"I'll admit I may have seen better days,
but I'm still not to be had for the price of a cocktail,
"(Margo Channing)
I’m not mad at you, I’m mad at the dirt
My sister offered to spring clean my kitchen which triggered my innate worry that the place is a mess. Subsequently I’ve spring cleaned this morning, which was satisfying as it was exhausting.
I’ll add to the blog when something else comes to mind
I find that unless I put on my reading glasses, the dust can be ignored. The mess can be arranged neatly while the kettle boils, and then I can sit down with a cup of coffee and a good book.
This triggered a sweet memory of my very neat and tidy mom. Late in her life, she hired a weekly cleaning lady. Mom always cleaned first so the lady wouldn’t think she was dirty. And when my mom passed away, that dear cleaning lady called me to remind me that mom hid cash in the space between the kitchen cabinet drawers and the floor. In fact my parents hid money all sorts of places. All boxes, tins and other containers had to be checked before discarding. On the last day I owned their home, when I thought it was completely empty, I found a shoebox full of silver coins way back in a workbench drawer. Still wonder if treasure was found by the new owners…
When my grandmother died over £1,500 was found - in jugs, jars, between pages of Bibles, in drawers etc. I think it was what had not been spent of her pension each week, over many years (she was 90+). This was about 40yrs ago, so I dread to think what it would be worth now. Lots of it was no longer legal tender, so we all went to different banks to pay in our share!
After she died we discovered my MIL had squirreled away rolls of cash in the oddest places around the house. Like you. We had to check every single thing - including in the toes of shoes, each pair in its own box, and named! We nearly missed a tin hidden in the folds of the bedroom curtains. In all there were many hundreds of dollars.
Were your sister's feelings hurt when you rejected her help? What if it was her way of being loving and supportive, way to spend some time w you while you are indistress.She wasn't judging, she was caring.
You have a lovely, clean kitchen. Cleaning helps me because then I can feel in control of something, when so much is out of my control. Strangely enough, I thought my home would be much cleaner when I retired but it's not. Maybe I feel more in control of my life now?
John, I am much, much older than you. A recent series of six radiation treatment got rid of my prostate cancer (remember Garry Copper dying of that? probably not), but condemned me to wearing a catheter. I have got used to having it up my penis and now hardly notice it. I can afford to have it changed - in the morning to a smaller leg bag and at night to a larger bag that hangs on my Zimmer frame by my bed while I am sleeping. I could never change the bags by myself, so I much admire you for doing so. Roderick
Been there, done that! I just must tidy, dust, and vacuum before friends, neighbors, or anyone is expected, even the cleaner! Is anal retentive hyphenated? Well done in managing to carry on with aplomb!
Housework...the thing that takes time from proper work!! btw friend couldn't help....it is a stoma he has not a catheter. There is one other...can't remember who though!!
But oh, how we love a nothing blog entry. Allows our imaginations to work wonders - with all the other people here doing exactly the same. The brotherhood of John!
Well, after the medical dramas you’ve been through in the past week or so, it’s hardly surprising there are dog skids you hadn’t noticed!! You’re adapting to the new challenges with your usual “pull up the bra straps “ courage, and all will be well. But it does take time and you need to cut yourself some slack. XX
Virginia , I’ve had a nothing day today…..some shopping with leg bag in situ ….some reading of a new novel REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES, a long chat to the German ( with lots of laughing) and good Eurovision with a gin and tonic
Remarkably Bright Creatures is a delightful story, Everyone I know who has read it thought so. I am looking forward to the movie with Sally Field as the main character - after the octopus, of course.
Housework is never ending. Add pets and housework is tripled. Take care John! The housework is always going to be there. If Janet wants to lend a hand, let her do so. You need to take it easy for now.
I know someone whose husband died and said the only thing that calmed her for some time was cleaning the house. It helped her not to think of her grief and to feel some control in a changed world.
Oh, the shame when we see our mess through others' eyes! Although, I'm sure your kitchen, like mine, isn't dirty, maybe just a little dusty. 😉 xx
ReplyDeleteCheeky fucker..no dust…just Roger’s bum rub marks on the door
DeleteI find that unless I put on my reading glasses, the dust can be ignored. The mess can be arranged neatly while the kettle boils, and then I can sit down with a cup of coffee and a good book.
ReplyDeleteI’ve seen your last home, it was immaculate
DeleteLooks nice and clean to me, John! xo
ReplyDeleteThat’s because there was three hours work involved
DeleteYour kitchen puts mine to shame! So tidy and organized. And obviously clean. Now rest and enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI love the colours in yours dearHeart x
DeleteThis triggered a sweet memory of my very neat and tidy mom. Late in her life, she hired a weekly cleaning lady. Mom always cleaned first so the lady wouldn’t think she was dirty. And when my mom passed away, that dear cleaning lady called me to remind me that mom hid cash in the space between the kitchen cabinet drawers and the floor. In fact my parents hid money all sorts of places. All boxes, tins and other containers had to be checked before discarding. On the last day I owned their home, when I thought it was completely empty, I found a shoebox full of silver coins way back in a workbench drawer. Still wonder if treasure was found by the new owners…
ReplyDeleteWhen my grandmother died over £1,500 was found - in jugs, jars, between pages of Bibles, in drawers etc. I think it was what had not been spent of her pension each week, over many years (she was 90+). This was about 40yrs ago, so I dread to think what it would be worth now. Lots of it was no longer legal tender, so we all went to different banks to pay in our share!
