Lists

I am a maker of lists. It's what I do-- to keep track of things, to get organized, to remember and to prioritize... it's all part of how I approach the world. Vacations start with lists of what to pack; domestic errands are listed (and sometimes sublisted, with things to be done at each stop) so I don't forget important stuff. Planning is half the fun-- or at least makes the work easier. And there is something really soul-satisfying about crossing things off a list.

After my husband's clever work yesterday, and inspired by Rev. Ref's diligent efforts out in the hinterlands, I started thinking about all the things that need to be done around here. No, I'm not starting anything today. I'm still taking it a bit easy; no heavy lifting or strenuous activity. But now that school is coming to an end, there are a goodly number of projects, postponed for varying lengths of time, that need to be completed. And a few more that aren't strictly necessary, but would feel really good. Besides, if we're talking about moving in a year or so, we need to get this place into the sort of shape that someone might actually consider buying.

So, it's time to make a list!

Outdoors

• Landscaping: weeding, removing dead leaves, pruning back and mulching around the house
• Edging and trim work (especially around the fence)
  
• Reattach the bat house (Yes, you heard correctly. Anything that can eat 600 mosquitos an hour is welcome in my back yard)
• Sweep out and scrub down the back porch and patio
• Clean out the garage.
• Maybe even till out the long-fallow vegetable garden...?

Indoors

• Redoing second bathroom (actually, the teenager has begun this one: the old wallpaper has been stripped off, and walls were scrubbed down yesterday. You go, girl!)
• Clearing out the basement-- Trash and rummage, begone!
• Wash the windows
  
• Living/dining room-- install woodwork, hang curtains
  
• Finish mudding drywall, prime and paint master bathroom
• More painting-- front and back hallways, and the boy's room ("Can we get rid of the baby trains? Please??" Sigh. Yes, honey, we'll do that.)