He could've been using the vacuum hose to vacuum in the corner near the door, and most people get on their hands and knees when using the hose.

this question also baffles me

That was my first thought too, but if it was a rug in the entry way OP might have been on the floor holding the corners down to vacuum them without it getting messed up... I always stood on the corners for my mom when I was a kid, and once or twice had to get down to fix it when I tried it on my own. Otherwise, I have no clue...!

<p>&nbsp;Most people? been looking in a few windows have we.</p>