Travelling On

themadvix

Take it easy today Karma - sounds like you need to listen to your body. The cleaning has waited this long, it can wait a bit longer! 

Karmacat

That's true, actually, thanks!  I also need to do what I used to do when I was still working - if I'm not going out on a trip somewhere, take a local walk.  Definitely makes me feel better: I've just done it now (emergency visit from my sister, she was trapped by floods as she was picking up her daughter's rabbit) so after she'd gone, I went down to see the floods.  No houses affected, nor likely to be, so it was good to get out into the open air.

apple_muncher

Nowt to be embarrassed about. And working in the garden is good therapy.

Karmacat

Thanks apple - I suppose I've been pushing because I want it sorted - also, I was going to have to try and get everything ready for my friend visiting, and she won't be, of course, so it isn't urgent.  I'll repeat that for my own benefit: it isn't urgent!  Woo hoo

The other lesson is that trips away take effort, research and imagination - needs a bit of separate time on the computer, with joined up thinking.  We've got a family meeting with a nephew, a day at a local castle with huge archaeological annexes (I arranged that one) and I've paid the basics for one of the caravan holidays (she's paid the other, then we settle the difference).  It's really, really worth spending time on this, rather than catching up on cleaning, for heaven's sakes!  Digging perennial roots out of the garden is a bit different, because they take over and ruin the garden, but as madvix said, the dust etc has lasted this long, a few more weeks won't hurt!

beanielou

A radical (or not) suggestion.
I think you should get someone all to deal with the weeds for you so you don't tire yourself out.
I think you should get someone in to do a one off deep clean. It then makes it much easier to keep on top of things 

themadvix

If finances allow, I completely agree with beanie about the house. Not sure that anyone would come and do the garden a) as thoroughly as you (ie digging up the roots) or b) as organically as you’d like. But on the cleaning front, could it be an option?

Karmacat

Oooh .... I'll have a think about that.  I'd keep them out of my bedroom ... it basically needs someone to go round with the equivalent of sugar soap .... the garden, I don't think it's necessary, not really, though a professional is needed to repair the fences and the patiom, and I kind of like it out there anyway, most of the time ... beanie (and madvix ) I think you've hit on something there.  Once the house is clean, I could keep it clean.  My word, this online diary lark is good - a privately written journal wouldn't talk such sense back to me 

Cheery_Daff

Ha yes, there are times when I wonder whether it's wise to ponder so much online, but as you say, a private diary wouldn't talk back! I reckon these days you'd easily find someone who'd use only eco cleaners/organic garden stuff or whatever if that's what you wanted too. I know a couple who dmrun a gardening business entirely organically, drive an electric van and have offset all their (tiny) carbon emissions too (sadly they're nowhere near you and I realise you said you won't need gardeners anyway, it just put me in mind of them!)

themadvix

It might not be useful for Karma, Cheery, but it is good to know there are types like that out there! Most of the gardeners I’ve come across (not that I’ve been doing the hiring) have been less diligent, more hack it all back and put weed killer down.

greent

Agree about the one-off clean - and there are lots who use green cleaners - or they can use yours. And they can keep out of certain areas no problem - I suspect a few people keep them out of their bedrooms. Perhaps when you have time research end of tenancy type cleaning prices - or check out some local cleaning cos on fb00k (if you're on there - not sure) - I found a fab one to do a clean of my nan's house before putting it on the market and I'd happily have her in to do my house as a one-off if I was ill or had building work done. She did it for less than £100 and I was quoted £400 by another local company.... 

xx