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But that has not stopped the internal clock and the voice of my mother reminding me that no matter the weather it is time to take stock and spring clean.
When I think of spring cleaning there are three areas that I think and take stock of.
It goes without saying that cleaning takes place inside of the home.
Also cleaning outside in the garden and yard is important.
And this is my favorite time to look at my life, what needs to be honed and shaped, picked up and cleaned so I can enjoy the next several months.
Inside the home there are things that I only do yearly or seasonably.
To me spring cleaning means taking down the curtains and washing them all and rehanging them after they line dry outside, something about bringing in the smell of spring time with the curtain.
Although I do it at other times as well, washing the windows is a spring cleaning chore for me as well.
It seems to wash the dirt and grime off and lets in the sunshine.
Changing the filters in the heating and air conditioning system is done again in the spring also changing the batteries in all the smoke detectors in the house.
Cleaning closets also helps me get ready for spring, putting away the winter clothes and pulling out clothes I haven't seen since I put them away last fall.
As the days grow warmer and I start wandering around the yard and garden dreaming of what to plant this year there are some chores to take care of.
We always seem to have leaves that have to be picked up and debris that has blown into the yard from the winter winds, trees and bushes that need to be trimmed back or pruned.
I love to start working in the garden patch putting away hoses and stakes that were left out, pulling old vines up and mulching them.
Sweeping off patios and sidewalks clearing dirt, leaves and trash, washing off the patio furniture and chairs getting them ready for the first barbecue of the season.
This is my favorite season, seeing the plants coming back to life after a long winter rest.
That is how I feel myself.
I have made it through the bleak long winter months and my mind and soul are starting to awake.
Most people make New Years resolutions but I never have the ability to make change in the dead of winter, it is the spring time when I am ready to take account of my life and see where I need to make changes.
Things I have done wrong that need to be set right, challenging myself to be a better wife, mother and fellow human being.
So as I wait for March to go out like a lamb into balmy spring days I will be working in the house tidying up getting my spring chores done.
As I wrap up those last few items before I can step outside and prepare the yard and garden for the growing season.
Placing plants and furniture in new areas and preparing to enjoy early morning garden chores and evening patio time.
Probably the most important spring cleaning is the reflection I will do as I go about these chores.
Asking God to show me what he wants me to do and how he would like for me to live.
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