Field Notes- Saturday the 24th. Chilly with Sunshine. I might need socks and a sweater today.

 I mentioned yesterday- thinking about washing the kitchen rug.  I did.  With two pair of husband's gardening pants.  It went well (I was prepared for it going badly).  Most of the dirt was removed in the wash.  A few spots remain. But, it's significantly "cleaner" than it was.   I also dragged the central vac hose around the house.  Not enough to make my back hurt- but enough so that the wood floors are not dusty.

I freshened up (washed) the placemats at the table.  The daily newspaper reading tends to make them look dirty with the ink transferring.  Now they are clean as well.

I've been touching too many things today and this is the second or third time I have needed to wash my hands with Dawn.  They get contaminated easily and then have red itchy areas.  It takes a while for the red, itchy, irritated areas to calm down.  Contact dermatitis.  Usually, it's outdoor stuff I touch.  Now. it's inside the house stuff.

I feel like I am shedding layers.....is that what aging is all about????  I can't ask all my dead friends. Yes, most of my dearest friends and fellow quilters...have died.....already or disappeared.  I can imagine the stories they have stored up to tell me when I finally arrive.. to the refrain.."always late.......nothing ever changes with you, Joanne!!"  I usually handed them a cocktail or a warm homemade cinnamon roll to make up for it.   

They will also ask what I did with whatever was left behind in their houses......I have Gregor's red cardigan sweater (the one I wear and mend all Winter).... I have Judy's little golden embroidery scissors, Beverly's Japanese fabric collection (on my shelves), Joan in the art pieces we made and talked about, Barbara's bookcase now filled with my paperback romances..... I see my old friends, each day........ in their favorite possessions.  What will someone keep to remember me?