View Full Version : March Purge
I actually sold the raincoat I had listed on Ebay, so I shipped it yesterday. This made me quite happy.
Louie's shelter sent us home with some of his dry food so that we could transition him, but once he tasted our delectable food, he wanted nothing to do with that shelter food. I offered it up on our FB giving page, and someone who has 4 cats and also feeds strays would like it. It's surprising the things that people will take, so it's usually worth a shot if I'm willing to invest the effort. Oh, and she informed me that she cannot pick it up and I need to drop it off. I'm willing to do it in this case since I don't want to waste the food and it will benefit the cats.
Two punch bowl cups and a flannel shirt that never fit.
I sold DH's Levi denim trucker's jacket on eBay. I'm sure they were going for a lot more money when I looked last year, but I priced it according to current listing and sales prices for $29.99, and netted $21.00 after fees. So it didn't make us rich, but it got it out of the house and brought a little cash in. I had netted $41.00 on my raincoat.
As the oldest is installing new light fixtures around the house, I am getting rid of the old ones. They are all 20-25 years old so they have definitely served their purposes. So far, I have gotten rid of four of them. Two more to go!!
A grocery bag full of paper from files--spent two hours going through old files and getting rid of stuff no longer need. Want to do all the files in my house by end of April and get totally organized with paper.
I decided a couple of years ago that I would not duck hunt anymore. It's something I used to enjoy immensely and have about 40 years of duck stamps from seasons hunted ever since I was old enough. It's probably not culturally acceptable in some groups these days. This month I sent a como jacket and a gear bag to Goodwill. There is quite a bit of stuff left. Decoys, waders, etc. I will keep some ammo, but also get rid of some. On a whim I asked Alexa how to dispose of some shotgun shells. It said something like, depending on how much you have, put it all in a pile, get a fuse, light it, and run like heck. I don't think AI is going to save us. I'm sure the internet has the correct answer somewhere. I just haven't looked so far.
iris lilies
3-8-23, 10:35pm
I decided a couple of years ago that I would not duck hunt anymore. It's something I used to enjoy immensely and have about 40 years of ducki stamps from seasons hunted ever since I was old enough. It's probably not culturally acceptable in some groups these days. This month I sent a como jacket and a gear bag to Goodwill. There is quite a bit of stuff left. Decoys, waders, etc. I will keep some ammo, but also get rid of some. On a whim I asked Alexa how to dispose of some shotgun shells. It said something like, depending on how much you have, put it all in a pile, get a fuse, light it, and run like heck. I don't think AI is going to save us. I'm sure the internet has the correct answer somewhere. I just haven't looked so far.
our city police department always took guns and street drugs, and I would bet that they would take any ammo as well. So check with your local police department.
I decided a couple of years ago that I would not duck hunt anymore. It's something I used to enjoy immensely and have about 40 years of duck stamps from seasons hunted ever since I was old enough. It's probably not culturally acceptable in some groups these days. This month I sent a como jacket and a gear bag to Goodwill. There is quite a bit of stuff left. Decoys, waders, etc. I will keep some ammo, but also get rid of some. On a whim I asked Alexa how to dispose of some shotgun shells. It said something like, depending on how much you have, put it all in a pile, get a fuse, light it, and run like heck. I don't think AI is going to save us. I'm sure the internet has the correct answer somewhere. I just haven't looked so far.
our city police department always took guns and street drugs, and I would bet that they would take any ammo as well. So check with your local police department.
As someone who currently works for a Police Department, you are correct about them taking ammo to be destroyed.
As someone who currently works for a Police Department, you are correct about them taking ammo to be destroyed.
Thanks! I will look into it soon. A few years ago I had an old broken shotgun which was not repairable and took it to the local police. It turned out to be a big ordeal where they asked quite a few questions, copied my driver's license, etc. I called ahead to let them know I was coming, and was told to leave it in my vehicle where an officer would remove it. Two rather unpleasant officers escorted me to my car and I was told not to touch the gun, which had been broken down into pieces, while they removed it. I'm just an old retired guy and hardly look suspicious. I understand the precautions, but it turned out to be an ordeal that soured me on such a thing. I sort of felt like a criminal while trying to do the right thing. I imagine ammo would be different.
iris lilies
3-9-23, 11:42am
Thanks! I will look into it soon. A few years ago I had an old broken shotgun which was not repairable and took it to the local police. It turned out to be a big ordeal where they asked quite a few questions, copied my driver's license, etc. I called ahead to let them know I was coming, and was told to leave it in my vehicle where an officer would remove it. Two rather unpleasant officers escorted me to my car and I was told not to touch the gun, which had been broken down into pieces, while they removed it. I'm just an old retired guy and hardly look suspicious. I understand the precautions, but it turned out to be an ordeal that soured me on such a thing. I sort of felt like a criminal while trying to do the right thing. I imagine ammo would be different.
that is too bad. We had no trouble turning suspected street drugs over to the cops, who just kind of laughed about it. This contraband, found on one of our properties, were faux street drugs made to sell to unsuspecting buyers.
