EDDY'S PAGE
by Eddy Robey M.A.

It's that time of year again. Spring is coming, and everyone is busy with cleaning. We are also complaining about it. Although most of us spend an inordinate amount of time in denial of the fact that we are aging, when it comes time to polish the woodwork there is no doubt that our backs aren't what they used to be.

There is a conspiracy theory afloat that the winter dirt gremlins, in cahoots with detergent companies, have mounted an offensive against Baby Boomer women.

Of course, all this kvetching is a marvelous exercise in female bonding. No matter what our disagreements the rest of the year, as spring approaches, we are a team, The United Enemies of Schmutz. Now, all teams need to have group encouragement, and, I have found something to help.

All of us know that one of the most satisfying tasks each year is discarding things we don't need. We always feel particularly virtuous, as the bags fill with old papers and donations for the thrift shop.

Unfortunately, we spend almost as much time deciding what to keep as we do cleaning it. There is always an internal wrestling match, as we wonder if it would be wasteful to discard a particular item.

This year, as always, one of the things to be cleared is the accumulation of old wrapping paper and ribbons from holidays and other special occasions. The way I do this is to make packages of things that I think would be of use to other people I know.

When dusting my books, if there are any Ruthie would enjoy, I wrap them for her. In going through the closet, rather than wondering if I will ever lose the weight to wear a pretty dress, it goes into a bundle for Margaret, who is always five pounds lighter than I am. By turning these objects into gifts, I stop thinking about whether it's possible to wring any more use from them, and start contemplating how nice they will be for a friend. This means that I only keep what is truly useful to me.

The most satisfying packages I made last year were full of old silver serving pieces. Why did I do that? Well, I had been polishing that silver for over thirty years. I couldn't say how much time and energy had gone into getting it shiny for different events, then wrapping it away until the next time. I do know, however, that a lot more went into maintenance than use. Now, those pretty old pieces grace the tables of young women who don't mind doing the work, and are proud of their newly impressive tables.

After making the packages, they go in my car. Next week, I'll drive around for a day and deliver them. I'll have coffee with my friends, and we will be glad to have shared a little break from our labors. Perhaps I'll even help a bit with some troublesome task. They will be glad of their gifts, and I will be pleased to see my old treasures being appreciated again.

Now, not every present will be perfect, but I make a point of letting my friends know that they are free to keep or pass on anything I give them. Try a bit of this friendly recycling. Your house will be less cluttered with objects, and your heart more full of smiles.