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Cleaning Up:  What is your favourite household chore?  |
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ali2583
True Blue Farmgirl
404 Posts
Alison
Winnipeg
Manitoba
Canada
404 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 23 2006 : 3:13:45 PM
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For me, it's ironing. 
I think there is nothing so relaxing as warming up the iron in the evening, putting on some relaxing music, or a mindless TV show, and just ironing. I like that I don't have to think and I can just let my mind wander and I can just make the same motions over and over, back and forth, back and forth...
But my favorite part is that when I'm ironing, my hubby won't come near me (he's always scared that I'll rope him into chores too) so I always have an hour or so just for me. 
"God's gift to you is life. What you choose to do with that life is your gift to God" |
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - Mar 23 2006 : 10:01:11 PM
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I hate to iron! I put it off as long as possible. Sometimes I will put in an old movie and iron away. I think my favorite is washing dishes. It is a good thinking time for me. I have a small spiral notebook on the windowsill that I write different bible verses on. That way I can have a time of meditation as well. I also hate to dust,blah!!!!!!
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Mar 23 2006 : 10:08:38 PM
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I like mending, and like ironing..but I hate doing dishes. how funny. I do them of course, and I make myself keep up so I don't get behind at all. I hate to wake up to a dirty kitchen so I do things late at night before I go to bed. (more of a night owl..not a morning person) My family tends to dissapear when I do dishes so I guess that is a good way to get my "alone time". haha
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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Horseyrider
True Blue Farmgirl
1045 Posts
Mary Ann
Illinois
1045 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2006 : 04:43:29 AM
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My favorite household chore is cooking. I love to cook, and have since I was a little girl. And I love to create my own stuff. I remember when I was in fourth or fifth grade I had the idea of making a pie by pressing some brownie dough into a pan, baking it, and layering in chocolate mousse and then topping it with tart cherries. My mom thought it was awfully rich, but my dad loved it. He was probably being a nice guy about it; it was probably ghastly. I'm lucky that my hubby will eat just about anything I prepare. My daughter had been a picky eater, and it was hard sometimes. She's grown and cooking for her own now, and HA! one is a picky eater.
I also enjoy cleaning stalls. I love making nice fluffy beds for my horses. And hanging out wash. I love putting laundry on the line (in nice weather, of course).
Thanks for bringing this up; it puts a bright spin on some of the everyday tasks. |
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garliclady
True Blue Farmgirl
274 Posts
Reidsville
NC
274 Posts |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2006 : 07:30:50 AM
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I like dusting. I don't get to do it very often, but the whole process is very rewarding. First of all, it means I have to pick up the clutter on top of the surface to be dusted. And then, when the dusting and de-cluttering is done, the whole room feels brighter and calmer.
I wish I could be a full time housewife. I would love to be able to devote blocks of time to a chore. I don't understand the thinking that you have to have a career outside the home in order to be "fulfilled". Making and keeping a home is an ongoing creative project, and who wouldn't want to be a self-employed full time artist?
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2006 : 09:43:34 AM
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I really like to iron, too. There is something about seeing a pile of freshly ironed things that makes me feel like I'm doing something special for either myself or for my family. At times, my husband does his own ironing - of shirts and the like - and he does it without complaining, but when I get up the "gumption" to do it, I know it takes a load off him, and I feel good about it, myself. Also, when my babe was little, I ironed EVERYTHING for him - onesies and all - just because I wanted him to FEEL loved all the time - even if he didn't know it! Okay - so now I don't do that, but just thinking about how I was ironing loving feelings into things makes me smile...
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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_Rebecca_
True Blue Farmgirl
568 Posts
Rebecca
OK
USA
568 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2006 : 7:14:26 PM
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Lately for me it is scrubbing, washing, rinsing, drying the pots & pans. There is something fun about my little scrub brush with the soap dispenser in it. You know what I'm talking about? I never had one growing up and it just makes scrubbing the pots so much more fun. I just squeeze it at the top and soap comes out of it into the bristles. It's round in shape and really easy to use. Then I get a washcloth and I go over the pots and pans real good with it just to get the residue the brush doesn't get, then I rinse, dry and put them away. Usually one by one. I like to feel a sense of accomplishment from it as I go along.
