Multiple belongings?

Why do we need to have more than one or two items of the same sort? Yes, it is a good idea to have a spare - for instance I ALWAYS keep a spare iron because if the one being used breaks down and you are on the way to a job interview it becomes necessary.  I know some people would say that I haven't enough faith in the Universe to provide but perhaps the Universe expects me to use a little common-sense?
However multiple pens, (as Birdie said), pencils, other stationery items, spoons, underwear, coats, shoes etc. etc. are the sort of things that you might have found in my house before I clutter-cleared it.
I do have  a lot of bowls and side plates but I am very clumsy and a bit afraid to throw them away however when I get down to two of each (two people in my house) then I will be content just to buy another when breakages occur.

(I have just counted my bowls and I am ashamed to say I have sixteen! But they are all nice so which ones shall I get rid of?  I think I am a bit of a hypocrite!)  Ok, I need help.

Blind Spots

I have been clutter-clearing for years now but it is surprising what your eyes don't see.  For instance - I no longer buy Christmas decorations and gave my tree and ornaments away years ago (I don't see the point of storing lots of stuff that only gets used once a year for a couple of weeks.) Instead, every year I buy dried twigs and seed pods that have been sprayed silver or gold.  As they are not especially Christmassy I leave them in their vases all year round. This is just one of my blind-spots as looking for something to clear out last week I suddenly realised that I had three tall vases of dead stuff that I never looked at and didn't especially like!  So into the dustbin went all the grotty, dusty stuff (no-one seemed to want my old, dead flowers!)  My mantelpieces look so much nicer free of clutter.
When you have cleared a lot of stuff away what is left is either essentials or complete rubbish which you haven't yet identified as such and that needs a long hard look at and perhaps a bit of lateral thinking.
I am now looking around for my next blind-spot (I hope it doesn't turn out to be the dog or cats!!)

In The Garden

I have had a wonderful weekend spending most of my time in the garden.  I prepared lots of pots on my patio for growing vegetables as hopefully I will become more self-sufficient.  I am going to grow the veg near the back door as my garden suffers from lots of slugs and snails and I haven't always got to urge to go slug hunting at night.
I have a large planter with Pink Fir Apple potatoes in it and am adding more soil as they grow (you are meant to get a bumper crop but we will see!) I have an apple tree and a large clump of rhubarb and lots of herbs and garlic actually in the garden as the slugs don't like them. but have sown parsley, chives and dill on the patio. I have also used some of the large pots to try to grow courgettes.  I never seem to have enough space for them but hopefully one in a pot might be ok.
Lets hope this glorious weather continues but we could do with a few down-pours overnight.
Happy gardening.

Collections

Why do people collect things? Especially useless things?  I know that when I was much younger I collected stamps, match box covers, vegetable labels and elephants?!  Funnily enough though, I soon got fed up with a collection and would pare it down to just the most beautiful or interesting items so even then I must have had a leaning towards minimalism.
I don't collect any useless things nowadays but I do collect DVDs, CDs and books.  I have dealt with the CD collection by putting all my music onto my computer and donating the CDs  to charity.  I have bought a Kindle and so I don't actually buy any new books (most of my Kindle books are free) unless I see a particular book that I want in a charity shop.  I am gradually reading the books I do have and deciding straight away if I will ever want to read it again and then passing it on.
As to DVDs: I have hundreds and they do represent a lot of money but I no longer buy any unless it is something very special; instead I belong to a rental thing which is pretty cheap.  However I am having fun by watching my DVDs gradually and then, like with the books, deciding if I will ever want to watch them again and passing them on.  It is amazing the stuff that has been hidden on the shelves for so long so is a bit of an adventure making a random choice.  It is also amazing how a film from years ago which was so wonderful now looks dated and badly acted.  Only got about 200 more to watch and a very tall book shelf of books but at least NO MORE is coming in!  Have a good Easter holiday.

Electricity

Trying to live frugally now that I am semi-retired has brought up a big problem: using more electricity.  When I was working full time I only hoovered on Saturday and baked at the weekend but now that I am looking at dirty and dusty carpets and floors every day I am getting the Dyson out much more.
I recently changed  my electricicty and gas supplier to one who was slightly cheaper but who gives Tesco club card points but if I use more it won't change anything.
I have started making my own bread as well and am baking more cakes. I don't think they are much cheaper than shop bought but at least I know what is in them and they are certainly much nicer so I don't think that is too much of a problem.
No, it is the cleaning that I will have to address.  I love my house looking so tidy now and don't have to fear unexpected visitors so perhaps I will have to get more Victorian and sweep the carpets and floors!  Will let you know what happens.

My very first post!

I have never posted before so hope that this will not be too boring.  The sun is shining and the birds are singing and I am getting ready to go into my garden and see what has grown overnight.  Since February of this year I have been living very frugally as have next to no money coming in but I am finding it very exciting! 
I want this blog to show others that you can be happy without all the conventional trappings of life which cost such a lot of money to keep up.  I don't own a car which frankly I find liberating: no petrol costs, no insurance, no tax etc.  Getting on public transport  is an adventure in itself.  It is amazing how quickly you make friends with people who travel the same route as you and the bus drivers in my area are friendly and funny.  Unfortunately, I am not old enough to get a free bus pass so I do have to plan my trips carefully but I try to walk when I can.
I am also heavily into minimalism and chuck at least one thing away a day.
One day I shall have that clutter-free, white-walled, minimalist home but everyone I know thinks I am mad.
That is why I want to put my thoughts down as there is really no-one I know who is interested.
There! This is my first blog and I shall be very surprised if anyone reads  it but I did enjoy writing it!