A Time for February

It's during these times, 

the moments between when the snowflakes touchdown, 

one by one building a crystal empire, 

that we find solace and repose.

(View from our front window.)

The long evenings offer opportunity to devote thought and attention 

to subjects of interest.

And the blustery days encourage us to stay put and complete tasks 

that were put off when the weather was finer.

This is when our homes are really our refuge~

not only from the icy storms stirring outside the windowpanes, 

but also from our confinement.

This is why the latest home trends never quite satisfy.

While I might find refuge in needle and thread,

you might find it in a wood lathe or a loom or a tool chest.

We, each of us, have our preferences from the foods we eat 
to the clothes we wear to the homes we inhabit.  

(A closer shot - the dairy barn that was once operated by the college.)

February is the month we really live in our homes.

Being "cooped up" as the expression goes, allows us to see those things 

we've grown weary of and those things we find invaluable.

Why not take the time to pack up the items we no longer find value in 

and ready them for donation (or sale.)

After all, March is right around the corner, and we will be opening windows 

to air out rooms and changing bedding to coverings slightly lighter, 

and preparing for spring.

Just as the buds plump before unfurling into thick leaves and beautiful blooms,

so can we feed the anticipation of spring cleaning 

when our homes will burst but for a moment 

before appearing fresh and light.

Spring cleaning might seem old-fashioned, and it is really,

but certainly makes a statement in a home.  

There are lists all over the internet of tasks to include in spring cleaning.

I get a chuckle when I see things like "clean the bathtub" 

on a spring cleaning list.  

I would like to think this is done more than once per year, but who knows :-)

Some of the things I consider while spring cleaning are:

Dryer hose

Washing machine - inside

Wash walls and baseboards

Wash and/or change out curtains

Oil wooden furniture

Flip mattress

Bed frames (while flipping mattress)

Clean oven

Change furnace filter

Clean out under sink(s)

Wash windows

Light fixtures

Each home has its own features so it is necessary to have 

a list that is custom made just for you.  

There is no sense having ceiling fans on the list if you don't have them.

Now is a great time to create a that list.

To many folks, the idea of a day spent cleaning to such a degree

sounds dreadful.

If you've not grown up with the annual event as routine, 

it might actually sound intimidating.

It's really not so bad,

and the rewards are are tenfold and make it worth the effort.

We appreciate our homes more 

when we've devoted such attention to their care.

If you do practice spring cleaning, 

we would love to hear some of the tasks that might seem out of the ordinary.

Or if there is a particular way you celebrate when finished,

perhaps we too can learn to celebrate that way.

Leave a comment and let us know.

(It got misty at sundown yesterday.)

But wait.

 As stated earlier, this is February.

~February~

Relax.  

Look at how the snow and breeze create designs in the yard.

Pull the blanket over your feet.

Have another cup of coffee.

And go ahead and read another chapter in your book.

We'll have time enough for spring next month.

Keep warm my friends~