I suspect that hoarders, animal or otherwise, are desperately trying to fill a void with things, instead of getting the help they need to fill the void in a real, healing way. This thread is so good, not only in the ways we s keep accountable in our attempts to de-clutter, but in the emotional support we give each other. Thanks to all of you!

Alice, you've really made some lovely paintings! Thanks for sharing them!

Andrea, the sale of your house is a triumph! Congratulations, and happy hunting for your new home!

VTam, congrats AND take it easy on yourself, at the same time! Yay for good health!

Stilly, I'm trying to get back into cooking ahead- thanks for your inspiration! The best I could "cook up" today was cooking up some chicken breasts for sandwiches this week (we had brought them to a friend's house for a Labor Day bbq, but there was so much food already there that they never got cooked, although they stayed totally cold in the cooler under the freezer pack).

I've been having menopausal mood swings deluxe, but am learning to breathe through them, look around at the beauty of late summer in New England, smile and relax and fill myself with gratitude- it seems to help, when I remember to do it!