Family Secrets

People who have a finger in every pie usually have messy houses. If you know someone like this who doesn't, they are an exception to this hard and fast rule. Crafters, moms, shop owners, creative types--they all collect stuff everywhere either out of habit or necessity. 

I like order. I hate looking at clutter. But I always have something working in a few places in the house. It just goes with the territory. I'm messy. I'm always messing with stuff. So when I have people coming to stay, I always have work to do.

I was working at my table all this week pricing and tinkering, so I took a few pictures of my cleared off table today as a reward to myself. It won't stay this way long. As soon as folks arrive, the action takes on a life of its own. Especially where children are concerned. 

Things at least start out nice. And I usually like to have fresh flowers on the table. Since I have managed to keep a few azaleas blooming, I don't have to pick up anything extra. 

I try to keep a few things right on the table. Place mats and napkins in a basket are at one end. A few glasses, bowls, and snack plates are set out. No one has to go searching. 

Since I like a tablecloth on the table at all times, there are layers of cloths underneath ready for a change when necessary. I like white on top, but if we have a sauce or berries to worry about then I whisk off a layer to my low risk cloth underneath. Seems like kids are eating all the time. (We only eat at the table at grandma's house.)

There are five layers here. We probably won't need them all. And as you can see, they're not all ironed! I'm only indulging myself here, nobody else cares in the least. But it actually makes for less work for me, not more, in the long run. More time to play!

The eye of the storm.

I love my 40's station on satellite radio (you subscribe), so that's also what you see at the end of the table. It keeps me singing and dancing all day when I'm working at home. And there's always a perfect jazz or classical station for dinner time.

But if you think I'm ever going to give any real secrets away . . . .

Well, I never say never either!

Springing forward!

(Set those clocks . . .)

It's back to work for me . . .

(Hope you're taking it easy.)

Jacqueline