And then, our neighbor in recent years, found an old rusted out hand gun buried in her front yard. A police officer came by to pick it up and there was no ordeal about it.
Roger, is there a rod and gun club or something similar that might take your ammo? Any local hunting group you might have belonged to in the past?
Organized medical records today and have another grocery bag of old bills to destroy. Files fit in a much smaller plastic box now so made closet a little lighter.
I was thrilled to hear that DH has decided to clean up his camera closet. I guess I lit a fire under his butt by saying we can't show or sell this house until some of the clutter in his man space is cleaned up. He said he is no longer using film cameras so will box them all up. I had hoped that meant getting rid of some but he just can't let any go yet. At least they will be corralled into a few boxes.
I was thrilled to hear that DH has decided to clean up his camera closet. I guess I lit a fire under his butt by saying we can't show or sell this house until some of the clutter in his man space is cleaned up...
I have seen a couple of recent articles about a resurgence of interest in good used film cameras and the online auction prices have about doubled for some of the old standbys like the Canon A1. Could be a good time to sell, although I honestly understand wanting to hang on to certain useless items for nostalgia. (It's a problem for me).
The single-lens reflex camera has been around for decades, but its popularity was eclipsed by smartphones in the 21st century. Now, the 35 mm film SLR cameras (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/10/style/street-photographer-jean-andre-antoine.html) are making a comeback. Although they’re widely out of circulation as new products, secondhand SLR cameras are being sold and snatched up rapidly on sites like eBay...
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/14/crosswords/film-camera-crossword-clue.html
Roger, is there a rod and gun club or something similar that might take your ammo? Any local hunting group you might have belonged to in the past?
Thanks. Most of my personal hunting group has retired from the sport, but it got me to thinking that there are some youth mentoring hunting programs I can look into.
For DH, I think it is the hassle factor of listing, shipping etc of his cameras though he has sold some in the past. Easier to put in a box and forget:(
For DH, I think it is the hassle factor of listing, shipping etc of his cameras though he has sold some in the past. Easier to put in a box and forget:(
KEH is a large buyer and seller of used camera gear. They give free quotes and free shipping and have a reputation for being fair and honest. If I were selling camera gear today, I'd probably go that routine. They won't pay as much as an auction site, but much less hassle. I've bought things from them but never sold. Just saying. It sounds like it's already a done deal.
rosarugosa
3-10-23, 7:10am
Organized medical records today and have another grocery bag of old bills to destroy. Files fit in a much smaller plastic box now so made closet a little lighter.
It must feel really good to get the paper monster under control!
rosarugosa
3-10-23, 7:16am
I just gave away some freezable martini glasses that DH got in a Yankee Swap, via our FB giving page. Nine people wanted them, and the woman whose name I drew was so happy and excited that it made the giveaway doubly gratifying.
I am in the process of using the same FB page to give away some bags of roasted chestnuts (PSA: If you want to try something you may not like, don't buy the very large package at Costco!)
Sis and I visited our favorite thrift store for the first time in a long time, and I donated a shirt from DH and a bunch of mugs. I bought a really nice Nordstrom denim shirt for DH for $6.50, so that was a wash, but at least I didn't buy any mugs!
frugal-one
3-10-23, 7:38pm
Costco takes back and refunds your money for ANY item you do not like.
I got carried away with seed starting and need the room so have been clearing out some house plants by giving away cuttings.
rosarugosa
3-11-23, 6:33am
Costco takes back and refunds your money for ANY item you do not like.
I will keep that in mind for next time, thanks. I already offered them and drew a name, so cannot renege at this point.
frugal-one
3-11-23, 7:18am
HEB also refunds for any house brand product you find undesirable. We had company last night and I bought HEB brand of summer sausage that was disgusting… definitely getting a refund. That is one thing about the south… the quality and selection of food is not comparable to the north IMO. Prime example, the only summer sausage on the shelf was the store brand… at home there would have been many options.
Giving almost 80 cans of wet cat food to the neighbor who feeds the stray kittens who live in the woods behind our houses.
Giving almost 80 cans of wet cat food to the neighbor who feeds the stray kittens who live in the woods behind our houses.
