After working all weekend clearing out Kate’s room and setting up the work area and the guest sleeping area, Oscar convinced me it was time for a walk.

Ever since Kate moved out, I’ve had the bug to get her room cleaned up and then set up as a workroom. It’s the consolation prize for missing her, right? One of the downsides, for me, and upsides, for her, of moving within the city, is that she didn’t feel pressured to get everything organized in one fell swoop.

I am sure my urge to straighten what she’s left behind is getting on her nerves but I can’t help myself. Our house isn’t large and although I wouldn’t call myself a hoarder, I’m definitely a collector, who inherited the urge and the stuff from my foremothers . . .  As well as the urge to make things, which means I have a stockpile of supplies, and an inventory of things I’ve made . . .

I hope that someday she understands.