Dead, deader than dead, deadest

[wiseheart]

We had our big cleaning frenzy today. It included the balcony, which was my idea because it is so crowded that I was afraid it would turn into a bug cemetery, sooner or later. I'm happy to report that no heaps of dead bugs were found. *phew!*

Mum also insisted on cleaning out the bottom of the wardrobe, driven by the same fear. Also, no dead bugs, thank God. I mean, we do have regular visits from the exterminator (every 4 months), but now that the windows are open more, these stinky bugs find every oh so tiny opening and come for a visit. Not that they'd be invited... This invasion has only started a couple of years ago; apparently, they migrated from the South and found the country to their liking, unfortunately. Our windows go all to the south-west, which means lots of sunshine in the afternoon, which the bugs like. They took their leisurely walk on the outside of the window panes, and we don't dare to open the window until the evening. Dratted beasts!

In any case, cleaning, as usual, included a full day and another morning of preparation, plus almost the same amount of time to put everything back into its place or else we won't be able to cross the rooms from all the stuff lying everywhere. Which would be dangerous in Mum's current state. I'm still not done with the whole thing - I was simply done in and I hurt in places I didn't even know exist. Tomorrow is another day. But the original configuration of the room is to 80% restored and Mum can go to the loo without stumbling over unexpected things, so it's okay.

Afterwards, I took the bus to the school to take the yarn I bought to my friend Erna (our art teacher), who volunteered to knit me a replacement to The Home Rag(TM), aka the knitted west I inherited from Grandma. It was nice to meet her (we were masked and on the school yard), although I could have done without all the teenage kids on the bus. Fortunately, they clustered at the opposite end of the vehicle, but still...

So, those were the last two days for me (and will probably continue tomorrow), but at least two big parts of cleaning are done and we'll have a bit peace and quiet for a fortnight. After which the madness restarts again...

Comments

[meathiel]

Sounds like a lot of work.
I feel like a total slob for not cleaning all that much.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Believe me, it is not my idea. Mum is the one with the Putzfimmel, but since she no longer can do it...

[red-day-dawning.livejournal.com]

Your cleaning sounds exhausting. I’m such a slob, it’s an utter disgrace. So embarrassing.
The bugs sound awful. Here in Australia the fear is spiders. In summer, I have two of those sonic insect repellers in my bedroom going all night and day. I have no idea if they actually function, but I haven’t seen a spider since using them. Ugh.

[adafrog.livejournal.com]

Wow, go you with the in depth cleaning.

[mirasaui.livejournal.com]

Cleaning, a necessary evil — sigh. Unfortunately, pests are a constant problem where I live. We have the exterminator out every other month.

[elwenlj.livejournal.com]

I always dread finding spiders lurking in quiet corners. Other bugs I can deal with, as long as they don't form gangs.

[noadvertising.livejournal.com]

Cleaning frenzy plus a resolute mum must be strenuous. I can deal with bugs but never with spiders. Balconies are the worst. On the one hand they extend your living area, on the other hand nature will always confront you with bugs or spiders you don´t even want to see. Can´t you put a fly screen in your windowcase? We have put some to strategic points, where the windows will stay open all day long. My fear of spiders is legendary...

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

I'm a slob, too. Or I would prefer to be, but Mum can be a slave driver when it comes to housework. We have two diagonally opposite opinions about the flat; she seems to think we're there for the flat, while I think the flat is there for us. Alas, she's the boss...

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

I'd prefer to go out of the way of cleaning if I could. This time I could not.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

These bugs — some distant relatives to bedbugs — do form gangs. They prefer sunlit walls; the outer walls of our school were literally dotted with them sometimes. *shudder*

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Considering that this is a closed balcony, with windows that are only open when we air the flat, I sometimes wonder how the dratted bugs get in all the time.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Global warming adds to the problem. Some of these pests aren't even local; they've started migrating from the South a few years ago, and our ecosystem can't really deal with them, as they have no natural enemies here.

[adafrog.livejournal.com]

Yeah. I am really not a fan of cleaning.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

It's just so pointless! It takes forever and the results only last a day — if you're lucky.