Spring Cleaning Tips - Family Memories - Women of Strength

Every spring, my grandmother would make arrangements for me to help her spring clean her home. She had rules for cleaning and they were to be followed to the “T”. It usually took about 3 days for this cleaning to be completed.

 

Something you must know about my Grandmother is that she was and still is a strong lady. She raised 11 kids by herself. My Grandfather died in a truck accident when he was in his 30's leaving Grandma with great responsibilities. She stood strong, never remarried and raised 11 children with honor and integrity. She was a hard worker and is the most amazing lady I have ever known. She never expected anyone to work harder than she did.

 

Now back to spring cleaning. Grandma insisted that the walls all be scrubbed with a cloth. She insisted that all photos, books, furniture and anything else in the room was scrubbed. It was hard work for several reasons. Back then there was no running water, indoor toilets, other luxuries we enjoy today. Yet her home always smelled and looked clean, I knew it was more, it was  home. She had a home that not only looked welcoming but was really that way. She was known for cooking for anyone who stopped by.

 

My Grandmother Fell a few winters ago while taking out the ashes from the wood heat stove. She broke her neck and laid outdoor for hours in the cold winter wind before my Uncle came to visit and found her. This lady not only overcame that obstacle but is driving and living a normal life again.

 

 

 

 

It is funny (not ha ha funny) what will bring back memories to our minds. Things or possessions are not nearly as important as we often think they are. Memories of loved ones and better times can keep us going when life leaves us empty.

 

 

 

Today I have a long line of women of strength as examples to me.  They have set the bar high and I may never be able to reach that bar but I will keep trying. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was reading an email about spring cleaning and my thoughts immediately went to my Grandma. I just wanted to share this tid-bit of information with you.

 

The email I am referring to had many tips for spring cleaning. After these tips they included a link to the following information. Source of the following is: My Weather.com blog.

 

“It’s spring, but you don’t have to scrub your home from top to bottom. The tasks on our 

Store seasonal clothes. Pack away the boots, sweaters and coats – aren't you sick of them anyway?

1. Check your appliances for wear and tear. Also:

   • Fridge: vacuum the coils and clean the drain pans

   • Dryer: remove lint from vents

   • Oven: deep clean or run the self-cleaning cycle

   • Dishwasher: scrub the rubber seal around the door with an old toothbrush. Put a cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack and run the otherwise empty dishwasher through its hottest cycle.

   • Sink disposal: fill sink halfway with warm water and mix in one cup baking soda, then drain with the disposal running

2. Clear clutter. Sort your stuff into piles labeled “keep,” “sell,” “donate” and “trash.”

3. Clean the garage. Sweep out debris and throw away trash.

 

If you have a yard, patio, or deck, think of them as an extension of your living space. Give 

them the same attention you would the rest of your home. When the weather warms up, 

you’ll have more space for entertaining and relaxing.”