True essentials

It has been quite nice staying with my dad, for almost three weeks now.
 I'm looking at temporary rentals in our previous neighborhood in Helsinki, while we continue to search for a house of our own.
Something interesting came up for sale a few days ago, a little under 100 m2 (which would equal about 1000 square feet) log house in a half an acre lot, with pretty good transportation, a bus route close by, and under ten minutes (by car) from my sister's house and two kilometers from the sea shore. We will definitely go see this house next week.

 I went to our old apartment to sort stuff and with windows fully open it was bearable. I even got hopeful that we would be able to keep some of the stuff. Then in the evening I sniffed a book and a cardigan that had been brought from there, and vomited again. Today I sniffed clothing that had been washed twice in hot water, and got nauseous. I'm starting to lose any hope that we could keep much anything. I hoped it had all just burned or something. When I have to see everything and touch it, I start thinking that perhaps we could keep just this, and this... and it does feel bad. But then I remind myself of how much worse things could be. We don't own the apartment, our money is not tied to it, and we don't have to think about renovating and selling or whatever. That is a HUGE relief. It's stressful enough to try to find a healthy place to live. And to replace the essentials, and try to make sure Indiana is not traumatized by suddenly losing her home and all her things.

She seems to be fine and happy though. I took her to her old play group last week and I think I can do it a few times while we live here. The summer vacation starts in a few weeks anyway. I used to think we didn't have much beyond the bare essentials, but now I know what bare essentials REALLY means ;) Funny how your perspective changes like that isn't it? I made a list of what we have now, and of what we need when we move away from dad's house. The list of what we have now - well, the 100 Thing Challenge's got nothing on us, LOL! Project33what?

After purchasing some absolute necessities we have 75 things between the three of us. I have ten pieces of clothing, including outerwear. 33 items seems like a luxury now. I should probably never exceed that amount. I will say that 10 is a stretch though. I wore my dad's fleece pants for a solid week, because, you know, it's hard to shop for pants? Especially with a three year old shopping companion.. And getting HER some pants was a priority, anyhow. I ordered myself a pair of jeans and a pair of wool skinny pants on-line (organic, ethical) and then I just finally grabbed a pair of 5 euro basic black straight legged sweat pants from the big super market that sells some clothing too. And they look heaps better than my dad's fleeces. Which isn't to say much, LOL!

 Starting from absolutely zero, it has taken effort to even get this far. Besides clothing, here is a list of essentials of what we need when we move out from dad's house-
 
A mattress (to co-sleep in, Indiana's bed can wait) 
Bedding and sheets, 2 sets each if there is no dryer 
 Bath towels, 2 for each 
Hand towels for kitchen and bathroom, 
4 Napkins 
 Dish cloth 
Dish brush A broom and dust pan 
A mop 
Toilet brush 
 Glasses 
Mugs 
Bowls 
Plates 
Forks, knives, spoons (I think 6 of each is enough to start with but that doesn't allow for many guests to come over at once) 
Coffee percolator 
Baking bowls (2, used as fruit and serving bowl as well) 
Whisk 
Skillet 
Spatula 
Kettle (preferably 2) 
Colander 
Measuring cup 
Wooden spoon 
Grater 
Large knife 
Fruit peeler 
Pot holders 
Chopping board 
 Dining table and chairs 
 Desk for computer

 I would also soon want to add a shelf for books etc., a toy basket for Indiana, a wool blanket, and later a couple of arm chairs or a couch. So really, besides some clothes and a place to sleep, it's mostly just kitchen stuff. Eating, sleeping, and being warm (and modest) are the true essentials. Computers are pretty essential for us too. Hey, it helps me stay sane ;)

Is there something I have not listed as essential, that you would add? I only listed non-consumables. I will try to scrub our dishes and wash them in very hot water and perhaps we can keep some of it. I will ask dad if I can have a couple of pieces of furniture from here. Like this old desk and chair. Maybe one of the five sofas in the house! We will be okay. Thanks everyone for you comments and support.

I finally got a cord to upload photos to my new computer, so there are pictures of chocolate egg eating from Easter, playing with grandma's old doll house, and some flowers in the garden here. The snow is now gone and we are doing yard work, the summer is coming!