Saturday, November 8, 2014

Things are changing...

Gentle Readers...

I usually post about things that have to do with homemaking, i.e. recipes, gardening, sewing, etc. but today I want to tell you what is going on in my life. 

Our home was built in 1974.  It was not built properly, given the ground conditions here, and to make a long and ugly story short, our poor house is rotting.  If someone came here to inspect, it would be condemned.  We did not realize until several weeks ago what the problem is.  Now we do.  Mold.  Wetness.  Ick.

It would be exceedingly expensive to try to have the house repaired, and then we'd still have an old house.  It really is too bad.

We are in the process of purchasing a 13 x 56 mobile home (a.k.a. "Trailer" or "Manufactured home.")  Within a couple of months, it should be installed and we will be moving in.  Then we will tear down the old house, salvage what we can, and fill in the hole and I imagine plant some grass.

So, we'll be moving from about 1200 square feet to about 700 square feet with minimal storage.  We have been very busy and working hard to streamline and de-junk.  It is embarrassing!  I didn't realize how much stuff we had accumulated!  I've purged my clothing down to 33 items hanging in the closet.  This does not include underthings, workout clothing or garden grubbies.  Here you can see what is in there:


I feel a little silly.  I know that by American standards, that's not much, but I also realize that I have a great deal more than many people in the world!  I have to say, it has made getting dressed much easier.  I have a few things to wear to church in the winter and in the summer, 4 pairs of blue jeans, 2 denim skirts, 3 blazers, and a variety of t-shirts and blouses.  Now I just go through them in rapid succession.  It's nice!

My husband has hauled off many pick-up loads of things.  We've donated, given away, and thrown away.  I've sold a few things as well.  We are not finished, but I think the bulk of it is done.  

So, say goodbye to our old house.  :'(  Here it is.  I will keep you posted as we get into the trailer and I figure out how to live a more minimalist lifestyle.

 

8 comments:

  1. Oh heavens, I am sorry you are losing your home. I hope the trailer can be an adventure for you.
    Take care.

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  2. What a task you have taken on! I wish you wellness in your new home, and know that you will make the best of "it" no matter where you live. Seeing your process will be inspiring I am sure.

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  3. Thank you for the good wishes Melynda! I'm sure we'll be fine, but this will be an adjustment. One thing I've learned about life is that I have to keep growing up!

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  4. From reading your blog, I can tell that this process will out your wonderful strength and resilience. And I've been meaning to comment & tell you about how I found your blog. I googled for a recipe for canning chili beans & found yours (they're delicious, btw). Then I started reading your posts (backwards, lol) in my free time (I have 6 little ones) & have been so inspired by you. I grew up in apartments eating junk food & drinking pop all day & I've worked diligently as an adult to teach myself & my children a better way

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    1. Thank you for your kind comments, Dawn FP. I am so happy to know that you like the chili bean recipe! I am very proud of you for what you are doing with your family. Obviously, you don't live an unexamined life.

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  5. Oops, wouldn't let me keep typing. Just also wanted to say what an inspiration you've been!

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  6. I'm really happy that you will be able to move into a brand new home!

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