Saturday June 2, 2007
If I had sufficient energy left over from my labours I’d verify it by research. As it is, I’m whacked, completely, and sitting down with a well-earned coffee, and wondering idly what Thoreau had to say about cleaning house.
I know he had a good line with non-functional ornamentation–he threw it out in the yard to reduce the need for dusting. I’m sure I recall reading a line or six of his views on the oppressive cleanliness of respectable houses. That was balanced by his condecension towards the cleanliness of the Irish family who sold him the boards for his lakeside house.
Then again, who can sensibly take advice on good housekeeping from a bloke who admitted that the sheets on his bed were not as clean as they might have been?
No, the advice of a philosopher is seldom of any use except to the philosophical. If you want guidance on housekeeping you could seek out a paragon of housekeeperly virtue but, let’s face it, you’ve probably left the whole subject far too late in life and you’d be best advised to follow my example–get it done best you can, sit down, and forget about it until next time.
Because, rest assured, there will always be a next time when it comes to cleaning house. Until, that is, the day comes when you look at it, give voice to a suitable expletive, and throw the brushes and dusters out in the yard. If you’re anything like me then the time will come when, say what wise things you may, dust bunnies are quite good company.
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