I used to like ironing & vacuuming & dusting, and now I just like doing the dishes, cleaning the bathroom (which I used to hate doing either). I have always pretty much enjoyed laundry sorting, washing, & drying, but not putting away, now I like all of it. I let my son vacuum. I have my niece empty the dishwasher & put clean dishes away. I don't mind taking trash out, but everyone around here helps with that for the most part. I don't mind cleaning out the fridge. I don't really enjoy sweeping or mopping, but I am a control freak about mopping and don't like anyone else to do it.
Also, I don't mind cleaning the bathroom like I used to. I wash my face every day with a baby wipe in the morning before I apply moisturizer and after I use it on my face I clean the bathroom counter/sinks/faucet and then the toilet and then throw it away. I scrub the toilet bowl real quick with the brush. And I will usually spot dust mop the floor in various areas each day. It has become a ritual. Yes, I am strange. 
.·:*¨¨* :·.Rebecca.·:*¨¨* :·.
Wife of Jonathan, Mother of Joel, Caitlyn, Elia |
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Meg
Moderator/Farmgirl True
974 Posts
Meg
Idaho
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2006 : 5:38:28 PM
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My favorite is counter cleaning (kitchen and bathroom sink too). It is so rewarding because they get dirty so easily and only take a few minutes to see vast improvements.
I agree, my least fav is mopping floors! It gets dirty so easily and takes too long to see improvements.
When my hubby and I first got serious enough as to where I might be ironing his clothes, I did so. It wasn't quite up to his standards. He never said so, just took to ironing everything. Works out fabulous for me! I have been passing on that tidbit to all my single friends that might have the same opportunity. It probably only works when your husband actually cares about ironing, which I realize might be kind of unusual. 
MaryJane's daughter,
Meg
megan@maryjanesfarm.org |
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cajungal
True Blue Farmgirl
2349 Posts
Catherine Farmgirl Sister #76
Houston Area
Texas
2349 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2006 : 05:00:33 AM
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As icky as this sounds, I do enjoy.....cleaning the chicken coops! The 'ladies' seem to know what I'm about to do when I arrive at the door. They scurry about jumping and flapping and 'talking' to me. I get to hear all the new gossip and I give them an earfull, too. I love the smell of fresh shavings and hay and they seem to also. As soon as I'm done, they all start scratching at the hay and making nests in their boxes. I swear, I think a few of those girls hold the egg in until they get new hay....They rush to a box and immediatley get a look of relief on their faces. So funny!
Blessings
Catherine
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
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sleepless reader
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
CA
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2006 : 05:28:23 AM
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My favorite is hanging the laundry. I get to be outside and the smell of clean laundry is its own reward! I only iron as I wear something (small, crowded closest makes it foolish to do before) and I hate to dust. Maybe Amie C. will come for a visit! LOL
Sharon
Life is messy. Wear your apron! |
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sqrl
True Blue Farmgirl
605 Posts
Melissa
Northern California
USA
605 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2006 : 10:29:06 AM
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I love cooking and especailly love hanging clothes on the line... I hate doing dishes though. I like cleaning in general, it seems to make all my troubles go away like I'm cleaning them away. I always feel good when I done. I don't seem to ever iron unless it's something I'm making like a quilt or a stuffie.
Blessed Be
www.sqrlbee.com
www.smallsqrl.blogspot.com
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Edited by - sqrl on Mar 29 2006 10:30:17 AM |
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Meg
Moderator/Farmgirl True
974 Posts
Meg
Idaho
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2006 : 10:44:37 AM
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I agree, Melissa! Nothing like being alone in the house and turning up the music and cleaning all of it away. It is very healing! When I have the time.
