Quiet Life Homestead

Cleaning and Such

I was writing in my journal this morning and jotting down some quotes from Larua Ingalls Wilder, when I was reminded of something Deanna over at Abundant Blessings said about how she cleans.  I'm going to try looking at her archives to make sure I'm correct, but what I seem to remember is that she takes everything out of the room, cleans it, then is very discriminating about what she'll allow back into the room.  Deanna, if this is incorrect, forgive me please, but this is what sticks into my head.  Anyway, I've decided that I'm going to try this here at our house.  I will begin with my master bathroom, as it will be easier.  I'll let ya'll know how it works out.  The quote that started this was talking about how we gather items we don't need just like a crow gathers shiny pebbles.  Hold on, I'll go get it so I can do it proper..... "We heap up around us things that we do not need as the crow makes piles of glittering pebbles."  There's more to the quote but this was the part that spoke so clearly to me and my situation.  I'm reading Little House in the Ozarks right now and that's where I got the quote from.

I'm going to check out a different produce stand today, probably on my way back from donating some items.  The produce place nearest our house is very expensive and the quality isn't very good.  I'm sure hoping this other one is better.  Up in Michigan, we were so spoiled.  There was a big produce stand right by the Detroit Airport, I wish I could think of the name of it (produce stand or airport) but it was huge and the prices were so reasonable.  My best friend from college, Tina, who is a Michigan native, took us there once and we were hooked. 

Also today I need to make a run to Sam's, Office Depot or Staples, and Petco.  Actually, I may be able to cut the Sam's trip out if I find what I need at the office store.  As for Petco, Larken's out of treats (cookies from the cookie bar) and I've been ordered to get more. 

I can't find my recipe for making laundry soap so I broke down and purchased some from the store.  We have a lot of laundry to do so I'll be looking for the directions, I know they're here somewhere!  I told Charlie that when we get our land I want a clothesline.  There's just something wonderful about letting the sun dry your laundry.

I also have some Robinson books to print out.  I just found out from the Robinson list that I'm on that you can use Print Shop or Publisher to print the books out in booklet form.  That would save much paper and make things easier - not necessarily on the printing, cutting, and binding, but with the storing and reading.  Right now, I just use whatever's on the Robinson print thing on the cds, punch holes in the typing paper, and put them in 3-ring binders.  The kids see those binders and groan.  I guess they aren't as conducive to comfortable reading as books are.  So, once I finish printing out Cody's next book I'm going to experiment and see if I can figure out how to use one of the above programs to print the books out.

Getting back on task now...........