Sunday I finished washing the last fork, the last coffee mug, the last stray pot lids and plastic cups I could find. Then I announced I was done washing dishes until Sept. 4.

My children had been warned this would be coming, so the groaning was only obligatory. We’d already been over the territory.

No, they wouldn’t get paid. It was something they could do – in addition to the usual bathroom cleaning and trash hauling kinds of chores they get – because they would be free all day with no homework.

My son quickly pointed out that he would have homework, which I had to concede, since he’s signed up for a Virtual High School class. Still, with 90 days to complete a semester’s work for one class, I think he can squeeze in some dish soap.

This post originally appeared on ourMidland.com, the online home of the Midland (MI) Daily News. Republished with permission.