Source: http://HouseofGeek.com Robin Williams as Mrs. Doubtfire
It’s not that I mind cleaning the house but at the age of 63, the lumbar spinal stenosis really acts up when I run the vacuum cleaner. So I was lucky to hire an amazing very perfectionist housekeeper whom I call Housekeeper from Heaven. She cleaned my house better than anyone even though she charged more. I am ashamed to say that she ventured into a few places I had not even considered. But alas, her mother fell and broke her hip and the Housekeeper’s own back began to act up so she had to give it up for while. I told her I would take her back anytime!
Princess daughter suggested I hire someone younger. So I did. I hired what seemed to be a sweet young mountain girl who tried to convince me what a hard worker she was. That is if, and I say if, and when she showed up on time or didn’t call at the last minute to change the day she was coming. Once she forgot the key to my house and I had to leave the door unlocked. The final straw was the day she sent these two text messages:
“Running late (as always) but I’m on my way! I got my key this time! ????”
“Anna, I’m not going to make it…my truck is messing up terribly and ive got to turn around. :(. I’m so sorry and I’ll be in touch ASAP”
I had enough of smiley face apologies and sent her the following:
“I no longer need your services. Need someone I can count on who shows up on time.”
I had calmed down before I sent this message so I was very proud of my restraint.
I have taken great advantage of this situation with my favorite Yankee, I started cleaning the house and moaned and groaned and held my back from pushing the heavy vacuum. He promptly ordered me a new light weight vacuum. One of the online reviewers of this device said, “This vacuum SUCKS! But in a good way. It picks up everything.” The Yankee even volunteered to clean the smaller bathroom.
Fast forward to three weeks later. I was looking for a housekeeper and called Housekeeper from Heaven and begged her to come back. She was ready. Yes, as Princess Daughter reminds me, this is a first world problem but I solved it.
LOL! Love it Anna! I just had same issue with my lawn mower guy. Friday, or not Saturday, oh no sorry don’t work on Sunday, oh football practice, sorry been out of town, football camp…meanwhile my grass has sprouted seeds of weedy crab crass. Young people–reliability goes a long way toward the persona of one’s ethics!
You are so right, Marjorie!
Having responsible, good hired help is among my blessings. Yes, I have let yard help and housecleaning help go. It is wonderful when you have a good one. My cleaning lady was a teacher in Russia, but she can’t get certified to teach here. She and her daughter are expensive, but worth it. Trying to keep up two houses would be awful without help. Hope I can always keep this luxury.
Good for you Connie. Yes it is a luxury, one I intend to keep.
I love my Beulah, I have her for long , long time, since my children were small, she is getting older , it takes longer for her to finish her work but I appreciated her help very much, I will keep her until she decides to quit.
Glad to know your Housekeeper from Heaven is back.
Thanks, Paulina.
I hope you are going to publish a book! Great blog on a truly Southern woman!!
Thank you so much, Ethel. Glad yhou are enjoying it.
I love my housekeeper, friend and my sounding board . Pam had been with me for at least 15 years . I have another housekeeper Vergia who keeps the house at the beach. Vergia is a life saver when we have family gathering ( 20 people and 5 dogs) and don’t let me forget when my husband takes his golf buddies down for a long weekend! I love them both and they are worth their weight in gold!
I know what you ate talking about when you can depend on someone!
We are both fortunate!
They are special people
Lol,” housekeeper from Heaven”, you are a hoot, Anna, but thanks for the compliment! Just now had a chance to read this article, you need to write a book or two!
Feel better soon, Anna