Stock and Spring Cleaning

The stock pot has been simmering on the stove all morning.  Every year, about this time, the freezer is burgeoning with bags full of vegetable trimmings.  Most recently, asparagus ends have been added, but I started these last fall, so there's also winter squash, spaghetti squash and tomato trimmings, in addition to the usual carrot tops, onion and herb bits.  Oh, and lots of mushroom bottoms from that canning session. As I could barely get the freezer closed, and today is cooler, only reaching the lower 70's, it seemed like the day to can stock.  I'll cook it down a bit longer, then strain and can it, to use in future soups and other recipes calling for stock.

First attempts at spring cleaning have begun.  The bed has been stripped down, with all pillow and mattress covers laundered, and crisp summer cotton sheets replacing flannel sheets.  Is there anything better than sheets fresh from the line, smelling of sunshine and warm breezes?  All the houseplants were taken outdoors, to spend the warm months in their stand under the trees.  I'm not sure when I'll begin the actual cleaning portion of spring cleaning, but at least it's begun.