Why I call it House Sitting and not Dog Sitting

I find every house I stay in contributes something different. In one perhaps it is the color schemes or maybe "what NOT to do" or I find little conveniences like kitchen tools I’ve never seen, ways of arranging a cupboard, that kind of thing.
One home I go to is an absolute sanctuary! This house has consciousness all through it. There is not one nook or cranny that is not alive with thoughtful energy. Needless to say, there is no tv, the computer is conveniently put in a room by itself and clocks are at a minimum. There is a wonderful sound system and music is welcome in the space.
When ever I have stayed there, I am inspired to simplify even more in my own home and continue to clear and clean out clutter or extra "fuss" where it may exist. I personally am very visual with many pictures, small arrangements and colors throughout my living spaces. This home has all white walls, a clean but common cement floor throughout, no window dressings except one or two windows that need privacy and then, the window is simply blocked with small Venetian blinds that allow the light through when they are open. There are no pictures or images on the walls anywhere. Bookcases are simple and well arranged, some are empty. The storage spaces are a thing of beauty with open spaces and never one inch of clutter. The entire house creates a visual pleasure just through the placement of objects and furniture. The use of natural fabrics and foods throughout the house adds to the effect. I feel very stimulated and calmed at the same time when I stay there.
By contrast, I once sat at a home that had not only clutter and "things" placed on every available space, it was bulging at the seams with hidden possessions crammed into every possible closet, bookcase storage box or untility room. This house functioned, however; and the dogs didn’t seem to mind. Everyone had their own space to sit, sleep and eat including me. Yet I was never at ease and found I could only walk from one small open space to another. Needless to say, I watched a lot of tv at that house.
Many homes I’ve visited had large elegant rooms, ornate or expensive looking furniture and lovely views. I can enjoy these places, but always find there is one room where I tend to "live" besides the necessity of a bedroom. The kitchen of course is always a functional space in most homes and I gain pleasure from using then keeping kitchens just as the owners left them. I have my favorites of course. Some kitchens are so huge I feel I’m swallowed up in them a nd can’t really get a comfortable meal made without an effort. Almost everyone keeps their utensils in a similar way and I can usually find whatever I need. I do use their cooking pans and dish soap, that kind of thing, but always bring my own food, store and stay contained with boxes and refrigerator space. That way, when I leave, I can be sure I get myself taken out of their personal spaces. Still, there are times I forget one or two items.
Usually, I forget a small food item in the frig, or perhaps a bathroom supply like shampoo or mouthwash. It’s always a source of irritation to me when I do that and I often chastise myself for it until I remember I too, am human.
The most important thing, of course is that I take care of the dogs in the manner to which they are accustomed and that actually, I do sitting with the dogs and not housesitting. Still, I call it housesitting. I pick up the mail, take out the trash, vacuum the floors when I leave and keep the sinks clean. I maintain a presence at the home so any possible "thief" would not consider staking out the place as empty. Also, as the responsible person for the dogs and for the house, I make it a point (I think I’ve mentioned this earlier) to not go out at night. There are exceptions of course, but I take the responsibility of house sitting (think dog sitting) seriously. Many of my friends would say too seriously, but I think it is simply a matter of doing a job well.

Why I call it sitting with the dogs
Wind is calm now, and the moon has been nearly full each night. My evening hours outside have been delightful. The dogs and I like to sit and watch the sun go down, then wait as the long dusk settles. They gather next to me and we sit silently watching as the light changes around us. Very sweet.
The quiet compainionship with dogs