Old Mother Hubbard

I'm a New Yorker; my oven is used for storage. 

Cheyenne Jackson, American actor 

My new abode is rather small so a main principle of the renovation is effective use of every inch. The newest achievement is the installation of shelving units in all its closets. One off the living room has now been transformed into my pantry. It's as bare as old Mother Hubbard's cupboard but I fantasize about bins of grains, jars of savouries, and bottles of wine. Soon. I hope.

In Granite Heaven

The finest workers in stone are not copper or steel tools, but the gentle touches of air and water working at their leisure with a liberal allowance of time.

Henry David Thoreau, American essayist, poet and philosopher (1817-1862)

The Earth unveiled an incredible range of beauty in thin, 2 and 3cm sheets as Mom and I wandered multiple aisles of granite slabs. My love of stone, its colour, its texture, and its history appears in several blog posts so it won't come as a surprise to my faithful visitors that I insisted on selecting the very slab from which my kitchen countertops will emerge. I am entering into a long-term relationship here so I'm being very selective.

I am very fond of "Golden Sparkle".

But I am also enamoured with "Torrocino".

Alas, I was heart-broken at having to turn away from the most beautiful "Rain Forest", but her marble composition would not withstand the responsibilities faced in the kitchen. I sighed a sigh of regret and moved along the rows with the cupboard and flooring samples, assessing their perfect mate. All were outstanding, and some were nothing short of stunning. We fantasized many grand tables.

The final decision as to which beauty receives the rose to become my kitchen amour awaits word from the contractor on their price points. Ah, yes, financial reality is very much a part of this otherwise heartfelt decision.

Stay tuned.

Day Off in Lieu

When we are unable to find tranquility within ourselves, it is useless to seek it elsewhere.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld, French author (1613 - 1680)

What a wonderful day I enjoyed in taking a Monday off work to run necessary errands in the morning and revisit my quilting buddies in the afternoon. Somehow,  having the opportunity to relax on a work day, to join friends to quilt, felt more salubrious than a weekend. I am restored. So tomorrow, it's back to work. ;-)