  The 2023 season has come to an end.  It seemed to pass so quickly.  Now to take a break and MOVE ON.

 

MOVING ON

WITH THE COLD FRONT HAVING MOVED IN, the porch plants were carried to the cellar late last night as we arrived at our COTTAGE.  I was going to move them indoors on Saturday, but changed my mind and did it a day earlier and boy am I glad I did as the front came in earlier than I was expecting.  For now they are in the cellar allowing me some extra time to get the Utility room prepared for them.  A metal rack will be adorned with the Geraniums and Coleus.

Keeping the out of doors inside is part of making a HAPPY HOMEMAKER.  I will smile when I see these plants alive and well in the dead of WINTER.  

We spent the rest of Saturday working at the main house that we are selling and we were beyond tired.  

The Kitchen walls needed a second coat of paint after I saw how spotty they appeared the next day after it dried.  More painting?  Nooooo.  My hands and fingers feel the effects of being over used and here I need to do more painting.  Not my idea of excitement as I was hoping the painting was done.    

This morning when I woke up my fingers did not want to move.  Arthritis I guess.  Wiggle wiggle and bend them helps the normalcy return and then I can move them easier.

Hubby painted the basement stairs and this sure beautified the old rugged appearance they had. He finished painting the Basement floor.  He showed me a picture and the basement looks a million times better than it did a month ago.  The painting cleaned this part of the house up.

Now the basement is move-in ready.  The space could be used as extra living space such as a family room, bedroom, storage, office, craft room.  We used the basement as a storage space and a safe place to get away from storms.  It was crowded with racks for decorations, dishes and food storage once upon a time.  If I had to do this over again, I would have had it less crowded.  

As I rethink how to store things, I know I must downsize and be more orderly especially since we are relocating to tiny ville.  The COTTAGE will present a new challenge as we will not have the space we did.  It can be done as I have moved from small spaces into larger and back again through the years.

We have to wrap up our projects today as the word on the house will be out to the Realtors.  May the buyers come forth.  I am disappointed that it is so cold outside and will be till the middle of next week before it is in the 60s again.  OPEN HOUSE will be November 5th and the temps are suppose to be in the middle 60s.  That will be just about right.  

As we finish up our house projects, I HOPE to begin the TASK of slowly unpacking the COTTAGE.  Things are stuffed and crammed full in each room.  We look like a couple of hoarders that need therapy.  Where to begin?  One PIECE at a time so I can have PEACE.  A little here and a little there and over time it will take shape.  I am feeling the adrenaline starting to flow through my body as I want to get settled sooner than later.  

Speaking of shape, I will be working at this for my old bod in the days to come with a specific walking program.  First I have to make some sense out of the mess that comes with moving.  We are officially out of the main house and sleeping at the COTTAGE.  Meals will have to be modified as the KITCHEN is a complete mess.  I bought some bagged salads for easy meals. About a week's worth.

Since I have been so physically active with this move, I want to continue staying physically ACTIVE as best I can.  Slow the pace some, but continue on with moving on.

We saw the photographs the Realtor received from her photographer and are extremely pleased how they turned out.  I will share later, but for now the selling of the house is moving straight ahead.  

Last minute details are taking place.  Hubby managed to finish painting the second half of the basement floor.  The closet got a touchup.  I managed to get another coat of paint on the Kitchen walls.  There's a small repair that needs repaired on the Kitchen floor and the toe kick needs a fresh coat of paint.  The freezer needs cleaned.  What else?  Reflector tape placed on the basement stairs and the other set of stairs in the Living room needs the fronts freshened up with paint.  Then we call the realtor and tell her that we are ready for the house to be listed.  Go for it.

She'll place a FOR SALE sign in the front yard today and we can take a deep breath of relief.  

WE HAVE MOVED ON,
~d  

 

Smart refrigerator organization tips that make you happy/ Organize with ...

GONE FISHING INSTEAD OF JUST A WISHIN'

BREAKFAST AT MCDONALDS.  Not the healthiest, but was appreciated as our groceries are in transition.

I was a PAINTING FOOL as Hubby and our Son-in-law took a trailer full of our belongings to the storage unit.  I stayed behind and painted the Kitchen walls.  Starting out with a brush to edge the walls with paint took me quite a while as I am slower than the average bear due to muscle fatigue.  The boys came back and loaded another trailer full of things.  They completely cleared out the Carriage house and hauled this load to storage as well.

