We once had around 2,000 books. A lot of them came all the way from Australia in big old tea chests. We have also managed to collect loads through our various studies, interests and travels. I think we could have built an extra house out of them. Most of them have become, basically, decoration.
11 days to go
As we have been preparing to leave for Trosa, we keep coming back to the problem of the books. Will we ever read them? How many book boxes will we need? Where will we put them in Trosa? Will we ever need Cities of Tomorrow as a cure for insomnia again?
Then, suddenly, the two of us became quite savage. Ripping the books out of bookcases, putting them in plastic bags and giving them to the local charity (Phyllis Tuckwell). Bag after bag we have taken. We have ignored the pull of the volumes, putting any sentimentality well behind us as we decimate the shelves.
For me, it has been cathartic; as if I have rid myself of a burden that has kept me rooted to the spot. Over the years I have kidded myself that one day I would read them but, when it comes down to it, I never will. While I have a Reading Hour every day, I exclusively use my e-reader.
Not that we’re getting rid of all our books. I am retaining my maritime library and, of course, my Alices.
Not that it’s just books we’re getting rid of. I have also parted company with a lot of kitchen stuff including my collection of Starbucks mugs. For someone who doesn’t like collections of anything, this wasn’t that difficult. After all, how many mugs can a person use? I have kept two, though.
Funnily enough, while it was a tough start, we have now embraced this de-stuffing with great enthusiasm. The number of trucks heading for Trosa has been drastically reduced as a result.
