Off and on for over a year now, I have been accompanying Ed over to his uncle's house in New Jersey. I initially thought it was "to help," but I finally understand that really it is to keep Ed company and prevent him from becoming his uncle—who died in the kitchen after all. It may also prevent me from becoming Ed's uncle, who gave the Collier brothers—those world class hoarders who saved every newspaper they ever read—a run for their money. Ed's uncle, for instance, redid the kitchen several times, and saved all the former kitchens in the basement. And then there are the files, floor to ceiling in every room but the kitchen. I come home and want to throw out everything I own. Those office files? A treasure trove of history? Maybe, but if even I don't look at them, why would H want to? You so can't take it with you. Start tossing. We may be having six more weeks of winter, but it's time for spring cleaning.
