It’s spring – calling all domestic goddesses!

Traditionally, it’s Spring clean time, but I peaked a little early.

The weekend – the sun had almost set and as I shut and lock each window, I can feel the crisp air take over the house after what has been a beautiful, calm 24 degree sunny day.

I was relaxed and at peace, something I haven’t felt for a while. I had that feeling of achievement and it didn’t take me long to realise why. It can be the most basic simple things in life that can be the most rewarding.

 Yes I am talking about housework.

I began Sunday morning after waking up naturally, no alarm clock. Breakfast in bed, read the morning paper, chatted with my son on the phone then thought about which chore I needed to focus on first as it had been a while!  I had a quick look at Facebook and I made a vow NOT to touch the iPad for the rest of the day.

It was my day at home. No visiting family, no jumping on  a plane, no organised lunch, no visitors and no commitments apart from the ones at home.  No make-up, hair tied back and the daggy clothes thrown on – bliss.

Today, I was going to do a Spring clean.

First, select the music

I had forgotten how much variety I had and shuffling was the way to go. I practiced a couple of songs for my singing teacher while I was at it.

Next, atmosphere

I lit the electric melts and scented candles resting in glass jars next to my vase of white daffodils, the first for the season and only $5 from the local shop. All of these additions were not only soothing, but visually pleasing.

I’m ready for the housework!

I begin upstairs; vacuuming, scrubbing the bathroom, cleaning the bathroom exhaust fan, and putting out fresh towels.

I worked my way through three loads of washing – it was a great day for stripping the beds, and spraying the mattress with clover oil and water while the warm sun streamed in through the open window.

The Dyson was put to work downstairs, followed by hot disinfectant water vigorously mopped over the floor surface. A good work out! Gloves on to get into those hard to reach areas where the terracotta tiles meet the walls. Oops, pleased I lifted the lounge seat cushions; the Dyson was my best mate today.

My electric piano needed a dust; I pressed the ‘on’ button and spent a few minutes trying to memorise some old practice pieces. I promised my grandson, Lachlan, I would learn the piece he is learning at school.

Finally after making a freshly plunged coffee and consuming a few olives and walnuts, the Dyson and mop were cleaned and returned to their resting place.

Next, an easier chore

With the sun still bright I could fit in some sewing. I had a black dress that needed its hem adjusted and daylight is best when it comes to sewing black.

Soon, the day had been spent and it was almost dark and still early (I dearly want daylight saving in Brisbane). Time to think about dinner and those fresh vegetables needed to be cooked. I normally make up my own soup recipes with healthy non-fattening ingredients and my soups always taste divine. So here’s my recipe for spinach soup if you would like to try it:

Sunday night dinner:

Spinach Soup

• 1 x bunch fresh English Spinach – cut bunch into approx. 5cm chunks, rinse very well in colander to ensure no sandy grit remains
• 1 or 2 x large tomatoes cut in chunks
• 1 red capsicum cut into chunks
• 1 x small purple sweet potato – wash and leave skin on, cut into approx.2cm cubes
• 1 or 2 chicken or vegetable, no salt, stock cubes
• Dash of low salt soy sauce
• Pour water into large saucepan, enough to more than cover the vegetables and to avoid boiling over the top
• Leave lid on and cook for about 20 minutes or so on medium heat
• You can serve it chunky or blended as soup
• Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese (I always keep a packet in the freezer) or a blob of plain Greek yoghurt
• I overdo the garnish as I love the taste.

I iron my sheets and pillowcases

It was time for a well-earned shower, PJ’s, and then iron the sheets … yes I like to go to bed with freshly washed and ironed sheets. Bit like a five-star hotel, it makes me feel good.

I felt a great sense of accomplishment and phoned my daughter in Melbourne to compare cleaning tasks.

A new spring in my step!

Tomorrow, I will go to work with a spring in my step – how timely and how therapeutic!