The woman who cleans our house came back today, and I really have an urge to kick everyone out so that it will stay pristine for more than a day. It really is a beautiful thing. This is the third time she’s been back since the pandemic, but we had been out of town the other two times, and with all the hubbub of unpacking the car after a week or two away, I didn’t really get to enjoy those initial magical moments after they finished the job.
After I greeted Maria and spent a few minutes catching up, I headed out for a run while the rest of the family camped out in the basement. When I returned, I joined them as the vacuum hummed above. Before long, Maria and her assistant were finished and heading out. When we heard her car backing out of the driveway, we stretched, gathered our various devices, books, and empty dishes, and ascended the stairs, squinting in the sunlight at the gleaming floors and counter tops. The shine will have dulled by tomorrow evening, but it sure is nice while it lasts.
My Corner of the Village 