Clean-up Day

I've been working myself silly trying to get all the mold out of my basement.  In fact, now I'm coughing and having trouble breathing because I inhaled all that mold I was getting rid of.

It's been a very hurried time for me.  In fact, I took these photos around midnight because it took me that long to get everything to the curb.

I got rid of items both inside and out.

Some of the bags were so heavy, I couldn't lift them. 

Dragging became the only option I had, which caused some of the bags to break or tear.

My other problem was getting rid of the tree limbs from the tree I cut down earlier in the spring.  I also got rid of the door going to the closet in the studio.  It had mold on the bottom.

 I'm sure most people wouldn't write such detailed notes to themselves, but I started this list a couple of weeks ago when I knew the trash trucks would stop at my house.  In years past, we have taken a two to four block area and concentrated on cleaning it.  I was SO happy I would be included this time, and began working on a list.  I was also happy I accomplished everything on the list.

Right before I left for the church (it was 7:15 a.m. and we met at 7:30 a.m.) where we met to pass out (and receive) assignments, I decided to take one last look at this mess.  As you can see, the lawn mower and blue cooler are now gone.  As I was taking photos last night, a man in a pick-up stopped by and took the lawn mower and cooler.  He didn't even say anything, even as I was taking photos.

Thankfully, the drink committee was already at the church making coffee for everyone, and I had divided the assignments and routes accordingly two days ago.

Normally I would take my camera, but back then, the camera I owned had a small wrist strap and I could slip it in a pocket in my shorts.  My new camera is too big and bulky, and has a strap for around the neck (which I don't use).   It was then that I decided to leave my camera at home.

 At least I got a few photos showing what a typical street might look like.   I took photos of across the street from where I live,

and from my side of the street.

I was simply thrilled to see so many people had taken advantage of the clean-up.  A separate tire truck came around and picked up over 100 tires.  The tire companies charge at least $10.00 (USD) for automobile tires and more for truck and tractor tires.

All in all, it was a good clean-up, and there was tons of camaraderie during the event.   New faces and old helped make it a true success.

The downside of this is, it took a full day for me to clean one closet (the one under the stairs).    I put everything back in place, and decided I would just remove the mold and clean everything else up later.  So now I'm looking at quite a mess in my basement.  Not a moldy mess, but a mess none-the-less.  I'll probably take some more time away from art to straighten, clean, bleach, and organize things now that I'm sure everything moldy is out of the basement.   If only the rains would stop!

Thanks for visiting today.  I'm actually still quite ill, and it has taken me all day to finish this post.  Again, I appreciate each of you and will be by to visit as time (and my coughing, nose blowing, and breathing difficulty) permits.