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A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....03-1-06....Housecleaning Avoidus
The school of Hard Knocks | March 1, 2006 | Dolly Howard

Posted on 03/01/2006 5:56:42 AM PST by DollyCali



A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day
Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.
A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.
On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY
If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.
We're having fun and hope you are!

~ Billie, Dutchess, DollyCali, Mama_Bear, GodBlessUSA ~




Ah the joys of cleaning a house…Let me count the ways…../sarcasm

To what shall I compare it? A root canal? A major sunburn on your whole body when you fell asleep for two hours in the tanning table w/o timer? A huge zit on your nose for your senior prom? Liver for your birthday dinner? Looking at pictures of x42? Of sKerry? Or Sheenhan?

I recall the white glove inspections when I was in the Navy. Now a yardstick is the guideline. If you don’t understand this, you are to be commended. There is Housework Avoidus… and the chronic condition: Housework Avoiditis. It is really NOT a bad/deadly condition - just a frustrating one.

Now Free Republic has given a new purpose to life & PRIORITIES, hasn’t it? Should we put off friendship & being informed & getting involved for ….for Housework ?

I think not.

Free Republic has given so much perspective to me with my homemaking chores. How many days can you go without doing dishes? Then when dishes are gone, dig out the paper plates… when they are gone having take-out? And then when money for take-out is gone, deciding to fast a day or two?

How many pots & pans can you burn up as you forget about the “whatever” on the stove as you get into one of Howlin’s live threads, the Tony Snow daily thread? The fun troll thread complete with 35,000 keywords awaits along with Monkey Face, Irish_Thatcherite, & darksheare! Or save toons from Pookie18’s daily offerings? At ATRW you get the latest weather & political essay from the Chair & keep up with all the news of your buddies…Of course the Dose must be checked & pictures saved - ohioWfan, Snugs, MJY1288 and others work VERY hard to give us these offerings. HOW INSULTING TO THEM TO PUT vacuuming before them!. At a word of the Day you find the latest poetry from our own Nicknamed Bob.. And of course always a cute kitty pix along the way. PLUS it is educational. Where else will you find a word to use that 95% of the people you know will not know? And of course the one stop place for news is Gucho’s Operation Phantom Fury… ah, I am salivating now thinking of all the fun awaiting. Clean? Ridiculous!




I personally have destroyed beyond use 9 pans in calendar year 2005. And I am talking about Farberware & GOOD pans…not the el cheapos. I kept them in a box in garage to maybe “clean up” - eventually. Feb 3 they all went into the garbage. Most had a layer of carbon so thick I could not chisel it off. Remnants of spaghetti sauce, homemade soup, linguine, sautéed onions …. Just a few of the treasures lost forever in the pans innards. Feb 8 they were replaced by a brand new set of gorgeous ,expensive (for me) pans from Sam’s club. Thus far NON are burned up. Well, that is because thus far NONE have been used.

Even though I have a virus check & many spy ware programs, I am convinced there is some “code” in my computer that will not allow me to leave even when I try. Rather like a magnet that affixes to my blood stream? I am hoping to solve this & perhaps win a Nobel prize.

Ah to be like The Raven, dog, Paul_Denton, pcottraux and many others - too busy with bachelorhood joys…. single life of fun & games of checking out the gals, in addition to looking for a house, burying dead fish, drawing cartoons --- why on earth clean?… At least THEY have a good excuse.

Pets add another dimension to this task called Housework. Taking the dogs out for potty & then major walks surely is more important than a clean house. The litter & potty centers for cats must be attended to.. Or else. What is “or else? “ From experience. The potty location will change from the litter area to your closet, bathtub, bed, sofa, linen closet, shoes left out (do they ever get put away?).
You can have every dish in the house dirty & Mount Laundry(penned from Iowa Granny ) up to the ceiling but heaven help you…CLEAN THE CAT BOX

Some Freepers like Lysie & Hair of the Dog also have horses! My what opportunities they provide (I am guessing) to avoid housework. Need to ride them, groom them, get feed, straw/hay(what do you get) for them. Clean the stalls? Think I would rather do dishes personally.




