Why the Kitchen is Still a Mess

This weekend, I’ve was asked twice how progress on my kitchen is coming along. Somewhat embarrassed, I have to explain that just before spring came along, I was humming. I painted the cabinets white. I ordered a new stove and refrigerator. Mike and I installed a new-to-us dishwasher. I had finally chosen the countertop tile and was ready to place my order. Then I was sucked into the garden.

The second time I explained that the yard had consumed all of my free time, I received skeptical looks. After all, what could be taking so long in the yard? I attempted to justify the time spent. First, I had ripped out the yews. That took a good two weeks. Then I started planting. I estimated that I had planted at least 100 plants. The figure provoked skeptical looks and jokes about all the weeding I have set myself up for.

Last night, knowing that I am prone to exaggerating, I checked my plant inventory to see just how many plants I’ve put in the ground. I easily counted to 200. Even given that some plants went into one hole, I have dug at least 100 holes. Each hole required that I deposit the dirt in my wheelbarrow, chop up the cheesy clay chunks, and mix in humus and manure. I must have hefted the hoe thousands of times. The figures are starting to impress even me!

Although I’ve been forbidden to buy any more plants, they keep showing up in my shopping cart. (Who could resist Lowe’s May perennial sale?!) If I have nothing to plant, there is always a bed to weed or mulch. Sometimes, I just go out with my kitties and, *gasp*, enjoy the yard. Quite honestly, I don’t know if I’ll get much done in the kitchen until it becomes unbearably hot outside. For now, I’m enjoying the lovely weather, working on getting my plant count up to 250, and, occasionally, stopping to smell the roses.