241R…..the first phone number I remember.  I think I was in first grade…back in the days when I really did walk a mile to school each way, and came home for lunch.  Anyhow, that was the number.

My grandparents in Ohio had a party line….what fun. Had to remember who was who regarding the rings, and there were those who were not particularly happy with you answering their ring. Then there was always listening in, but of course, we never did that.  We kids didn’t live there full time so we didn’t know who was who…we just assumed it would be ‘juicy’ whatever that meant.

You could always talk with the operator, if necessary, and you could always get the time…it was good. Kind of like an comforting neighbor, only she existed on the phone.

Next came the 7 digit number and the dial….we were mov’in up. Everyone in town had the first 3 digits until the area got so big, it had to add a new one, and no one wanted to do that.  When areas got too big, you had to add a ‘1’ sometimes and we all thought that was really stupid….like going back to the dark ages. And, if in an area where you didn’t know the ‘rules’ you could dial up anybody and then have to start all over.

We had a main number and then phones in each room. One didn’t have to run to the kitchen or a bedroom. By golly, there was a phone right there for ya…  Not to mention the colors and styles. Yes, phones were decorative pieces that matched whatever you designed.  (what I’d give to have a phone in each room now versus having to carry something with me everywhere I go…I don’t know why that isn’t offered today….same number, just an extension….bet you’d sell billions.)

But those days of cute phones, dial phones, cordless phones, pushbutton phones, phones on pedestals, phones on the wall, on the desk, and of course, a phone in the bath, are long gone. We thought we were just ‘liv’in on the edge of technology’, and life was good, and both things were true.

Now ‘that edge’ is in the dark ages.  We have again advanced from phones the size of shoe boxes to palm sized. In fact we have gone so small, that some phones are actually getting bigger.  Of course that has to do, not with just talking, but with filming full length features during our lunch breaks.  There is a phone for everyone and every age. And we are hooked, not because it is a phone that can finally travel with us for safety and communication, but because we can be attached even when unattached. No one wants to be left alone anymore, it seems. One’s nerves get a little jangled when something or nothing happens with your phone in about 10 min.  Did someone call and you miss it? Was there a message and you missed it? Did someone respond to your blog and you missed it?  OMG We can no longer let that happen…then we would lose ‘the connection’. But that is another blog for another day isn’t it.

Today marks the end of another era in our household….the land line is gone.  We decided for $40 a month we could do without it as we each have a separate phone and a separate number.  Think how many years we have had that little guy….hanging on the wall, sitting on a bedside table, just waiting to serve. And now he is being retired.  I know, for sure, that with no towers, there is no phone…The landline still stands out….giving freedom  to many people choosing to live away from the masses. It will always be a beacon of security for those who need a way to call when their cell runs down and the charger is no where to be found.  I salute you, land line….and hope to see you in our homes again, one day, along with your newer cell family, and perhaps a little pale green extension for this room, and a pink one for that room, and a gray one for the family, and so on and so on, and so on.

About 1 this afternoon, I decided it would be good to turn in ‘change of address’ for my magazines. They number about 12, depending on what good offers come into my line of vision….usually anything under $10 is good for me….. Most magazines should be covered by advertisements, especially those who advertise their products in order to decorate more, eat more, live better, or have a fancy ride.

Anyhow, today was a good afternoon to find those 800 numbers and/or the website to make the change….Little did I know how stupid that was! I commend magazines like Better Homes and Gardens, Midwest Living, and Time who actually had some live person talk to me….It is okay to scream if you have been down this road before.

The nice recordings were just that, nice…they talked nice, promised the world in the ability to help you quickly and efficiently, but when the rubber met the road, it was a disaster.  I speak pretty well,  but not to them.  My street address was always interpreted wrong, no matter how I spoke, spelled, or punched in numbers.  Must say she still contained  her composure however, even as I hung up.

I did try to prepare….picking a copy of each magazine and looking for the account number above my name…that doesn’t work at all because the sales/shipping department never told the customer service department they send the account info on plastic wrap that is discarded as soon as the magazine is received.  That would be something perhaps the owners of the magazine could look in to….I’m afraid it would surprise many a CEO,CFO, or CPO if he is interested.  Print important information on the magazine…..any woman will tell you that!

