I always get diverted from simply tidying up.

If I have been storing clothes under my bed for the past five years and not worn any of them for that time, they should go straight to the charity shop without any pretence that they might be useful at some unspecified time in the future, shouldn't they? Even the dress that I'm wearing now that would be perfect for a summer daytime occasion where I couldn't have too much cleavage on show but needed to be cool? Not that I've any intention of attending such an event, but STILL.

Is there anything you can do with shoes that are perfectly solidly built but too scuffed to wear to work that isn't just throw them away?

A shortish while ago I sent a load of bras to a charity and sold a bunch more on ebay, and I've just done a large wash of them, and I think I still have about 22. Less than 30's still totally within the normal range, isn't it?

I am going to sort through my books with considerably less ruth than I have previously allowed myself, and firmly expect to have an enormous amount of them to take to bookswaps. In the meantime, if anyone wants these they are welcome to them: (free, inc postage in the UK, postage only outside the UK)

Grown-up books
The Blind Assassin - Margaret Atwood
A Model Childhood - Christa Wolf (autobiographical literary fiction of a German child growing up in Nazi Germany, rather than misery lit, or explotation tale of child model. Unfortunately.)
Late Call - Angus Wilson
Powder and Patch - Georgette Heyer
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Demin (ex-lib)
All the Sad Young Literary Men - Keith Gessen (proof copy)

Children's/YA
The Chocolate War - Robert Cormier
Beyond the Chocolate War - Robert Cormier
The Personal Touch - Caroline B Cooney
Looking for Alibrandi - Melina Marchetta
Degrassi Junior High: Exit Stage Left - William Pasnak

musEYEum

The British Optical Association Museum calls itself a musEYEum! I am very pleased indeed. Furthermore, they are "open to the public most week days and we are delighted that you would like to come and see us". Bless.

I have also decided that anything with an admission fee of over £5 is optional. Up to that amount I am happy to pay even if I don't personally have an interest, in order to support this our nation's priceless heritage etc. I am not, however, paying FIFTEEN POUNDS to see The British Music Experience, even if it does have Humph's VE day trumpet.

Tidying derailed by urgent need to make an Access database of museums in London with address, opening hours and admission price. Because if I don't do it now I won't know which to prioritise while I have weekdays free.