Mom leaves, Linda returns

4/23/10 Flower vase, given away to Mom; Seven bags of Christmas items and large box of bows, given away on craigslist

Tonight, as we enter the last 100 days of the Downsizing Challenge, we have downsizing in two parts:

One
After spending five days with Joanna and Chase while I was in Denver, my Mom finally had to return to her own home. As a parting thank-you, Joanna bought a bouquet of flowers, which we placed in a large green vase. That vase, appropriately enough, had been given to us by my parents at our baby shower, when it held an amaryllis bulb. The flower brightened our kitchen through Chase's first few weeks.

Joanna loves flowers, but we already have plenty of vases. Once the amaryllis had gone by, we decided that large vase was a good candidate for downsizing, even if Joanna would prefer to have it stuffed with a fresh-cut bouquet each night. And so, it became part of a small gesture of appreciation for all Mom has done for us this week. Thanks.

Two
We continue to cull Christmas items in The Great Christmas Downsize. We had identified three large bins worth of holiday cheer that A) We didn't want, and B) We didn't think anyone would pay anything for. I put them up for free on craigslist where, unsurprisingly, they generated immediate interested.

When Linda arrived to pick up the Christmas stuff, she recognized me before I recognized her. However, as soon as we began to chat, I immediately remembered her from the hummingbird feeder downsize back in October. She's full of energy and enthusiasm, and it's a joy giving her stuff. Especially stuff I don't want any more.

Plus, if you're after wickless candles, she's your source. Click here to check out her website.

So, a double downsize to celebrate having only double-digit days to go in the challenge. If things get tough on the home stretch, I just may need to call Mom and Linda in for a little help.