Ms. Smith goes to – Where?

In another odd turn of events Ms. Smith seems to have been spending her time downstairs as usual but with her Jeep elsewhere. Why could this be? And why is the dishwasher along with other appliances running constantly down there?

Since my son and I are very quiet by habit and I dislike background noise the constant clamor of Ms. Smith's appliances and the constant variations in water pressure did not occur to me as significant until the Jeep disappeared and connections of hers in the neighborhood began asking if she had finished moving.

Is Ms. Smith trying to make it appear she has moved? She had Minion XXXX remove the furniture from the porch so the place does have a sort of unlived in look, or did until I bought two chairs and a small table for my son's use.

But moving necessitates removing ones possessions from the premises and this has not happened. All that clanking and related noise give ample evidence there is a whole lot of stuff down there and it is being used as constantly as ever. Otherwise, why would the dishwasher and other appliances be making their usual noise over and over again?  I would have thought they were cooking for a crowd.  

I was a little surprised Ms. Smith and Jim Heath were heard downstairs without any other minions being present for Christmas. I was not here myself much because I had two events at church which required my presence. We had a lovely Birthday Party for Jesus on Christmas Day! I baked the cake and decorated it at the church the day before because I have no oven.

Moving generally happens over a short period of time, the actual move following a process of winnowing and sorting through items to be either donated, disposed of, or packed as appropriate for where they will be stored or used in the new house or apartment. At least, this is how I pack.

Now that I think about it I realize the Lee – Powers family commented they were forced to start shoving items into boxes nilly willy as Ms. Smith did not seem to think any such procedure was necessary in advance. A daunting thought, but given what I saw coming out of the boxes which had never been unpacked from Ms. Smith's move from California, this actually makes sense.

Ms. Smith complained her 'hired help,' were incompetent. Having watched this move not take place I would have to say the Lee – Powers Family probably did a stellar job in getting things loaded up and on their way in 2010.

Seeing what is going forward here explains things which were previously puzzling.

What if it is impossible for Ms. Smith to fit her 'stuff' into her newly acquired housing on that lovely farm? What is the present minions object to being hemmed in on all sides with the enormity of Ms. Smith's 'stuff?” This is, of course, these are speculations on my part.

Let's, for a moment, revisit the issue of 'hoarding.'

I once said the definition for 'hoarder' should have Ms. Smith's picture added to it. Today I found a very clear definition of the word on the Mayo Clinic site and this provides the opportunity to put these two things together.

From: Mayo Clinic

Definition

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs.

Hoarding often creates such cramped living conditions that homes may be filled to capacity, with only narrow pathways winding through stacks of clutter. Some people also collect animals, keeping dozens or hundreds of pets in unsanitary conditions because they can't care for them properly.

Hoarding ranges from mild to severe. In some cases, hoarding may not have much impact on your life, while in other cases it seriously affects your functioning on a daily basis.

People with hoarding disorder often don't see it as a problem, making treatment challenging. But intensive treatment can help people with hoarding disorder understand their compulsions and live safer, more enjoyable lives.

The site was loaded with useful information including this linked page on:

Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic Staff

In the homes of people who have hoarding disorder, the countertops, sinks, stoves, desks, stairways and virtually all other surfaces are usually stacked with stuff. And when there's no more room inside, the clutter may spread to the garage, vehicles and yard.

Clutter and difficulty discarding things are usually the first signs and symptoms of hoarding disorder, which often surfaces during the teenage years. As the person grows older, he or she typically starts acquiring things for which there is no need or space. By middle age, symptoms are often severe and may be harder to treat.

Hoarding disorder affects emotions, thoughts and behavior. Signs and symptoms may include: [NOTE by MP-F Bolding indicates, boy is this true of Ms. Smith!

• Persistent inability to part with any possession, regardless of its value
• Excessive attachment to possessions, including discomfort letting others touch or borrow them or distress at the idea of letting an item go
• Cluttered living spaces, making areas of the home unusable for the intended purpose, such as not being able to cook in the kitchen or use the bathroom to bathe
• Keeping stacks of newspapers, magazines or junk mail
• Letting food or trash build up to unusually excessive, unsanitary levels
• Acquiring unneeded or seemingly useless items, such as trash or napkins from a restaurant
• Difficulty managing daily activities because of procrastination and trouble making decisions
• Moving items from one pile to another, without discarding anything
• Difficulty organizing items, sometimes losing important items in the clutter (Remember the mail?)
• Shame or embarrassment
• Limited or no social interactions
  

People with hoarding disorder typically save items because:

• They believe these items will be needed or have value in the future
• The items have important emotional significance — serving as a reminder of happier times or representing beloved people or pets  (This does not appear to be Ms. Smith's motivation, but she buys things which look like what her family had and then claims these are 'family heirlooms.' 
• They feel safer when surrounded by the things they save
  

Hoarding disorder is different from collecting. People who have collections, such as stamps or model cars, deliberately search out specific items, categorize them and carefully display their collections. Although collections can be large, they aren't usually cluttered and they don't cause the distress and impairments that are part of hoarding disorder.

Hoarding animals

People who hoard animals may collect dozens or even hundreds of pets. Animals may be confined inside or outside. Because of the large numbers, these animals often aren't cared for properly. The health and safety of the person and the animals are at risk due to unsanitary conditions.

When to see a doctor

If you or a loved one has symptoms of hoarding disorder, talk with a doctor or mental health provider as soon as possible. Some communities have agencies that help with hoarding problems. Check with your local or county government for resources in your area.

As hard as it might be, you may also need to contact local authorities, such as police, fire, public health, child protective services or animal welfare agencies, especially when health or safety is in question. 

(If you donate to Ms. Smith you should check sources so she can receive help!)  

Causes

By Mayo Clinic Staff

It's not clear what causes hoarding disorder. Genetics, brain chemistry and stressful life events are being studied as possible causes.

Hope you have found this both interesting and instructive! - Melinda

Arch-Typical Hoarder

Darlene Rae Smith AKA Rayelan Allen, Raye Smith, Raye Kooker, Raye Dyer and so forth.