Housework: pain or pleasure?

For some people, the title of today's blog may be a challenging one but it's one that has got me thinking.  Now I don't know what got into me yesterday but today found me standing in the utility room, about to put something into the rubbish bin and standing there with a huge grin on my face.  That stupid grin then continued as I wandered into the conservatory and I began to ponder - since when did I start to get such a thrill from seeing order and neatness in the house?  More importantly - how long will the satisfaction continue and will I be able to do the housework needed to achieve this order on a long term basis?  Clearly the answer to the second question will come over time but I am enjoying (gosh this sounds like the X factor) the "journey"!  I also came across this article - which provided the title for today's blog.  It would appear that I am not alone.

So - onto today's activities.  It started with a hoover around - "Flylady" would call it a home blessing hour.  Sadly, however, the brushes of the hoover were blocked so I sat and uncleared them - there was so much dog hair (mainly Katie's it has to be said).  I also cleaned the kitchen window (inside and out) using this foam spray from Betterware.  I cannot tell you how dirty the window was yet a spray and wipe solved the problem - marvellous (yes mother - you do know best!!).



 Then it was a quick trip into Louth to look for carpets for the hall and the lounge.  Thinking ahead to the durability and the cleanliness (see - it's affecting me already) I opted for an oak laminate floor in the hallway which will require a sweep and a damp mop.  I am fed up of buying stain resistant carpets that then stain!  In the lounge I opted for a dark cream flecked carpet which will then have a nice rug on top.  Both will be fitted the week beginning 17th August - not long to wait then!  Is this the time to admit that I have a decorator coming in the week before to paint the hall, the kitchen and the lounge - or have I admitted this before?























After lunch it was time to turn my hand to some ironing (see what non-flooding drains do to a girl - it makes you wash!) before cutting out some fabric for a WI sewing evening.  The evening is not until the 20th August but I have a host of commitments before then so want to get organised.  We are going to look at some redwork and am focussing on a 12 days of Christmas pattern from Mandy Shaw.  Hopefully this collaborative piece of bunting can then be raffled or donated to a hospice.  That reminds me - I have sewn mine but have not made it up yet - tut tut!  UFO's - the story of my life!





Whilst I was cutting fabric I turned my attention to cutting some fabric for a Christmas present.  Clearly I cannot say what it is or who it is for but I love this fabric so must use it!  I don't quite have enough green or orange fabric so am using both and introducing a striped effect - ish!










After walking the dogs and tea, it was then time to finish the Mandy Shaw block of the month that I started yesterday.  I also spent some time looking through my tea towel stash - my "sewing buddy" is bringing her granddaughters to sewing on Sunday and we thought that they may like to make a tea towel bag.



Reflecting on today there has been a lot of "non work" items - it is relaxing to have your house in order and gives you a piece of mind.  I guess that's what I am trying to say.

Lastly -  a little gift from a friend.  Strangely enough I was watching a Colin Firth film this afternoon where he tries to uncover a spiritualist.  Kind of similar!

 

 

 

And - its Monday so its time to play guess the difference.  This time the differences are subtle so not so easy to find:-

 

 

But - hey - the conservatory is still tidy - go me!!