Moving

Not accomplished yet. So far, a hell of lot of junk has been tossed out. More has been donated to local charities via a well-connected neighbor! The rest has been boxed or bagged for easy moving to the new apartment. Closets have been emptied or prepared for quick relocation to the new spaces. Kitchen cabinets have been similarly prepared. Drawers – endless numbers of them – are also either emptied or prepared for quick relocation.

Meanwhile, things much thought of but lost, have been found. One such item were bags for the vacuum cleaner. As I recall, I never got around to buying new bags, so just kept the existing one in use. Now 11 years or more later, the current bag is fully stuffed. I mean, fully stuffed. When removed it was hard packed and looked like a bomb. It went down the trash chute like a bomb as well. A mighty thud was heard. I installed a new bag found in the storage closet. The vacuum works as new. Spiffy. Plus, I have three other new bags awaiting use, hopefully in less than another decade.

I also discovered casserole dishes that would feed an army. All sizes of bowls. Way too many for me to ever use. So family, friends and charities have quite a choice. Pans as well, are plentiful. Although I am a new bachelor (rather an old one at that), I am the survivor of two marriages. Thus, stuff has accumulated. One person does not need all these things. So, pots, pans, utensils and things I cannot possibly name, are available for others to use.

Finally, I was able to sort through clothing saved for the day I lost enough weight to fit into them again. That will never happen so out it all goes. If I do need new, smaller clothes in the future, I will buy new that will surely be of new fashions unthinkable at the time I bought the items now tossed out.

To sum up, this week will be moving boxes and armloads of stuff to the new place two floors down from the current apartment. Next Saturday my kids will move me with the help of two professional movers they have hired for the day. So, by Saturday evening, February 1st, I will be in the new home with a bed freshly made.  Whether everything will be in its final place is an unknown. Settling takes time, but I suspect it will be similar to what I have in place currently.

I have downsized before. This is at least the third time I have done it. The next time will be the last, I suspect, as I enter assisted living. How long from now that will be is a matter of luck and DNA. My dad died at 88 (early for his family) and my mom made it to 104. At nearly 82, I have some time left. The trick is to experience it fully with the least amount of stuff. That is not a challenge but rather freedom!

I’m looking forward to that.

January 27, 2025

 

 

 

Top Destinations for Leaf Peeping

For those who seek the best views of autumn's splendor, several destinations stand out for their stunning foliage:

·         New England, USA: Known for its picturesque small towns and rolling hills, New England offers some of the most iconic fall landscapes.

·         Kyoto, Japan: With its historic temples and gardens, Kyoto provides a serene backdrop for the fiery red hues of Japanese maples.

·         Bavaria, Germany: The region's fairy-tale castles and alpine scenery make it a perfect spot to enjoy autumn's golden glow.

 

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