I continued painting.  Muscles were weak and it took effort to stay steady painting.  I had until 3 to wrap this up.  That's about 5 hours I had.  My body is tired.  Gosh, it's been years since I painted a room.  Yesterday, it was a closet.  Kind of neat to see the walls go from one color to the freshness of another.  Still I was weak and slow.

The guys came HOME from unloading the trailer.  Went for LUNCH and I continued painting.  I did take breaks and sat in front of a fan to cool off as my hair was starting to get soaked with sweat.  I just kept painting and I wasn't as steady with the brush.  Paint drops were falling on the wood floor.  I'd have to quickly wipe up the drops.  Up and down the stepping stool I would go.

I finished the painting task.  Relief.  

Thinking the curtains detracted from the French doors in the Living room, I took the white curtain panels down.  This opened up the room.  We need all the help we can get.  

I ran the vacuum again in the Kitchen, Dining room, Entryway and Living room.  Carrying things to the car to clean up the rooms for the photo shoot, I was having difficulty walking. Photographer coming at 4 in the afternoon.  It had been so grey outside, but the blue skies came before the photo shoot.  Nice when that happens.  Will be interested in seeing the photos of our house.  I still want to film walking through he rooms as this helps me with closure.  I'm going to need closure.  

Hubby came Home with some Lunch for me then he had some painting touch-up to do to the Bistro window.  Son-in-law did some yard work.  He was a huge help to us today as we are finishing up the HOME PROJECTS.  The photographer for the realtor was schedule to come here at 4.  We finished up what we were doing about a quarter till.  I was on the verge of collapsing. Really tired.

The house and grounds look beautiful, if I do say so myself.  The house will be show up listed on Sunday.  

After the guys left for the day, I drove to the City Park and fixed the gate door on the car as it wasn't fastened.  I decided to drive past the house twice.  It seems like a dream that we are selling her.  Going through the motions.  Doesn't seem real.  

Drove to my children's home to take a break.  We did on their lovely porch.  Wonderful cool breeze blowing as I sipped water.  We chatted.  Daughter wanted me to go with her to put her chickens away and I could hardly walk.  Horrifically stiff.  May it all be better in a few days. Gosh, I hope so.  I need a great deal of rest.

I will do my best to finish the closet painting Friday.  The rod and and a bench lid need painted. I will call it quits after I wipe down the Kitchen trim and wipe the French door panes.  Hubby is deep cleaning a shower in the basement, will paint the basement floor and steps.  He will be done with the house.

I will clear out the freezer and fridge.  Hubby has a junk drawer that is still there.  We will be finished as we wait for the OPEN HOUSE on November 5th.  Showings will start on Monday, October 30th.  It's kind of like fishing as we will have cast out to the waters a hook and someone must take the bait before we reel it in.  Patience is needed as I sit on the bank waiting for a nibble and a tug before the fish is caught and pulled in.  Satisfied for the catch.  Fish to clean and fry.

THIS EVENING, I started missing the television as it isn't hooked up yet.  Withdrawal.  The COTTAGE is loaded to the brim with boxes and things are everywhere.  Where to begin, I know not.

GOD's help is needed,

~d

SIGNING ON THE DOTTED LINE

WEDNESDAY the Realtor came over to have us sign the contract with her around 4 in the afternoon to place our property for sell.  It just so happens to be that October 25th is the 7th anniversary of the horrible house fire we experienced in the rock house in 2016.  Though we still have some things we need to do before the public sees the house, we signed with her to market the house we recovered in after the devastating fire of 2016.  

Amazing.  Full steam ahead on this.  Onto making the COTTAGE our main residence.  We slept at the COTTAGE.  

I woke around 5 and couldn't go back to sleep.  Too geared up thinking about what to do next at the main house.  

It rained and the yard filled up with colorful leaves.  Thinking about bringing my house plants indoors on Friday.  A cold snap is coming through.  NOT READY FOR COLD WEATHER.  Here she comes ready or not.  

In the morning, I could hardly pick up my legs due to being so tired.  Muscle fatigue from long hours of being over active on the house projects.  We went for a hardy breakfast as to have energy for the day, but it didn't work for me as when I was stirring paint for the closet, I had my head bowed and my eyes closed as I was exhausted.  It might appear that I was praying, but I was trying to stay awake.  I did manage to touch up areas on the walls that needed some paint.  