DeleteI wish I’d got that much stashed away veg
DeleteLlynn, lovely story
DeleteAfter she died we discovered my MIL had squirreled away rolls of cash in the oddest places around the house. Like you. We had to check every single thing - including in the toes of shoes, each pair in its own box, and named! We nearly missed a tin hidden in the folds of the bedroom curtains. In all there were many hundreds of dollars.
DeleteI want an old relative like this
DeleteWere your sister's feelings hurt when you rejected her help? What if it was her way of being loving and supportive, way to spend some time w you while you are indistress.She wasn't judging, she was caring.
ReplyDeleteI know Lizzy and you should know me better I didn’t reject her offer, I gratefully declined it x
DeleteBut still...Maybe it would be good to let people help you! They [we] care/ love you.
DeleteShe did bring up a lovely mince dinner bloody lovely
DeletePerfect.
DeleteSparkling!
ReplyDeleteAnd not smelling of dogs
DeleteI wish someone would offer to clean my kitchen! I think I could cope with the shame.
ReplyDeletelol, nicely put
DeleteYou have a lovely, clean kitchen. Cleaning helps me because then I can feel in control of something, when so much is out of my control. Strangely enough, I thought my home would be much cleaner when I retired but it's not. Maybe I feel more in control of my life now?
ReplyDeleteExactly , cleaning for me , IS CONTROL something I’ve lacked recently
DeleteJohn, I am much, much older than you. A recent series of six radiation treatment got rid of my prostate cancer (remember Garry Copper dying of that? probably not), but condemned me to wearing a catheter. I have got used to having it up my penis and now hardly notice it. I can afford to have it changed - in the morning to a smaller leg bag and at night to a larger bag that hangs on my Zimmer frame by my bed while I am sleeping. I could never change the bags by myself, so I much admire you for doing so. Roderick
ReplyDeleteOh roderick , you star x
DeleteI always liked Gary cooper ( who lived with actor Anderson lawer ) for many years
Been there, done that! I just must tidy, dust, and vacuum before friends, neighbors, or anyone is expected, even the cleaner! Is anal retentive hyphenated? Well done in managing to carry on with aplomb!
ReplyDeleteBig hugs!
Thank the lord it’s not just me
DeleteHouse work ? What’s that?
ReplyDeleteLee
Throwing out the empty vodka bottles?
DeleteBitch 🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸
DeleteThat was Lee ….x hic 🍸
DeleteMy deteriorating eyesight means I don't see the bits that need cleaning until him indoors helpfully points it out to me. He's such a treasure. 🥴
ReplyDeleteXxx
DeleteMy sister has just had her cataracts done
DeleteMy husband used to write "Boo!" in the dust and wait for me to notice. Couldn't manage to get a duster. Bless 'im! 😠 xx
DeleteHousework...the thing that takes time from proper work!!
ReplyDeletebtw friend couldn't help....it is a stoma he has not a catheter. There is one other...can't remember who though!!
Near enough gz near enough gz
DeleteThirty comments for a nothing blog entry, fucking blind sycophants !
ReplyDeleteKiss kiss ❤️❤️❤️❤️
DeleteAnd yet here is another - you added to it so who is the sycophant now? LOL
DeleteJo in Auckland
DeleteUmm John that wasn't me as Anon number 1!! I came here in a rush to say... another malcontent eh!
DeleteBut oh, how we love a nothing blog entry. Allows our imaginations to work wonders - with all the other people here doing exactly the same. The brotherhood of John!
ReplyDeletelol cheers Liz 🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️
DeleteWell, after the medical dramas you’ve been through in the past week or so, it’s hardly surprising there are dog skids you hadn’t noticed!! You’re adapting to the new challenges with your usual “pull up the bra straps “ courage, and all will be well. But it does take time and you need to cut yourself some slack. XX
ReplyDeleteVirginia , I’ve had a nothing day today…..some shopping with leg bag in situ ….some reading of a new novel REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES, a long chat to the German ( with lots of laughing) and good Eurovision with a gin and tonic
DeleteRemarkably Bright Creatures is a delightful story, Everyone I know who has read it thought so. I am looking forward to the movie with Sally Field as the main character - after the octopus, of course.
DeleteOH, and by the way, "anonymous" can be a real piece of bitchy work, can't she?
DeleteI say that Joan line all the time when I walk the showroom with my white glove on, and then give a disapproving look.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested to see that you have a bowl full of PEARS, they are something I never buy. I think I should !
ReplyDeleteA good sign that you were up to this task today.
ReplyDeleteNice to know you’ve got it in you. I love your kitchen. So charming, so welcoming. And the flowers are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHousework is never ending. Add pets and housework is tripled. Take care John! The housework is always going to be there. If Janet wants to lend a hand, let her do so. You need to take it easy for now.
ReplyDeleteThat kitchen looks amazing, such a nice kitchen. better than mine looks for sure.
ReplyDeleteI know someone whose husband died and said the only thing that calmed her for some time was cleaning the house. It helped her not to think of her grief and to feel some control in a changed world.
ReplyDelete