Spring into action with cleaning

These letters are in response to an editorial by Julie Eley, asking readers about their thoughts on spring cleaning. After a random draw, Anne of Wellington wins the six-month subscription to TV Guide.

I always find the concept of spring cleaning amusing. It’s like you are meant to leave your house alone over winter and let it get into a right old mess, and then decide to tidy it up a bit when the sun comes out in September. How ridiculous is that. If we cleaned our properties all the time and kept them spick and span there would be no need for spring cleaning. I do like to have a major clean up from time to time but I don’t necessarily have to wait until spring to do it. Anne (Wellington)

I think we feel more like spring cleaning as the weather warms up and the sunshine shows up the dust and grime that has accumulated during winter. When my daughter popped in to check on me and look in my fridge to see if I needed anything, she asked me if I’d been spring cleaning as I had pulled out some shelves and washed them, feeling very satisfied with myself. “I felt like it,” I replied, “so

I did I it.” We have a saying: “If you don’t feel like doing it one day leave it until the next.” Margaret Collishaw (Christchurch)

Yes, you are right. There is a sense of achievement when you know the skirting boards and walls have been cleaned. Linda Pond

Any time of year is a good time of year to clean up your house and get it all in order. It does provide a real sense of satisfaction and pride when your house is all tidy and ordered. However, unfortunately, like so many housework jobs you know that the house is going to get dirty again and it will need cleaning once more. But that is the lot of being a housewife or a house husband for that matter. Barbara B. (Christchurch)

ARIES MAR 21 - APR 20

Your career/reputation zone is in the spotlight so make sure you behave yourself at any Christmas parties. You also need to think twice about making controversial comments. If you are too impatient or even reckless, then you could find yourself involved in an argument.

TAURUS APR 21 - MAY 21

This week favours communication, education and productive work. However, results won’t be instant for you and success won’t happen overnight. Don’t be all work and no play, though. Make sure you put aside enough time to kick up your heels and have some fun.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 22

You are in the mood to let your hair down and party but don’t accept things at face value. Look beneath the surface gloss to discover what’s really going on. If you are buying last-minute presents, choose gifts that are practical and useful. Organisation is the key for you.

CANCER JUNE 23 - JULY 23

It’s time now for Crabs to get cracking. When it comes to health and fitness, the more proactive you are, the better the results will be. However, a lack of focus and direction could temporarily side-track relationships and confuse you. Keep your truth detector set on high.

LEO JULY 24 - AUG 23

It is a good time to stretch yourself in exciting new professional directions. However, you need to prepare carefully and plan thoroughly before you launch exciting projects in the new year. Your motto now is from Jane Fonda: “Stay curious, keep learning and keep growing.”

VIRGO AUG 24 - SEPT 23

You can’t escape close relationships this week. Don’t approach life with the same old stale attitude – it’s time to recalibrate. If there is a problem, fix it. If there is a misunderstanding, sort it out. If there is too much distance between you and a loved one, then get closer.

LIBRA SEPT 24 - OCT 23

The challenge for you this week is to get the balance right between your independence and the needs of loved ones – between being cautious and spontaneous. An impulsive spending spree could spark regrets. If you are planning a getaway, try to double check everything.

SCORPIO OCT 24 - NOV 22

Expect the unexpected. Many Scorpios are primed for parties and other Yuletide celebrations. It’s time to dance, charm, sparkle and shine. But on Thursday a loved one could hit you with some surprise news. Resist the temptation to spend up large this week.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 21

You are raring to bust out of your comfort zone and do something daringly different. Prudence and patience will take you further than spontaneity. As writer George Eliot observed: “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.”

CAPRICORN DEC 22 - JAN 20

This is an ideal time to reflect, reconsider, re-evaluate and reboot. It is also a good week to inspire those around you in positive, powerful and long-lasting ways. As actor Jane Fonda says: “I want to be inspiring to myself, to my kids, my family, and my friends.”

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 19

Your stars suggest a move, family fiasco, uninvited guests dropping in or a pre-Christmas drama. Some Aquarians could even experience disruptions at work. Whatever happens, strive to get the balance right between your public life and private responsibilities.

PISCES FEB 20 - MAR 20

Your career zone is highlighted. So fire up the festive charm as you party with work colleagues and deal with customers. You may find relations with a relative, friend or neighbour become strained so it’s also time to fire up your diplomacy skills – they are there somewhere.