Friday, October 24, 2008

A quiet existence

It was a beautiful day here in Maryland and I spent it unpacking all my linens and setting up the master bedroom to my liking. I also worked on a small project for school.

My husband got the hedge shears and trimmed the vines from the breakfast nook room. He's unbelievable sometimes, but he took it real slow and I think it made him feel good to contribute.

George spent the day chasing squirrels and let me tell you . . . he's in doggie heaven here because he's hit the jackpot for squirrelville. They're ubiquitous little fellas! And Rich, if you're reading this, I put a link just for you so's you don't have to look up that word. I know that vocabulary is your passion and, like you, I don't think a day should go by without using new words and learning their meaning. It's fun, isn't it?

You'll also be glad, or surprised, rather, to hear that I am actually doing the cooking every night. Regular readers know that the real chef around here is my husband, but I'm letting him take it easy right now. I'm sure he'd just love to cook our meals (not really) while I play with pictures in Photoshop, but I am just such a good wife (again, not really) that I'm donning my June Cleaver apron every afternoon and whipping up gourmet meals (I won't even say it again) for my husband and our son.

Actually, I've been doing surprisingly well. Every meal this week has been met with good reviews. I've made some nice breakfasts and dinners and tonight I even julienned the carrots. Ding dang diddly! I just don't know what's gotten into me. Oh, wait. I do know. It's this kitchen! I am in love with the kitchen in this house, and it's not just because of the pink countertops. Well, really, it's despite the pink countertops and the stovetop with the mind of its own. It's just a good feeling that emanates from this room. (Another gift for Rich).

After seeing the kitchen picture, I realized that I probably should have straightened it up some but what the heck.

Saturday I will be seeing my entire family and I'm really glad about that. It's the memorial service for my father and we'll all be together. My husband will be staying home because that would just be way too much for him. His folks are coming out to spend the day with him.

So, until tomorrow, my friends . . .



29 comments:

Tess Kincaid said...

Good to know things are going well and you are getting settled. Cheery kitchen. Julienned carrots? I'm impressed!

Anonymous said...

I was looking back on your blog. I am so sorry you, your husband, and family are going through all of this. I will keep you in my prayers.

Nan said...

I absolutely love the deep windowsilled (a word?) window - so very British. Really the whole kitchen is very appealing to me.

brneyedgal967 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
brneyedgal967 said...

What a bright and airy kitchen! I love it! And thanks for not cleaning up the mess - it looks "real" that way.

Not sure if y'all like chicken taco soup but I have a super quick and easy recipe. It's opening a bunch of cans and heating, but it tastes great!

1 can - Whole kernel corn
1 can - black beans
1 can - Roi' Tel
1 can - Tyson chicken
2 cans - Chicken broth

That's it! Mix it together, heat it up - season however you like. Then I serve it with tortilla chips and shredded cheese on the top. Easy and great on a cold day!

Oops on the delete thing - I had a misspelled word and I that's a peeve of mine.:-)

Mary said...

Oh, I think your kitchen is so bright and cheerful, and I absolutely LOVE that window ledge. Perfect for some potted herbs. :)

Anonymous said...

The photo makes the kitchen look red...it's pink really? Shocking pink? That is so wild and kitchy! I would have to but all new dishes to match. Love it.

abb said...

So glad you're able to go to your dad's service. This has been such an extraordinarily _________ (fill in the blank, don't know what word to put there) time for you and your lovies, but it seems things are working just a bit in your favor. Lovely, Kate, just lovely!

abb said...

Oh, and as long as George is happy, all is right in the world. ;-)

Treasia Stepp said...

What a cheerful kitchen you have now. Love the window seat. Happy to know your husband felt well enough to venture out and do some yard work. It's amazing how just getting out for a bit seems to boost one's spirits as well.

Annie said...

Love the kitchen ....Will be thinking of you all..Annie

Country Girl said...