For those happy home makers & stay at home mom’s how many excuses can you have for not having a meal ready?

Headaches -- For 9 weeks?

Broken stove -- unplug it or throw the circuit breaker

cut hand? -- until someone demands to see what is under the Band-Aid!

Devoted day to prayer & meditation… might work.

How many excuses can you have for no clean underwear & towels for your gang?

Headaches? See above

Broken washer/drier? See above

Allergy to soaps… you can milk this one with practice.

Students like Tuliptree76, ilovew; apackof2; jemian;s terror.. School work MUST come before cleaning forgoodnesssakes.


Vacuuming & dusting are some interesting tasks.. Boring as all get out & disgusting but interesting. How so ? Well, the challenges are mammoth in the DollyCali household. In the garage now are 9 vacuum cleaners all NOT working. ALL FAIRLY NEW.. What is wrong? Who knows.

Stuff that can be fixed - sometimes easily & sometimes not: STUCK items in various portions of the mechanism, broken rubber “thingie”, full bag/container.

Yes. It would be good to take the vacuum back.. BUT you need the receipt. HA! And of course you never sent in the warranty.. THIS ONE FOR SURE WONT BREAK.

A few of the broken sweepers are the result of me taking them apart to fix them. Of course when I put them together they have extra parts. So the sweeper & extra parts go in a box.

With this many sweepers you would NOT believe the accessories collection I have. Have not a clue what goes to what. They are all in one of these mammoth plastic bins. All perspective husbands (called dates) are asked if they can fix a vacuum sweeper. Answers are noted.

Housework interruptus - now this is when you are really into shoveling a path and some doggone thing stops you. Like the sound from your computer when you get a ping or Freepmail. Well, while you are there, you might as well check latest articles, latest posts & email. Well then maybe check into your blog and then back to your favorite daily threads.

Or the phone rings.. Of course you did sign up for the do not call list but you would much rather chat with the nice telemarketer than clean. Oh.. And then there is the going to mail box, for newspaper etc.. on the way you pull a few weeds. Three hours later you are hungry & sore & tired. Hungry.. No dishes, go out to eat.. While out,. find other diversions. There is always tomorrow donchaknow.


Anyone have a “Repair Container“. Now this is the little(or big) box, bin, container that you put things that need a button, hem repair, seam redo.. Etc. You get the idea. Mine is pretty big as I have kept it since I was married in 1968. (and not repaired anything) . Now & then it gets weeded away. ALL the socks & underwear eventually went to the dust bin (you know that one that you use to dust).. My dust rag container however never gets touched. That is what cats are for! Dusting!

January 4 of this year.. I was in a clean up mood. I didn’t clean house but threw away most of the dust rags & the major contents of the repair box. Actually lined boxes in garage for feral cats with them. Used a few weeks & then tossed & replaced with more. Golly, why didn’t I think of this sooner.

Interesting fact is the NEXT day - January 5 - I got my first cold in years (decades) .. The blessed thing lasted 3 weeks! Think I am going to succumb to a clean up mood again? Fergettaboutit.

Housework disappearus - I am still working on this one.. But my best ideas is to move into a perfect home & then live in a hotel. Things that can help with this is to stop cooking, doing laundry, sell the kids, give away the pets & end all hobbies that involve more than reading a book. My favorite show in bygone years was “I Dream of Jeannie”… ah to wiggle my nose & have a clean house (not to mention LOOK like her!) Anyone with ideas along this line are welcome to contribute.

Well, it is now time for bed.. Now where is that bed anyway? Must be in this room somewhere..





12-28-05 ~ Hall of Fame #14

THIS WEEK'S THREADS

02-27-06 Military Monday

02-28-06 Ice Castles

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping'
Every Thursday at the Finest
The guy's good, folks!


TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: freepers; freeping; fun; housecleaning; satire
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To: DollyCali; JustAmy; Billie; ilovew; apackof2; Army Air Corps; NicknamedBob; LadyX; MEG33; ...
Students like Tuliptree76, ilovew; apackof2; jemian;s terror.. School work MUST come before cleaning forgoodnesssakes.

*looks at the pile of dirty dishes in the sink*

Yep, schoolwork does come before cleaning... except when I'm procrastinating. ;-)

(My apartment was clean while I was sort of working on my proposal! LOL!)

81 posted on 03/01/2006 12:45:17 PM PST by tuliptree76
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To: DollyCali

Your thread speaks for many of us Dolly.
Reminds me of a greeting card I saw recently. A traditional housewife is shown on the front mopping the kitchen. The caption on the front is "I get rid of stress by mopping my floor and buffing it to a perfect shine." (and on the inside) "Then I bang my head on it for a couple of hours. How are things with you?"


82 posted on 03/01/2006 12:51:59 PM PST by ride the whirlwind (Dust bunnies multiply faster than real ones.)
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To: JustAmy


Happy Pig Day, Amy!

83 posted on 03/01/2006 12:52:24 PM PST by tuliptree76
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To: LadyX; Colonial Warrior; HUSHPUPPY; Tribune7
Bad Dolly, for dredging up The Dreaded....

Well, it's been a little while since I have been here - today is is Maggie's corner?


84 posted on 03/01/2006 12:54:37 PM PST by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: ride the whirlwind
Hi there Ride.. that card sounds great! I have an aunt (mom's oldest sister who is still living at 94). She is obsessive/compulsive cleaner. She just left her 2 story condo this fall & until then was moving stove, refrig, washer & drive ONCE A WEEK to clean behind them. She cleaned inside her furnace once a month. A truly classic example of being able to eat off the floor. She & I do not share similar genes! She never married & her home & keeping it up was her life & family.
85 posted on 03/01/2006 12:57:18 PM PST by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: Purple Mountains Maj

thank you. I am SO proud of the way you have taken off with graphics. Wonderful. I love the kitty in the bib tops.. (have you seen the video of the window washer?) .. a gal flick for sure


86 posted on 03/01/2006 12:58:15 PM PST by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: MEG33

I love Johnny Jump Ups.. they are cultivated here but wild in some areas. the pansy family has so many great flowers. Thanks Meg


87 posted on 03/01/2006 12:59:27 PM PST by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: LadyX

your post was OUTSTANDING (and I didn't even notice the typo until you pointed it out)..thanks for your wonderful walks down memeory lane.. they are always fun


88 posted on 03/01/2006 1:00:33 PM PST by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: boxerblues; apackof2; scott7278; ozarkgirl; najida; lysie; Jemian; MozartLover; Molly Pitcher; ...
I posted the Friday night singles thread a few weeks ago & know you were on my "personal" singles list(I actually pinged a LOT of singles I know & very few checked in). It was the start of the Olympics & that was my thread theme.

I am now pinging the other posters to put you on the Singles Ping List. Add BoxerBlues - I will add you to my copy of the list. It is mixed age & mixed interest.. met some nice folks so far.

you are also one of "the lucky ones" to get some pix of dog hike today in Brandy-River area (above the falls). Wonderful clear & sunny day for hike (but cold). I got into water up to my knees .. chilly, yes.. but the dogs were in it, swimming etc too.



John with chance(10 year old golden); 3 year old Dingo(tippy); Toby(my 1 year old golden mix) and Josy (new pup..German mix)

they all love to play stick

below the Brandywine Creek approaching the "falls" area.(about mile upstream)



Below is a collection of river glass, pottery I found in a very small area. Across the stream you may be able to make out Josy in the bushes on shore





On the top of a very high hill on an old bridge base(not used for 50+ years & bridge gone - just pilings remain)..Jody overlooks the view...above & below...Tippy(Dingo) and Josy peer over the bridge base. LONG, steep drop.



