Love this piece. I don’t want to move from my home with all it’s stairs, even though reality may make that necessary. It’s where my babies grew into the men they are now. Long ago I was a Brownie. When you mentioned that song, I was amazed I could recall the words and sing along with you! Thanks for the memory. 😊
The part about having to clean the drawer in order to move made me lol. We have a 76x32 barn full of stuff we’d have to move if we move. I just look at my metal circular stairs I haven’t been up in 5 years. And I laugh.
Love this. I am in the same conundrum at the moment about moving. We have lived in the same house since 1976. And by the way, my brother says his Newfie is checking her “pmail.”😂 Such a joy for me to read your writings. Thank you so much🙏💜🙏
You and I have been friends for decades. Well, more accurately, I’ve imagined that we would be great friends if we were to meet. After all, decades of your books have helped me to come to know you. I’m delighted to have stumbled across your new endeavor in Substack. Your paragraphs continue to bring unbidden smiles and the warmth that comes from sharing slices of life with another.
Wait a dang minute!! I KNOW you heard me talking out loud this morning and eavesdropped and stole all my thoughts away - hmm, I wonder if that would be considered plagiarism!
Same dilemma - except it isn't stairs that are the problem. When I moved into this community it was to join the club and enjoy all the activities. The excellent activities director passed away several years ago and it all went downhill. I quit the club but my desire to live somewhere where there are a lot of activities to partake in didn't. So, I'm thinking of moving to a place where the activities are built into the condo fees. except, one, I really love my condo. They don't have anything like it there. No giant walk in closet especially. I know I can give away at least 80% of the clothes and still have enough to change into something different every day for months!! I do exactly the same thing as you - hold up a garment, which I KNOW I haven't worn in forever, and put it back and that's one more day I get nothing accomplished. I did fill up one entire garbage bag with shorts a few weeks ago - haven't worn any of them for YEARS - the bag sits on the guest room bag laughing at me. I will get to the thrift shop that raises money for autism one of these days. I'm hoping to have many more bags full of clothes to give away first.
The main reason that has stopped me.....the thought of cleaning out the cupboards, shelves and drawers of all these years of accumulating.....stuff!! I know I won't have anywhere near as much storage and space. The thought of it is exhausting.
Guess I will take a walk with the dog I imagine getting once my wanderlust days are behind me.
We were in the same conundrum as you were. We left our adorable cape cod with open staircase after 26 years to move into our retirement house. We’re not old yet…..unless you call 63 old…..but maybe we will be one day.
One floor (but we do have a basement) living is awesome. Cleaning it is even more awesome. Simple. Our dogs can run from one end of the house to the other and back again and again and again - all the while with me yelling “stop now this isn’t a gymnasium.” They think it is a gymnasium though and just keep on running.
We moved last year. We feared if we waited any longer, we would not be up to the task. It broke my heart to see what the new people in my old house did to my garden--they ripped out my azaleas and dog woods. Since I didn't have my old tree friend in my old yard to hug for comfort, I hunted out an old tree near my new place to ask how they remain rooted when the environment around them changes. They told me I was not a tree meant to stay put, and that I needed to be rooted, not in a place, but in what nourishes me (and yes, I talk to trees). I'm trying, but on many days, especially with spring coming, I still feel uprooted. But the move was the right thing to do.
When we "moved my mother" I was careful to put everything in the same location she had items in her former home. She didn't like visiting me because "you are always rearranging things!" After helping others move, I was motivated to join the "Swedish Death Cleaning Group" on Facebook. Terrific women (mostly women). So much HEART and good ideas. (The group was formed based on the book by Margareta Magnusson) An "opportunity" to only surround yourself with what you most love (and not leave a daunting job for who has to clean out your stuff).
I so enjoy reading your musings. We had our house on the market and then we changed our minds. Then I sang, too. We decided re-think it in about a year. Or two. We moved here right before the pandemic, so already downsized from a much bigger home. It’s a horrifically daunting task! I agree. But we may still do it before we get too old.
