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Friday, February 22, 2019

A Time for February

It's during these times, 
the moments between when the snowflakes touchdown, 
one by one building a crystal empire, 
that we find solace and repose.
(View from our front window.)

The long evenings offer opportunity to devote thought and attention 
to subjects of interest.
And the blustery days encourage us to stay put and complete tasks 
that were put off when the weather was finer.
This is when our homes are really our refuge~
not only from the icy storms stirring outside the windowpanes, 
but also from our confinement.
This is why the latest home trends never quite satisfy.
While I might find refuge in needle and thread,
you might find it in a wood lathe or a loom or a tool chest.
We, each of us, have our preferences from the foods we eat 
to the clothes we wear to the homes we inhabit.  

(A closer shot - the dairy barn that was once operated by the college.)

February is the month we really live in our homes.
Being "cooped up" as the expression goes, allows us to see those things 
we've grown weary of and those things we find invaluable.
Why not take the time to pack up the items we no longer find value in 
and ready them for donation (or sale.)
After all, March is right around the corner, and we will be opening windows 
to air out rooms and changing bedding to coverings slightly lighter, 
and preparing for spring.
Just as the buds plump before unfurling into thick leaves and beautiful blooms,
so can we feed the anticipation of spring cleaning 
when our homes will burst but for a moment 
before appearing fresh and light.
Spring cleaning might seem old-fashioned, and it is really,
but certainly makes a statement in a home.  
There are lists all over the internet of tasks to include in spring cleaning.
I get a chuckle when I see things like "clean the bathtub" 
on a spring cleaning list.  
I would like to think this is done more than once per year, but who knows :-)
Some of the things I consider while spring cleaning are:
Dryer hose
Washing machine - inside
Wash walls and baseboards
Wash and/or change out curtains
Oil wooden furniture
Flip mattress
Bed frames (while flipping mattress)
Clean oven
Change furnace filter
Clean out under sink(s)
Wash windows
Light fixtures

Each home has its own features so it is necessary to have 
a list that is custom made just for you.  
There is no sense having ceiling fans on the list if you don't have them.
Now is a great time to create a that list.
To many folks, the idea of a day spent cleaning to such a degree
sounds dreadful.
If you've not grown up with the annual event as routine, 
it might actually sound intimidating.
It's really not so bad,
and the rewards are are tenfold and make it worth the effort.
We appreciate our homes more 
when we've devoted such attention to their care.
If you do practice spring cleaning, 
we would love to hear some of the tasks that might seem out of the ordinary.
Or if there is a particular way you celebrate when finished,
perhaps we too can learn to celebrate that way.
Leave a comment and let us know.

(It got misty at sundown yesterday.)

But wait.
 As stated earlier, this is February.
~February~
Relax.  
Look at how the snow and breeze create designs in the yard.
Pull the blanket over your feet.
Have another cup of coffee.
And go ahead and read another chapter in your book.
We'll have time enough for spring next month.

Keep warm my friends~









10 comments:

  1. This is the loveliest post! I happen to be one lady that loves cleaning. There is nothing more wonderful than cleaning and sitting back to look at all one’s accomplishments with wonderment. I remember when I would stay with my dear cousin and we’d spring clean. Bleaching down all the patio furniture (Florida is very prone to mold because of so much humidity and rain)! Also, organizing all the linen closets. Cleaning thoroughly all the kitchen drawers and spice cabinets. Much drippings and foods. Air conditioner vents from dust. I tend to clean my fridge and stove often. And my tea cup sets. Florida also has copious amounts of dust! I love love this post, it has truly inspired me.

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  2. You are quite the poetic writer. As seductive as you made spring cleaning sound, I still hate it, lol. Will try to keep that seduction in my mind when next going into my sewing room ~ thanks.

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  3. Lovely! I don't like to clean but I like my home clean so I do it! De-Cluttering big time right now. My trunk is almost full for donation. Allowing a bloggy break as reward!

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  4. What a gorgeous misty photo! I just gave my neighbor a few baby items that I had knit. She has friends who are expecting babies. If they don't like the vintage style, I suggested she give them to her six year old daughter who loves to play with dolls and mother them...

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  5. I usually clean my book cases as a spring cleaning chore. Something I don't do often. This is quite the task because we have 9 bookcases. When I do so I take the books we no longer want to the library for their sales. We usually have a little bit of room for more books then. This always makes me smile. Especially when I tell myself that I won't purchase any more books. Hahahaha... Then I reason that I can purchase a new book because I have room to store it. A vicious cycle. I don't necessarily spring clean. I clean when I get the urge. Sometimes it is during the heat of summer or the depths of winter. I have to remind myself to thank God for every little thing I am able to bring in here. I also have to remind myself I don't need anything else.

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  6. I seem to do better cleaning in small bits. Today, I cleaned another two kitchen cabinets. Like Angela, one of my typical rewards is catching up on blog posts.

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  7. I liked your post. Today I tackeled my husband's desk. I shredded two large bags worth of papers. Usually I put them in the compost bin, but everything is frozen down. ImI going stir crazy and am ready to throw everything out.

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  8. I love this post. And the photos of snow.

    I normally spread out my cleaning tasks. Your list reminded me that I need to clean the dryer hose. :)

    Stay warm, Lady Locust.

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  9. Fabulous post! I love what you wrote "We appreciate our homes more
    when we've devoted such attention to their care." And that is the way I view cleaning...not so much a chore as it is showing appreciation! :-) My spring cleaning list is about the same as yours... I try to finish it during a long weekend...and celebrate with a big glass of iced tea...and long hot bath! :-)

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