Mill:
There is a great deal to be said for saving time and energy by simply donating stuff. There is also a great deal to be said for just moving to another house! It has given me such a strong motivation to not clutter a very small house. But I also have the option of leaving stuff in storage here at the mill as I decide what to take along to Beaver. Two as early in the spring as possible projects will be improving the two storage sheds at the back of Beaver so the large plastic bins which contain summer/winter clothes/bedding have a home there. Also bins of sewing materials that I cannot yet give up. Only a couple more pieces of furniture have places in Beaver. Excess will need to be dispensed with somehow. I will be taking some more with me this return trip as there is still some space available for books and papers.

The jury is in: a pasta meal definitely is not a good thing for me. Friday night at the café and again last night at the house concert – each resulted in an afternoon nap of some length and totally sleepiness. I had de-cluttered it from my life re my own cooking and now will do without in public. Two totally wrecked afternoons.

I did manage to trim some pots before lunch yesterday. Still a bunch to go but will have to do tomorrow. The heater in the studio is failing to de-clutter the excessive cold sufficiently to work in there. Ann's car would not start so I suggested she just stay home. About -28C last night.

The larger heater in LR is running almost non-stop. Very noisy but it beats being cold. Still, I am wrapped in mohair throw. We went to the store – my car started! – and collected salad and soup makings. Salad is eaten; celery soup, with added chunks of chicken breast, is simmering. R is sleeping!

Beautiful sunny day and stayed light until close to 6 with a lovely rosy glow on the horizon. Compensation for the bitter cold? Tonight is predicted to be the end of the cold spell. Tonight will be mostly reading - after the soup.