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Cleaning Up:  Spring Cleaning  |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 03 2015 : 10:17:41 AM
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Hi girls -
I don’t know about you, but just about this time every year, I’m aching for a change. As I walk through the house, I feel as if things are closing in around me. Curtains have been drawn for months now, keeping out the cold, opening only on those rare days where the sunlight dances through the clouds. Sweaters and throw blankets that once evoked a kind of cozy sentimentality over the holiday season, now seem to add to the burden of winter doldrums. Dust has settled into nooks, crannies and deep recesses unseen to the naked eye, until, that is, light from the evening candles casts a lovely sheen against them. Cobwebs are beginning to shock the ceiling corners… And, let me tell you, they are angry! I swear this morning one growled at me, swaying and bearing its teeth as I defiantly waltzed by. And the air… it’s so stale, indifferent to the chilly bursts of winter that rush the entry upon homecoming. Even the deliciously spice-scented candles don’t seem to break the monotonous weight embodying our rooms. I need wider, open spaces! I need to feel sunshine filtering through the windowpanes! I crave lighter and brighter! The dust must give way to sparkle and shine! Fresh air must flow through our home as a gentle breeze sways colorful flowers to dancing! Time for a change, I proclaim! Time to wash away those winter blues! Time for the weighted darkness to give yield to the joy of the light! I’ll shout it from our wide-open attic window, if I must: It’s time for spring cleaning!
Alas, if only I could devote an entire weekend and accomplish this task in one fell swoop. I started chipping away at my chore a few days ago, but it’s just not happening quickly enough for me! If only I had a magic wand and a dancing broom! If only spring cleaning could be as delightful as pulling out the Christmas decorations and decking the halls! Although measured through baby steps of progress, I must admit I am already starting to feel lighter, happier. Soon the walls will be washed, the windows will sparkle and brighter curtains will frame the soul of the outdoors. No more down comforters, cold floors and silent greetings of falling snow! Lighter weight blankets will adorn our cozy spring beds; squishy soft bright rugs will greet our toes in the morning; and soon the chirping of the birds’ happy homecoming will join our hearts in greeting the day. And, oh! The scent of fresh lilacs will envelop our home with their joyous perfume! Before I know it, my hands will be sinking into Mother Earth, assisting her in cultivating the dazzling array of plants and flowers that she, too, so longs to see!
I suppose spring cleaning starts in the mind, really. I’m utterly inspired by the joyful beauty of what is to come. Sparkling glass, shimmering light, chirping of birds, cotton-cool mornings, and the smell of the earth are my inspiration. Buckets and mops and rubber gloves suddenly take on a Disney-esque quality; I feel like Cinderella before the ball. Suddenly, I will magically swirl around and the house will be fresh and new again! Like the world around me, my soul will be rejuvenated, for spring will have sprung!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on Mar 03 2015 10:21:00 AM |
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AFinkberry
True Blue Farmgirl
310 Posts
Ally
Kalama
Washington
310 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2015 : 11:33:48 AM
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Nini! I know what you mean about it starting in the mind! My mind is still a little cluttered right now, but the sunny days are starting to help!
Here's a chuckle!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb2si7fClqA
If only I had magical singing hypnotist powers! I'd use it on my boys!!!!
Ally
Farmgirl Sister #5672
"There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness." ~His Holiness the Dalai Lama |
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sonshine4u
Chapter Guru
1205 Posts
April
New Prague
MN
USA
1205 Posts |
Posted - Mar 04 2015 : 05:37:57 AM
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It's a great day to be cleaning! Single digits outside and the sun is out making my house just right to get all shined up! Thanks for the inspiration Nini and the working song video Ally was perfect!!! Happy Spring Cleaning everyone! :)
Farmgirl Hugs!
~April
River Valley Farmgirls
Chapter Leader
~Playing in the Sonshine~
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ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4727 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4727 Posts |
Posted - Mar 04 2015 : 06:48:50 AM
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My sentiments exactly Nini! My husband had last Friday off and we washed walls and trim throughout the house. It is quite a huge job when I do the spring cleaning and really appreciated his help. I brought up my Easter decorations yesterday and removed all traces of winter decor from view. The bunnies, tulips, and birdhouse collection that are now out have cheered me up immensely. I am trying not to look at the ice and snow outside my window. It is harder though to ignore our current frigid temperatures. February tied for the 2nd coldest on record for the last 140 years. Not quite the record we like to go for here in the Chicago area (1884 was the last time it was that bone chilling cold).
