Sunday 1 September 2013

Abba, Venetian Blinds, and Blue Wrens!

Hello friends - I know you are probably wondering what Abba has to do with venetian blinds so without further ado I will explain!

I actually don't like this type of blind, mainly because of the difficulty in keeping them clean and so I vowed years ago that I'd never have them again, but ... ... when we bought this house the windows were already fitted out with them and to be honest, in order to control the amount of light, sunshine, and thus heat, coming through the windows, as well as for privacy, I had to admit that these blinds were really necessary!

So, for the past four or so years I have diligently dusted these things fortnightly (mostly!), then more recently I started to notice that, even as I lifted the dust, so it was settling back on them again and I got a bit fed up with the whole scenario and stopped being so regular with the cleaning of them!!! The result being that they became dirty - I said dirty - I meant dirty! We like fresh air so we always have windows open and guess what catches the dust as it comes in search of a happy landing place - the venetian blinds!

So, seeing as Spring has sprung and this is the time for spring-cleaning, I decided the job had to be tackled, though this time not with a duster! Since hubby is recovering from a shoulder injury it was not an option to take these things outside and give them a good scrub down so it was a case of wiping off each louvre individually - are you with me? - one by one - spray, wipe, and rinse cloth!

The very thought of this repetitive action had me feeling bored and weary for I knew that this job (full height  w i d e  sliding doors were tackled first) would take hours! So what did I do? I called for Abba! I don't know about you but I so love Abba - I will never stop loving Abba - so to clean venetians to the beat of their music sounded like such a good idea! What do you think? Yes?



But I bet you've never jigged around like a mad woman, singing and dancing whilst undertaking such a chore - for the most part - on a chair!!!! Oh yeah! What great exercise and I felt so happy too, for Abba's music always makes me feel warm and sentimental as it brings back such wonderful memories of when our children were young and our younger daughter was dancing all over the place to their beat - she was our Dancing Queen!

Every window in our home is covered with venetian blinds - there's a long way to go yet  - but the worst of it is over, for the remainder of them are much smaller than those doors! So it'll be one or two a day until I get through them and Abba will be worn out but I'll be toned up and slimmer than when I started - well that is my hope - there has to be some sort of reward surely!


Today is Father's Day in Australia so hubby and I had brunch with our daughter and family at their home which is a little way out of town. It was most enjoyable, especially as the weather was very nice after the gale-force winds we had yesterday that caused widespread power failures!

While we were down there I managed to take a few pics of the beautiful blue wrens which hop around their place quite freely - such friendly little creatures they are and their little voices are sweeter than canaries. My favourites! This fellow is called the Splendid Fairy-wren (Malurus splendens), and in the first pic he is with his offspring - Mum was there too but I wasn't fast enough to get the three of them together! Mum actually looks similar to the youngster - the female is not as brilliantly coloured as the male.

And here he is thinking about having a bath, then deciding to just hop back down and continue seeking out the crumbs that we had enticed him with!

Now don't you think that is the most beautiful little bird!


The following pics are some that I took a couple of months ago and didn't get around to a 'show and tell' until now. This area is about 75kms drive from where we live, on the other side of Walpole and, as you can see, offers a little bit of magic! I'm sure you know by now that I love water and waterfalls of any kind, (and I'm sure many of you do too), so 'Circular Pool' is most attractive to me! The pics tell the story so I needn't give any more of a write-up! Such peace and tranquility!




I'm sure you agree this is a beautiful area and we are so very fortunate to have such as this close-by to visit and enjoy!

Wow, this is a rather large post isn't it! Thank you for your patience and I do hope you've enjoyed my ruminations! It had been my intention to show some of my craft books but that will have to wait for another time. And, come to think of it - craft - I don't have anything to show you this time as I've been concentrating on my cardigan knitting and that should be finished and ready to look at in a few days!

Please do leave me a message for I so love to hear from you, and many thanks to all of you who take the time to keep in touch - you're wonderful!