A feral cat colony? Maybe that will keep them from eating birds anyway.
iris lilies
3-11-23, 10:31am
Giving almost 80 cans of wet cat food to the neighbor who feeds the stray kittens who live in the woods behind our houses.
Thank you!
rosarugosa
3-11-23, 11:40am
Giving almost 80 cans of wet cat food to the neighbor who feeds the stray kittens who live in the woods behind our houses.
:thankyou:
A feral cat colony? Maybe that will keep them from eating birds anyway.
Daddy has a home but apparently isn't an inside cat. He has a collar on but is always outside. Or at least he was. I haven't seen him in a while so something might have gotten him. At one point he had a pretty sizable gash on the front of his chest.
Mom is a cat that we saw as a kitten during an ice storm. Tried to catch her but she wasn't having it. I think Dad impregnated her while she was still very young. Haven't seen her since the last time I saw Dad which was many months ago.
There were 5 kittens but now only 3. I want to think that someone caught the other two and they are safe inside but who knows. We have a lot of predators living in the woods. Kittens are forever coming into our backyard and playing but our neighbor is the one who feeds them so they come right up to her but no one else.
I do wish she would TNR them so it remains at only 3 cats but I don't think she will. I would be willing to pay half.
Papers from old 401K company. My employer switched midyear to a new provider.
I gave away 3 items to people on my Buy Nothing Group yesterday!
rosarugosa
3-14-23, 1:17pm
I gave away 3 items to people on my Buy Nothing Group yesterday!
Isn't that the best? I feel like it's a quadruple win, because you get it out of your life, someone who wants it gets it into their life, no adding something useful to the waste stream, and it helps build community. :)
I have people coming later this week to pick up an area rug and some books that are from Mom's house. (The delay in pickup is due to weather).
A pair of sweatpants that developed a long tear in the seat. I'm in a stretch now where a lot of my staples are running out, but I have enough alternates to not buy replacements.
rosarugosa
3-18-23, 7:45am
I sold a book on eBay. The amount of money makes it hardly worth the trouble, but I need to do something else at the post office, so it's not too much extra effort.
I listed magazines on my local FB giving page with no bites. I tend to have a more difficult time giving away magazines, which is a shame because they are really good ones with lots of actual content, not just a bunch of ads. I posted on another page which is for more difficult items with a mission of keeping things out of the trash stream, and got quick results for 2 sets of magazines. Nothing yet on the third set, but I just posted them last night, so I'm optimistic. In the future, I will post magazines on that page and not bother with my town giving page.
As paper are the magazines not recyclable?
rosarugosa
3-19-23, 6:59am
As paper are the magazines not recyclable?
Yes, but I would rather see them go to the higher use of someone actually reading and enjoying them before they end up in a recycling bin.
Yes, but I would rather see them go to the higher use of someone actually reading and enjoying them before they end up in a recycling bin.
You have to hope that person doesn't throw them in the regular trash.
Haven't worn makeup in months due to my eczema and don't miss it. Tossed foundation, lipstick and mascara after finding out they contain PFAS. Still have an eyeliner and eye shadow and doubtful I will ever wear them again, but keeping for now.
rosarugosa
3-20-23, 6:24am
You have to hope that person doesn't throw them in the regular trash.
Well I gave them away via a group devoted to keeping things out of the waste stream, so there is reason to hope, but I won't lose sleep over their ultimate fate now that they have left my hands.
rosarugosa
3-20-23, 6:27am
Haven't worn makeup in months due to my eczema and don't miss it. Tossed foundation, lipstick and mascara after finding out they contain PFAS. Still have an eyeliner and eye shadow and doubtful I will ever wear them again, but keeping for now.
I don't wear eye makeup because I've always been prone to blepharitis, and it just isn't worth it to me. From what I understand, you shouldn't keep eye makeup items for too long if they have been opened and used, because they readily breed bacteria.
Sold 2 more items on Poshmark this past week. Had an inexpensive piece of costume jewelry break this morning, so put it in the bag with other broken or no-longer-wanted jewelry. Will either donate or sell it for a DIYer.
Just packaged up two little boxes of books to send to my son and nephew for their children; childhood books belonging to Dad. Gave three more to other son yesterday, along with Origami book I had been saving for granddaughter, and she was already using it while we were there. Box of stuff to the goodwill, including wooden salad bowl, some jigsaw puzzles, and two china bowls that someone can enjoy.
A rug I can't get to lie flat. Left DS a note to see if he wants it. If not to the work dumpster it goes since I think my city no longer takes textiles and it's too big to hide in a bag.
