JEAN HAS STARTED SPRING CLEANING

We have started Spring cleaning on our farm.  Susan keeps telling me that Spring doesn't begin until March 20th, but as far as I am concerned now is the time to begin.  I have all the children - big children and little children- going through their clothes, toys, game equipment and what ever else they have.  What they don't wear or use, it is time to get rid of.  Also, I am seeing who needs new clothes for the coming season.  Some of their clothes need mending, but some need new clothes as they have grown so fast this past fall and winter especially Susan, Katie and David Jr.

The older boys and David Sr. have worn clothes out working.  Susan is learning how to sew, so she can help me make some of the new clothes.  I don't want spring to come and then have to rush making new clothes.  Now is the time to work on them.

We are cleaning the house from top to bottom.  Moving all the furniture to clean over it, under it and around it.  All the windows, walls and floors are being cleaned.  The drapes are coming down to be washed and put back up.  We are also washing all the sheets, blankets and quilts on the bed.  I know Grandmother Olive said not to use the washer on quilts and she's right, but it's faster.  Also, we wash all the blinds.

All the items we find that we don't need anymore or clothes that don't fit are set aside for those that can use them.  Clothes will be passed on to someone.  The games, etc. will either be passed on to someone or donated to a rummage sale or second hand store.

Susan, Katie and I went through the kitchen, too.  We cleaned the stove, refrigerator, and the wood stove.  Went through all the cupboards cleaning them and see what items need to be replaced.  Windows were cleaned and the floor washed and polished.  Went through the towels, dish towels, table cloths and more to see if they need replaced or repaired.

Susan and I went to the basement to check on canned goods to see how many of what we have left.  Had David Sr.with Thomas, Michael and Edward come down and clean their items up down there.  Also they washed the whole cellar.  Oh, Susan and I cleaned out the freezer down there.

The men are also working in the barn.  They are checking all the equipment to make sure it is ready to go this spring.  Making sure everything is there and if they need anything for spring planting.

We all sat down with the men deciding what they are going to plant where - when the weather is ready.  Susan, Katie and I were planning where our garden and flowers around the outside of our house would go.  Also, both the men and us ladies figured what seeds to order.  The men said they would wash the windows on the green houses, when weather got warmer.  Also trying to decide what I want to add to the green houses.

With their permission we also cleaned Grandfather Albert and Grandmother Olive's part of the house.  We did the same there as we did here.  Of course, we didn't go through their closets or anything like that.  We did clean the kitchen from top to bottom, moved all the furniture to clean there.  Washed all the windows and floors.  We did not wash her quilts in the washer.

So we have been really doing a lot of cleaning.  It is better that we do it now that when spring comes.  Once planting season starts, we will be busy planting and taking care of the plants.  Susan and Katie are happy as when we get done, we won't do this again until the fall.  They forget that we do clean all year round.

Be With God,
Jean