Joy xo 

35 comments:

  1. Beautiful post, Joy! I cannot believe your beautiful birds - the blue is just so striking! It looks like one of our little British birds fell into a pot of bright blue paint! Your part of the world is simply amazing. One day we'll get there and do a big tour of all the gorgeous sites! Chrissie x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, they are absolutely brilliant aren't they Chrissie! We are fortunate to live in this area - photographs can never do it justice. How lovely it would be if you managed to visit and take it all in for yourself! Fingers crossed - and my door will always be open to you! Joy xo

      Delete
  2. Hello JOY,

    ABBA, Yes, I do remember Abba and listening to there great music in my very younger years. VBG Hmmmmmmmmmmmm dancing on a chair?? Please be careful.... vbg I could not think of a better way to tackle dreaded Spring cleaning than dancing and listening to your favorite music.

    Yes, It is now Spring in your Down Under Sunny Climate. I would love to come and enjoy your Spring Skip my Winter and then come Home for Spring again. Spring is my Most favorite time of year.

    I have never seen a Blue Wren. We have Wrens but they are not a beautiful Brilliant Blue like yours..

    The Circular Pools are most grand indeed. A very beautiful area.

    Hugs Judy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Judy, nice to see you again - so you would like to stay and help with the spring cleaning? I can guarantee you'll have a great time and I'll take you to visit all the best places in between times!
      And our little blue wrens are all over our area and love our native plants - their sweet voices will win your heart!
      Have a lovely week!
      Hugs to you too,
      Joy x

      Delete
  3. Hello Joy what a wonderful post, I loved it. Life is the same for everyone Joy isn't it - I have exactly the same problem with my blinds and mine get filthy too and I am so ashamed of them as I do love the house to be squeaky clean. What a good idea - Abba is one of my favourite groups of all time, their songs are so joyous and everyone can join in. You did a fabulous job Joy with the blinds and you are making me think I should be doing the same. Your other photographs are quite stunning, the little bird is just perfect and let's you see why nature is such a perfection when it comes to colour and form.
    Joy you have a fantastic blog as I have been reading up your posts, so glad that I found you, will be visiting all the time now. Have a wonderful week ahead.
    Lots of love
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Dorothy, I'm happy you enjoyed the post and I'd say to you - make a start on those blinds but take it easy on yourself too - afterwards you will feel so good about it - we keep looking at ours and seeing them all sparkly, and even the colour look different, and hubby keeps saying what a great job you did!
      Looking forward to your visits Dorothy, and thank you so much!
      Love to you too,
      Joy xo

      Delete
  4. I always put on music when I'm working around the house! I think Abba is a great choice; anything that gets you moving will help you clean better. That wren is just beautiful, I really appreciate that you shared those photos because I would never believe the male was so bright if I hadn't seen him for myself. Circular Pool looks like a very beautiful place to visit; it's so interesting to see the kinds of foliage you have there, so different from where I live. I hope you have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah yes Jennifer, I remember you mentioning that you always have music on around your home - Abba music really stirs me up - I do love a variety of music also, but there's something so special about Abba for me!
      Our little blue wrens are stunning aren't they and even more so in real life if you can believe that - well really, they are almost unbelievable! The little female looks quite insignificant beside her partner but still has a sweet blue tail. They sing so beautifully!
      Great week to you too!
      Joy x

      Delete
  5. You will be as fit as a fiddle! I use fast folk music if I want to clean the house quickly jigging from one room to the next, it really helps the tempo of housework. That local area looks a beautiful place to explore. Keep cleaning... Jo x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hiya Jo - yeah, I must keep up with it - a couple more blinds today with Abba - just what the doctor ordered, as they say! And the sun is shining at the moment, which always makes me feel more like cleaning, although weather can change so quickly here, being on the coast!
      Have a lovely week and thanks so much for your visit,
      Joy x

      Delete
  6. Oh Joy, there is nothing better than adding a little step to the cleaning, in fact it is a must and who better to guide you than Abba. I am feeling a little concerned about the prospect on a chair, so do be careful, I know if it was me I would get so carried away with the music that I would miss my step :-). Your photo's of the wrens are gorgeous and they are so very beautiful. You are so lucky to be spoilt with all this beautiful wildlife, I know it is one of the things about living in SA that I really miss. Your trip to the Circular pool looks wonderful, it looks like the perfect place to ground oneself, so very beautiful and peaceful. Thank you for sharing this with us, I always enjoy learning a little more about places around the world. Happy cleaning and dancing dear Joy and wishes for a lovely week ahead xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lovely Hannapat, yes, hubby kept reminding me that I was on a chair! Gosh my feel were sore afterwards!
      The little blue wrens are unbelievable Hannapat and really take ones breath away!
      Circular Pool is indeed a beautifully peaceful place - we wanted to go for another visit after all the heavy rains we've had but time has got away from us a bit.
      Yes, more blinds on the agenda for today - I am quite looking forward to it now since the biggest ones are done! I hope your week is wonderful Hannapat!
      Joy xoxo

