Have you moved in an electric kettle and a cup and a few supplies to have a cuppa tea as you work in the new house? It seems to be where I start (and the last thing to leave as I empty a house). Too bad about the lack of attention on the house; chances are they offered the renters their deposit back if it was "broom clean" and out of sight, out of mind gets short shrift. I bet the inside of the microwave is scuzzy also.

Yesterday a call to catch up with my sister broke a new long-call record. Two hours and 22 minutes, touching on a lot of family history, thoughts on managing our stuff (with both of us handing off to my kids), and thoughts on house cleaning. She's undergoing a big renovation and had brought back a cleaner she liked to help and is making it a regular thing now. Help when she was working was one thing, she did it herself after retirement, but has resolved that "at my age I need help." She's four years younger; the point I need to reach is when enough stuff is put away so a cleaner doesn't have to also work around clutter.

Having friends over for lunch tomorrow so today is cleaning and some baking ahead. I'll make a regular loaf of bread (the remaining part will go home with someone, I'll use my gluten free for me) and make grilled cheese sandwiches and lentil soup, with a side of sausages and homemade pickles.