We started some time ago by deciding it was time to get rid of all of the Times Colonist Islander inserts we had kept for reference when Ken and I were both writing for the newspaper on a regular basis. We advertised them as 'free' and some fellow 'collector' duly arrived and took them all away.
Shortly thereafter, we recycled all the reel to reel and VHS tapes but I'm still holding on to some cassette tapes 'for review'. All of our slides have gone 'bye-bye' and Mark made sure the important ones found their way onto DVD's.
That was the extent of our purging until a few years later when the kids decided we needed more wiggle room in our living room. Mark took our two lovely rose coloured wing back chairs, plus one extra chair, to the Salvation Army. As I witnessed them perched in the back of his truck as it chugged down the driveway I was overcome with sadness, remembering the many now deceased friends who had graced those chairs at various gatherings.
Oh the parties we had and attended!
I remember our friend, Pat, sitting in one of the wing backs, holding her empty glass high in the air above her head - indicating she was ready for a refill of rye....
More recently, my daughter and I tackled the bedroom closets. First we dealt with Ken's suits. They hung in a row, each one protectively shrouded in plastic, each one a memory - weddings, funerals.
We tossed a number of pairs of shoes and dozens of ties. I was reminded that Ken was one of the first in his Post Office group to begin wearing coloured shirts. He always looked so smart!
Then it was my turn. For years I have been guilty of ignoring my collection of high heels and purses. Looking at them stirred up so many memories of gatherings happy and sad.
My red heels came in handy to complete my 'Judy Garland Wizard of Oz' costume.
My purple shoes and matching purse were really classy
but my favorites were the beige heels. They always made me feel very feminine as I knew I had nice legs.
Now I need to get in the mood to tackle the upstairs where all of our writing research materials are now sequestered and the attic...where more stuff lurks. Bookcases beckon me. I see books I've not yet read, others I might read again and still others I'd like to loan out.
I must admit it always feels good when one more thing has been dealt with. Out of sight, out of mind. I think...