      Delete
  7. Joy, Happy Father's Day to your husband, hope his shoulder is healing. I love the picture of the wren, I have never seen one before, the blue must be amazing to see in person. I am with you, can't stand blinds, we have wooden ones and they too catch every speck of dust and any dirt that wants to float in our windows, I use a magic eraser, do you have those? They are like a sponge, but not exactly a sponge, they make it a lot easier to clean. The park you showed us is really beautiful.
    Hugs to you Joy,
    Meredith

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Hannapat, thank you!
      We have seen various tools for cleaning these blinds but haven't had much success with them. I haven''t seen the magic eraser anywhere but will keep my eyes open for suchlike, thank you!
      Everyone is amazed by the blue wrens - we had them around our previous home when we were a bit removed from town, but now being in slightly more of a built up area we don't see them quite so often, and I really miss them. I can always bet on seeing them at my daughter's place though - so many of them it's unbelievable, and so tame too!
      Hugs to you too lovely Meredith,
      Joy xo

      Delete
  8. I've got those kind of blinds, they came with the house. I've got a special brush with three heads for mine, but they are hard to keep clean. What a beautiful bird, is it as small as a British wren? What lovely pics, you live in such an interesting place.
    S xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah yes, I've tried one of those brushes too but just don't have the patience for them - I find that the time it takes me to fit the prongy things into the slats is so long I can have the slats cleaned already! And the cleaning of them (the brush) is a problem too isn't it, especially when you want to do a whole big blind. Oh these blinds!!!
      The blue wren is about the same size as the UK version, although the male is a little 'podgier' than the female - ever so sweet flitting around!
      Joy xo

      Delete
  9. Hi Joy, do I like Abba...I love them always have that album on in the car.I also get what you mean about blinds look good but, they do catch the dust.Those little blue birds are so cute, nearly has cute as a robin red breast which I adore x

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Joy - another Abba lover - I can't resist them, and their music is so easily identifiable isn't it - just a bar and you know there's another treat coming!
    I love the robin red breast too Joy - a most beautiful little bird! We have one here in Western Australia too but not as pretty as the UK beauty!
    Happy week to you!
    Joy x

    ReplyDelete
  11. oh joy, I have the very same problem here in my home with the blinds. I read through your post hoping really there was a solution to cleaning them without all that hard yakka! But really there isnt! We have the cedar ones here - yes on every window, and yes they are brilliant to control the sun and shade inside the house..but......... are they dust gatherers??? you betcha, we cleaned ours a few months ago and now they are heavy with dust... guess what I have to do??? lol!
    and those fairy wrens, they are so sweet and I fell in love with them when I went down south the first time.... they are just lovely and wish they could fly up here to the city once in a while!! ps I did buy a letter opener in the shape of a blue wren, ( in margaret river) so I'm happy!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ah the blinds! Well you have my sympathy with the cleaning of them - I did another three today but it wasn't just dust - two of them are in the kitchen so I'll leave the rest to your imagination. Sorry I couldn't help you with a remedy - now I'm looking for a way to keep them clean before the dust begins to build again! lol alright!
    I just adore the little blue wrens and hadn't realised just how many varieties we have in Australia - and suited particularly to different areas. Enjoy your letter opener!!!
    Joy x

