SC I resisted getting a cleaner for ages (despite my ILs/DH/virtually everyone I knew telling me I should get one) but we've had one for a year or two now and I haven't looked back. We have the same problem as you with all the stairs, which makes the home blessing virtually impossible in an hour (not that it's achievable for most people, I don't think) as I'd spend the 10 minutes' hoovering time just lugging the vacuum cleaner up and down the stairs. It's also nice not to have to worry about cleaning the shower and bath, washing the floors and all those other jobs I hate. It's not as if I'm short of things to do otherwise, either; I struggle to fit in all the cleaning, washing, tidying, etc etc as it is.
Btw I can't decide whether the discipline of having to keep the place tidy is an advantage or a disadvantage for me - although keeping tidy is a bit of an exaggeration, as it's usually a panic-stricken house rescue the evening before. Our cleaner is due tomorrow morning and two of the three floors are by no means ready for her (she refuses to set foot in the cellar)... but the house does look lovely and tidy (and clean, of course) afterwards, even if it only lasts for a few hours.
DWM Lovely to see you back, but sorry to hear you've had such a difficult time lately. Sounds like you're taking steps in the right direction though, and I'm very impressed with you still doing the missions despite everything else going on - I struggle to get them done at the best of times.
swan DH is "allowing" me to meet some MNers in London next month in exchange for him going to Ealing on his own the following day (I shall probably take the DC to the Natural History Museum, as he's insisting on being present at the Science Museum).
It's my week off school English lessons tomorrow (I teach both classes once a fortnight), so I was looking forward to the luxury of a whole five hours to myself tomorrow morning. Alas, it was not to be - the RE teacher is ill, so DD1 is being let out of school an hour earlier than usual. I am sending her get well vibes so that DD1 isn't home at 10.50 on Friday.
Time for ballet run so must go; waves to all.