Older Folks and Vaping Back Porch - Part Seven

[Janet H]

Dat's da spirit! View attachment 834225

We moved out of our last house because we couldn't get a variance to build a garage. This house has a 3 car garage. It also has a full basement and 3 attics and a "shop" that was the original 2 car garage and Mike wanted to build a shed!! For 15 years we couldn't get either car in the garage. There is truth to the adage that the more room you have the more room you need.

I think the problem with getting rid of stuff is that it's so hard to throw away something that is still useful. We have a few organizations who will pick up those usable things and take them away to sell cheap to others who want or need the stuff. That's a win-win in my book!

 

[rosesense]

We moved out of our last house because we couldn't get a variance to build a garage. This house has a 3 car garage. It also has a full basement and 3 attics and a "shop" that was the original 2 car garage and Mike wanted to build a shed!! For 15 years we couldn't get either car in the garage. There is truth to the adage that the more room you have the more room you need.

I think the problem with getting rid of stuff is that it's so hard to throw away something that is still useful. We have a few organizations who will pick up those usable things and take them away to sell cheap to others who want or need the stuff. That's a win-win in my book!

I am the same way and it can lead to hoarding. I would give stuff away or donate it over the years but couldn't bring myself to just toss it. One day about 15 years ago, a neighbor died and her kids had to clean out the house to sell it. I had never been inside the house and was so surprised when they brought out 2 of those commercial dumpsters and it was filled and emptied multiple times. I was told she never threw anything away and her kids were left to deal with it. It took them about 6 months to empty and clean the house and they had regular jobs/families, also.

That made me do a major purge of most of my 'collections'. About the only thing I have too much of now is the vape gear. I really should clear some out that I don't really like. Plus, at my age, I do not need this much gear for my lifetime.

 

[pwmeek]

Good morning!



Wow, I didn't know they do online auctions. Never thought about doing that but it makes sense. So what happens after the auction is over? Do you have tons of people coming to pick up what they bid on?
<snip>
Yikes! I could never toss things like your cousin did! At the very least I'd put up a FREE sign and put the stuff on the curb. <snip>

Yes, the auction company set two days (a Wed and a Sat) for pickup. The buyers never entered the house. Auction crew people checked the people, took their payment, brought out the purchased items, and helped load them.

Yeah, him sending near-new tools to the landfill really bothered me. There had to be a better way, but he insisted that if he tried it any other way, he wouldn't be able to let them go. He could put them in the trash, but if it took any other form of deacquisition, he just couldn't do it.

 

[Uncle]

 

[MikeE3]

It took them about 6 months to empty and clean the house and they had regular jobs/families, also.

I'm thinking about that more and more and trying to use it as motivation to clean up (i.e. get rid of) not only a stock pile a miscl. building materials and supplies as well as tools. I've got multiples of so many. I had a good collection of my own by the time my Dad and Janet's Dad died and then their collection was added to mine.

Just how many claw hammers do I need, certainly not a dozen_+ of 'em. But, but ... these were mine that I bought because I preferred the brand/style and have used it for 40 years and those were my Dad's that he build his house with, and those were Janet's Dad's that when I pick one up or just see it in the drawer it reminds me of him.

 

[rosesense]

I'm thinking about that more and more and trying to use it as motivation to clean up (i.e. get rid of) not only a stock pile a miscl. building materials and supplies as well as tools. I've got multiples of so many. I had a good collection of my own by the time my Dad and Janet's Dad died and then their collection was added to mine.

Just how many claw hammers do I need, certainly not a dozen_+ of 'em. But, but ... these were mine that I bought because I preferred the brand/style and have used it for 40 years and those were my Dad's that he build his house with, and those were Janet's Dad's that when I pick one up or just see it in the drawer it reminds me of him.

Take pics of the items and you still have the memories.

 

[MikeE3]

Take pics of the items and you still have the memories.

I made baby steps using that approach. Both my Mom and Dad were bowling addicts and very good. My Mom's average was 200+ and Dad was even better. I was embarrassed to go 'recreational bowling with them'.

I had two large boxes of the trophies they earned over the years. I finally arranged them on the dinning room table and took pictures. I kept only 2, one from each of them. The rest were donated to a youth sports league. They repurposed the bases (which were all vintage wooden bases) with sports figures and used them for their awards programs.

