We did lots of chores growing up- depending on where we lived. We fed the chickens up at Rice and worked in the garden. I remember helping to plant potatoes in a field in the hot sun. And following the tractor trail off into the woods, just planting potatoes as I went along. That made my mom crazy. I was 7 years old and very literal!
Donna and I did the dishes together and often would have silent fights so that we didn't' get in trouble. Choking each other with the dish towel etc. Silent but deadly.
When we moved to the river, the grounds around the cabin were overgrown with weeds and there was very little lawn. We helped clean up the place and plant grass. and then helped take care of it afterwards.
Because we moved so often- we were always cleaning up one place before we left and cleaning up the new place before we moved in.
Mostly we did housework and cleaning and cooking. Mama made sure we knew how to take care of a house and make a full meal before we could date. She was raising us to be good housewives.
Mama had high standards for cleanliness. We might be poor- but we were clean. The floors were mopped everyday- the bathroom cleaned every day. We wiped down the kitchen counters, cupboards and appliances as part of doing the dishes every day. Everything was swept, dusted, beds made etc. Every day.
In my later years- I haven't kept up to my mama's high standards, but still appreciate it when she comes for a visit. It motivates me to get the house in order. Not that she really cares one way or the other these days- but my inner child still cleans up for mama!
I don't think I could keep up with those standards either, I'm lucky if I do all that twice a week.
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