Do we wear some kind of “filters” over our eyes when we de clutter so that we see things as they used to be instead of how they really are now?

For instance:
The Comfy Filter: Do we see our old bathrobe as still new, rather than seeing it as worn out and ratty? (Therefore making us look worn out and ratty!)

The Get-Rich Filter: Do we see our “collectible” figurines and plates as valuable, the ones that we thought would be worth a fortune “someday” and still not show any increase in value?

The Sentimental Filter: Do we see the trays and bowls that our favorite aunt gave us so many years ago, but kept in case she comes over? (We don’t use it and she actually died years ago). In other words do we “see Aunt Jo” rather than an unnecessary tray?
Or, how about those little toys we used to play with and saved them for our daughter, who did play with them, but now she has grown up and married and has only boys?

The Possibly Useful Filter: Do we see that old rug or curtains from our previous house as things we need, instead of seeing that they no longer “go” with our new house color scheme and furnishings?

It's getting time to take those filters off!

 

I love sending cards and used to make them! I begin before Thanksgiving. I keep a list each year of everyone and make sure it is up to date. I buy enough cards and stamps to cover the list plus a few more.
     The week after Thanksgiving I put them all in a basket with my list, stamps, stickers, writing tablet, pens, sticky-notes, and an address book. It's easy to just grab my basket to work where I want and usually use a lap desk.
     During the week after Thanksgiving I begin by first sorting the cards into those to mail early (who live farther away or celebrate early) or later (those who live locally or will receive their card with a gift.) Since I love a variety of cards I put a sticky note on each card with the name of the recipient. (Holiday/secular, sentimental, religious).
     The next step is addressing all of them and stamping. That takes several days as I do it while watching tv and do a few at a time. It is easy, with my address book right there.
     I keep cards from the previous year that have personal letters and notes in them, especially from those I don't see or hear from during the year to refresh my memory and ask about "Aunt Alice" who broke her leg, or "Uncle Joe" who moved to the wilds of Montana. So this step is to write short notes to everyone, some shorter than others. I make a half check mark next to their name when I've done this, but I do not seal the envelope yet. That allows me to insert a last minute goodie, like a photo, recipe, or a P.S. to the note before mailing.
     Finally, I place the "early" pile in my out-going mail pile, finish the check mark on my list as I seal them, and add a Christmas sticker to the backs. (Checking off my list ensures that they were mailed and ends the possible guessing game of whether or not I sent them one.) When that pile is mailed I bring out the "later" pile and do the same.
   Why do I go to all of this "trouble" instead of dashing off an e-card, or lining up a box of car

I just discovered another quick and easy recipe, especially good for autumn! It's a pumpkin cake. All you need to do is empty a regular can of pumpkin puree into dry spice cake mix. Mix a few minutes and spread in a square pan. I like to spray oil on the bottom of the pan first. Then bake about 25-30 min at 350. Done! The flavor is amazing and it's moist! No egg! No Water! No oil!

For Thanksgiving plans:
I have a new tablecloth, in a neutral color. That way I can change it up with napkins, runners, and placemats to go with the season/occasion.
The fall wreath is on the door.
Fall decorations are brought down, and am sorting them to see what we can still use.
Have not gone over the recipes much yet; I hope turkeys won't be hard to find this year!
 

I've just learned I'm having a total of seven people to plan to have for Thanksgiving dinner. Our family of four will have an additional three house guests with a dog. I'm not sure yet when they are arriving or leaving so I need to start planning for a day or two before and after, meals/menus, cleaning, decorating, shopping. We have a turkey and enough beds.

It would be very helpful to have a written plan, what needs to be done and when. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!