February, Eagles, and Death Cleaning

In our area, February is one of the months we enjoy bald eagles as they travel the Mississippi flyway looking for food. Although there is not an eagle nest at La Vista, we know these are interesting structures. An eagle couple’s first nest is relatively modest in size. Each year, however, the pair adds on to the existing structure, and after many years of use, an eagle nest can grow to be the size of a Volkswagen Beetle and weigh two thousand pounds!

This seems amazing until we think about our own nesting habits. After many years of life in the same home, we also find them increasing in contents. February, with time indoors, is prime time for tackling the task of downsizing. Before doing so, I suggest reading The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson.

In her international best seller, the author gives practical ideas for sorting through and disposing of possessions so no one else has to. Cleverly written, this wise gem of a book will be a friendly companion as you reduce, reuse and recycle your own stash of stuff. You’ll end up feeling free as a bird!