Tuesday, 6 August 2024

Housework

 


Happy Tuesday!!  It's a bit cooler today. After we walked I did some much needed weeding although you'd never know it if you looked at the state of my flowerbeds. Oh well. I'll just keep on doing what I can.

When my back said enough  I came in and baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies. While they were in the oven I finished the last of the ironing from yesterday's laundry. Ironing is something I don't mind doing.   Gladys Taber once remarked that she didn't understand why anyone found housework boring because as you work your mind is free to wander.  Here's another of her many thoughts on this subject.

Sorry about the large dark font. I have no idea how to change it.

"But housekeeping is fun. It is one job where you enjoy the results right along as you work. You may work all day washing and ironing, but at night you have the delicious feeling of sunny clean sheets and airy pillows to lie on. If you clean, you sit down at nightfall with the house shining and faintly smelling of wax, all yours to enjoy right then and there. And if you cook—that creation you lift from the oven goes right to the table.”

Gladys Taber 

Thanks for coming by. 

21 comments:

  1. I, too, enjoy ironing. I normally watch a bit of television while doing it, but other times I use it as a time to pray or work on Scripture memorization. I need to look up Gladys Taber because her perspective on housework is the same way I view it. I once had a pastor who often said to make sure that you enjoy doing whatever you are doing and I took his advice to heart. It's a privilege to take care of the ones we love. My mother-in-law used to say that keeping house was child's play. She was a dear and I learned so much from her.

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  2. Another Gladys Taber fan here! I read all of her books in the 70s. She really inspired me. Last year I learned she and her partner were, well...partners. I was surprised, but thinking back saw that of course I should have seen that, lol. Back in the 70s I was so naive. Doesn't make any difference, anyway. Her books were a sweet treasure. Especially that recipe book!

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  3. Indeed,
    the results of cleaning and housework are immediate!
    Have a beautiful Wednesday Granny Marigold

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  4. I need to develope that attitude. And really dont hate it...and enjoy cooking if it is something someone actually wants. I listen to audio books as I work...or have computer set where I can glance at videos.

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  5. I never iron. Don't have anything that needs ironing anymore. I didn't mind it when I did it though. I love the feeling of a nice clean house!! You just can't beat the smell of sheets dried outside!!!

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  6. I cannot share this love of housekeeping. Maybe because it doesn't stay done and it is hard to see. I prefer gardening but that is hard now.

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  7. I like those sentiments. Maybe I need to try to find her books. I've always enjoyed ironing. It was my favorite thing to do in the house as a child. I got to do the pillowcases and hankies. :-)
    Blessings and hugs,
    Betsy

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  8. I agree with Gladys. As long as my feet and/or back aren't distracting me, I am usually quite happy as I do my housework. It's so satisfying to make a house a welcoming home to oneself and to anyone else who might live there or stop by.

    Gretchen Joanna

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  9. I like the after effects of cleaning, just the two of us we are not real messy filthy people...good thing:)

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  10. I cannot disagree with any of that. I do love a squeaky-clean house and I'm a fanatic for fresh, clean sheets. I'll change them every three days! xoxo

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  11. Gladys Taber certainly has the right idea! Being able to enjoy housework is so much better than looking at it as a chore.

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  12. I have never enjoyed cleaning house but work on a positive attitude because, after all, we are so fortunate to have houses to clean, bedding to wash, food in the house with which to cook, clothes to wash, and loved ones to feed. It is all in how we view it. We have so much to be thankful for.
    Ellabie

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  13. I do like the result of a day housecleaning
    Windows cleaning is my favourite!

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  14. I don't mind housework I can't say I enjoy it. I don't iron much just my pillow cases and any linen clothes I have usually
    Cathy

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  15. This was such a sweet post. I do enjoy all the domestic chores in running a household and like you said, there are so many instant rewards and all the pleasures of a clean house and good food on the table.

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  16. A wonderful post about the joy of the results of housework! It is a good job, everyone should know, that it is also necessary. Without good housework this world would be so poor! Housework with love makes this world so happy! Thank you for this lovely post!

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  17. I listen to my audio books while doing household chores because I really don't enjoy the chores; but the audio books helps a lot. I find I pay attention to the book more than the chore. Ironing. It's been years since I've ironed. Growing up at home, family of 5 and I did all the ironing as my mom worked outside the house. I swore I would never do it again when I moved out...and I've been true to my word. If a garment needs ironed, I don't buy it. I like what Ellabie has to say above.

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  18. What a sweet post. I love the little picture. I have never minded ironing. I used to enjoy housework more but seems now it is so hard to get down low to dust the baseboards and clean around the toilet, etc. I much prefer hard work outside. :)

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  19. I agree with Gladys. I have a great feeling of satisfaction when the housework is completed and I can look around my home and feel content. I have some clothes that need ironing and confess that I tend to put off that chore.
    We were in Abby on Tuesday and I was surprised at how cold it was when I went outdoors. Now we're home again and the temperatures are rising here and there, too.

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  20. I prayed until I was 12 years old to be a boy, since my generation said women were to have babies and do housework. I despised housework then and now. I do it madly to get it done faster. before I got so old, I used to play loud music, now it bothers me.. the music and the housework. I came from Ginny to see your tea cup collection. Wow! its beautiful...

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  21. I'm reading Gladys Taber's "Stillmeadow Seasons" right now! I remember that passage, I think. She's very enjoyable, esp. when she describes the dogs :) We are still quite soggy with all the rain, and there's no yard work happening yet.

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