 

[WhiteHighlights]

Interesting posts, I've been nagging the husband that we need to clean out old stuff - pretend that we're moving, downsizing and what do we get rid of - do it now! My MIL had done that and it made handling her estate much easier. A co-workers MIL just passed and she was a hoarder. They've even found lots of cash among the stacks. They are having a difficult time going through everything. I'd rather be more like my MIL (scary thought that!).

Enjoying a few days up in VT, last gasp of summer vacation. This morning the lake was socked in with fog. Too bad my camera couldn't get a clear pic of the sun, it looked like the moon-an orb in the sky. In the 2nd pic, lost in the background out off the dock, are some fishermen who came out as the mist rose. I remember as a kid waking up to the sound of the putt-putt motors of the fisherman.

There's a group of serious water skiers that come out early, usually while I'm having coffee. The lake is calm, some mist still wafting, and they're a joy to watch. One morning it was very cold and they were skiing in wet suits! Sadly, I'm never fast enough to get out with my camera and catch them in action.

My husband saw the eagle yesterday, this pic is from my cousin last summer.

 

[Iffy]

Excellent eagle shot!

 

[Janet H]

Interesting posts, I've been nagging the husband that we need to clean out old stuff - pretend that we're moving, downsizing and what do we get rid of - do it now! My MIL had done that and it made handling her estate much easier. A co-workers MIL just passed and she was a hoarder. They've even found lots of cash among the stacks. They are having a difficult time going through everything. I'd rather be more like my MIL (scary thought that!).

Enjoying a few days up in VT, last gasp of summer vacation. This morning the lake was socked in with fog. Too bad my camera couldn't get a clear pic of the sun, it looked like the moon-an orb in the sky. In the 2nd pic, lost in the background out off the dock, are some fishermen who came out as the mist rose. I remember as a kid waking up to the sound of the putt-putt motors of the fisherman.

There's a group of serious water skiers that come out early, usually while I'm having coffee. The lake is calm, some mist still wafting, and they're a joy to watch. One morning it was very cold and they were skiing in wet suits! Sadly, I'm never fast enough to get out with my camera and catch them in action.

My husband saw the eagle yesterday, this pic is from my cousin last summer.

View attachment 834411 View attachment 834413 View attachment 834415

Wow, that sounds idyllic!! What a lovely way to start your day! The eagle picture is incredible!

Wise words about cleaning out stuff. A friend's mother died and she had to drive to her home in the next state to clean out the house to sell it. Her mother had kept everything, including report cards from all her school years! This friend announced to all of us that if we love our children DO NOT leave them with all this stuff to clean up!! It took them months to finally get through everything, all while grieving. Our DIL is a gem. Whenever Mike comes out with something he's had stashed away and asks if they want it she always says yes while I give her a grateful nod! I'm sure she takes care of it because our son suffers from the same disease of keeping everything...

 

[Uncle]

DO NOT leave [anyone] with all this stuff to clean up!! It [takes] months to finally get through everything, all while grieving.

SO AGREE . . .
SO BEEN THERE DONE THAT - Both Family members and Friends - many times (5 in just the past 10 years) . . .
NOT NICE ! ! !

AND - Where I live, Family/Friends are "given" exactly 2 weeks to empty the apartments of the deceased person's possessions (had to do the same when my mother lived/died here). SO - I see what happens almost on a weekly bases too. Most of the time, when a person dies here and when the apartments are cleaned out by family/friend - unless they consider it valuable (important papers, an antique, & such) everything else is thrown into the dumpsters. This is also done especially by the management/owner here (and I am sure in other Senior Communities too) when there is no one and/or family/friend chooses not to come.

Matter of fact, having gone through this process myself for Family/Friends over the years - I've been trying very hard to release "Stuff" as time goes by - it's difficult, but it has got to be done. AND - It is not just burdening others - it is deciding what is really important to "you" and what "You" NEED (ex: Just gave a 20 gallon tub filled with tools, power tools, etc that I no longer use/need to the maintenance crew during the holidays). I know what I value - others do not, because it doesn't have any meaning or remembrance to them. Worse, while I have both expensive/inexpensive items throughout my residence, when it comes down to it - who really wants to hold on to those all those possessions. They maybe important to "You" - but are these items important/or do they mean anything to to anyone else, even specifically - those whom might be close to you . . .


