Whew.

It seems that I've been reading a lot lately about the growing trend toward hanging up laundry to dry. People who wouldn't normally strike you as frugality fiends are finding, among other things, that it isn't such a pain as you would expect, that it's nice to get outside and breathe fresh air, that it gives the laundry a clean, fresh scent, that it saves a huge amount of wear and tear on clothing, and that it really does save a ton on the energy bill.

That's all well and good, but I still don't like the thought. I know it would probably be good for us, and I'd get used to it, and I'd get the kids involved someday so it wouldn't be such an onerous chore, but still.

Last week we were researching new garage doors, since a spring broke on our current one. In looking through the covenants of our home-owner's association to determine the requirements of a replacement garage door, I discovered that outdoor clothing lines are banned. Oh, bummer. Guess I can't jump on that bandwagon after all.

Homemaking - drudgery or delight?

Recently I discovered this website, and I've been challenged and inspired by the ideas presented. The most fascinating part was her chart contrasting then vs. now, pointing out the various social elements that have changed in the past few decades, which may cause home-making to seem less gratifying and fulfilling now. The idea of community, of a support network, the realisation that we weren't designed to keep things running smoothly indefinitely without a break, has been touched on elsewhere, but it's very clear and compelling in this presentation.

Even though I grew up in the country, in the sort of environment where you didn't lock your doors at night, I can not picture a community where the children play in the street and the moms rely on each other to keep tabs on them. (Was it really like that in the Fifties? Then no wonder Donna Reed could manage to get a five-course dinner on the table while wearing high heels every day!)

Anyway, no time to mull further, but it's been a source of ponderation for me these last few weeks.