The utility room was next . . .

. . . it contained enough laundry soap, dish soap, scouring powder
and other cleaning products to last me forever . . . (if not longer).

For whatever reason, there were never a washer/dryer in this house
(frankly, I think my Mom saw going to the laundromat as
a way to get out of the house for a few hours of freedom
and talking to other people). When you hang clothes outside,
by the time you hang the last item, the first one will be dry.

So much stuff, so much junk.

I kept some of the cleaners;
some I couldn't tolerate the smell and gave away;
I hadn't the energy to wash the shelves,
but at least the room was empty.

In the midst of all the clearing and cleaning,
I had a house inspection done. Not only did the inspector inspect,
he helped me unlock some windows and the other half of the front door.
which I could not get to open, and he brought over bolt cutters
to open the large gate in the wall around the house
(dozens of keys in the house, none of which fit the padlock).

The inspection came back very good, for a house of this age;
NO TERMITES (YIKES, I said, TERMITES?????)
and only a few minor problems with some electrical wiring.
And a Black Widow Spider web in the garage.
Oh, and did I know there was an
ATTIC FULL OF STUFF OVER THE GARAGE???
(As it was 110 outside,
can you imagine what the temperature was in that attic?
Now THERE's a job I'd never want!)

Assistance League sent three high school guys and two trucks
to empty the attic; I didn't even look at most of the stuff.