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Archiver > MEMORY-LANE > 2005-08 > 1123020076


From: "kathryn young" <>
Subject: TRASH or TEASURE
Date: Tue, 2 Aug 2005 17:01:16 -0500


This wonderful old house that belonged to my parents is the very definition of trash or treasure. There is lots of both here! Everybody stored things here, since it is a big house with a full basement. All the people who stored things here are gone now, and when Mama left the house to me and my sister, it was full to the brim with Stuff. I am slowly uncovering the treasures, and eliminating the trash. There is one corner of the basement where all of Aunt Helens Christmas decorations are currently housed. There are boxes and boxes of old photographs, books, dishes, etc. There is a cedar chest that I remember as belonging to my Grandma May; I haven't even opened it, yet. Does anybody remember the old round barrels that were used for packing dishes and china? I have two of them down there, just waiting for me to discover what is inside. There is a huge ping pong table covered in boxes of Christmas decorations from years past. There are books that my sister and her hu!
sband stored here and never reclaimed. There are four main rooms in the basement; I have pretty well cleaned out the two smaller rooms, and am working on the next largest. That room has about 8 standing wardrobes of clothes - mostly Mamas.( Mama hardly ever threw anything away.) I have tried to donate her old clothes to area theatre groups, for their costume departments; they say they want the clothes, but can't seem to find someone to come and get them. I have given a lot to Goodwill and Salvation Army. I have had yard sales, given things to friends, and still it seems there is no end to the things to sort through. Anyway, it keeps me busy, when I have a day off work and it is too hot to work outside! Quite often I will discover something that brings back memories of my childhood. I have to be very strict with myself, since the 'packrat' gene is very strong in me; otherwise I will keep things that should be gently retired. If I ever actually finish clearing out the!
house and basement, that will be an accomplishment to remember! Always, Kathryn

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