As I dusted some of the baseboards in the Living room I about cried due to the draining fatigue. Working with long hours has made me quite tired to the point of feeling ruined.  Pacing myself met her match.

I managed to paint the Living room closet.  There is a bench inside this closet which I need to paint a dark color.  I didn't have it in me to paint it so I will paint later before the OPEN HOUSE. Thursday morning I will get up early and paint the Kitchen walls.  

Wednesday night we went over to Topeka to get some white Kitchen paint plus supplies. Thankfully there isn't that much to paint.  I will get this finished before the photographer comes at 4.  

Hubby worked extremely hard clearing boxes out of the basement, sweeping the floor and prepared to paint the basement floor.  He used special cleaner on the upstair's Bathroom faucet, toilet and tub drain.  Then he cleaned the Kitchen faucet.  All sparkle.  We are working quickly to get all the last minute details taken care of.

He will be unloading another trailer full of our things into storage and then there is more stuff to make another full load to haul.  STUFF galore.  The Basement is empty with the rest of the house.  The Carriage house just has a few more things to take away plus lawn furniture, Bar-B-Q grill, the coffee maker, some vitamins and a few items in the fridge.  The freezer needs emptied and that will be it.  Praise the LORD.  I was beginning to think we would never be at this place. IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME IN THE COMING.            L O N G   T I M E. 

We have another very long and active day ahead of us.  

Praying for strength.

~d

   

HOARDERS DO NOT LIVE HERE

I CAN'T FIND THIS AND I CAN'T FIND THAT.  You know how it is when packing up everything to move.  Little by little we will dig out from under the boxes and make some sense out of all this disarray.   

My body is exhausted and it's difficult to walk.  Will have to spend some time recovering after all that we have done to prepare the house to sell.  My Husband feels the same way as I, exhausted and weary.  Our bodies are tired.  We're excited that we are at the place we are in the chain of events, but cannot deny the fatigue.  It truly is difficult to lift my legs to walk. 

Rethinking when we began our journey to downsize and start making preparations to move seems like a very long time ago.  It's taken years.  2023 though has been an incredibly busy year and I'm blinking trying to grasp how quickly the year has gone.  A week would be gone before I knew it.  Just like that, it was gone. 

I started by clearing out the COTTAGE two maybe three years ago.  The front bedroom looked like a warehouse.  We had stored a great deal of just about everything in there after our house fire in the rock house that wasn't damaged.  The COTTAGE had become our attic and overflow from the garage.  Slow job clearing the COTTAGE out.  Got it cleared out and started making plans where all our furniture from the main house would be going.  To downsize means huge reductions in present inventory.  I am very attached to HOME THINGS.  Turning loose means turning loose.   

Two years ago, Hubby dug three large flowerbeds at the COTTAGE and planted our Irises.  I wanted them to go with us after leaving the big house.  

A year ago, we cleared out the junk from the COTTAGE storage side of the garage and gutted it to remodel.  I started shredding all those old stored papers and checks then gave the pantry a paint job.  Located pottery, dried foods, mixer, canned goods to the pantry. 

Metal racks went into the storage side and Christmas decorations began to migrate to the racks.  Trip after trip to haul decorations reminded me that I am downsizing.  I did on the decorations, but still need to reduce a great deal more.  What am I going to keep.  Nativity Scene.  Garland.  Some Pipka Santas.  Ornaments.  Some wreaths.  Thinking about this. 

We began bringing pieces of furniture over to the COTTAGE. 

When you have an abundance of items, you either have to have a larger space to hold everything or know how to use what little space you do have OR do without.  Less is more concept.  LIVING LARGE in a small space.  As I sit here inside the COTTAGE with so many boxes and things about me, I have a ways to go to be LIVING LARGE in this small space.  Another round of getting rid of STUFF has to take place.

In January, I started packing up our books after the Christmas decor was put away.  Box after box, I hauled over to the COTTAGE.  Books, crystal and dishes.  I was amazed at all the dishes I had in the china cabinet, sideboard, buffet and antique walnut chest.  Not to mention the everyday dishes in the Kitchen cabinet.  Dolls galore were boxed up and moved.  The dolls were placed in curio cabinets and then boxed again as the COTTAGE is too small to have the curio cabinets in it.  Cabinets were moved into storage.  Clothing thinned out.  Records, movies, CDs, etc. thinned down.

