Spring Cleaning

By Mary Lou Sartor

Warmer weather is starting to return. Paul and I agree, it is time to spring ahead.

It hasn’t been a harsh winter , as some we have known. Still we might need to keep our heavy outerwear handy a while longer. March is a fickle month. April has been known to have weather related surprises too.

I am thinking what I can plant and tend in my small back yard this planting season. I purchase some flower and vegetable seeds last week. One does not want the space to look packed full, cluttered with too many pots and other yard decorations or extensive vines.

Until we can get started on that project outside deep cleaning continues inside. Yes, just like my grandmothers did springtime and fall each year. I do not stretch curtains or beat rugs with a metal beater on the clothesline or use Bo Peep ammonia or Lewis Lye to bleach wood surfaces in our modern bathrooms. I cover cleaning everything including under rugs and pay attention to the cracks and corners.

I take it as a compliment to be called a neat freak and visitors have favorable things to say about what they see here. My treasures from the past and present blend together perfectly , in my opinion. It is what makes this house a home. Each have a memory attached from my store.

Often I read articles that suggest we older folks should clear the clutter. Stop living in the past.

I recently read a book I had in the case titled 365 Ways to Live Cheap, by Trent Hamm.

It is an everyday guide to saving money. It is full of worthwhile information, tried and true.

I agreed with most I read. I had a problem with the cheap chapter on clearing the clutter, downsizing. My treasures were handed down to me or were gifts that I cherish for other reasons. Making money from stuff on EBay or yard sales won’t happen. The treasures I have are like old friends valuable to my family and me.

Yes , we do donate to Goodwill, the Salvation Army and clothes closets, shred junk mail and shop wisely. We live in the past and present and look forward to future days ahead.

And that backyard will not clutter either. Of course beautiful songbirds and busy bees, lovely flowers, butterflies and vegetables are all welcome to visit. It is all good.

Reach me by phone at 317-286-7352.