While we are on that subject, do not keep sending me bills to renew, if my magazine is paid in full thru 2025.  You are wasting your paper and my time.  That’s what all those inserts are for that keep falling out of the magazines, remember. But I digress…..

I even used websites for my change of address….or tried…some websites never came up….even when I typed it in identically from the magazine page….what the!!!! My favorites, however, were the websites that gave all the information anyone would ever need about the publication and its articles….except customer service, change of address, or an 800 number.  It was no where to be found….and nothing, I repeat, nothing aggravated me as much as reading 4 pages of upcoming article previews, when I had 11 more magazines to go thru….

Whoever does websites..take a good like at how they will be used….I realize there are many, but an easy way to change an address, subscribe, cancel, or gift would be very welcomed….Included in that info should  be the length of time for the change of address, if that wonderful option is offered….all periodicals should do that, at least til the USPS decides that mail is mail and forward when needed, not just 1st class.  I did inquire regarding forwarding…answer was (are you ready) they will forward all mail including periodicals for 60 days……after that IT IS OPTIONAL! What the hell does that mean?

And while we’re talking about USPS, try finding a number for the local post office, anywhere, including old phone books, and web listings that number in the 100s, discussing the post office….my word, why such a secret.  The frustration level of millions would immediately decrease by just including a phone number…even using a 7 year old to answer…anyone who can communicate…..just give it a thought!

Maybe I shouldn’t pick on men for designing websites…I should pick on them for making stoves with more nooks and crannies to hold boiled over chili, than any woman could ever think of….Make them smooth, people smooth.    sorry…..I’ll be better tomorrow, or tonight after a glass of wine.

I tuned in to the last five minutes of the committee hearings this morning….It only took 5 minutes to see it is Washington pretty boys, as usual.  No one seemed interested in finding answers as much as they did listening to themselves….On and on they went about background info that nobody cared about….including the 4 at the table in front of them.

When the committee received a ‘no’ it meant absolutely nothing….they continued to dispute and disregarded answers that were just and proper.  Like kids at home, they, the committee should have been asked…..what part of ‘no’ don’t you understand.

If the answer is was not good enough, the word game changed to another attack, and thus made a nincompoops of each of the committee members.  Maybe, what part of ‘none of your beeswax’ should have been said.

I’ve always wanted to put every senator’s name in a hat and pull one out each month, one democrat and republican….and let them be the spokesperson for the rest concerning anything they wanted to talk about.  What an absolute relief to hopefully hear something that took some thought, instead of political words that makes ones eyes roll back into their  heads, when heard by the public.  But I digress….

Some people know how to keep quiet…..committees don’t like that….what entitlement! Some people love to ‘leak’……committees live for that…..and instead of going after the culprits who leak….they check on the people who have always kept the secret to begin with….

Some day, when the house and senate employees dare to visit their states for a period of time long enough to get an earful of what Americans really think, Washington DC will cease to live in the ‘clouds of perfection’.  And does one know how that will first occur…that acknowledgement of American voters knowing best……nope….cause who in Washington wants to say they aren’t perfect.

It’s Monday morning 7:30 AM….we peek out the window and there they are…..right on time and with happy smiling faces….the truck is here…and the work begins.

I knew they knew how happy they were when they realized hardly any furniture, no appliances, just 2 twin beds and almost all the rest boxes….You see we live on the third floor….stairs…..but a small elevator.  They fell in love with the elevator immediately. They used those canvas carriers that one sometimes sees in department stores, to carry up boxes, probably 6 at a time, depending on size…

We had already marked boxes for  33931 and then boxes to stay in storage there. They were pretty small file boxes that hubby and I had packed…for the most part…not the scissors and screwdrivers though…those babies are heavy (not to mention the screws, nuts and bolts).

Boxes and more boxes….a mirror here and 2 pictures there.  They dropped the boxes off in the dining room part of the condo…the unused part… and I began unwrapping pictures. We love pictures….and although we are getting rid of some, we ain’t getting rid of them all…..walls here we come.