I know just what you mean. I am 67 years old and have lived in my dream home with my husband for 13 years. I don't WANT to move, neither of us do, and we plan on "aging in place" no matter what. It's a lot of work and upkeep, and we like it that way, even though the neighbors all think we keep the house and grounds so nice because we're getting ready to sell. Silly youngsters. lol Running up and down the stairs, vacuuming, yard work, etc. is exercise. We'll retire next year, and take the rest as it comes. Many hugs to you, Elizabeth. <3
I found this today in my “memories” on FB. Still love it!❤️❤️—————————I've been in Minnesota clearing out my mom's apartment. A friend who took me to the airport yesterday asked me what things I was taking for myself. Oh,I told him, buttons from her sewing box. Her aprons. A casserole dish I remember her always making green bean bake in. Two love letters, one from my dad to her, one from her to my dad. Two spectacular photos takes of her and my dad early on in their marriage and they radiate happiness. A tiny box with flowers painted on top. Some fancy cups and saucers. Some jewelry. Her parakeet. Her rosary. A recipe in her handwriting for her sister's Easter potatoes.
And her legacy. I want to step into her love of gardening, so today I'm planting my containers on my deck, even if it's too early. I want to try to learn a kind of faith she had. I want to remember and learn from the way that she found joy in the smallest things up until the very end. When she was in hospice, I had made a garden in her room: beautiful flowers and plants were lined all along one wall. I asked about them at one point and learned she could not really see them from her bed--her vision was always worse than she let on. So I brought them to her, one by one, and we admired them together and she was smiling so the whole time and cooing to those plants like they were babies. One time, my brother and sister and I asked if she would like a little fresh air, and she said yes and we opened the window for a breeze that I just like to think was created and delivered to her and her alone. She lay back and closed her eyes and I believe she said, "Oh, the breeze."
What makes a life, if not the things we loved most in it? And I am struck over and over by the fact that it seems to be buttons and not billions that satisfy and endure.
Next weekend, I'll be going up for my final trip to empty the apartment. It will be the end of something, but it will also be Easter and springtime, which reminds all of us, regardless of our beliefs, of rebirth and renewal and the promise of all we might not know or understand quite fully, yet live in hope of. Hope's the thing, isn't it?
When we went to the airport, my friend took not busy Snelling Avenue, but instead the winding road river road that runs by the Mississippi. And I thought about how pretty St. Paul is, and how many long years both my parents lived there. And I took such solace in understanding that they had made so many good choices, and had lived lives of such integrity and had offered to so many their love. I felt like I had so much to say suddenly, but here is what came out of my mouth: "This is a nice city."
ok - I'm back thinking about this. Realtor will be here soon for me to sign papers so she can start showing my place. I love this place but, I always have believed in owning my home and not having it own me. And, it isn't the dang home that's the problem - it's the HOA fees and assessments that are making it impossible to stay here.
I got into a rhythm yesterday cleaning out drawers. And shelves in my pantry. My husband brought home from every hotel, B&B and cruise ship every dang soap, shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer - plus, there were years of dental floss, toothbrushes, small tubes toothpaste. I brought all that stuff to Boca Helping Hands for them to give to the homeless.
Why do I hang onto containers? I don't cook very much and it's only me - I threw out the ones I couldn't find the tops for but know I have to get serious about thinning out much more.
I hope whoever buys my place will want to keep my dishes - I bought this gorgeous set of Lenox china at Home Goods, came home and discovered it matched the kitchen wallpaper exactly - right down to the hummingbirds and butterflies!! It would almost be criminal to bring them to a new home.
My makeup drawer filled up another bag - I rarely wear the stuff but loved having every color eye shadow in case - in case of what??
I have an entire drawer filled with Obama memorabilia plus another clear shoe box filled with buttons that I was hoping to leave for my granddaughters. I love looking thru it and remembering what were happier times for me. I know there won't be the drawer space for non-essentials - maybe they will appreciate all this stuff now?
I'm a 77 year old child -truly (living the childhood I never had). My friends, hearing I'm looking into a 55+ ask me why I'm planning on moving where the people are so old - well, I guess my age says I'm getting there and it won't be that long before I am there and, this way, when I wake up one day and realize I AM old, I will look around and realize I am living amongst my peers.
I don't like to feel sad so always look for things to be positive about - I miss having a gas grill. They don't allow them here. There are gas grills at the pool in every one of the 19 sections of the community where I'm looking. And a big theater. That's something right?
Love this piece. I don’t want to move from my home with all it’s stairs, even though reality may make that necessary. It’s where my babies grew into the men they are now. Long ago I was a Brownie. When you mentioned that song, I was amazed I could recall the words and sing along with you! Thanks for the memory. 😊
The part about having to clean the drawer in order to move made me lol. We have a 76x32 barn full of stuff we’d have to move if we move. I just look at my metal circular stairs I haven’t been up in 5 years. And I laugh.
