I couldn't agree more, Liz, and as soon as I am off the computer I am going to shovel the detritus of my book sorting session off the study floor.
(My "man who does" has got to be able to get at my gas boiler so that he can build me a cupboard round it).

The carpet fitter is due today, and once that's down I can start to drag some stuff out of the little bedroom prior to attacking that. I still think that, given my daughter, 10 years ago, painted ceiling and walls rich green, and the skirting black, I should sheet up what needs protecting and just go in with a spray gun of cream paint!

On the kitchen side of things, I de-cluttered part of the work surface of packets by making 2 big Christmas cakes. The 2 puds I'm going to make should take care of the rest.

Andrea