With temperatures predicted to dip way below zero (15 to 25 degrees below) over the weekend we decided it might be a good time to find a project to work on inside our warm house.
The one that came to mind was…photos! The ever-looming photos, a project we kept saying we’ll work on when we retire – even after we were retired.
But, at last, the timing felt right.
Since 1982 (when our first son was born) I dutifully put photos in albums in chronological order. I have several mismatched albums of all different sizes, one for each year, through the kids high school years. Then digital cameras became the norm and now photos are stored on the computer.
But still we had a few photos printed, plus my mom had duplicates of our sons that she gave back to us, and Gary’s sister gave us back all the photos we gave her of the kids when they were growing up, and there were stray photos for various reasons in different areas of the house and some old, framed photos to take out of the frame, some very old black and white photos that date way back etc., etc., etc. We had a lot of organizing to do.
So we set up our six-foot folding table in a downstairs room, unfolded two folding chairs, found archival pens, extra envelopes, a scissors, notepad and pen, and started in. We brought everything to the central work station. working diligently for several hours the first day. We stopped for lunch and a quick walk in the subzero temperatures, and then back at it. (Won’t the kids be glad someday!)
The next day we started in again and did get the organizing done, cleaned off the shelf area in the closet where the albums are kept, and put the albums back in place.
Our next step is to go through each album and weed out the unwanted/not-so-good pictures…and who knows, maybe even combine a few albums together?
The next steps may be more enjoyable. However, there are still many hours left on this project…but the weather forecast is for continued cold temperatures for a few more days, so that will be a helpful motivator.
And then there are the slides………
Kudos for tackling this task. I should do the same, but am not motivated. You’re right. Your kids will be happy some day that you did this.
Thanks…it probably would not have happened if not for the pandemic and the frigid temperatures.
I thought people just talked about organizing photos; not actually doing it!! You guys are amazing!!
As for the slides, they should’ve been outlawed!!
I know it’s kind of hard to believe we actually are doing it.
As for the slides, you are right! 😉
I am so impressed. We have boxes of old pictures and movies and “talk “ about organizing but never get beyond that. Other things easily take priority. Now we wish we had weeded them out as we took them. Really admire your perseverance.
It’s a big, big job but I’m glad we’re finally getting somewhere with it.
Good for you! I started this project two weeks ago but then left it. Mostly were the pictures that were those with my parents and their brothers/sisters in them plus grandparents and family friends. I did some also of my treasured four grandchildren and sent some duplicates to them – my daughter said your youngest son went through them three times (birth – age nine). More days to come for the rest.
Yes, just starting i a good step. It’s great your grandson liked going through the photos you sent them…definitely worth your while.
Hi Valerie,
Congratulations on your efforts!
Since my mom died last year – I have been going through the picture albums that she had so carefully put together with pictures and notes on each one so we would know who these people were and the dates.
IT has been overwhelming to sort through – so decided to scan them all and have just about completed this with the help of my granddaughter. Now, it’s just sorting through misc. family history pictures and items and decide what to scan for the future,and how to order the stories the pictures tell.
The time spent on these has been so heartwarming and helped me know and understand both of my parents and step family as well.
I feel so much richer for having had this opportunity.
This is precious Cindy. Thanks for sharing.
It’s wonderful your granddaughter can help you…she’s learning her history at the same time.
This is exactly what we need to do but aren’t even sure where to start.
You’ve given me some good ideas. Now I just need the six foot table and a willing partner 🤗🥰
You can borrow our table Lori! But I can’t help with the other. HA
great job! Impressive!
Thanks Darci.
Yikes, right? That is probably close to the number one job people talk about and avoid like the plague. I am impressed. For now, I am still talking. I hope your work motivates me … not sure it will, though. 😉
Yikes is right, and I understand completely!