30 May 2025

 

My grandmother, María de los Dolores Reyes de Iruteta Goyena often told me that my grandfather, Don Tirso de Irureta Goyena had a cleanliness obsession. She explained, but I never quite understood, that he would polish the bamboo floors with a coconut husk. She said that I had inherited from my grandfather as I have always been keen on household cleanliness.

My mother inherited that little obsession but she did not quite have to exercise it as in Buenos Aires we had a live-in housekeeper called Mercedes Basaldúa.

When  Rosemary and I were married in Mexico City, we were both teachers and we did have a live-in housekeeper who spent most of her time taking care of our first daughter Alexandra. I did the cleaning.

It was Hilary, our youngest daughter, who pointed out today that while Rosemary never did like to clean the exception was always when we were going to have visitors. Because tomorrow and Sunday I am opening the garden to the Vancouver Rose Society, Rosemary’s spirit commanded me to clean the whole house after spending many hours making the garden as perfect as possible.

The garden visit protocol is the attendees do not use the facilities unless it is an emergency and do not enter the house. But it might be raining tomorrow so my cucumber sandwiches, special iced, and Hilary’s sweets might have to put in our dining room table.

The house is clean so I am not worried.

Niña is shy but Niño will be my company during the day. Rosemary’s presence will be strong.