Decorating

Had a good weekend. Mostly doing housework but with a new shiney bathroom to clean and a bright decorated hall and new sofa's its all a pleasure rather than a pain. This year we have achieved a lot with all the above and at last the house is becomming something to feel proud of and be happy to invite peope in without worrying they may look down on us.

Which is ironic because this weekend I did just that myself of which I am not proud. I got chatting to the new couple across the road and they invited me in to see all the work they need to do and what a mess young Sarah left behind and it does look a mess. Its a bit like my house was before we did the kitchen or anything else but with added smokiness for added effect. Such a shame really because years ago I remember going in to see Anne and Arthur and thinking how nice and cosy their house was and how lovely the garden was. Now where Sarah has ripped out all trace of Anne and Arthur and left nothing but unusable rubbish behind. Skirting taken out, radiator ripped off with pipes left behind, kitchen ceilings sagging and the whole thing just looks and smells a mess. Made me see how far we have come now.

Then last night I was trying to reassure Joyce that Bill and Jean have come to see her not criticise her lack of decorating or gardening and all the time I am thinking I would be just as worried if I was her about what people might think.
The thing is we do judge people. I was set a very high standard by my own parents and have resisted myself untill fairly recently but if I go into a house and its dirty or unkempt I do make a judgement about that person whether thats fair or not. Your home is a reflection of yourself so when Richard wants to bring the bike and store it in the living room I am aware we come from two different backgrounds and that his standard is different from mine not to say mine is better but it is.