In which roses and carpets are restored to glory with the changing of the seasons

Today was our annual steam-cleaning of the rug in our main room, which becomes a great source of satisfaction when completed. It was amusing because as soon as I had a bunch of furniture outside (the coffee table and the chairs for the dining table), we had a sudden rainshower. I'm not sure where to put the chairs to dry, since the garage is so full. Anyway, so this morning I moved the furniture, vacuumed, and spot-treated, and then R. did the actual steam-cleaning (since the vibrations tend to mess up my wrists). Robin didn't want to be shut in the bathroom, but he wasn't really sure whether he'd rather hide from the monster or huddle on my lap for protection. Now he's washing his paws and tummy back to gleaming whiteness, having forgotten the entire event.

And it's all sunny again outside, and since it's been a while since I've illustrated this journal, here's our "Apple Blossom" climbing rose, which is determined this year to pull over the neighbors' fence:

and