That's so much better when you work with the child. My mother used to periodically purge stuff in our rooms without our approval and it was the reason I was careful to not do that to my kids. We definitely had messy periods, but when it was time to donate, they worked with me, I didn't lay down the law.

I'm digging out papers these days also. Like Dorothy, the registration and inspection stuff on the car are now complete, the receipts for tax season are assembled, awaiting a few more forms. Taxes paid on some small property bills that aren't paid out of mortgage escrow.

Much warmer weather than the rest of you, and much warmer even that we usually have this time of year. I've only worn my heaviest jacket a few days this winter so far. I am making a concerted effort to "shop the pantry" for now, to use up stuff here in the house and not purchase more food for convenience when all I need to do is remember to thaw something that will be just as convenient for dinner - think ahead.

Such sad news about both David Bowie and Alan Rickman this week. I have a number of films I plan to watch for the first time or re-watch over the long holiday weekend coming up.