Stay warm, chin up, get a whip & chair out to show those cobwebs who's boss!
Dawn in IL |
Edited by - ddmashayekhi on Mar 04 2015 12:36:42 PM |
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
6833 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
6833 Posts |
Posted - Mar 04 2015 : 07:21:24 AM
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Nini, I enjoyed reading every word. Girl, when you let your fingers 'rock & roll' across a keyboard they write the most amazing things. You have quite a talent and I want to read more of what you have to say.
Now back to the subject of spring cleaning. I started a couple of weeks ago in my kitchen. Putting all the knicky-knacky little things away that will appear again next fall. In a month or two I will have de-cluttered my house then the cleaning can begin. By summer it will be all washed, polished, and swept/mopped cleaned.
Sara
Walk in Peace - Live with Joy
FarmGirl Sister #6034 Aug 25, 2014 |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Mar 05 2015 : 12:30:14 PM
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Ally! I love that! Thank you for sharing! I think the only rodent I'd like helping me clean, though, would be Mickey as the Sorcerer's Apprentice! LOL!
April - So glad you're inspired... AND enjoying some sunlight! We are just in the midst of dreary days here... Guess that means I don't have to touch the windows yet! I can deal! LOL!
Oh, Dawn - I feel for you... I've got to tackle our walls, too - ugh! Although it's not exactly my favorite task, it sure does make all the difference in the world! The house always feels new afterward! Thank goodness for good hubbies who pitch in! :) Your post reminded me... I have spring decorations up in the attic that I haven't taken out in YEARS! Maybe I'll venture up there this weekend to check them out - after battling the cobwebs, of coruse! Thanks for the inspiration! :)
Sara - Thank you for your kind words! You are so sweet! I really appreciate you, too, sister!!! :) I started with my kitchen, too. Although I scrubbed, I think it's time to give the cabinets a new coat of paint - the white is just not getting white enough! I had to giggle when you said that your kitchen "will be all washed, polished and swept/mopped clean" by summer... With my son and his buddies constantly trapsing through and foraging in the kitchen for snacks, I'll be lucky if all my efforts last a day! It's okay. I just keep telling myself that the day will come and they'll all be off on their own, and I will really YEARN for their messes. I'm cherishing these moments while they last! LOL! :)
Happy cleaning, girls!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13586 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13586 Posts |
Posted - Mar 05 2015 : 1:31:11 PM
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I put away my February/Valentines Day decor and brought out some white/cream lacy decorations with a few little sheep. Also a touch of St. Patrick's Day, which will go away later this month.
I'm STILL in the process of going through stuff . . . all kinds of stuff . . . purging, giving away, throwing away, etc. I've been trying to pare down my fabric stash and have given away a LOT of big scraps. Also trying to sell a few pieces but that is not going so well.
Anyway, working on it . .
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
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Red Tractor Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
6534 Posts
Winnie
Gainesville
Fl
USA
6534 Posts |
Posted - Mar 05 2015 : 3:55:50 PM
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Nini, you make me laugh, Farmgirl!!! Talk about an inspiring call to action for Spring Cleaning!! I dove into that mode last week while my husband was out of town and it felt so good. I hauled off a huge box of stuff to the thrift store and brought out my Easter and Spring decorations. To your cobwebs, we are in the midst of Pine Pollen season and that fine dust is seeping inside like it does every year. Tonight and tomorrow are predicted rain so I hope it washes it down out of the trees. It gets to be such a mess down here this time of year!!
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014 |
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sonshine4u
Chapter Guru
1205 Posts
April
New Prague
MN
USA
1205 Posts |
Posted - Mar 11 2015 : 2:53:50 PM
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Okay--here is evidence that I got something done! First task of spring cleaning was my pantry! I wish I had a before photo, but you'll have to trust me that it was crazy!!! I can close my door, I can find my food, and it's all organized with nothing that's expired! Now to keep it that way!
Working on my desk now!!!!
Farmgirl Hugs!
~April
River Valley Farmgirls
Chapter Leader
~Playing in the Sonshine~
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Edited by - sonshine4u on Mar 11 2015 2:55:00 PM |
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Bonnie Ellis
True Blue Farmgirl
2474 Posts
Bonnie
Minneapolis
Minnesota
USA
2474 Posts |
Posted - Mar 12 2015 : 3:54:29 PM
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April, your pantry is to drool over even without the cleaning. But good for you, you're on a roll.
