It has become part of my daily routine. Soon after I awake and dress, I check the airier to remove dry clothes ready for ironing. Accepting the natural rhythm of overnight drying was strange at the start. I had become used to what is know as a ‘Kleenex tissue’ type of life.

Today I am involved in recycling or conservation. Reusing and repairing or giving it away. Being part of natural systems has become a way of life. It has appeared in what I eat. My diet now includes healthy portions of vegetables and fruit. I have a garden with lots of healthy plants. I grow as much as I can. The modern labour saving electrical appliances came with my home. The laundry system especially appealed to my easy lifestyle needs. I would revel in having piles of clothes around me as I tried to complete the washing first then the drying. Hanging a complete wash takes time only to be taken in again especially with changes in the weather. Besides this I longed to achieve a healthier more natural way.

Without the benefit of the fixed washing lines my Grandmother had I firstly used an old wooden clotheshorse. It would creak in protest as I hauled it out of the wall cupboard and into the lounge.

It was so big that when loaded it took up so much space the lounge was out of action. During laundry days meetings were held in the kitchen. Then I discovered the multi way washing line. Five lines when extended over the bath providing up to 70 feet of line space. Great for keeping the laundry out of sight of prying visitor’s eyes. Then I acquired a modern floor standing airer. I chose a smaller version that stood in the bath. Ideal for woollies and those delicate hand washed items.

Lately I added a wall-mounted airer, which expands and retracts, as I need it. Combined with outside drying in good weather I am completely self-sufficient in drying. I heartily recommend it and all I do is check it in the morning when I arise.