Tammy's Tidbits

Growing up, Labor Day weekend always had a rhythm in our family. My sisters and I would line up our sleeping bags on the den floor, staying up late with no bedtime, glued to the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. Clothes from the past year would be piled around us, and Mom would take stock—what needed repairing, what could be handed down, and what should be donated. Somewhere along the way, that tradition became etched into my brain, a subtle signal that this weekend was meant for reflection, organization, and preparing for what comes next.

Over the years, that instinct has stuck. Labor Day weekend often finds me tidying a kitchen cabinet, cleaning out my car, or re-organizing a bathroom drawer—not because it’s scheduled, but because the quiet of the weekend makes me realize I could be doing something productive instead of scrolling on my phone or watching TV. It’s a small, satisfying way to bring order to my surroundings and start the new season with clarity.

This year, Patrick and I took the tradition to a whole new level. With the sale of our river house closing in just a few weeks, we devoted Labor Day weekend to finishing the packing. For months, we’ve been slowly sorting through the house, making tough decisions about what to donate, what to trash, and what to keep. So much of it we realized could have gone long ago, yet it somehow lingered.

This weekend, we tackled every drawer, every closet, and even the attic. The only things left are a few final trips to move the remaining items into storage, giving us the freedom to focus on finding our next home.

The work has been challenging, both physically and emotionally. Letting go is never easy. But as Labor Day has reminded me year after year, organizing isn’t just about creating order—it’s about preparing for the next chapter. And as Patrick and I move forward, we do so knowing this process is simply a part of the journey to our next adventure.