So here it is, spring. For a generation of baby boomers, I’ll bet most of you can commiserate with me on what spring really meant growing up.

In my parent’s house, it meant spring cleaning. This was no small task in a three-story old Victorian home inhabited by 12 children, two parents, a dog or two, a cat and even some rabbits at one time.

Imagine just trying to maneuver around a playpen that was eternally set up in the TV/living room or the chrome and padded high chair in the kitchen. Then there were overflowing toy boxes, hockey sticks or golf clubs parked by the front door and dozens of boots and shoes by the back door.

Our mom believed in washing down walls even if they were covered with five or six layers of wallpaper. Mom had a penchant for wallpaper and took to hanging it herself. Our dad said he never knew what house he was walking into at the end of his work day because Mom may have had her way with another wall.

We had everything from patriotic scenes from the Revolutionary War to bright yellow modern art patterns during the ’70s that made Dad cringe every time he sat at the kitchen table to have his morning coffee. That yellow was just too much so early in the morning.

All the scatter rugs were pulled up and hung on the clothesline out back to have the dust beat out of them. Then the well-worn hardwood floors were polished to a memorable shine.

By the end of our weekend cleaning spree, the whole house smelled of Murphy’s Oil Soap, Lemon Pledge and Windex. I have to admit the old place seemed to appreciate the refresh. It was as if the house took a deep breath and enjoyed the fresh air.

At least for a few days, the floors were free of muddy shoe and dog prints. The windows were spotless, and the house smelled clean and new.

I can’t say I looked forward to those spring cleaning chores, but it did feel good when it was all done. Well, it’s almost May, and I’m pleased to say my husband and I have done some spring cleaning. OK, we managed to wash the windows and pull a few window screens into place. Pretty good day’s work for this odd couple!

Heather Ziegler can be reached by email at hziegler@theintelligener.net.