I find it hard to clean out the basement

My friend Ann has no trouble throwing things out.

These items, ignored for such a long time, need to be thrown out.

Reading this post might be like my neighbor says- “Watching paint dry.”

Slated to get a much needed new furnace installed and an updated electrical box-

so the pressure’s on to clear the place.

Buying new lights to illuminate the boxes of junk was a start.

My problem is I think about all the different lives the things represent.  Matthew suggested photographing the junk.

I was able to get another one of those construction bags filled to go out to the curb. Two bags of items for donation

But a dusty electric skillet lined with probable-poison-coating when heated, no lid or plug? Immediate disposal.

No problem!

Remaining plastic groceries from the little yellow shopping cart with the orange wheels, a tea party cup from at least 30 years ago.  Half a wooden lemon, a fake muffin.  Garbage.

A little felt elf, found in a Christmas tin. My mother used to put these on our stairs, wrapped them around the banister.

Probably purchased at a Church Bazaar in the 60’s.  He was looking at me.  Couldn’t throw him out. His sequined eyes looked at me.   Better than that Elf on the Shelf.

A ratty basket in the shape of a duck and old badminton racquets.  Easy to pitch these.

Will I ever need these parts in this old cigar box?

Mark’s old trophy.   Erika saw this on FB when I posted and said it was a great item to stay in Pittsburgh!

I don’t even have a record player anymore

Sums up the basement

I don’t even remember who gave this to me

And then I found my dad’s old trench coat, black gloves in his pocket.

I washed it, hung it out.  It had a presence as it hung on that hanger

Going to donate.    Steve said he’d wear it.  Made me feel a little less sad but I think it is too big on him.

Laura rhymes.  Yellowed paper booklet . Yucky.

Old workboots.  Owner unknown.

October 21, 2014 | Categories: Photography | Tags: basement, cooking, housecleaning, junk, music, organizing, photography, postaday, records | 19 Comments