Out came brooms, ironing board (shhhhh, yes I still do), pictures for side tables beside our bed (my fav from my sis/law (two old ladies sitting on a park bench….one says to the other “is it butt naked or buck naked?”)

The kitchen boxes were piling up…like Home Goods were outside too, however I soon realized it was hubby who chose what was to stay and what was to go in the kitchen….his domain, not mine.   It was therefore his to UNPACK all the wonderful cooking utensils he could not live without.   (Yes, he did find a spot for everything…however I don’t know where anything is and I have to ask…not very often tho)

The office did present a problem  cause we had one at 92592 and we don’t at 46052 or 33931….we have a ‘bill box’ and a ‘vendor box’ to travel with.   Well, there are also wonderful things we kept…as in paper clips, pencils, staplers (a close third to scissors, etc), and ‘old files’ one has to keep…Oh for the file cabinets….I’m look’in already.  The new ‘office’ will be in the walk in closet.  Never had a walk in closet and will have a 2/3 of one now, cause the office will be there.  We will get the file cabinets for either end and the laminate top from Home Depot and all will be well….a place for pencils, paper, adding machine (ok I’m old), stapler, and files.  there might, however, be a cord winding it’s way from the bedroom along the wall….for a light, but we won’t talk about that now. And yes, I did bring my office chair…we just have to share now.

The movers were wonderful….happy, and helpful…I could not have asked for more. They were finished in about 3 hours, put everything together that needed to be put together (and/or that they took apart for the move).  We found a spot to ‘lean’ things and at the end of the day…we were beat…..We worked like we were 30 believe me. You know….it was fun and I guess it was, cause we had a plan.

We learned later, from our fellow condo dwellers, that they were wondering where all stuff was going to go…..cause their condo is the same size as mine.  The hall was used for empty boxes and packing….now I know why things don’t usually break….they use so much packing, nothing moves…I’m a happy girl because of that.

A man from down the street wanted boxes and were we happy….he gave up after 3 trips..said he had enough….then we cut them up took loads to  recycling….

Well, we are in…most things have their place…pictures are on the wall with only one pair being moved to another room.  TVs are set up and 2 are receiving local stations…..thank goodness I love Lone Ranger, Green Acres, and The Golden Girls….life is good. We will have Direct put in when we return the last of June.  Good news….when you have an account with Direct and want a new one in another place….you get a great discount!

So that is the ending of one segment and the beginning of another….I’m so happy I brought the stuff I love to look at and use….It was my home before, it will be my home now. Yes, it is a little crowded but I’m not done yet.   And if it still is, when I’m done, so be it!   later……

Received notes from all of you wishing us many many more years together….can’t thank you enough……went to dinner at 5 and were surprised by 4 additional friends who came to join us….what fun…..after choice meals, mimosas for me and hubby’s one martini, we have come home to TV and jammies.   It has been a wonderful day…thanks to good friends and good memories…….later

This is a writing that has been a long time in coming……Today is our 40th wedding anniversary…… pure and simply stated.  We are among those who have endured pinnacles of total happiness and the depth of total despair. It is a milestone for anyone, only know by those who have reached it.

I woke up this morning with my husband who has been by my side…even when I was  sometimes a poop, for all these years.   I have also chosen to be with him, during his poopy situations, too.   I would never choose anyone else for he truly is the love of my life.  I did not know that 40 years ago, but I do now.

He is a strong and dedicated father, not only to my son, but to his sons, and an exchange student from Japan, and a wonderful ‘late in life’ non legal adoption of a grown boy we now call our son too. As with most children, they grew to be good because of their father…in spit of the fact they thought they did it all alone. (just say’in)

He is strong in his faith and works tirelessly in his church.  His smile is infectious and his handshake is firm.  He is one of the last to work for a company for over 30+ years and retire with pride of achievement.  He  is thoughtful of his parents and siblings, some now deceased, and remembers with clarity those years as a young child spent in the internment camps with then, during the beginnings of WWII.   I am proud to call him my husband, my friend, my lover, and, as the song states “the wind beneath my wings”.

