I have been ruthlessly culling our possessions (OK my possessions) for months now. I have sold, dumped and charity shopped my way through a mountain of cherished tat and heirloom. Unworn shoes - gone. Vintage coats - recycled. Sparkly evening stuff - mmm well OK, one has found itself wrapped around an old lampshade. I now stand before you with what's left. An old pair of jeans, a cashmere sweater and Birkenstocks. A dump too far perhaps.

I think I took the cull too far the other day as well when a man rang me up, having traced an ad I'd placed to sell three beautiful old 9ft shutters. The result was I sold them to him and regretted it immediately. Not only did I text him but I rang him with a sob in my voice pleading with him to return them. He was oh so sympathetic but no he waasn't going to return them. They are now taking pride of place on some film set. He said that perhaps I should learn to let go. I think he has a point.

I am still mourning the loss of the shutters three days later as I accomplish another charity run. Breaking violently to avoid a cycylist the contents from the back seat fly through the air and I am suddenly dressed in three coats, two handbags and a lampshade. I resolve to keep the lampshade.