It makes you want to clean in heels and pearls

New things! First, because the thicket of dog hair in our house had gotten knee-deep due to our vacuums sucking because they no longer suck, I caved and bought the Cadillac of Vacuums: the Dyson DC 25 Animal Hair model ... with the purple ball.

(Doesn't it just sound funnier when you add, "With the purple ball" ?)

Let me tell you. It pained me to part with $550* for a VACUUM. Mostly because what kind of idiot pays $550 for something that SUCKS? Well, in this instance, I am proud to be that kind of idiot. Because in our tiny house, with a floorplan the size of your average Twister mat, I had to empty the canister for the Dyson DC 25 SIX TIMES during my cleaning session. It picked up so much dog hair I could have knit a cruise ship cozy with that mess. (I actually considered photographing Daisy next to that dirty mountain of dog hair to illustrate my point, but it ended up grossing me out too much.)

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Our previous vacuum would go without a bag change for more than sixTEEN sessions. Mostly because we could no longer find the bags for it (and/or we were cheap and/or lazy). But Dyson? You and your adorable little purple ball have won the dust bunnies in my heart right on over. We will shuffle our rubber-soled slippers over the carpet to collect tenacious tumbleweeds of dog hair no more!

Second, I have planted seeds! They are basking beneath the warm, purple glow of flourescent lights as I write this. And I did join a local CSA, which I am thrilled to learn produces cheddar and purple cauliflowers. If I had room for a large garden, I would totally plant that. I would also plant cinderella pumpkins and sweet potatoes and edamame and fancy melons.

Now the trick will be COOKING all of these lovely veggies, since we are considering a major kitchen remodel this summer.

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Hot plate in the garage, anyone?

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I grew up with our family home in a constant state of remodel, so I am no stranger to DIY improvisation. For example, when I was in junior high, I was once or twice forced to wash my hair on the front lawn with the garden hose because the kitchen and bathroom were ripped apart.

There will be no lawn hair washing this go-round (although I can't speak for my neighbors), but there may be much eating and dishwashing in the living room. Good thing I now have that Dyson.

PS: Don't forget to listen to Whad'Ya Know this Saturday morning! We'll be in the audience, and I will try my hardest to play the quiz on the air. The show will be broadcast live from the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, which is featuring an exhibit on the presentation of evil as visualized by modern artists. J is thrilled, to say the least.

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*What sealed the deal: No bags, filters, or belts to replace EVER, plus a five year warranty. Plus, you get that cute little purple ball.