I am given understand that there is a TV programme in which two ladies of a few summers and more winters descend on an unsuspecting person to de-clutter their home. I am told that this is unpleasant viewing for those of a nervous disposition, so I have never watched it, preferring Have I Got News for You, Mock the Week and the Mish Report - all of which make me laugh (often out loud!) at the ludicrous clowns who are trying to govern our wonderful country as they take us even further down the road to destruction and make us the laughing stock of the world! Help!
Yesterday the Whirlwind De-clutters descended on me. Led by the Senior De-clutterer, my glorious daughter-in-law, Danielle Jeffries, all the way from Dorset, and ably assisted by my wonderful daughter, Heather Barrow (if a little reluctant at first, but who soon got into the swing!) while the third member of the entourage was somewhat to the rear and clearly not wishing to upset the applecart, but ready to carry black sacks when called upon, Graham Jeffries, my faithful eldest son.
First, they attacked the bedroom. Off came any lined embroidered cloths on dressing table and other tops. These were for washing, ironing and putting away with the other similar embroidered cloths by Yvonne and her Mother. Polished wood is best for keeping dust away - and I do not need dust for my breathing.
Too many things out on top of dressing table - and into drawers they went (and I am finding things again!). Hats and scarves in a small cabinet into a large drawer in dressing table. Cabinet now surplus to requirements (this went to Dorset with my blessing). Off came a beloved throw over the ottoman (travel metal trunk of shining glow storing spare bed linen) as this was a dust trap. Consigned to black sack.
Next the team dashed to the bathroom. Here all cleaning materials on the floor were found new homes in cupboards and anything that is not needed was sorted. Further some things from the bedroom found better homes here - but let them be nameless! I am now growing a beard to save shaving - and the new beard trimmer is on hand - but in its bag, of course (where else?).
Into the kitchen where major work was undertaken. The worktop has been home to all the things I use almost every day. But that is no longer. Some 80% of these things are now stored in cupboards or the fridge so that the worktop is almost devoid any life whatsoever. I now have so much space to move around it is just amazing. The shelf at the window was full. Not anymore. Just a dish for the cat food spoon, Tomorite (for fertilising the tomatoes - why not!) and a water spray for plants. All cleaning materials to cupboard under the sink where they belong. Clean surfaces with no dust.
Fridge and freezer were emptied and cleaned with vigour and determination, the like which I have not seen since dear Yvonne passed away or Heather brings to the fore when helping me in house and garden (that lass can now plant up anything but especially tomatoes). The freezer now has the middle section with foodstuffs - but not many - as the top section will now be home to six ready meals from Wiltshire Farm Foods. I have reluctantly agreed to try this to save me having to cook while I learn to manage my breathing with the help of the Respiratory Clinic and COPD Community Nurses. First delivery is due on Tuesday. I can’t wait! Bottom section is for frozen fruits which I have for my pudding/sweet/dessert each day.
The gas cooker is to go - to be replaced by tumble drier next to the washing machine. A small electric cooker will go on top of this - just with hot plates to enable me to boil eggs or water. I have a microwave for the prepared meals and toaster. This will happen when there is to be a Family Meeting at my home on 20th July for which Richard and Stine will fly home from Norway and Graham and Danielle wil travel from Dorset to be joined by Heather and Rob from Chigwell Row. This is a “Sort Dad Out Day”! But they have said they will be kind and they are.
With George my garden-man coming tomorrow to finish preserving the wooden sheds and summerhouse, and helping to keep the garden tidy, and Daphne, my cleaner coming every Friday, I can keep things going. Socks now has an automatic feeder machine which I am able to load so that it opens twice a day and he is now going to look for it at the right times. I can do the washing - non-iron shirts, handkerchiefs which I boil in stain remover first, tea towels (which are ironed to keep up standards). I do ironing sitting on a stool. Magic!
So there! I had wonderful Father’s Day with cards from the family. Now it is time for some relaxing and sleep!
Take care, good friends
Ron/Dad/Granddad/Great Granddad