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Mar 14 2015 : 12:18:16 PM
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I'm with Bonnie, April - your pantry is perfection! Kudos to you, sister! Kudos to YOU!!!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Mar 22 2015 : 12:17:17 PM
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April, I'm with Bonnie, and Nini, my goodness- I could not function with a pantry so neat! LOL. It would never look as neat as your pantry.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3309 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3309 Posts |
Posted - Mar 22 2015 : 1:19:06 PM
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Nini you are a poet.....
I've been getting those pangs as well, but at the moment the thought of cleaning on such a grand scale seems overwhelming to me. We burn wood all winter indoors and the dust is overwhelming not just resting softly on the furniture but deep in the couches and at the edges of the big oriental rug in the living room. As soon as I am able to open my windows wide enough to hear the waves lapping at the shore then I will commence my spring cleaning in earnest. Until then, I will keep the blinds closed and my eyeglasses smudged!
Melody |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2866 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2866 Posts |
Posted - Mar 22 2015 : 2:10:57 PM
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OH Melody.. You are Me
Add in some leaking chimney flashing that has saturated some interior walls, a malfunctioning stove outlet, and a leaking outdoor faucet, and .... Welcome Home!
I may get the house cleaned by June!
The dust is just a science project at this point. How much before it transforms to the next stage of composition.
"We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” – R.R. |
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
6833 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
6833 Posts |
Posted - Mar 22 2015 : 2:16:46 PM
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You know what they say (whoever they are) "I don't mind if you write in my dust ~ just don't date it".
I'm behind in my spring cleaning but that's okay ~ it'll be here when I'm ready.
Sara
FarmGirl Sister #6034 Aug 25, 2014
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth.
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2866 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2866 Posts |
Posted - Mar 22 2015 : 3:01:23 PM
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Oh Sara.. I love you
"We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” – R.R. |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3309 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3309 Posts |
Posted - Mar 22 2015 : 3:15:33 PM
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Yes, Lisa we are indeed "kindred spirits!"
You remind me so much of my sister...
Melody |
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Red Tractor Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
6534 Posts
Winnie
Gainesville
Fl
USA
6534 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2015 : 05:20:46 AM
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You know, Farmgirls, I think spring cleaning is part of our DNA! Last night at my knitting group, the hostess was telling us that she spent the entire weekend and Monday tackling her garage. This week is her spring break from her job and she has plans to dig into every nook an cranny of her house with a vengeance!! We were all smiling and laughing about how good it feels to clean, sort, toss, and recreate. It is down right therapeutic!! It is hard to get motivated when you live where the winter still hangs on, but hopefully April is going to change all of that and make it possible to officially move on to better weather and warm things up once and for all!
Here come Peter Cottontail, Hopping down the Bunny Trail...........................
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014 |
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sonshine4u
Chapter Guru
1205 Posts
April
New Prague
MN
USA
1205 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2015 : 05:29:30 AM
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we got 8+ inches of snow on Sunday...so you are right...it is hard to get motivated when you're still in the tundra...but one corner at a time...right? ;)
Farmgirl Hugs!
~April
River Valley Farmgirls
Chapter Leader
~Playing in the Sonshine~
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
6833 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
6833 Posts |
Posted - Mar 27 2015 : 09:11:09 AM
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The 'throw-away-bug' bit me today. You know when it's just the right time to get rid of all the boxes, peanuts, bubble wrap, bits & pieces of this or that you hang on to just in case you might need it someday.
One big box filled with little boxes and one large garbage bag are now sitting on the curb waiting for trash pick-up today. It's always easier for me to get rid of things on trash day ~ out of sight - out of mind. My little cottage is on it's way to being clean & straight so on good days I can go out there and happily craft to my hearts content.
While I was putting out the trash a city truck stopped to load more fallen limbs from my big oak tree. I thanked the young man for helping me keep my yard clean. When he finished loading the limbs with the big picker-upper on the truck he raked my yard and picked up the smaller limbs that fell to the ground. Made me proud & happy to see a young person do his job well and with a smile.
Sara
FarmGirl Sister #6034 Aug 25, 2014
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth.
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13586 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13586 Posts |
Posted - Mar 27 2015 : 10:23:49 AM
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Sara,
I've had the "throw-away-bug" for months, very seriously. Started last summer with purging, getting rid of all kinds of stuff in my project/craft room, closets, etc., etc. In the fall I dismantled a camper that had been sitting in our yard for years, hauling the aluminum skin off to salvage and burning the rest of it (nasty!), cleaning out our storage shed (what a transformation!) and am encouraging my hubby to load up stuff for the local salvage yard . . . they buy all kinds of metal and pay more for aluminum.
