Small changes, more space. . . . . .

After clearing and cleaning everything on the dresser recently, I decided to
 work on making the somewhat tight dining room a more useful space for
 everyday living,
All it took was some editing, removing several small pieces from corners, 

and then turning the table from being on the diagonal to straight.
I'm so happy with the outcome, the room feels a lot larger.

Have you noticed how corners can often collect things?
 "Oh, just stick it there in the corner, I'll find a home for it later."

When the wine bottles are more than the wine rack will hold -

 "Just put them in that corner for the time being."

'TO DO' file folders, to be read magazines, a handbag, the extra camera
 and so forth. . . . . .all suddenly seem piled on a chair in the corner.

When it came time to eat with guests, quickly hiding things out of sight,
moving chairs about and doing a fast mop and dust in those corners filled
 with furniture items was required. I knew there had to be a better way to
 manage this small room so it could be used more efficiently at any time of day.

Housework is no longer near the top of my list of favorite things to do - how

about you?  If you still enjoy it you are much younger than me and can bend,

kneel down - and then get up again - and push a vacuum cleaner without 
excruciating shoulder pain. . . . . . no matter how many so-called lightweight 
versions you buy! "Oh Bob," seen struggling up the front steps with a large box.
  "Not another Hoover surely."

Yes, I've been offered, and have considered, hiring a cleaner, some of my friends 

already do this. I don't actually hate cleaning because I do love a clean, neat and tidy

home, but having someone else dealing with my 'stuff' has always worried me to the 

point I know I would be cleaning like a fiend before they arrive, then afterward,
 going around checking everything closely and perhaps discovering they didn't do 
such a great job after all!

I'd love to know your personal feelings regarding having a cleaner/cleaning
 service in your home. Do you leave when they come, or watch through a
 chink in the door as they dust your priceless (to you) heirloom bits and bobs?
 Do you hold back any criticism until you can share with a significant other
 because you're scared to chastise the cleaner? Do you ever wonder why
 on earth you're paying for something you should still be able to do yourself, 
without ending up at the back/hip/knee doctor's office?

"Handle those butter pats with care, please."  More bits & bobs!

Of course you don't have to share whether or not you have a cleaner, unless 
you don't mind us knowing. If you do I will probably be a little envious - well 

actually as jealous as all h--l if I'm totally honest here! So, if you do, please give 

me ideas as to how you handle this service when a complete stranger 

comes into your home to work some cleaning magic. . . . . which hopefully

 matches up to your own standards.

I can now keep four chairs at the table at all times.

I can write, use the laptop, enjoy a coffee or tea, read a magazine. . . . . 

. . . . . . and we are eating more meals here now.

Note there's a nice basket under the corner chair - I'll stash my camera there

 because I need to grab it in a hurry to take photos of birds, snakes (click if you 

missed that story) etc. on the front porch to share with you!

Today I've changed the flowers and added gorgeous pale pink peonies from LIDL 

to enjoy this weekend - will share them later.

FYI - for those of you who were so kind to comment on my hair concerns,

It's looking quite gorgeous today thanks to Suzi who worked her magic 

on my tresses!  No cutting, just beautiful color with the help of foils, posh 

products - they do seem to work so much better than drugstore brands - 

 and a perfect smooth, stick straight blowout.  

Yes, the growing longer will continue. . . . . . .at least for now.

Nearly the weekend - have a great one with those awesome Dads!