Spring Cleaning and a Good Book

While perusing the shelves of the local library one day last week, I came upon this lovely little book entitled Tips from the Old Housewives. I fell in love as soon as I opened the cover and read the words:

"Some respite to husbands the weather may send, But housewives' affairs have never an end."
Thomas Tusser ( 1524?-80)
Preface to the Book of Housewifery

'Tis such a true statement, don't you think? I was sick all weekend, barely slept last night, and yet started about spring cleaning the master bathroom today. I am not a good sitter. Admittedly, I did take some much needed breaks today. I would get very warm from the work, and start coughing uncontrollably. I couldn't even smell the lemon-scented Lysol. But, I cannot lay in bed forever, and so, back to work I went.

I also loved this little excerpt Suitably dressed for the job
"An overall should be worn for housework, preferably with eight pockets for the innumerable articles that have to be carried about. This was one piece of advice given to the novice at doing it all herself. Sleeves must be innocent of buttons, which might make a mark on surfaces and make them look as though they had been scratched by a cat. A print or chintz sun bonnet is useful for protecting the hair from dust. "

The "overall" picture in the book was not at all what we might think of today, but rather a long dress, with many pockets, some even being near the floor-length hem! No, I did not wear one. I wonder, does the two-pocketed jumper that I wore count?

My faithful sidekick, Chester, was by my side as I scrubbed down walls, inside cabinets, and scrubbed the floors. He especially loves to sit on the top step of the stool. I really believe that he *thinks* he is helping!

We bought our home brand new, but did not have it built. We have been here almost three years. Although I do not love the color of the fixtures, I do love our bathroom. It is a spacious 9.5 x 10.5 feet, and is very comfortable for two without being ostentatious. Who needs a bathroom that you could hold a dance in? Certainly not me. I love our double vanity, and the fact that it is set into a corner, rather than the sinks being side by side. The corner cabinets offer loads of storage space. I also love that our closet is off of the bathroom rather than the bedroom. This is quite convenient for dressing. The floor boasts the same bone-colored ceramic tile as the kitchen. Verne's favorite thing is the jacuzzi tub. He uses it much more often than I.

My cleaning tip:
To keep a very sparkly, clean tub, shower, or both: Dry down the entire surface each day after the bath or shower has been taken. This ensures that no mold, mildew, or hard water spots build up. A microfiber auto-detailing cloth is excellent for this. They are sold in a two-pack in the automotive section at Walmart for less than five dollars. The only cleanser that I use on my tub is Palmolive dishwashing soap. This is non-abrasive, and coupled with the microfiber cloth keeps my tub looking like brand-new!