I love my new Dyson DC25 Animal to bits -- but it's been a bit of a culture shock. Its predecessor was about 100 years old, so giving me a Dyson was like giving a granny an iPhone.
I can't get over how much it sucks up. Five containers full on the first go around our house. I had no idea I was living in such filth!
OK, I am a bit obsessed by it. I will often take it out do a quick run round the house. My husband caught me once and asked why I was vacuuming at 10 pm, the night before our cleaner was due. I just looked at him and scrunched my brow. Am I the only who enjoys dust being neatly sucked up and encased? Because, I told him. Huuummmph!
Continue reading "Me, my Dyson and my car" »
A friend of mine just moved to the area and wanted a housecleaner. I said I would ask our cleaner, Ivana, if she was taking on new clients.
Ivana is from Poland and very hard working. She lives here with her 14-year-old daughter; they have a flat in the center of town above a funeral home.
She is worth her weight in gold. She actually picks up things when she dusts, instead of going around them. I can tell when she has vacuumed, the large worn Duresta sofa, which can easily accomodate 10, is slightly out of place.
She is not much on conversation. Her English is limited. The only time she makes a point to say something to me is when she wants a day off.
Continue reading "Conversations with a Polish housecleaner" »