Books

Back in the 1940s and 50s, Mom belonged to a book club and got a new book in the mail once a month. Those were some good stories; the kind you curled up with on a gloomy day and sipped tea or hot chocolate while reading. I can remember those books lining the shelves top to bottom in our living room on Kilburn Road. They were mixed in with the Book of Knowledge, the Time Life series and a few older keepsake editions.

I somehow ended up with them when Mom and Dad moved out of that house, and they have been on the bookshelves in my living room for as long as I have had that shelf unit — at least 25 years. I’ve read most of them, some more than once. But lately, they have just collected dust.

I’ve been doing some cleaning and organizing in my house the past couple of weekends, and I decided it’s time to box up those books. I set a few aside that have either sentimental or real value (like the Elsie Dinsmore series, a second edition Jane Eyre, and two primers from the early 1900s), but the majority are going to charity or a used bookstore. I also got rid of a 1983 PDR (Physician’s Desk Reference) and a New York Library Desk Reference (who needs those when you have the internet?) I suspect some of these, even a used bookstore won’t take. I wonder if they’re recyclable?

I also packed up my bells. I have nearly 200 but I’m tiring of them and thought I might appreciate them if I put them away for a few years. I placed a few new books, some framed photos and a couple of candles and knick knacks on the shelves. And the toy baskets are still there. The shelf unit looks unusually empty, but rather fresh.

Gee, what will I clean and organize next? This is fun!