Thanks for maintaining this thread, Acme. All through this tumultuous year, I have found it a useful place to pound out my dread and frustration, and to brag when I have accomplished a mission, however trivial.

I refuse to believe that neatness is trivial, but some of the steps I take to get there sure can look that way.

I have a tentative taker for the Wedgwood majolica, thank God; Himself's sister-in-law nibbled gently at the bait and may be convinced to take ten fruit nappies and a frankly gorgeous 12-inch serving bowl off my hands. The rest, I think, can be safely consigned to the church bazaar in the Spring.

It's New Year's Eve and a Sunday, and so it is washday. I like to start the new year with clean towels and a clean bed.

Not too much to ask.