HAVE YOU EVER USED A CLOTHESLINE?

I have always loved clotheslines. I love to hang my clothes out in the fresh air where they can be disinfected, deodorized, and sanitized in the sun. I love to see them blowing in the wind. I love to go to sleep on sheets that have dried in the sun. And forgive me, but I have an aversion to clothes dryers, unless it is raining and I have to use them.

Back in New Zealand and Australia where I raised our children we had revolving clotheslines. I remember when I used to hang the twins (Evangeline and Stephen) in hanging swings, one each end of the clothesline. They would twirl around as I turned the revolving clothesline to hang up the clothes, and they loved it.

It was always my favorite chore of the day as I could get out in the fresh air, and get exercise--bending down to pick up the clothing and reaching up to peg it on the line is good stretching. And I got plenty of exercise. I remember when I had three children in 17 months, and then four under four! And in those days we didn't have disposable diapers. I washed the "nappies" as we called them in New Zealand and daily hung them on the line. The sun would bleach out the stains from them. It was wonderful.

I know many are not even allowed to have clotheslines in their subdivision. The authorities say that they make the subdivision look untidy. How sad! Because we live out in the country, we are free to have a clothesline. But, I still haven't had one since we came out to the land 14 years ago! But, not to be outdone, I hang my clothes on our deck. Only when it is pouring with rain do I condescendingly use the dryer.

However, this Christmas, Serene and Sam and Pearl and Charlie took pity on my and bought me a revolving clothesline. I was blessed out of my socks. And you'd never believe it. Without knowing what they were doing, my sister, Kate bought me a peg bag filled with old fashioned wooden pegs. How amazing!

Love from Nancy Campbell