Happy anniversary sweetheart.   me

It’s packed and ready. Everything has been disbursed including my sissy coming with a gigantic truck to take her favorite things of my home….for her home.  Couldn’t have wished for anything better.  Son and daughter/law came the same day and filled up their car….same feeling for same people.  Just happy they are happy.

Movers were kind enough to leave the twin beds for us…..still odd because they were in a bedroom we never slept in!  They were and are comfortable and that’s good, cause now they are in the condo for visitors.

Up early and the gigantic truck is outside in our cul de sac.  It’s kind of like a happening….neighbors are being sure they can get in or out and then coming over to say their goodbyes…..We have neighbors on our street that have been their since the house was built…..I remember all of us practically moving in on the same day. That was a happening too…so long ago. One was a doctor, just out of med school and coming to  town to start his new practice.  One was retiring from the Marines and brought his family from Hawaii to live nest door….sight unseen.  We were moving because hubby received a transfer that allowed us to move to this town….lucky us.  Another moved to start his new business…an Italian restaurant….and on and on. Some have moved on, some have moved up, and some have passed…..life, the whole package on one block long street in a town of 5000 that is now 100,000.

The man who moved us was wonderful….all of the scary thoughts I had of moving/breaking/losing, etc. vanished. They were happy, helpful, interested in us and our lives, and our new plans. We laughed, we joked, we learned about each other’s lives.  It was nice.   Our driver……was the #2 driver in the company and we can see why.   He is striving to be #1 and I will do anything I can, to see that it gets done.

Our boxes, furniture, etc. were moved to the front yard for final packing.  I thought I wasn’t too bad of a packer…..I am a 2…they are 10+.  I know, I know, that’s their job.

They finished in a little over 2 hours and were off to weigh my precious belongings…..including scissors and screwdrivers.   After walking thru and rechecking…we vacuumed and closed the door for the last time. It was and still is kind of  hazy.  Years cannot be relived in a second, hour or day. Memories will suddenly fill ones life, caused by a song, or a holiday and times will be as vivid as tho they happened yesterday.

But life is full of change, I know…..I only want the bad to change not the good….and 92592 was way past good…..

Next…the cramming in……what’s left of 2400 sq. ft. to 1000 sq. ft. Yes, I could go on about emotion, about tears, and dreams fulfilled and big trees we planted as saplings. But the 30 years spent in one home, are just too soon to relive…..let me and my heart heal a little and make a new nest in my new home. I’m not the first to leave and won’t be the last…..  later

P.S. Allied Van Lines, Beverly Hills Transfer, Gardena, Ca.

Well, we’ve emptied the garage…that means we have taken things in one drawer and put them in one box…empty but still there.

The next easy place (right) was the office.   We made an office of the 4th bedroom many years ago by using oak 2 drawer file drawers on either end of a nice piece of countertop we got at Home Depot.  Cost next to nothing and looked really good…..and it worked.

Going thru the files one has had for years is revealing, for  sure.  I remember going thru my parent’s papers when we were selling their home….such history……titles to first cars, tax papers dating back to year one,and receipts from purchases for Christmas in 1953.

For hubby, it was mostly work related…..some files were CYA, some were 25 year receptions, some were photos of his first day at work.  All had importance then and when you are in your 70’s and it happened in the 60’s, it feels good even now.

Since I buy and sell stuff, I always had my favorite vendors…and kept files on them as reminders…..How I ever sold some of the stuff I ordered is beyond me.    Evidently they were really good in sales when they talked me into  really stupid items.  Funny thing was, I actually sold some of them!!

Hubby and I decided to pack what we knew we could not destroy.  Saving time and money was just fine with us…..and we were smart enough to know that the ‘good stuff’ (breakable and bendable) was not for us to handle.  Hence we were good at ‘garage, nuts and bolts, paper, bedding, towels, and wash cloths.  After a while we just threw soft goods over the railing to the living room, so the packers could use it to put around pictures, plates, etc.

