Goodbye Stomach Flu

Finally, after a week, I think it is safe to say the stomach flu has packed its bags and moved out of my home. Our little granddaughter brought it to Lar and I... For some reason, it was only the three of us who suffered. The Chris's and Gabe were untouched, and they are very lucky. This was probably the worst strain ever... and it lasted a full five days! A most unwelcome visistor, and the only blessing I could find during that time was that I thought Renee needed a nap more than we needed to go and visit Great-Gramma!!! Nee was cranky, and I put her to bed in spite of her "'I'm five! I don't need a nap! Naps are for babies!" She was soooo grumpy. She was coming down with this flu, but I didn't know it at the time. I am just so grateful we didn't take this to Mom and infect her. I'm afraid it could have put her in the hospital... When several of my friends were here recently I gathered all the implements that were downstairs and easily accessible into a large, rectangular clothes basket, and displayed them. Most of them were handcrafted by my friend John from LeatherThorn Paddles. The ladies were all amazed by the sheer number of implements... and I didn't have the heart to tell them that there was a large storage box upstairs in one of the attics that was packed full of even MORE implements. It truly looks like we have spent a huge amount of money on all these items, but with a few exceptions, they are all gifts. Apparently there are quite a few people in this world who think I am a brat!!!! LOL Now, the thing is... I am such an Angel that all of these implements are totally unnecessary... Lar couldn't use each one of them once in a year's time! I do intend to keep quite a few, but some are simply going to have to go bye bye. I am considering the options.... My favorite so far is having an auction and then taking all the proceeds and donating to one of my charities. I am sure that others of you have had this problem... Implements you no longer use or need... I don't want to insult any of the givers, especially John... (and a lot of his are among my 'keepers', since I prefer leather paddles to wooden ones any day... and the roses he has put on the ones he made especially for me.... well, they almost make a spanking worthwhile because they are so beautiful.... But, as I was saying, I do not wish to insult the gift givers... I thought if the proceeds were to go to a good charity that it might take the 'sting' away...? Any thoughts? Joannie