MaryJane's daughter,
Meg
megan@maryjanesfarm.org |
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2006 : 10:48:13 AM
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I posted earlier that I hate to dust. It only comes back the next day! Anyway, I read the following and am in full agreement with the writer.
"... and I protest that if my furniture ever annoyed me by wanting to be dusted when I wanted to be doing something else, and there was no one to do the dusting for me, I should cast it all into the nearest bonfire and sit and warm my toes at the flames with great contentment, triumphantly selling my dusters to the very next peddler who was weak enough to buy them." Elizabeth Von Arnim 'Elizabeth and her German Garden.
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim
Amie, I like the thought of being a self-employed home artist! ( spin on your comment, adding 'home') |
Edited by - Julia on Mar 29 2006 11:00:13 AM |
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ali2583
True Blue Farmgirl
404 Posts
Alison
Winnipeg
Manitoba
Canada
404 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2006 : 11:17:33 AM
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Julia, that quote is absolutely hilarious! Where did you get it from?
I used to be **so** anal about dust in my house, but over time, I've learned to live with only the smallest little dust bunnies in my house. Especially when I keep the windows open in your house. I would gladly share my living space with dust bunnies, if it means that I get to have fresh air in my house every day! :-p
"God's gift to you is life. What you choose to do with that life is your gift to God" |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2006 : 6:49:54 PM
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i'm loving hearing what "household chores" all you gurlz love to do the 'most'.
honestly can't say that there is ONE favorite .. or any that i dislike. but then, i guess it's cuz' i don't HAVE TO do any of them .. and i don't have a 'set day' where i do any particular household thing .. jus' when the mood hits me .. or the dust gets knee deep!
i like ironing for 'fun' .. starching and ironing olde petticoats or some vintage clothing that i am going to 'display' ... would HATE it if i HAD to iron shirts and blouses!
meg .. more 'husband' advice .. when honey hunk and i first got married .. he had a 'baby blue wool sweater' that he just loved (cuz' it came close to matching his baby blue eyes!) .. HOWEVER .. a 'first wife' knitted it for him .. soooooo .. i gladly WASHED it in super HOT water then rinsed it in super COLD water .. then threw it into a HOT dryer for a long time .. HA! it came out a 'tight fit on a Barbie doll!' ... he insisted that he wash all his laundry from that day forward! (my momma' didn't raise no fools!)
True Friends, Frannie |
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Rusty pins
True Blue Farmgirl
91 Posts
Paula
Oelwein
Iowa
USA
91 Posts |
Posted - Mar 30 2006 : 06:32:16 AM
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Ok......this is weird, but I LOVE changing the beds!LOL I love putting on fresh sheets and blankets. I change our bed 2 times a week and 3-4 in the summer. Only because it gets SO humid here in the summer that you kind of stick to the sheets at night.
THEN, my other fav is hanging out laundry. I get so lost in it, the smell, the warm sun. It's real good for that soul seeking time I guess.
I hate everything else. Period. I need a maid.
"Life shall judge us harshly enough. Let us at least be gentle with each other."
http://www.rustypinsandoldlace.com/
'Antiques & HandMades for your heart and your home.' |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9093 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9093 Posts |
Posted - Mar 30 2006 : 06:43:03 AM
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Rusty
I love clean sheets on the bed, don't like putting them there. Lifting up all the mattress corners to get the bottom sheet on is better then going to a fitness club. I like cleaning and moving things around, I'am talking little things, not the computer desk!! I think I just like keeping house in general, always been a home body, had three play houses fixed up on the farm when I was growing up.
NANCY JO |
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - Mar 30 2006 : 8:21:11 PM
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Alison, the source of the quote it at the end of the quote. When I read it I knew that she was my kinderd spirit! Besides, dust bunnies may be an indangered species someday, and I want to do my part now by letting them alone in their natural habitat!