Sometimes life is like that, Annie. Isn't it? Little things at the house are keeping us busy for now, unpacking and doing windows and fixing little things.
And Noble Pig, yes the countertops are pink. The trim is more of a brick color, a pale brick, and not red.

Daryl said...

I think a kitchen like that would inspire me to cook too .. no, not really .. not even semi seriously

It took me a minute to figure out that was a dish towel on the oven door .. I was thinking it was reflecting something but what .. then my eyes adjusted ... nice dish towel!

Love the kitchen

And I know the memorial will be tough but keep all your good memories close and know your dad is with you.

:-Daryl

Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi) said...

Ohhh...that face! I love photos of George. I can never get enough.

Your new home looks warm and inviting, Kate. Your kitchen looks like a great place to sit a while, soak in the lovely view, and enjoy a quiet moment. Glad to hear you and hubs are settling in.

{{hugs}}

Adventure girl said...

Love your new home! Hope things continue to go well! You and yours are in my prayers!

Shimmy Mom said...

Your kitchen is so cute! And I am very impressed that you Julienned carrots. Just call you Julia Child. My family got nachos for dinner last night. I can't believe he's already doing yard work!!!?? He must be as much of a work-a-holic as my hubby.
I really hope you have a great time with your family. Dwell on the happy thoughts.
My prayers are still with you.
*hugs*

Maria said...

I LOVE that kitchen. Ditto to what everyone said about the deep window sill too. Pink is a happy, happy color. It will look so pretty when the view out the window is nothing but snow. Settling in so much work but so much fun taking a new place and making it yours.

A Scattering said...

Another lucky woman, married to a man who loves to cook!

Egghead said...

I love that kitchen. It looks so warm and inviting. Funny about your husband out there working away so soon. I used to marvel that my daughter would be doing all sorts of things like running on the treadmill within a week following brain surgery. She had a strong and positive spirit much like your sweet heart.
Blessings to you for all you are doing and for him and his speedy recovery.

Deb said...

I was shocked to learn your husband was doing chores. I think I would have been freaking out and hovering over him. How DID you manage?
Your kitchen looks very charming. Hey, I made dlynz potato soup and it is now in my crock pot simmering. Very simple recipe...'cept, I left out the kale...my hubby would not approve.
Hope you have a peaceful weekend and enjoy the family.

Jo said...

Kate, I am just amazed at you. How do you do it?

I love, love, love your kitchen. I would love to have a kitchen like that. I enjoy cooking, and I would definitely be inspired by that kitchen. Your whole house looks lovely. I hope you are able to settle in and enjoy life for a while. You have earned it!

Country Girl said...

I am not amazing. Right now I am so tired because I've been cleaning and moving things around all day. Up and down the stairs so many times that I lost count. I feel like I've been run over by a truck. I just baked cookies but I am not amazing. I bought the prepackaged kind that you pop on the cookie sheet and put into the oven. The kitchen made me do it. It's those pink countertops.

Hilary said...

The kitchen looks so warm and inviting.

DesertHen said...

I love the look on George's face....He's in a squirrel daze! So cute......

Love the photos of your new home...the kitchen looks cozy and inviting.

Mental P Mama said...

I love that kitchen, too! I am in awe of you both, by the way.

Woman in a Window said...

It might be that window and the light. That's good light. Be well!

Anonymous said...

that trash can is like a little tramp. she has been everywhere! I think I prefer it under the drop down cutting board.

Country Girl said...

Adrienne, I can't put it under the drop down butcher block because where do I put it when the butcher block is down?

It is a little tramp. I should paint a picture of Charlie Chaplin on it. Now, that's a thought . . .

~ C.G.

Jeannelle said...

What a wide-eyed look George has! He must have just spotted the squirrel in the next photo!

Your kitchen looks cute and cozy. So glad to hear your husband feels up to being outdoors, and even doing yardwork....my goodness. Just so he doesn't overdo. Thoughts and prayers continue.