Tidying up for the holidays

It's Sunday, and I continue to be in awe of Nadia. My friend's friend's cousin is back, and has succeeded in cleaning all of the blankets (in the tub, stomping on them as necessary), the rugs (in the kitchen using a big tub), and the floors all without telling me that the butagaz was out and that she didn't have access to warm water.

Getting the house cleaned up before the holidays (and holiday visitors) seems like a great idea. The high Muslim holiday is upon us in two days, and I can hear the various sheep of my neighbors in the courtyard behind my apartment. After Tuesday, there will be no more baaa's.

I've managed to put a strand of lights around a fir tree-shaped clock and have put presents around it for now. It's getting festive, indeed.

Nadia won't be back next week, but will come the following Sunday to help clean and to cook a little. I hope my concierge and his wife are a little nicer to her next time -- they really gave her the run-around this morning.