Something else to think about - What about your "Stuff" when going into a nursing home or care facility . . .



A few good articles to read:

A Beginner's Guide To Swedish Death Cleaning

'Death Cleaning' Is the Newest Way to Declutter

‘Death Cleaning’ Swedish Style​

The Book:

Amazon:

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson

Barnes and Noble:

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter|Hardcover

ALSO - Just some tips to make it easier . . .

1. Start early. ...
2. Start small. ...
3. Eliminate what YOU DON"T NEED ...
4. Get rid of duplicates. ...
5. Only make Yes or No piles – no Maybes. ...
6. Reduce collections creatively. ...
7. Don't be afraid to sell things yourself. ...
8. Consider legacy gifts early.

.

 

[rosesense]

Wow, I have been doing all this stuff for a few years. I gave most of my photos to the kids, if they wanted them. I always ask if they want ____ and if not, I donate it.

What I still have way too much of is vape related stuff. I am going to try to sell some and take the loss. If no one wants it, I will toss some. Too bad, ECF classies are all but gone. I hate dealing with ebay for this stuff.

 

[lulu836]

Excellent eagle shot!

That shot is VERY difficult to get!!

 

[Uncle]

Wow, I have been doing all this stuff for a few years. I gave most of my photos to the kids, if they wanted them. I always ask if they want ____ and if not, I donate it.

What I still have way too much of is vape related stuff. I am going to try to sell some and take the loss. If no one wants it, I will toss some. Too bad, ECF classies are all but gone. I hate dealing with ebay for this stuff.

ECF Classies are still around and if I may be so bold to suggest - since "You" are verified, before tossing out Ya' could always list "Stuff" there to give away, especially since the PIF thread closed ("Lox" died ) . . . or even "Swap" for something Ya' NEED . . . Just Sayin' . . .


BTW: Maybe we could get @classwife or someone else in ECF administration to re-open a PIF Thread somewhere . . . * * HINT * * - * * HINT * * . . .





.

 

[rosesense]

ECF Classies are still around and if I may be so bold to suggest - since "You" are verified, before tossing out Ya' could always list "Stuff" there to give away, especially since the PIF thread closed ("Lox" died ) . . . or even "Swap" for something Ya' NEED . . . Just Sayin' . . .


BTW: Maybe we could get @classwife or someone else in ECF administration to re-open a PIF Thread somewhere . . . * * HINT * * - * * HINT * * . . .





.

Yeah, I used to PIF a lot but where I live now, it is not close to PO and I can't afford the shipping charges and supplies. I know the classies are still there but not very active and newer folk cant buy on there so not super useful. I will list a few of the better things and see how it goes.

 

[DavidOck]

Yep, it's a mystery. For whatever reason(s); the short wicks compared to KFLs leach juice back into the tank? The physical layout of the Skyline's deck/juice holes allowing more leaching? The coil configuration heats the tank/juice more than a KFL? Don't know what causes it, but it happens with all the Skylines we have in rotation.

I did rewick one the other day with trimmed tails, mulletizing the bowtie method. No leaks. First refill, no appreciable backwash. Of course, I've not paid that close attention in the past, so don't know if that's the usual or not.

And other possibilities popped into my head, that the act of removing the top provides enough suction to pull some out, or that, maybe, just closing the juice flow creates enough drag on the remaining juice to slosh it back. If the latter, then closing it off to refill while holding it upside down may alleviate it. Figure I'll do this first test without doing that part, so there's only the one variable (trimming the tails.)

Second refill on the trimmed wick - and little to no leaching. (Hey, when you normally run 12 mods and different flavors, it can take a bit to run a tank dry! )

At the same time (well, consecutively, not concurrently) I did a 3rd refill on another, not trimmed. Got a sizeable wash as I was opening the juice flow. When the time comes to rewick the rest that are in service, I may just mulletize them, too.

 

[3mg Meniere]

mulletize is not a word, David. Can you think of something better?