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Mar 30 2006 : 9:07:46 PM
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I love to dust my floors. I use a swiffer, and it feels so good to see all the dirt that I just removed from the house. I also love to straighten up and put things away, like emptying the dishwasher, or drying the dishes after I wash them. I love to sweep my porch, and cook, and do dishes, and fold laundry. I love to make beds and hang fresh towels. I love to windex my storm door.
I so enjoyed reading the tips above about using the wipes to keep the bathroom counter clean. I do little things like that all day. On my way up the steps, I will use a damp rag or a dirty sock to dust the woodwork as I go. (I have an upstairs laundry room).
I just like cleaning in general. It makes me feel as if I really accomplish something good. The things that get done last are scrubbing the tub and ironing. Thank goodness, my hubby likes to iron while watching sports on the week-ends.
Peace |
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happymama58
True Blue Farmgirl
1210 Posts
Patti
Missouri
USA
1210 Posts |
Posted - Mar 30 2006 : 9:31:19 PM
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My favorite chore is laundry, mainly because while the loads are washing/drying, I can do other things I'd rather do.
My least favorite chore is cleaning the bathrooms. Yech!
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/ |
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sonflowergurl
True Blue Farmgirl
349 Posts
Katee
Tampa 'Burbs
FL
USA
349 Posts |
Posted - Mar 30 2006 : 10:43:13 PM
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I don't have a favorite chore, I actually hate chores! I hate doing dishes and laundry and cleaning bathrooms and changing sheets and dusting and mopping and sweeping.....yeah, I grew up with too many chores, I think! But I do like the effect of a clean counter or the smell of fresh sheets, etc. so I trudge through and "just do it".
Oh to be rich and have a maid to do it all...."just the way I want it done!" hehe
The end will justify the pain it took to get us here. |
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sonflowergurl
True Blue Farmgirl
349 Posts
Katee
Tampa 'Burbs
FL
USA
349 Posts |
Posted - Mar 30 2006 : 10:48:07 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Amie C.I wish I could be a full time housewife. I would love to be able to devote blocks of time to a chore. I don't understand the thinking that you have to have a career outside the home in order to be "fulfilled". Making and keeping a home is an ongoing creative project, and who wouldn't want to be a self-employed full time artist?
I happen to agree 100%! If I could actually spend whole days at home, I'd get LOTS accomplished! (And I wouldn't dislike everything so much because I'd have time to be creative and things would be in order so I could think and relax!)
I do love cooking though (and baking). We usually are short an item here or there on a recipe, and I love to improvise and am pretty proud of myself when it turns out yummy! I also like sewing and creating stuff, but that's not a chore, it's a hobby that I have little time for.
The end will justify the pain it took to get us here. |
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owwlady
True Blue Farmgirl
899 Posts
Jan
Tomahawk
WI
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - Mar 31 2006 : 07:49:02 AM
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| I love to organize closets, drawers, etc. Dust will always come back, dishes will have to be done at the next meal, but an organized closet will stay that way at least for awhile. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and I love to go through my stuff and find things I thought were lost or forgotten. It can bring up fond memories as I touch each item and remember where it came from. |
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Paradise Creek Farmgirl
Farmgirl in Training
21 Posts
Shellie
Oregon
USA
21 Posts |
Posted - Mar 31 2006 : 2:20:09 PM
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| I like washing dishes by hand, when I have time. Most of the time I use our dishwasher because with a 4 year old, 2 year old and 6 month old I don't always get to stand at my sink and wash dishes while gazing out my kitchen window. I also love washing laundry and hanging it out to dry, but I don't like to fold clothes! Our closet space is so little I certainly don't bother to iron unless I am going to wear it that day. In general I love to clean house, but since my children came along, there is no end! Thank God for hard wood floors! |
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Cleaning Up: What is your favourite household chore? |
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What is your favourite household chore?
