All that glitters. . . . . . .

 

Chandelier shadows

On sunny winter morning

Glitter on the walls

Waking up to another bright and beautiful winter morning. 

 I'm thankful.

Nights are getting colder. 

Possible snow is in the forecast for the coming weekend.

Housework v. Decorating . . . . . . .

Thinking back over a lifetime of 'keeping house' while balancing on a step stool 

a few days back, I gave a long hard look about me and wondered about today's 

household cleaning chores, both my own and others. 

With one of the hubby's old white sport socks over my hand, and a spray bottle 

of Windex, I was up here cleaning the crystals and other parts of the kitchen chandelier,

 moving on to woodwork armed with Murphy's Oil Soap - cabinets and trim - then 

washing the floor with Bona and mop.

I used to almost enjoy housework, especially once completed. Looking about and 

seeing the furniture and woodwork sparkle, the lack of dust 'bunnies' in the corners,

 smelling that clean fragrance from the products used such as lemon oil, made it all worthwhile.

Now, I find it hard going. Bending, stretching, the difficulty of getting back up from the 

aging knees, and with the current hip problem, quite honestly, house 'work' has 

become a painful drag. 

So what do I do to make things easier on myself? Hubby helps and would do it all, 

bless his heart, but he wouldn't do it like I would! A maid service would be a last 

resort - I've never had anyone clean my home and don't know if I want that…..yet!

So I'll keep on best I can for the time being.

As for decorating?

That part of keeping house I love. Day to day, week to week, little tweaks and 

changes, redoing vignettes, arranging flowers, moving things around.

However, the big thrust now is decorating for Christmas. 

Thanksgiving is nothing more than moving the pumpkins around a bit - we will not be 

eating here, or having company, and we head to the coast the following day for the weekend.

Digging through the attic areas, on hands and knees, to pull out the storage boxes will 

be the hubby's job soon.

I will decorate as usual, although I don't do as much outdoors with lights any longer.

The faux tree will appear in the gazebo decorated with Nature's pretties I've collected.

I so enjoy seeing it outside the kitchen windows, lighting up the winter nights.

I may look for a small fresh tree for inside, taking pleasure in hanging cherished 

ornaments collected over the years.

The wooden snowflakes will dangle in the dining room window. The candles 

will glow once darkness cools the night, Christmas music will fill the air, and the fire 

will burn in the hearth.

Thankfully 'home for Christmas' will happen as always.

So, what are your feelings about house work and cleaning chores?

Do you enjoy them? Do you have help from a cleaning company, 

and if so, how did you find a competent, reliable one whose employees 

take care of your much-loved, precious things?

Does your spouse/partner give you a hand?

As for decorating, I just know you will soon be sharing your beautiful 

holiday items - this is always such a bright and beautiful time of year - and 

I enjoy seeing all your creative endeavors here on your blogs.