 

[rosesense]

I forgot to add the main reason for not doing Pif is this: I had been away from ECF for awhile and when I returned, a newbie posted how their setup died and they couldn't afford to buy another. I offered a setup with a mechanical mod for free. I got blasted by know it all ECF'ers saying how dangerous a mechanical was and how irresponsible of me. I withdrew my offer and vowed to not make an offer like that again. It was embarrassing.

Funny thing is, when I started, mechanicals were about all there was. Provari came on the scene but not many regulated devices in the early days and we managed just fine. Oh well, just wanted to explain why I don't do Pif on ECF. I used to know someone who distributed to vets and I gave him a lot of stuff. Sadly, don't know anyone like that in my area.

 

[3mg Meniere]

I used to know someone who distributed to vets and I gave him a lot of stuff. Sadly, don't know anyone like that in my area.

I just donated all my stuff (except for another shipment to occur in cold weather) to a member who should know how to get rid of it, should he decide to do so. didn't want to be bothered.

 

[DancingHeretik]

Interesting posts, I've been nagging the husband that we need to clean out old stuff - pretend that we're moving, downsizing and what do we get rid of - do it now! My MIL had done that and it made handling her estate much easier. A co-workers MIL just passed and she was a hoarder. They've even found lots of cash among the stacks. They are having a difficult time going through everything. I'd rather be more like my MIL (scary thought that!).

Enjoying a few days up in VT, last gasp of summer vacation. This morning the lake was socked in with fog. Too bad my camera couldn't get a clear pic of the sun, it looked like the moon-an orb in the sky. In the 2nd pic, lost in the background out off the dock, are some fishermen who came out as the mist rose. I remember as a kid waking up to the sound of the putt-putt motors of the fisherman.

There's a group of serious water skiers that come out early, usually while I'm having coffee. The lake is calm, some mist still wafting, and they're a joy to watch. One morning it was very cold and they were skiing in wet suits! Sadly, I'm never fast enough to get out with my camera and catch them in action.

My husband saw the eagle yesterday, this pic is from my cousin last summer.

View attachment 834411 View attachment 834413 View attachment 834415

Beautiful!

SO AGREE . . .
SO BEEN THERE DONE THAT - Both Family members and Friends - many times (5 in just the past 10 years) . . .
NOT NICE ! ! !

AND - Where I live, Family/Friends are "given" exactly 2 weeks to empty the apartments of the deceased person's possessions (had to do the same when my mother lived/died here). SO - I see what happens almost on a weekly bases too. Most of the time, when a person dies here and when the apartments are cleaned out by family/friend - unless they consider it valuable (important papers, an antique, & such) everything else is thrown into the dumpsters. This is also done especially by the management/owner here (and I am sure in other Senior Communities too) when there is no one and/or family/friend chooses not to come.

Matter of fact, having gone through this process myself for Family/Friends over the years - I've been trying very hard to release "Stuff" as time goes by - it's difficult, but it has got to be done. AND - It is not just burdening others - it is deciding what is really important to "you" and what "You" NEED (ex: Just gave a 20 gallon tub filled with tools, power tools, etc that I no longer use/need to the maintenance crew during the holidays). I know what I value - others do not, because it doesn't have any meaning or remembrance to them. Worse, while I have both expensive/inexpensive items throughout my residence, when it comes down to it - who really wants to hold on to those all those possessions. They maybe important to "You" - but are these items important/or do they mean anything to to anyone else, even specifically - those whom might be close to you . . .


Something else to think about - What about your "Stuff" when going into a nursing home or care facility . . .



A few good articles to read:

A Beginner's Guide To Swedish Death Cleaning

'Death Cleaning' Is the Newest Way to Declutter

‘Death Cleaning’ Swedish Style​

The Book:

Amazon:

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson

Barnes and Noble:

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter|Hardcover

ALSO - Just some tips to make it easier . . .

1. Start early. ...
2. Start small. ...
3. Eliminate what YOU DON"T NEED ...
4. Get rid of duplicates. ...
5. Only make Yes or No piles – no Maybes. ...
6. Reduce collections creatively. ...
7. Don't be afraid to sell things yourself. ...
8. Consider legacy gifts early.

.

Thanks!

My grandmother slowly got rid of stuff for the decade or two before she died. She still had lots of stuff, just not hoarded stuff.