Trying To Toss Stuff

I started “lookin’ for something” this morning.  An old Leader article I knew I had kept and wanted to refer to.  Figured it was in Jen’s closet and that meant digging to the bottom of one corner for my two “save boxes” stored there.  It wasn’t to be found.  Did find it later in a 3-ring notebook in the closet near this chair which was easy as pie to get to. If only I had thought of that first.  On the other hand, digging through my “saved stuff” was interesting.  Gave me some ideas for my book chapters too.

Every time I dig in those boxes I tell myself I’m going to start thinning some of this stuff down and TOSS IT!  I found little I was willing to part with but……I did decide to toss all my old First Federal calendars from the past few years. AFTER I look the daily notations over to see if there’s anything of interest.  I had three Thomas Kinkade calendars but have you ever tried to throw those beautiful pictures out?  I couldn’t do it.  Even if they are just sitting in the back of the closet. I’m not ready to put them in the trash yet. My kids can do it after I’m dead!

               I can’t make up my mind on the three National Geographic Magazines. Two are dated 1954 and one is 1938.  Do I ever look at them?  No.  Will I ever look at them? No.  Why am I saving them? Because they’re 62 and 78 years old, that’s why!  Something about old magazines has ALWAYS appealed to me.  I have a 1956 with Elvis on the cover called Rock and Roll.  I’ve got a Hit Parader, an American Girl, some TV Guides, People, Life, and a Reader’s Digest of the month and year I was born. I’ve also got a 78 record of Spin and Marty from the Mickey Mouse Club.  And two flattened Wheaties box covers. One of Steve Largent and one of Mohammed Ali.  I came across my Elvis scrapbook (really good stuff in there) and one I kept when ‘Officer and a Gentleman’ was being filmed in Port Townsend.

I almost got rid of the thick and heavy Sears Roebuck catalog from 1992.  I have a smaller catalog around the same time that’s easier to store so I thought I’d put the big one in recycle. Just didn’t sit well with me, though.  Again, the kids can toss it if that suits them. On the other hand, if I live to my 90s, that ole catalog will be a collector’s item.  Maybe.  Or not.  What do I care?  For now, it gets to stay in my house.

I did throw out two pilgrims this morning.  Found the Thanksgiving deco pair in my box of wrapping paper and ribbon.  They’ve been around since the 80’s, at least, and I know I bought them used.  I was proud of myself for finally tossing them in the trash but it is on my list this morning to stop at the Dollar Tree store and see if I can’t find some cute knickknack with a Thanksgiving theme.  Jenni laughs at me but I notice she still has the 1973 Mad Magazine I gave her of her year of birth.

I did keep two pilgrims I found that aren't quite as old as the ones tossed. They were bought 2nd hand as well but they get to stay for the time being.

                                                              the old couple

                                               and the new kids in town