We did have to part with things that tugged at our hearts.  We re lucky enough to have a son and daughter-in-law who liked our stuff, so they came twice to fill up their car, their pickup, and now their one bedroom apt.

If you are planning to pare down, be prepared for millennial children to ‘pass’ on lots of your stuff.  Please do not take it personally…..they just like to live differently. No frills is the best way to describe their taste and, I repeat, this is fine.  No linen to wash and iron, no china or silver to hand wash or polish, just no frills.  However, if your home goods were kept from the 50’s and even in to the 60’s, their eyes will brighten up!  If you have Danish Modern or geometric designed sofas, they will probably take them off your hands.

Needless to say, I had discarded those many years ago. I’m so not ‘in’ to 50’s stuff that I’m probably losing thousands by not giving them a second look at auctions and garage sales.

Many organizations are happy to pick up what you don’t need and sometimes that is good. I did not have an estate sale because I didn’t want to…can do it for someone else but it would  cause me pain.  I tell people whose estates I sell, that they are welcome to be there, but it will hurt.  Our age group vividly remembers working and working and working to save for those very special purchases.  Some were gifts from loved ones, some were from anniversaries, and just good friends. Things are not just things, they are representative of our lives.

I cannot end on a down note because I have done enough sales to know that everyone, yes everyone who purchases something from a sale…..is happier for it.  I will blog later on how to do a sale, or  pick someone you trust to do it for you. But I will give you the first rule of all…..don’t throw anything away, nothing….let the person who does the sale make those decisions.

Remember when I said people who buy go away happy…..people need nails, they need Kleenex, they need worn pots and pans (cause theirs are worse), they need windex, jewelry with stones missing, and so much more….

But I digress……the packers came the day before the moving van.  Dang they were good! One packer had been employed there since 2007….  They did in a few hours what I could never have done…..they also used more butcher type paper than I had ever SEEN in my life. Boxes were taped, packed, sealed and marked.  I was and am a happy girl!

Tomorrow the van and off we go……..

Well, we made it through the clear glass last time…..not gone, not forgotten…just in a box somewhere.

Next came a short list, but never the less important, silk flowers.  No we cannot forget them…..why cause they make harsh areas look softer….and they stay good looking and fresh for quite a while…years even if dusted properly.  (dang, another secret of old people)  I have a bunch of ivy and a basket of silk flowers…like a big one.  Can’t pitch them, they took years to collect, and, they are expensive!  Well they went into a moving box, in spite of my hubby’s look, and they now reside at 46052 til they get to 33931, out of the way and ready to beautify when called upon.

Tools were a biggie….not for hubby cause at 33931 we have them, however, at 46052 we need a new stash.  Some were very easy to let go (his).  Others involved no thought whatsoever….just put them in the box and move them into the waiting truck.  I made an amazing discovery about myself…..about collecting.  Although I have bought and sold stuff for years, I have been very good at only keeping about 1% of what I have come across.  Now…that is really good….just ask others who have found themselves losing room after room with  just ‘wonderful’ buys.  I have stood at many a farm auction discussing this addiction with other men and women who readily admit this problem. My husband will ask the other husband….’do you have a garage?’ and the reply is “used to”…..I will ask other women “what about the extra bedroom?” and the reply is ‘gone’.. don’t know where the grand kids are going to sleep. (but I digress)

I collect….(drum roll) ……. screwdrivers and scissors. I love them, I covet them, I never turn one down. Screwdrivers come in so many different sizes and shapes and colors and even the worn ones are great for digging dandelions.  When you need a short one, you only have a long one and visa versa….so a collector is born and thrives to this day.  I lost count….and I really don’t care.   Same with scissors…big ones, little ones, ones for food, ones for sewing, ones for paper, it’s endless. Cannot part with them…I did thin them out….some for 46052 and some for 33931, but all for a future purpose, I’m sure. Just for further clarification….same look from hubby regarding scissors, however, when there are now two to five in every drawer, he will be a happy boy. Just wait…

Hammers are coming in for a close third, but I just don’t have enough to call them a collection.  I love the skinny ones cause they aren’t that heavy and I can throw them in my little tool box….I usually don’t build houses, so the small ones are good, however, one never knows..