Love this. I am in the same conundrum at the moment about moving. We have lived in the same house since 1976. And by the way, my brother says his Newfie is checking her “pmail.”😂 Such a joy for me to read your writings. Thank you so much🙏💜🙏
Thank YOU!
You and I have been friends for decades. Well, more accurately, I’ve imagined that we would be great friends if we were to meet. After all, decades of your books have helped me to come to know you. I’m delighted to have stumbled across your new endeavor in Substack. Your paragraphs continue to bring unbidden smiles and the warmth that comes from sharing slices of life with another.
Thank you!
Me too!!
Wait a dang minute!! I KNOW you heard me talking out loud this morning and eavesdropped and stole all my thoughts away - hmm, I wonder if that would be considered plagiarism!
Same dilemma - except it isn't stairs that are the problem. When I moved into this community it was to join the club and enjoy all the activities. The excellent activities director passed away several years ago and it all went downhill. I quit the club but my desire to live somewhere where there are a lot of activities to partake in didn't. So, I'm thinking of moving to a place where the activities are built into the condo fees. except, one, I really love my condo. They don't have anything like it there. No giant walk in closet especially. I know I can give away at least 80% of the clothes and still have enough to change into something different every day for months!! I do exactly the same thing as you - hold up a garment, which I KNOW I haven't worn in forever, and put it back and that's one more day I get nothing accomplished. I did fill up one entire garbage bag with shorts a few weeks ago - haven't worn any of them for YEARS - the bag sits on the guest room bag laughing at me. I will get to the thrift shop that raises money for autism one of these days. I'm hoping to have many more bags full of clothes to give away first.
The main reason that has stopped me.....the thought of cleaning out the cupboards, shelves and drawers of all these years of accumulating.....stuff!! I know I won't have anywhere near as much storage and space. The thought of it is exhausting.
Guess I will take a walk with the dog I imagine getting once my wanderlust days are behind me.
Oh your new “digs” sound MARVELOUS.
We were in the same conundrum as you were. We left our adorable cape cod with open staircase after 26 years to move into our retirement house. We’re not old yet…..unless you call 63 old…..but maybe we will be one day.
One floor (but we do have a basement) living is awesome. Cleaning it is even more awesome. Simple. Our dogs can run from one end of the house to the other and back again and again and again - all the while with me yelling “stop now this isn’t a gymnasium.” They think it is a gymnasium though and just keep on running.
I loved that song and I love and adore you!
We moved last year. We feared if we waited any longer, we would not be up to the task. It broke my heart to see what the new people in my old house did to my garden--they ripped out my azaleas and dog woods. Since I didn't have my old tree friend in my old yard to hug for comfort, I hunted out an old tree near my new place to ask how they remain rooted when the environment around them changes. They told me I was not a tree meant to stay put, and that I needed to be rooted, not in a place, but in what nourishes me (and yes, I talk to trees). I'm trying, but on many days, especially with spring coming, I still feel uprooted. But the move was the right thing to do.
I hope you feel better and better. So long as you feel, the move was the right thing to do, that’s the most important thing.
I couldn’t leave my flowers …….
You have made my day!!!
When we "moved my mother" I was careful to put everything in the same location she had items in her former home. She didn't like visiting me because "you are always rearranging things!" After helping others move, I was motivated to join the "Swedish Death Cleaning Group" on Facebook. Terrific women (mostly women). So much HEART and good ideas. (The group was formed based on the book by Margareta Magnusson) An "opportunity" to only surround yourself with what you most love (and not leave a daunting job for who has to clean out your stuff).
I so enjoy reading your musings. We had our house on the market and then we changed our minds. Then I sang, too. We decided re-think it in about a year. Or two. We moved here right before the pandemic, so already downsized from a much bigger home. It’s a horrifically daunting task! I agree. But we may still do it before we get too old.
Thank you! I’ve been missing your right-on and touching observations about life, and Gabby!
