Back in my first years on my own I tried the set but the lid would never stay up with it on there and after cleaning the toilet decided that was a mistake to buy that set so out it went. Bought one of the soft toilet seats and they were really nice for cold winter days when I had the heat down a bit lower. Now, it doesn't bother me and I keep the heat higher than in those days now that I'm older. I figure a few more therms of gas are no big deal compared to my comfort. I worked and saved, now it's time to enjoy it. I like seeing the old radiators. There's something comforting about them. I just wouldn't want it for my heat source because around here, steam heat is hideously expensive. I like seeing some of the covers people build for radiators. I guess I find it amusing how some get so worked up over a litter box, most of whom have had diaper pails sitting around, changed their kids on all the furniture, many including the kitchen table, and worry about germs. To each their own I guess!

I am definitely NOT a minimalist! In anything! A window is over my kitchen sink, there are a couple of folk art paper mache sculptures there, about 7 or 8 inches tall. A hen and rooster ceramic figurine that spent many years on my mother's kitchen window sill, a "Thank you Mom" mug my son gave me a couple of months ago, and some ivy cuttings rooting in a glass jar of water. I can see out, over these things, over the patio and into the back yard. The left portion of the sink has a dish drainer in it, there is one of those drying mats on the left counter, and the coffee pot is on that side, too. The end of the cabinet above the left counter has a wooden "A house is not a home without a dog" plaque my sister made for me many years ago. The right side is where I stack the dirty dishes after a meal. Farther over is a selection of often used various sizes of Ziplock plastic containers. The end of the upper cabinet on that side has a framed needlepoint sign, "Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most." Wa-a-a-a-y too cluttered for most of y'all! I can admire pictures of beautiful uncluttered kitchens (or any room), but I would not be comfortable or happy living in one. Different strokes for different folks, right? Rusty

Lots of scissors!! It’s so frustrating when you can’t find any. When my 3 kids were in school they kept borrowing them and not putting them back. I finally made a vow, whenever I couldn’t find my scissors. I’d buy another pair as a spare. I also picked up a few pairs at estate sales. One day as I was moving things out to the garage fir an upcoming yard sale, I took a second look at a large Grumpy mug. It was the perfect size to hold my scissors! It now sits on my desk filled with scissors. My favorites are the 2 I bought at a yard sale from a retired teacher ( heavier with black painted handles). After reading these posts I realize I have others too- 2 kitchen shears, bang trimming scissors, cat nail trimming scissors, various scissors in my sewing box.

dawn, what I was trying to say (and wasn't very eloquent in trying) was that I've encountered people whose "I paid good money, they owe me" or "At those prices, they expect it" attitudes weren't limited to walking out with a bar of soap or a small bottle of shampoo. Hotels owe guests nothing but the use of a room as advertised. For those of you who really want to support a local shelter or charity of whatever kind, write them a check. They can do more with donated money (and probably have more need for money) than donated bars of soap and small bottles of shampoo.