Still have not gotten into tub.. had a little "mom emergency" to handle.. actually it isn't handled yet, but it has been addressed & examined...

89 posted on 03/01/2006 1:10:59 PM PST by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: DollyCali
Always love and appreciate any photographs you post
of your meanderings in the woods, Dolly!
90 posted on 03/01/2006 1:31:52 PM PST by LadyX ((( He Is The Lord, above all things )))
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To: DollyCali; Billie

Hafta love that "Relegated-to-the-Corner" graphic..:))


91 posted on 03/01/2006 1:34:05 PM PST by LadyX ((( He Is The Lord, above all things )))
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To: DollyCali

What fun!!


92 posted on 03/01/2006 2:13:54 PM PST by lysie
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To: DollyCali

Thanks Dolly!

I did a quick search and found the thread, looks like you had a pretty good turn out for a Friday night


93 posted on 03/01/2006 2:34:45 PM PST by boxerblues
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To: DollyCali
Hey! I clean ...

Once in a while ...


Dusting Time

I wiped some things on the mantel shelf,
When the hourglass tumbled by itself,
Dusting can wait, said the temporal sands,
Leaving me with time on my hands.

Minute particles everywhere,
My day was shot, I did declare.
I know time is running out,
But does it have to rush about?

Falling to us in its fleeting way,
It seems to be the same each day,
But some days are of longer sorts,
The sad ones and the bad reports.

And happy days go rushing by,
In just the blinking of an eye.
With time cascading through my hands,
I dwell on thoughts of ocean sands.

And times with you when days were long,
The ocean’s roll was our love’s song.
The crying of the gulls that passed,
A warning that it could not last.

The sparkling gems of bygone years,
Were swimming in a sea of tears.
An ocean crashed upon my beach,
As I put sharp remnants out of reach.

Some things you have to put away,
Our memories are a free replay,
A way to laugh and smile and then,
Be sad that they can never be again.

For things may break when down they fall,
And that will happen to us all,
And yet with faith in God above,
We know that we’ll live on, in love.

Should I become a memory,
The power of a God could be,
If no “Big Bang” ever did occur,
Imaginings was all we were.

Written by NicknamedBob.

March 6, 2004


94 posted on 03/01/2006 2:50:56 PM PST by NicknamedBob (INTJ, of course -- Why'd you have to ask?)
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To: boxerblues

good! glad you found it. Yes, we did have a great response that evening... but very few of the singles I know here at FR joined (other than those that had been participating).. a few did - but I had pinged over 50 on my own. Ready for the ice etc tonight? I need to take my mom's fairly new TV (that was the emergency) back to store. BUT need to find the receipt. It was in a box that I just discovered is now chewed up & scattered around the office

Josy.... where are you sweetheart?


95 posted on 03/01/2006 3:09:01 PM PST by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: lysie

more fun than the snowblowing there, it seems... bummer


96 posted on 03/01/2006 3:09:42 PM PST by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: NicknamedBob

Bob that is beautiful.. I really enjoyed your sharing with the "possession" of poetry production...? you expressed yesterday. The images were strong.


97 posted on 03/01/2006 3:10:52 PM PST by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: DollyCali

To tell you the truth, I have always enjoyed hearing about other people's fun almost as much as having my own. I get great pleasure knowing my friends are happy.


98 posted on 03/01/2006 3:12:41 PM PST by lysie
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To: DollyCali

"(have you seen the video of the window washer?) .. a gal flick for sure" Nope, haven't seen it. I didn't copy your whole reply here but for all those nice things you wrote, I too thank you!


99 posted on 03/01/2006 3:13:02 PM PST by Majie Purple
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To: NicknamedBob; JustAmy
How magnificent, NBob...so stirring...so true...

[we luv u, man..]

100 posted on 03/01/2006 3:13:26 PM PST by LadyX ((( He Is The Lord, above all things )))
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