I’ve spent the morning going through one closet (only one closet) deciding on things to give to a local thrift shop that supports a local battered-woman shelter.  I tried on each item of clothing and was shocked to see (in the mirror) that most don’t fit!!  Yes, I know I’ve gained weight but this is ridiculous!!  I can’t even get into pants I was wearing this time two years ago!!  (That’s the “bad news.”)  It was a “no brainer” decision that I would give away lovely jackets previously worn when I worked “in the public eye” several years ago (at Hallelujah Acres).  I also went through the dresser drawers and have a total of two dozen dress-length slips, half-slips, and camisoles to donate.  (Does anyone wear slips or camisoles any more??)  Furthermore, there must be two dozen pair of brand-new, still in the package, panty-hose, knee-length hose and trouser socks.  Yippes!!  Why do I have so many??  They may be so old that they have lost their elasticity!!  But I’ll let the manager of the shop (called Second Chance Boutique) make the decision about their usefulness.  (I can’t remember the last time I wore a pair of panty hose.)  ~~  So that explains my morning.  ~~  The weather is much cooler, and no humidity, so it would be a nice day (a nice weekend) to be sightseeing (or camping).  ~~  BUT, I have a “one track mind” and I’m focusing on “downsizing.”  Two weeks ago I attended a seminar regarding “downsizing” and the specific topic was “closets.”  This was my first opportunity to follow-up.  ~~  I’m NOT enjoying the process but it must be done!!  (And no little elves to help me.) ~~ Next weekend, another yard sale at my site in the RV Park. Lots to do this week to prepare!!

Postscript, 6/03/2012, 8:00PM: Ditto yesterday. I spent hours trying on clothes (from another closet). I’ve been able to create several new outfits for myself. (That’s good news!!)  There are clothing items I can’t imagine wearing (although they fit) so they have been packaged for delivery to Second Chance.  I documented the items for Income Tax purposes and there is a total of 85 .  ~~  In the near future, I will go through a large box with Red Hat Society outfits (and donate…).  Furthermore, there is a large heavy-duty plastic storage bag full of costumes crying for attention.

Postscript, 6/05/2012, 2:00 PM: This morning, I delivered the selected items to Second Chance Boutique.  They seemed thrilled with what they saw!!  I promised more… as I have time to process through….  They will even take winter clothing because they have a place to store them.  (Maybe they ascribe to that old addage: “A bird (coat) in hand is worth two in the bush” (two not in their possession.)