Returning to...

Somewhat normalcy is relative.

Since finishing the kitchen, there have been some interesting occurrences around here.

After a clipping and bath...must get snuffed by Biscuit and smile for the camera.

Firstly, our dog Rustie woke up one morning crying and whining.  Upon further investigation, we found that there was something not quite right with his paw.  Mr. G had to carry him downstairs so he could go outside.  We've kept an eye on him to make sure he's not in pain.  We've put some antibiotic ointment on his paw.  I've done some research and found that this particular ailment isn't all that abnormal.  The treatment the Dr's office would do is--an antibiotic, antibiotic ointment and a cone for his head.  They also said to keep it clean.  I'm getting ready to put him in to the bath tub to let his paws soak in some Epsom Salt.  Of course, that's after the kids get their Saturday night showers.  I'm hoping to do this once a day and see if his paw begins to heal better.  There is no redness in the split webbing between his toes.  The swelling is there, but not bad.  If there was oozing or redness, we would have taken him to the vet.  We're going to take it day by day with him.

As for working in the kitchen, there's more counter space!  The coffee pot came up the morning Rustie's paw problems began--no connection really, just a baseline in my own mind--so that we could enjoy coffee in the upstairs kitchen again.  Mind you, we were perfectly fine getting our coffee from the basement kitchen and doing our dishes down there.  We could have taken care of things from that point for longer, but we're thankful to be done--for now.  We are beginning discussion and pricing new upper cupboards for next year, base cupboards for the island and find out how much it will cost for the island.  It would be a good idea to anticipate every possible cost since we didn't anticipate the cost of the new kitchen sink.  We were anticipating reusing the old one, but dear Mr. G took it out and decided a new one was in order.  Thankfully, the new sink is deeper to accommodate the big pots we use for canning.

I know that a few more inches of counter space isn't really a big deal to many people, but to me it's a wonderful thing.  I've wanted to put my canisters on the counter for a long time, but couldn't since there just wasn't enough room.  If you look at the last kitchen picture in my previous post, you'll see canisters!  Yippee!  I love it!  Yes, it doesn't take much to make me happy, as I'm sure my husband would lovingly attest to.  Just a few more inches of counter space so I can put my canisters on the counter--that's not too much to ask, is it?  LOL  I can also put 2 large round baking stones of pizza and 5 plates to fill with pizza on the counter WITH everything still on the counter like canisters, coffee pot, Bosche mixer and strainer.  I am in awe and completely thankful that God made this possible!  As it stands at this moment, I'm still trying to decide what to do with things like chocolate chips, coconut and other things used for baking.  I would like to put them in containers, but I still need to get them to put in the lazy susan cupboard.  I'll wait until the next shopping day.  :)

I would just like to thank my husband for all of his hard work on this kitchen.  I know how hard it was, but quite honestly he kept at it showing our children diligence and he asked for help when he needed it, showing humility as well.  What a blessing he is for our family!  I'm sure I'll be telling him this every day for years to come.  I love to find things to thank him for. :)