The DU Lounge

I had two big rental garages in Calif. that were packed. Moved it all here after we built a big new garage. There's still a lot in there I just don't know what to do with....like huge family photo albums my mother had. I have no idea who most of the people in these old black and white photos are. My brother ended up with just as many, and his kids have no interest in them.

I also have a really hard time letting go of anything my family gave me when they were alive....parents, two sisters, and a brother. I realized the other day when I pulled on a sweater my sister had given me after she tired of it that it had to be more than 40 years old. Still in good shape, still pretty.

I did give away a ton of stuff to a guy that used to do odd jobs for us--clothes, furniture, bedspreads, etc.--even the wedding dress and hat from my first marriage! He has several daughters. I gave that dress away with no hesitation, but have hung on to my sister's maid-of-honor dress.

There has been a problem in our area with items being donated to charities ending up in yard sales.