Hubby is asleep right now on the sofa.  I hope I can fall asleep tonight and not toss and turn.  SO tired, but wired.  

We have some more stuff to carry out of the basement before painting it.  This will take some time.  I want to dust the Kitchen walls.  Some touch up paint where nail holes were patched will need to get a once over.  We have another trailer load of things that will get hauled off on Thursday then we will need to do one more load out of the Carriage house.  Our recliners are in the Carriage House.  I miss my chair already.

I know I will miss the house, but after all this work of packing and stacking, carrying box after box, repairs, etc.  I think I will be alright with saying good-bye.  Each day I have said a small farewell to the place.  We are truly moving.  When we leave after Wednesday at the end of the day we will probably not be in the house unless I am vacuuming and dusting to freshen up the place while on the market.  I will do my best to be quick at cleaning.  

We met with the Realtor and I liked her very much.  We chatted about comparables and what needs to take place after today.  She is getting the ball rolling with homework and photographer lined up for pictures of the property.  When the place is fully listed then the waiting game begins.  I will busy myself with getting settled in the COTTAGE each passing day.  Very slowly.

Right now walking through the COTTAGE reminds me of what I have seen on the show HOARDERS.  We look like we could do an episode and if you didn't know we had just moved in, you might think HOARDERS live here.  Not to make light about HOARDERS.  Now we are downsizing out of what square footage we had to what we will have.

That saying that you spend many years gathering and collecting things then you spend years getting rid of so much comes to mind.  That is exactly what we have done.  AND AWAY WE GO. 

OUR SWEET LITTLE COTTAGE AWAITS US.  We'll sleep in the Victorian Bed tonight.  I hope we sleep well as we are exhausted.  

When a person has worked to the point of being exhausted and it's difficult to walk and the neck and back aches then it's time to rest.  I have my bill book, address book, a few office supplies in a laundry basket by my feet so I know exactly where they are.  I have one check left that I can locate as I wait for new checks to arrive in the mail.  May they come soon, I didn't realize I was so low on checks.  I cannot find my stash of checks.  Where I put them I don't know!  

As I sit in the quiet of the COTTAGE, the ceiling fan is quietly running and I am typing on my Husband's computer as I have misplaced the power source to mine.  It's somewhere around here and it's a mystery.  We had to go hunting for my Husband's medicines.  Found them.  I keep my meds in my handbag and that's a good thing so long as I don't misplace my handbag.  grins.

TIS MID-WEEK AGAIN.  The days have flown by so quickly as we have busied ourselves getting things done on the house.  The house is the cleanest it has been since we moved in 6 and a half years ago.  It seems a little odd to me that we will no longer be living there.  Odd.

THIS MOVE has been so different.  Another chapter to life begins tonight as we say good-night.

~d

HOUSE READY TO MARKET

MEETING WITH A REALTOR TODAY.  Shall discuss placing the house on the MARKET to sell.  I hope we're ready.  

I cleaned the Kitchen until I could move no more. Cabinets inside and out.  Fridge inside and out.  Stove inside and out.  Base boards were scrubbed.  Dishwashers inside and out.  Trim.  Walls.  Farmer's Sink.  Counters washed and polished.  Swept, dry mopped and polished the walnut wood floor.  Hubby is touching up some places with paint.  The Kitchen is ready.  I can't believe it.  It was so dirty I was not impressed with my housekeeping as of late.  Fire the maid service.  I need to do better in the future than I have been doing in the past.  I failed, but have redeemed myself being a cleaning fanatic.  

I crawled around on the floor getting the bottom of the cabinets and baseboards cleaned.  It was a bit tricky getting up off the floor.  I managed.  Fantastic exercise for me.  

Over the last few months, we cleared all the furniture out of the house over time, but the last to go were the two recliners in the Living room.  Three area rugs were vacuumed and rolled up.  I swept the wood floors and polished them.

Cleaned the plantation shutters.  Oiled the Bedroom floors.  Daughter DEEP CLEANED the Bathrooms.  We cleared out the Basement and will be painting the Basement stairs and the floor after visiting with the Realtor.  There's a Coat Closet that needs painted as well.

