[Wheels hostess trolley in to naughty corner, bearing hot canapes, soups, crusty rolls, salads, various nibbles ...and lots of 
... chats away to Zoolet2 ]
Newcomers > apologies for the blowing of trumpets earlier. To give you some context: I have been on this thread for years and years whinging and bleating about feeling overwhelmed and my lack of progress etc (and all of the fledglings here have listened with great forbearance for which I will be eternally gratefuly 
) and I've finally started to feel that I have cut through the main thicket as it were, and a bit of light is now able to shine through, and I am now a bit more on top of things.
As mentioned previously, it has taken literally years of small steps and routines, and there is still loads more decluttering to do, but as Flylady says, it didn't get in to such a state overnight, so it took quite a while to sort out! The system does work though, if you stick to it! Hurrah! And I can't tell you how good the psychological effects are too (speaking as someone who was formerly quite down in the dumps about it all - you feel more in control of things - calmer - and at the same time, energised - difficult to explain).
Right, enough of "me" "me" .... how are you all getting on?
Pont what a totally fabtastic birthing story!!! At the risk of sounding too much like a cult leader, so glad the system is working for you too! Hope your "inner calendar reminder system" makes itself known soon as well! I would love to have two calm dogs btw, this one is so reactive (owing to his poor start in life bless him) that he barks at the slightest thing which sets one's teeth on edge rather after the fourth courier visit of the day . We are trying to address this and the humping atm [sigh]
Stillliving [Dons dark glasses 'cos I can see your bathroom gleaming from here 
!] Glad you are starting to see dents too! But I'm even happier to hear that you managed to have a rest. You obviously needed it! [Glad ECG/iron levels were ok and hope treadmill test will be too!] Take it steady - it's such a stressful time - and it takes its toll.
I hope the funeral is a comfort to your dp tomorrow - well, as comforting as these things can ever be - and that it is not too exhausting for you.
Try not to worry about your sil - I'm sure a bit of clutter will be the last thing on her mind - and if it is, it shouldn't be [frankly]!!! Will be thinking of you all tomorrow x
Afreshstartplease [proffers footstool and 
and 
]
Fromwestoeast 
for doing exactly the right thing by doing 7 mins here and 7 mins there ! Yes, the clutter keeps returning, but think of how it would pile up if you didn't tackle it every so often? I've been wittering on here for years and years saying "I am just maintaining, I am not yet clutter free" but I have eventually reached the point where the house is running relatively well if I keep up routines/baby-steps etc and I am now unecumbered enough to start on "proper" decluttering projects that will make a difference ifyswim. I promise you it will happen! Good question about loft and shed btw ...I can't say that I have come across any specific references to them on the Flylady website... will investigate and get back to you.
Foxes that's brilliant news about your ds only waking once last night! Long may it continue!! As for crunchy towels - I always td towels for this very reason - so not sure what the answer is. Other than that, could it be that you are using too much powder/not rinsing enough? If so, a little vinegar (the colourless industrial kind for cleaning) in the rinse might do the trick as it gets rid of any excess detergent (it doesn't smell if you only put a little in).
Cag home ed far more important than the dusting!!!
8FencingWire as others have suggested, only advice I can offer is opening window every morning after everyone has showered for the day and again after baths at night??? And I know my dsis moved her laundry panier thing on the the landing because of the same prob ... .
Waves to Babblehag Whoknows and everyone else!!