Earth Day and Sheets

One of the true pleasures of my life is hanging sheets and pillowcases outside to dry when nice weather arrives. No laundry detergent or fabric softener has been able to replicate the freshness of the outdoors. I also feel virtuous that I am not using any energy to dry them. Fortunately, neither my Sweetie nor I have any allergies.

There is also something meditative about the process. Once the wet bed linens are liberated from the washer and taken outside, I proceed to wash the line before hanging them. I am always amazed at the dark streak on the rag. I wonder what our lungs look like.

Then I shake the pillowcases, one by one, and use two wooden clothes pins per case to hang them. Then it is the fitted sheet’s turn. I always pin them unevenly so that the pockets are offset for better drying time. Finally, I throw the top sheet over the line in the same way.

When they are dry, I become almost intoxicated from the fresh smell as I take them off the line. As I fold the top sheet into a small rectangle, I bury my face in it.

I am reminded of my mother.