I know just what you mean. I am 67 years old and have lived in my dream home with my husband for 13 years. I don't WANT to move, neither of us do, and we plan on "aging in place" no matter what. It's a lot of work and upkeep, and we like it that way, even though the neighbors all think we keep the house and grounds so nice because we're getting ready to sell. Silly youngsters. lol Running up and down the stairs, vacuuming, yard work, etc. is exercise. We'll retire next year, and take the rest as it comes. Many hugs to you, Elizabeth. <3
I found this today in my “memories” on FB. Still love it!❤️❤️—————————I've been in Minnesota clearing out my mom's apartment. A friend who took me to the airport yesterday asked me what things I was taking for myself. Oh,I told him, buttons from her sewing box. Her aprons. A casserole dish I remember her always making green bean bake in. Two love letters, one from my dad to her, one from her to my dad. Two spectacular photos takes of her and my dad early on in their marriage and they radiate happiness. A tiny box with flowers painted on top. Some fancy cups and saucers. Some jewelry. Her parakeet. Her rosary. A recipe in her handwriting for her sister's Easter potatoes.
And her legacy. I want to step into her love of gardening, so today I'm planting my containers on my deck, even if it's too early. I want to try to learn a kind of faith she had. I want to remember and learn from the way that she found joy in the smallest things up until the very end. When she was in hospice, I had made a garden in her room: beautiful flowers and plants were lined all along one wall. I asked about them at one point and learned she could not really see them from her bed--her vision was always worse than she let on. So I brought them to her, one by one, and we admired them together and she was smiling so the whole time and cooing to those plants like they were babies. One time, my brother and sister and I asked if she would like a little fresh air, and she said yes and we opened the window for a breeze that I just like to think was created and delivered to her and her alone. She lay back and closed her eyes and I believe she said, "Oh, the breeze."
What makes a life, if not the things we loved most in it? And I am struck over and over by the fact that it seems to be buttons and not billions that satisfy and endure.
Next weekend, I'll be going up for my final trip to empty the apartment. It will be the end of something, but it will also be Easter and springtime, which reminds all of us, regardless of our beliefs, of rebirth and renewal and the promise of all we might not know or understand quite fully, yet live in hope of. Hope's the thing, isn't it?
When we went to the airport, my friend took not busy Snelling Avenue, but instead the winding road river road that runs by the Mississippi. And I thought about how pretty St. Paul is, and how many long years both my parents lived there. And I took such solace in understanding that they had made so many good choices, and had lived lives of such integrity and had offered to so many their love. I felt like I had so much to say suddenly, but here is what came out of my mouth: "This is a nice city."
ok - I'm back thinking about this. Realtor will be here soon for me to sign papers so she can start showing my place. I love this place but, I always have believed in owning my home and not having it own me. And, it isn't the dang home that's the problem - it's the HOA fees and assessments that are making it impossible to stay here.
I got into a rhythm yesterday cleaning out drawers. And shelves in my pantry. My husband brought home from every hotel, B&B and cruise ship every dang soap, shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer - plus, there were years of dental floss, toothbrushes, small tubes toothpaste. I brought all that stuff to Boca Helping Hands for them to give to the homeless.
Why do I hang onto containers? I don't cook very much and it's only me - I threw out the ones I couldn't find the tops for but know I have to get serious about thinning out much more.
I hope whoever buys my place will want to keep my dishes - I bought this gorgeous set of Lenox china at Home Goods, came home and discovered it matched the kitchen wallpaper exactly - right down to the hummingbirds and butterflies!! It would almost be criminal to bring them to a new home.
My makeup drawer filled up another bag - I rarely wear the stuff but loved having every color eye shadow in case - in case of what??
I have an entire drawer filled with Obama memorabilia plus another clear shoe box filled with buttons that I was hoping to leave for my granddaughters. I love looking thru it and remembering what were happier times for me. I know there won't be the drawer space for non-essentials - maybe they will appreciate all this stuff now?
I'm a 77 year old child -truly (living the childhood I never had). My friends, hearing I'm looking into a 55+ ask me why I'm planning on moving where the people are so old - well, I guess my age says I'm getting there and it won't be that long before I am there and, this way, when I wake up one day and realize I AM old, I will look around and realize I am living amongst my peers.
I don't like to feel sad so always look for things to be positive about - I miss having a gas grill. They don't allow them here. There are gas grills at the pool in every one of the 19 sections of the community where I'm looking. And a big theater. That's something right?
Sigh
Make new friends but keep the old
One is silver and the other gold
When all the ships of friendship go sailing out to sea - etc etc
Ask me what I did yesterday? forget about it!
Hah! Right??