I took 8 items to Goodwill and gave another item away to someone in my Buy Nothing Group. Total for month: 12.
iris lilies
3-26-23, 6:43pm
I have a non functional microwave oven, 8 months old, that .i need to find a way to dispose of.
I have a nice bound five volume set of regional history published 1927. Looks nice on my bookcase, but I haven't read any of it for years. A local historical society would like them as donation and I'll deliver soon. Always a good feeling to find a good home for such things. Books are on my declutter list. I have a box of books for the local recycling center. They pass them on to some non-profit to sort through and possibly resell if there's any value. Books are sort of like dark furniture, there's just not much appreciation for them these days. I have plenty left to fill in the empty spaces.
Rogar, so cool that you are donating them to the historical society. I might do the same with some of the things I am digging up in my yard, although I am keeping the broad axe for myself! At least for now...
I'd be temped to hang onto a broadaxe, too. Nice find!
rosarugosa
3-27-23, 6:11am
That is nice Rogar. I think certain things give one a sense of responsibility to find the right home for them, kind of like my rock collection.
happystuff
3-27-23, 11:08am
I also agree on finding a good home for things. Need to start looking for one (or more) for my massive thimble collection.
IL Lowes will take your microwave. At least they took ours.
iris lilies
3-27-23, 11:42am
IL Lowes will take your microwave. At least they took ours.
wow, really? I will check that out.
I also agree on finding a good home for things. Need to start looking for one (or more) for my massive thimble collection.
Would 4H take it for the kids?
happystuff
3-27-23, 12:55pm
Would 4H take it for the kids?
Thimbles? These aren't sewing thimbles but rather collector thimbles, so I doubt it.
Oh, thought sewing thimbles.
We dropped off our old dead microwave that's been in the attic at least 10 years at Lowe's yesterday...Walk into customer service, drive around to the back of the building, nice kid comes out when you ring the bell and puts it in a trailer outside. FANTASTIC! They also take old phones& chargers
iris lilies
3-29-23, 10:31am
We have spent $35,000-$40,000 at Lowe’s in the past year. Let’s hope they will take my old use microwave. It actually is that all but it’s sparking so it’s dangerous and not functional.
littlebittybobby
3-29-23, 1:45pm
I had an old, dead microwave from wally system, but I repaired it. Got another like it I can use for spare parts when the technology changes again. But yeah---that's what they do to ya. Like rearranging the aisles in the store, so ya can't find anything. See? Yup.
Ours sparked too...that's why we got rid of it.
I have a somewhat large accumulation of mostly e-paper waste with some sensitive information. It will be a chore to shred on my home shredder. Occasionally there is a local collection and proper disposal of such, but it is infrequent. I can't think of another good alternative. Any ideas?
I have a somewhat large accumulation of mostly e-paper waste with some sensitive information. It will be a chore to shred on my home shredder. Occasionally there is a local collection and proper disposal of such, but it is infrequent. I can't think of another good alternative. Any ideas?
Is burning it outside in a fire pit an option? You might see if any of the big office supply stores in your area shred, even if you have to pay for it.
iris lilies
4-1-23, 3:25pm
Is burning it outside in a fire pit an option? You might see if any of the big office supply stores in your area shred, even if you have to pay for it.
Agreed, we would be burning it in the fire pit.
littlebittybobby
4-1-23, 3:37pm
Okay---lotta rtimes the sparking is from the plastic screen over the square hole in the interior that emits the microwaves. It can be clean or replaced, if necessary. It worked for me. Yes--it had thunder and lightening in, when it would run. Replacing that plastic thing cured all thatt. Yup
Agreed, we would be burning it in the fire pit.
No burn pits here. Quick search of office supply places was negative. Rototilling into the garden occurred, but not sure about that either. It might come down to shredding and composting.
iris lilies
4-1-23, 6:43pm
No burn pits here. Quick search of office supply places was negative. Rototilling into the garden occurred, but not sure about that either. It might come down to shredding and composting.
Roger, don’t you have a fireplace? Seems like we’ve talked about this. Back when we lived in the city we burned stuff like that in our fireplace. Now we have a gas fireplace, so no can burn in it.
littlebittybobby
4-3-23, 1:39pm
Okay---I tell you what----what I do is utilize wood pellets as catt litter. I have a wood stove, and burn tree trunks(split), junkk mail, and plastic bottles, and yes---used catt litter. Yup. Just dump the contents o' the box in with some firewood, throw a little unused litter on top w/charcoal lighter, and off it goes. But yeah--Nothing is left but ashes. They go on the compost heap, along with used summertime litter. See?
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