Hubby managed to get the main stairs painted.  They are beautiful.  He patched where nails had been for pictures on the walls.  Will touch up paint these.  He and our Son-in-law cleared out the Carriage House loading a trailer and then unloading the stuff in storage.  The Carriage House needs swept.  We have patio furniture that we'll load up later after the house is on the market.

He remodeled the Entryway by painting and laying marble tile.  Hung different light fixtures in a variety of rooms. Made a Bistro area in the Kitchen.  Dealt with outside trim on the house.  Hung a ceiling fan and ceiling light in the screened-in porch.  Yard work.  Enclosed and repaired the basement stairwell.  He's painted several rooms and been a SUPERMAN HANDY MAN as we have lived here.  

I'm so proud of us getting all this work done.  PAT us on the backs.  I have NEVER WORKED so hard and fast physically as I have this year.  I am amazed at it.  Being driven makes a difference.  I am stunned that we did this.  Praying for a qualified buyer to purchase our property quickly.  Quickly.  Without God's help none of this will happen.  

I want to take pics of the interior of the house and film it so I can recall this place.  I will miss our 1883 two story house on a large corner lot across the street from the DITTO MANSION in the Historical District of this town.  I am so thankful we have had the privilege to live here and call this place HOME for 6 and a half years.  Close to 78 months.  Seems like a dream.  Did I really live here?  I did.     

OFF WE GO TO THE COTTAGE tonight.  We will have our first night sleeping in the COTTAGE on the Victorian Bed.  The COTTAGE is crowded full with boxes to unload.  That will come in a few days as we will NEED to rest after the work we have done getting the house ready to market.  

I'm not sure I can walk as my muscles are extremely tired.  Is it worth it?  I hope to never have to work as hard and fast as we have getting things done in a short amount of time.  It is a MIRACLE that we did.

To GOD BE THE GLORY.  GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE.  Blessed to be a HOMEMAKER,
~d  

STAYING ON TOP OF THINGS

GOOD STUFF.
Mr. Clean showed up to help me.
The tile is sparkling once again.

WHILE DEEP CLEANING THE OVEN, I noticed how filthy the back splash tile behind it was.  Tis white and easy to see grease spots.  Embarrassed to say, I should have stayed on top of cleaning the tile every day/week and taken care of all the appliances BETTER than I have.  Having a bad back and other health issues were used as a reason to not thoroughly clean my KITCHEN.  I took too many days off and didn't deep clean at all.  frown.  sigh.

When I move, I could just leave the filth and try to comfort myself by saying, "They will just think I was a lousy housekeeper."

I can't do that so I must really use some elbow grease of my own to clean the grease speckled tiles and the mammoth oven.  The fridge wasn't as bad, but I have been better about cleaning it even with my bad back.  It is engrained in me to keep a clean fridge.  I have never had a problem with keeping the fridge clean ever.  Not bragging, but I prided myself with clean appliances through the years.  Especially the fridge.  You wouldn't know it by the way I have handled the oven.  It's not the best.

I could use a crew of HAPPY MAIDS to scrub and scrub the interior of my oven for hours.  Perhaps it would already be sparkling.  I've used oven cleaner, SOS Pads, water, paper towels, more SOS, more oven cleaner, cleaner, cleaner.  It's not where I'd like it to be.  So off and on throughout today and tomorrow I will continue cleaning it until I can clean no more.

Started cleaning with Mr. Clean and this product has made all the difference.  GOOD STUFF.  A++ product.  Recommend it.

SPARKLE TIME.

The backsplash is looking so much better.  I will need to do a few more rounds on it and all the rest of the tile.  The Kitchen cabinets are empty and cleanly lined.  I will have to wash the doors until they are where they need to be.  I take turns cleaning the Kitchen as I go.  I work on it and then rest my back.  Repeat. 

Hauling stuff out of the Kitchen.  When the floor is cleared I will sweep, damp mop and polish it. 

My mantra is A HAPPY HOMEMAKER is one that can keep up with having a clean KITCHEN.  When I hand the house keys over to the Realtor I plan on having THAT SPARKLE back in all the rooms.  Especially the Bathrooms and the KITCHEN.

TEAM WORK.  I taped up cardboard moving boxes and then loaded them with Bathroom and Linen closet things.  Sheets, shampoos, First Aid stuff, grooming supplies, toilet paper, etc.  Filled 9 boxes.

