A Perfect House for a Lady-of-a-Certain-Age
15 Sunday Oct 2017
Written by Elizabeth in Uncategorized
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(Note: While this blog focuses on one-level houses, I have tried to include information helpful to everyone whether you live in a multi-story house or a small apartment.)
One-level houses are touted for being ideal for ladies-of-a-certain-age. No stairs, you know!
Well, let me tell you they have a few challenges. I have lived in a lovely one-level brick cottage for almost 18 months now. I never thought I would have to confront these quandaries: Where did my leg muscles go; where do I put the cat box; where did all this housework come from; and where can I hide my junk. Let’s look at each of these dilemmas and some solutions.
Number One – Where did my leg muscles go? Well, I have noticed I no longer have a spring in my step. I think it is because I no longer have any stairs in my house. It is hard for me to push myself up on a little stool to water a plant perched on the china cabinet where it has always rousted or the wooden plank of my elevated vegetable garden. Furthermore, I am humiliated when I hike that I “need a hand” up a steep rock. I certainly do not want to turn into a frail old lady. Here is what I am doing to build up my leg muscles and hip flexors: When I encounter a staircase in a building, I am delighted. I go up and down it several times and try not to hang on the railing. Also, my yoga teacher suggested I do squats. Yep, I hate them; but, then I remember how difficult it is for me to water that plant.
Number two – Where to put the cat box? My kitty’s cat box has always been in the basement, which is perfect because I did not have to see it every day; and if I forgot to scoop it one day, the house did not need to be fumigated! Now, Katie’s cat box is in my little laundry room that is right off the garage. I have to go by it every day. Well – Google and Pinterest have rescued me. I found how you can put that box in a little cabinet. I took off the doors and hung a café curtain I had on a spring rod over the entrance. It is perfect. I no longer have to look at that box, and I have a place to fold clothes. Also, I bought a small Aromafier®. It has a small fan that projects the lovely lavender oil fragrance I put in it.
Number three – Where did all this housework come from? In days gone by, I kept the main level of my house and my bedroom clean. The basement and upstairs got cleaned periodically. Now, the whole house is on one level and visible! I found my greatest challenge to keep clean were the 2,000 square feet of floors that are covered in carpet, hardwood and tile. I am happy to announce that I have bought my first robot and Roomba, the vacuum cleaner, even gets under the bed!
Number four – Where can I hide my junk? It used to be I could put stuff in my basement or my upstairs office. Well, no more! My solution is to ask myself, “Do you really need this?” It is amazing how many times I say “No!” Having moved less than 18 months ago, I still have vivid memories of packing and unpacking.
“My house is me and I am it. My house is where I want to be and it looks like all my dreams.”
– Daniel Pinkwater
2 Comments
October 16, 2017 at 9:34 am
My problem is my kitchen counter! Sheesh! I really do love it when I’m expecting company or am teaching my watercolor class and have to de-clutter it. That pile of old mail gets shoved into a cabinet. It only stays that clean for a couple of days, however. Can’t seem to do it for “just me.”
October 20, 2017 at 2:59 pm
I know what you mean, Jan. No matter what size of a house I live in or how many levels, my kitchen is always a challenge. I try and keep “as much real estate showing” as possible.