In Which We Do a Great Deal for One Morning

[dancinghorse]

This has been a morning for Productivity. The usual horse chores tend to go by unnoticed--they're daily, they're there, so yeah. They're a lot of work if I stop to think, so I don't. Stop. Or think.

Just as that was getting done, Dolores arrived. Dolores is my Guilty Pleasure: the cleaning lady. I have this deep conviction that I should try to do it all myself, so having someone come in once a month to clean the house feels decadent. Not to mention lazy.

But aahhh, the pleasure of a house that is clean, and not by moi.

Then came a friend to help replace the cover on the hay shelter. I've indulged in those portable carports you can find at Costco--they're very inexpensive, sturdy, lightweight and maneuverable, and they make great shelters for horses, goat, and hay. The downside is that the covers are pvc tarps, and after about a year, they shred. The upside to that is, they are quite inexpensive to replace. It's a bit of an athletic feat--requires a stepladder and at least two people--and that was this morning's project. Successfully achieved, the hay is covered again, huzzah huzzah.

And then I came in and learned how to add text to icons, and finally how to use the LJ client I've been ignoring since I downloaded it. And with all this productivity, I might even--yea verily--work on a book. And wouldn't that be special.

Comments

[sfmarty.livejournal.com]

Been and looked at the pictures. Especially the one of the house. I take it that the two windows showing are the guest bedroom and the office. I hadn't realized there was room for a corral in that area. Perfect! You can keep a really close eye on whoever you put there.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Yep. In the mornings all the crew but da Pook pile up right outside the office window--they're hanging out with Serena's Sancho next door. Pook is in the arena then, standing guard. During the day they swap places.

[maytree.livejournal.com]

>I have this deep conviction that I should try to do it all myself

Arg arg arg! I am glad you ignore the promptings of that particular evil demon and get the help.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

That's what people keep saying about the daily horse chores. Someday I may succumb to LBG (Little Blonde Girl), but at the moment it is entirely mine own.

[maytree.livejournal.com]

Well, but at this point the daily horse chores might be a completely different thing from the dreariness of housecleaning on TOP of horse chores.

LBG ---> LOL

[janni.livejournal.com]

Hey, I know a particular little blond girl who would probably love to do farm chores, should it ever come to that. :-)

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Send her on!

[maryosmanski.livejournal.com]

Next year at this time, when Steve is doing his student teaching, and after that if he gets a full-time teaching job right away, we will be in the market for house cleaning services.

I know I don't have the energy to clean house after a day of teaching, and I am pretty someone who's a beginning teacher will have even less.

[windrose.livejournal.com]

I still boggle at all the things you manage to accomplish, and still find the time and energy to write.

Having a cleaning service once a month sounds like absolute bliss. When I finally buy a house, that is going to be my treat to myself because I know I won't be able to stay on top of everything.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Having someone come in and get rid of the worst crud is a big help. Encourages me to keep it tidy, as well, so Dolores can find the surfaces to clean.

Now to tackle the barn, which badly needs to be excavated, and the storage shed, ditto. Having the house cleaned allegedly means more time for that.

Hmmmm. Yard service next?

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

I am considering a yard service for some major shrub pruning and tree removal. I'll throw in mowing for this year. Maybe after the worst is done, I'll buy a riding mower and maintain it myself.

I don't know how people with multiple large animals handle it all themselves. Two large dogs just about do me in.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Dogs are incredibly high-maintenance. Horses stay outside, which makes them more controllable imnsho. Two not-too-large dogs without issues are all I can handle.

[lagilman]

Oy. House cleaning. Oy. We're splitting spring cleaning up into installments this year... going to attack the family room and laundry room and garage, today.

I don't even mind that, really. I just want the cleaning-witch to come in and take care of the kitchen and bathrooms.

And all I have to worry about its a high-maintenance but very small cat!

[lrcutter.livejournal.com]

Though it's just Mike and I, we have someone come in and clean every other week. We consider it a marital aid - it prevents major fights about who is going to clean what and who does more and who has time, etc.

And go you with all the productivity!

[sfmarty.livejournal.com]

A few months ago I thought about a house cleaner person. There was a woman who lived across the street from me who drove a very large, old panel truck, stuffed with cleaning tools. I asked her how much she charged for cleaning houses. $50 an hour, four hour minimum.

When I finished coughing I quietly went back inside. I have no idea of how much normal people charge, but that certainly scared me off.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Wow, Marty. That's pricey. Around here you can find a good cleaning lady for $45-50 a session. It's usually in the three-hour range.

Good to know I'm not alone in indulging. And for those who haven't quite yet: if you can get a reasonably priced deal, go for it. I still run the vac (with five cats, including three longhairs, I have to), and I do the regular tidying and such, but having someone come in and clean the kitchen and bathrooms is a godsend. It's a lot easier to keep things clean if they're getting cleaned once a month.

[sfmarty.livejournal.com]

There is a day labor group that I have to explore. I bet I can find someone who isn't so greedy. Yes, I consider a 4 hour minimum greed.

But I sure need help.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

I managed to plug into a network. My mom talked to the cleaning lady of the guy next door, who was full up but had a friend. The friend came, did a trial run, proved to be excellent. Then I asked if she could come out here. She would. And so it went.

Do you know anyone with a cleaning lady? That's step one. Cleaning services cost the earth. My mom has never had good luck with them. The private-enterprise version has always been the way to go, she says.

[lagilman]

Sadly, all the references I have are for people in NYC. And for them to cross the river would be... pricy. Not to mention insane.

[sfmarty.livejournal.com]

Only person I know with a cleaning service lives in Santa Clara (Hi Branwen!!)

I will find someone, if I have to corner every woman, or man, loitering on a corner. (just kidding(