Hubby brought the boxes downstairs and placed them in the Dining room.  I took my turn by carrying them to the Kitchen closer to the back door.  He backed the lil PT Cruiser car up closer to the Patio to where I will not have as far to carry the boxes.  He's returned to staining the main stairs as I load the car and drive over to the COTTAGE to unload the boxes into the new old Bathroom.

I'll need a break after I drive HOME.  There I will rest my back some more before HELPING clear out the CARRIAGE HOUSE.  In between breaks I will clean more on the KITCHEN.  

The boxes should all fit in the car and if there is any room left, I will squeeze some fridge items in.  I'll have to make room in the COTTAGE freezer to house some frozen meats.

I love a clean house.  Getting to that point takes effort and time.  I should look like a body builder as busy as I have been.  How do they do it?  I will continue eating more greens, some fruit and of course protein.  The exercise thing will continue as I left boxes to carry.  When this move is said and done, I will continue a walking program and pray for fitness.  I'd rather be fitter than what I am.

I have to be PRO-ACTIVE when it comes to all the avenues in LIFE I need to have a part in.  All avenues.  Just thinking about all of this doesn't cut the mustard.

I had mentioned to my Husband that I would like to start out the mornings and end the evenings by saying the Lord's Prayer together.  He agreed.  A week has passed and he is taking the initiative of leading.  This is a huge leap of FAITH for us.  We've been married 49 years and this is a first to say the LORD's PRAYERS as Husband and Wife on a daily basis.  It is truly a blessing to be in this together.

  

Matthew 6:9-13  
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen.

Off I must go to load the car and get on with my day.  I have HOPES of being better at keeping a clean and tidy HOME.  There is HOPE.  It involves a hands on kind of approach.

Blessings to you.
HOME LIFE is for me!  

~d

WORKING WEEK-END WORKS and CROSS COUNTRY REGIONALS

https://www.cottagehousecgks.com

WE'VE BEEN WORKING SO HARD AROUND HERE THAT WE TOOK TIME OFF to go see Lil Miss run at Regionals in Cross Country.  Stayed at The Cottage House in Council Grove, Kansas.  I stayed here years ago so it was a pleasant place to revisit.  I'd like to return again and stay longer.  So nice to mini-vacay at this old Hotel and eat at the HAY'S HOUSE RESTAURANT for Supper.

CARROT CAKE!  Some serious dessert.

At the HAY's HOUSE, we ate a late supper and I told the waitress that I'd like dessert first.  It had been one of those days.  Carrot Cake.  I had no idea that their TOWER CAKE was as huge as it was.  My eyes bugged out when she brought it to me.  Shared some with Hubby, but we did not eat the entire thing.  If I had I would have imagined that I had eaten over a thousand calories.  I was a very good girl for not eating very much of this delicious dessert.  A Salad was my main meal which was quite good.
  

Back to the beautiful Historic Hotel to our lovely room.  I had been looking forward to taking a warm shower to clean up after having worked so hard earlier.  This shower was the best back massager I've had.  Stepped out of the shower stall refreshed.

  

We watched a very OLD 1940 movie with Vincent Price, The House of the Seven Gables.  I was so tired that it was hard to stay awake.  Set the alarm so we'd not oversleep in the morning for the race.  I woke around 5 anyways and couldn't go back to sleep.  Sat in a chair as Hubby slept and waited for the sun to rise.

We got around early, had breakfast and went to the Cross Country REGIONALS Meet.  After parking the car, we stayed in the car to rest until Lil Miss's race at 10:35.  The weather was beautiful and the area gorgeous for a race.

She ran well.  Came in first!  Very proud of her.  Wonderful to see her run.  The young athletes are amazing.  ONTO STATE!
  

The drive was beautiful as I could see the gorgeous AUTUMN landscape as we traveled the rolling hills of the Flint Hills.

Drove the beautiful route HOME exhausted.  Still have much to do to be ready to place the house on the market in a few days.  Have mercy.  I'll oil the wood floors in the Bedrooms upstairs this evening and if I have any energy left over, I'll do another round of cleaning on the fridge and the oven.  Hubby is getting ready to pack up some Art Supplies in the Basement.  Basement is about empty and looking sad.  The stairs and the floor are in need of paint.  Will we have time?  

We'll be clearing out the Carriage House this week-end.  I pray to have the energy as I am showing my age these days. 

The KITCHEN BISTRO area is nearly done.  Some touch up paint is needed.  Love how it turned out.

~d