wring out the old

Started the new year with extraordinary (and highly conscious) virtue, by clearing out my wardrobe and relocating certain piles of clothing which had for a while been decorating the settee in my study. Adieu, tacky theatrical kimono acquired while at boarding school, black with orange lining and golden dragons, which had been serving me as a dressing-gown for a decade or so. Farewell, blue and white peasant-blouse bought on Greek cruise over a decade ago, which I had been keeping partly because "I might wear it" but mostly because I couldn't bear to get rid of it. Goodbye, two woolen polonecks that I bought two years ago going ridiculously cheap in the sales, but never really wore because they were (a) scratchy, (b) handwash only. Bye-bye, a whole tangle of tights and socks which hadn't quite developed holes, but were only a fraction away from doing so.

This was then followed by a healthy walk (carrying four large carrier bags) down to the Salvation Army clothing bins. By comparison, the walk back was delightful.

Actually succeeded at making edible yakitori this evening; my parents were kind enough to ignore it being about half an hour behind schedule. (Threading floppy bits of meat on skewers is harder than it looks.) Used up entire stock of teriyaki sauce, however, not that there was that much in the bottle anyhow. Must remember to get some more.

As beginnings for new years go, fairly propitious.

---

Writing

A man who keeps a diary, pays
Due toll to many tedious days;
But life becomes eventful--then
His busy hand forgets the pen.
Most books, indeed, are records less
Of fulness than of emptiness.

-- William Allingham