progress

I hesitate to say it, but I think the shredding is complete.

Last night we built a large fire and between the two of us, we knocked out nine accordian files of old bills, checks, and paystubs via fire and shredder over the course of about six hours. Being the consummate pyromaniac, I flitted from the one to the other (the shredder, once warmed, only runs a few minutes before needing to cool off again). The fire was burning very hot with all that paper, and I wanted the fire extinguisher to be close by. hobbitt didn't understand my concern. Then, in a moment of inattentiveness, I picked up the poker by the (glowing) hot end. Even in the face of searing pain, I managed to keep the poker on the hearth, and not drop it on the rug or the cat. Even better? No lasting damage. Just very small minor burns on my right-hand ring and center fingers. Not even a blister.

Of course the shredding litter is still all over the floor in the corner by the cd rack. And there are a half-dozen boxes stacked in the kitchen with thrift-shop donations. But the master bathroom is painted and cleaned up and looks quite nice, thankyouverymuch. (Actually I have to thank hobbitt for that. He even mopped the tile floor and vacuumed the carpeting.)

Next I want to begin packing up the table and bed linens that we'll be taking with us. Oh, and interviewing moving companies. And planning our trip to Port Townsend for the close, which is March 7.