Because of the interminable winter, my house has never been cleaner, but that is not to say it is clean. All those secrets hidden behind closed doors …

I might not get to them all, but I am determined to scare the heck out of them! That ancient box of pearl tapioca might yield some comfort food if I soaked it rather than pushed it to the back of the cupboard — again. Oh, yes, and those letters I mean to write, not to mention tax preparation. Do I really want to be slaving over that chore in April when I could be out in the garden, for goodness sake? Oh, and how could I forget ironing? Hmm. As I believe John Burroughs once said: It is always good weather for something.

BETTY ANN ADDISON, Fridley