We are currently getting the house ready for an inspection by the real estate agents. Those inspections are supposed to be about physical condition of the house, but cleanliness also gets judged. The landlords' real estate agents have us on record as good tenants: that is largely the sterling work of my partner on housework, although health issues have made that difficult for some time.
On housework, ironically, I'm equal shortest - soon to be shortest as I shrink with age - in the house, but it's me that does the cobweb removal ๐ As my partner says, that's because I bought the cobweb remover (I used to just use a broom dedicated to only de-cobwebbing when I was single, but that broom got repurposed).
On age and health, arthritis and a few other problems have taken their toll over the last couple of years (it is interesting that a set of exercises I got from a physio helped me for around 15 years, and I've only now had to change them as age, genetics, and wear & tear change the problems), and I can no longer do the gardening. A range of other issues have stopped anyone else taking over, so we've spent two years trying to find someone to help in the garden. At one stage the landlords offered to take that on but they weren't able to, but we've finally found someone to help who is willing, reliable, and good (and shares my philosophy on getting lawns to look after themselves, setting garden beds up so they're low maintenance/easy access, etc: I've also realised it is trees - limited to 1.8m or so - which I am passionate about: I am largely indifferent to most flower beds, but don't mind growing edible plants).
I'd love to do more, but the only way that's going to happen is if I pay someone to do the garden beds I want, and I cannot afford to spend money on something like that.
Personally, I'd also like a smaller house, but everyone else wants a bit more room than I (and keep in mind I was happy living in about 12' of a 24' long, 8' wide boat for around 8 years or so), so maybe we should move ultimately into a house with a cubby - I'd accept a decent sized cupboard - in the backyard for me (my housework would be quick ๐ ).
Retirement is when, I am hoping, I can realise my desire for a slower paced life. Hopefully I'll last a few more years yet: my manager and a couple of colleagues are doing their utmost to make sure I don't get overloaded again, but I'm a key specialist, and there are going to be times when that is unavoidable. In the meantime, I consider ALL of society should adopt a slower paced, more reflective and meaningful life - which will also reduce impacts on the climate and environment.
Also in the meantime, I am minimising my possessions and simplifying & slowing my life as much as is possible. That has led to a cut back in the amount of online work I do: if I do retire (or find a way into a less demanding career), after a couple of years to recover, I may resume doing some of that (and I may be get back into some of my other pastimes, such as carving/woodwork).
Coming back to the present, any work I do this week on the psychic weather reports and other series will necessarily be limited by other demands on my time.