I'm going to have to encourage him to look at another load or two to go to salvage here pretty soon. I have a box partially filled that needs to go to the thrift. I've hauled LOTS of boxes to our three local thrift stores. It seems never ending!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
Edited by - ceejay48 on Mar 27 2015 10:25:07 AM |
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ceridwen
True Blue Farmgirl
899 Posts
Carole
New York
USA
899 Posts |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17077 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17077 Posts |
Posted - Apr 05 2015 : 7:33:00 PM
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Well fiddles,,, I guess that means I need to 'gather up' all these Dust Bunnies and set them free to look else where for living accommodations... lol! We are on a 1st name basis!!!! haha!
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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Simply Satisfied
True Blue Farmgirl
427 Posts
Emily
Montana
USA
427 Posts |
Posted - Apr 06 2015 : 7:00:38 PM
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I got the bug this week. The cleaning bug is always so exhausting but 1/3rd of my house got royally clean today. I even moved the couches and vacuumed under them. I dusted the window sills too which was rather gross after the winter dust and cobwebs. I am washing all the blankets for the beds and throws that are around the house. Tomorrow is the next third and the master bedroom. My daughters are likely on their own for cleaning, it is just too scary in those rooms. I might get buried alive. The garden will have to wait for better weather. It does make the spring cleaning easier to get done when the weather isn't ready for me to work the garden yet.
Emily
Farmgirl # 3591 |
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Marilyn Hartman Sullivan
True Blue Farmgirl
1138 Posts
Marilyn
Oxford
PA
USA
1138 Posts |
Posted - Apr 09 2015 : 12:58:50 PM
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We started a huge remodel last July. Did the outdoor stuff while the weather was good -- removed and replaced doors and windows, built a new wrap-around deck, added a porch, graded away from the basement and added a sliding door, new steel roof -- really big messy stuff! So the inside of the house got some of the drywall dust, etc., when the doors and windows were replaced. Well, then His Dudeness decided that we needed to knock out a couple of interior walls, reverse a staircase and refinish the basement into a guest suite and living area. Oh my goodness! The dust!!!!! I have had electricians and plumbers and carpenters in and out of the house all winter long. Our painter finished sanding the drywall (there's a mess I don't care to endure again!!!) and has started priming the ceiling downstairs. If we can get the plumber to show up when he promises, we should have the main destruction phase completed and the new finishing stages well underway within a few weeks. Spring cleaning has been a losing proposition for me this year, but we are getting there! Every warm day I open all the doors and windows and let the fresh air in. Trying to get ahead of the dust has brought me literally to tears a couple of times over the past few months, but I try to remember that it will be done soon and the house will be so much nicer and it's already a lot healthier since we tore out all the old nasty paneling from the basement and removed all the vermin-infested insulation and ceiling down there. Every time I have to move everything out of one part of the house so we can destroy it -- I mean remodel it! -- I try to throw away as much stuff as possible. I think we are getting there, but wow what a struggle it has been. Looking forward to my floors feeling really really clean someday. (And also looking forward to NOT sharing my bathroom with assorted strangers)
Farmgirl #6318
"Where there's a will -- there's probably a family fight." |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9269 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9269 Posts |
Posted - Apr 09 2015 : 5:50:07 PM
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I have had the Spring cleaning bug for a while. I have managed to take some things to the thrift. Dh made a trip to the salvage yard with stuff that had been sitting in the garage for two years. I have been trying to get that garage cleaned out for more years than I care to mention. So, the decluttering continues and like Sara it is time to get rid of those things "I might use someday". Needing to clean out more of my stash of things in the craft walk in closet. The spare room will soon be occupied and I need to make some room in there. I have been trying to keep up with those dust bunnies keeping them evicted. It is hard with the woodstove still going. I did manage to get rid of some of those evil cobwebs in the corners the other day. I don't know how they seem to appear overnight. Onward and upward in the cleaning up and cleaning out this Spring. Hopefully I'll be done by Summer. Ally I love that movie though I don't think I could deal with rats helping out!
~Denise~
Farmgirl Sister #43
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
http://www.torisgram.etsy.com |
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Cleaning Up: Spring Cleaning |
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Spring Cleaning