I had two cloth covered office dividers that I used in my garage to separate cars and other manly stuff from my stuff to sell.  Bought them a long time ago at an auction and love them dearly…they look good and keep things clean and away from wandering eyes when the garage door is open…..I could not part with them….so they went to my sisters house for her garage so she could separate her car from her selling stuff.  When I win lotto, I might take them back!  Also, she is now the proud owner of 5 shelves that we got at Costco….they are wonderful, strong, strong and last forever. No I don’t work for Costco.

Because we were and are still nice, we left all the good paint that matched the walls inside and out. We left the sprinkler stuff too…..cause one is always waiting for the next one to blow!   Along with those gifts, we left a large rug that was part of my ‘stuff area’. It was the carpet that came with the house 30 years ago and when it was replaced, we used a nice piece for the garage…..nice, clean, and good on the feets in the winter.

The freezer was a dangling carrot that went with the house…..we shared it with the neighbors whenever there were big parties/cookouts/graduation parties, etc…..Another ‘extra’ for the garage is an older stove that an be plugged in for the holidays…I know, I know, but just wait…..if there is one around, it might be something to think about.  But I digress…..just a suggestion…I don’t have one  (yet)

Nuts and bolts were also selected….and are now packed away for ….hell I don’t know, but I have them just in case….Who wants to run to a Home Depot for a few nails, or wood screws.  C’mon….

The adventure continues….

Left  the home of 30 years to re-retire in another zip…closer to the zip we are residents of….My joke is I left a 4 bedroom in Ca. to have a 2 bedroom in the midwest and a 2 bedroom in Fl.  I will write later on the mental handling of stuff!  I should know better because I have sold other people’s stuff for 25 years, so the answer is not no, but HELL no.

There comes a time when change is better, (at least I sure as hell hope so)(cause the old homestead now belongs to someone else), and therefore, an adventure begins. As you other old people know…being in the 70’s means nothing…except the odds of falling over dead are a little greater than being 35.  Being one who still buys green bananas, we decided to put the house up for sale and casually go through our stash of 30 years, plus the 10 we saved from the previous 10.  The key word being ‘casual’, as we sold the house an hour after the first open house!

Thinking we would start by going thru the garage…old Christmas, shovels, screw drivers, etc, proved to be wise…..cause the garage is where stuff was packed and stacked for movers.

Having sold antiques and other items of little or great value and all stuff in between, I had a plan…..still having two spaces in two different antique malls, I knew I could separate my treasures from my other treasures and send them on.  Yeah, right……And so it began…..

Clear glass, unless it was designed, signed and perfect since the 1800’s is not a biggie right now and so I had put it away, knowing I would outlive the ‘slow times’ and be there, first in line, when the call came for ‘clear’. This situation still stands as well as the determination to prove myself right!

I love clear glass….it is smooth, bumpy, pressed, or cut.  It is shiny, and goes with everything.  It can perk up the worst looking table and is always ready to take on color with drinks, doilies, holiday reds,etc., oranges/apples, or wine (my all time fav.  Needless to say, I kept a few boxes to sell, for holiday specials when family suddenly shows up, or the boss wants to ‘meet the wife’ (or does that happen now?) Anyhow, clear is the blank slate for making things look wonderful…..for little or next to no cost, I might add.  Note:  If you are looking to buy glass (clear or otherwise) be sure to run your fingers/palms over the edges of the glass, be it champagne or a fruit bowl….No one really likes the little chiggers that occur with age and use……so make sure you can not feel it, or, if you do, use a diamond file to smooth them over.   Any dealer worth their salt, should make note of a chip or chigger by saying ‘as is’ or making a little arrow to show where the spot is not perfect. Don’t get huffy if you find a chigger and it is not admitted to…..we all make mistakes.  Just smile and nicely suggest that perhaps there could be a better price.   Now don’t think a ‘better price’ will become half price….we know we are in the bartering business, but hey!

But, I digress……the move began 30 days before the mover came to pack….that is also when the fun and tears now began……..more later