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hello Sweet Joy! You know...I was just thinking that the blinds in my bedroom are looking a bit dusty. I think today might be the day to scrub them up a bit. I have a special memory connected to Abba. When I was just about to turn 17 and a senior in high school, I was chosen Homecoming Queen. It was the 1976/77 school year and the song Dancing Queen was very popular. As you can guess that song was played at the Homecoming dance, so like your daughter I was a dancing queen once too! ;) Whenever I hear it, very fond high school memories come flooding back. ... Your blue wrens are just as beautiful as your naughty but wonderful parrots. How sweet are those little birdies?!!...I forget that as we are about to enter autumn you are going into spring, and that you're on the other side of the globe! The photos you took at the park are so pretty. That place looks like a little slice of heaven!... I can't wait to see how your cardigan is coming along. I know it will be beautiful! :) xo Paulette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello to you Dear Paulette, and thank you for sharing your lovely Abba memory - homecoming/dancing queen - now that's a big title to live up to, and I bet you did it well!
      The little blue wrens are so gorgeous flitting around and, no naughtiness with them - they would steal your heart Paulette, with their sweet sweet voices and vibrant colour.
      I am stitching up my cardi now so will show it very soon. Sewing up knitted garments to me is a chore for that part can either make or break the whole project I think. Or maybe I just get all taken up with the emotion of 'will I like it, will it fit etc..' after all the effort put into it! I can tell you there have been occasions when the 'thing' hasn't fit and it's so disappointing - so - fingers crossed!
      It's always so nice to hear from you lovely Paulette, thank you for calling in again!
      Joy xo

      Delete
  14. Hello Joy.
    I always have to have some tunes on when I'm cleaning it keeps the momentum going and makes it a more happy task.
    I like your choice of ABBA especially ABBA gold I know every song word for word on that album. My daughter shares the love of ABBA too and loves a good sing along.
    Your right, it is brilliant exercise jigging around and it gets the job done quicker.
    Sounds like you've been busy, busy.
    Sounds like your hubby had a lovely fathers day. Those blue wrens are beautiful what a vivid colour! I've not seen them before.
    Your so lucky having that beautiful place so close by looks wonderful.
    Hope your well keep on jigging dancing queen xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello again FB, a girl after my own heart - only trouble is when the vacuum cleaner goes on and the music is drowned out eh! Isn't it so sad that Abba broke up! A couple of the songs towards the end of their time together really reflect what was happening to them as couples (to my mind anyway) and I become a bit emotional when I hear them!
      There are quite a few varieties of the blue wren in the different states of Australia but I don't think any of them can beat the brilliant colour of the one I showed you - it's almost unbelievable!
      I am well thank you FB, and so happy to be feeling the spring change, although I don't look forward to the heat of summer. Thank you so much for your lovely message once again FB, I'm always happy to hear from you!
      Have a hap-hap-happy week!
      Joy xo

      Delete
  15. Great post! I always have music on when I am doing housework and I love singing along (tunelessly)! Those blue birds are just stunning.
    Marianne xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HI Marianne - so glad you liked the post - always lovely to hear from you and I do enjoy your comments, thank you! I just love those little blue wrens, the colour is out of this world, really! I'm off to finish those blinds this morning, yippee! Not sure about the dancing this time though - the legs are a bit tired!
      Have a lovely week!
      Joy xo

      Delete
  16. burlap roman shade-1. I love the look of burlap, I hate the look of mini blinds. Finally, I figured out how to solve both problems at once. curtains ashford

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your message - unfortunately 'curtains ashford' are in UK and not in Australia.
      Joy

      Delete
  17. It was a amazing experience to visit this website and read the articles and contents.

    Venetian Blinds

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm happy you enjoyed it, and thank you for your lovely comment!
      Joy

      Delete
  18. Thank you... For providing me this information... i am looking for clean venetian blinds in Utah....

    ReplyDelete
  19. They are approachable, reliable and intent on supplying you with a quality product in the fastest possible time for your needs, while also they ensure to give you all the help you require in your choice of buying the best blinds.
    By:
    http://www.onlineblindsukltd.co.uk/blinds/wooden-venetian-blinds/wooden-venetian-blinds

    ReplyDelete
  20. Window Venetian Blinds in london best Quality Affordable price
    http://www.harmonyblindsofeastlondon.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  21. Your post is truly informative for us. We are also research on this and provide you some useful information .


    Vertical Blinds & Venetian Blinds

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wonderful post! Keep up the good writing on plantation shutters Thanks for sharing with us!

    ReplyDelete