Getting ready (probably too early)

We got word this week that our new kitchen appliances had been delivered and the seller asked when we might be able to install them. The builders estimated 4-6 weeks, which means between late June and early July. We know that the cabinets will be installed before the appliances, but we don’t know when all the fixtures will be installed and the floor finished. My rough guess is—at best—late July. And yet, the rigor of a makeshift kitchen has made me realize that many of our older kitchen needs really need an update.

For example, our flatware is at least a dozen years old, which should be no problem, but years of use has meant many have damage including askew tines. I suggested to Dan that we update them in the new kitchen and he told me (only then) that our current flatware had pointed bottoms that had bothered him for a decade He had never mentioned this. We ordered a new set of flatware today.

We will likely move the current flatware, after the new kitchen is ready, to storage for any incidences of Sibfests or the like with large numbers of guests. The good news is that the new flatware will arrive in a few days. The bad news is that we will store it for at least two months before using it. Good or bad planning? Who knows.

In addition, we’re prepping for how to keep the new kitchen clean. I am the cleaner in the house and Dan is the splasher. It works for us (not without mutual frustration). For years, we have relied on washable microfiber cloths for dusting and cleaning around the house, but in the old kitchen, I have deferred to Dan’s desire to have scrubs and such for the kitchen (more on that later) in part because the old, painted cabinets and linoleum counters were difficult to clean. As we go forward, the stone counters, tile backsplashes, wood cabinets, and appliances that may require special care means CB will be back in charge of the kitchen (to which Dan agrees without persuasion). To that end, I ordered another stack of microfiber cleaning pads—all in white—to easily clean and polish the kitchen messes, and wash them all up in the washing machine to reuse. (Note for those who want to do this: it’s important to wash them alone, with low suds, and air dry rather than put in the dryer. Do not use fabric softener, which can mar their ability to clean.) Once again, they will arrive soon, but be in storage for a while.

I’m really looking forward to a planned and functional kitchen. Perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself, but I would prefer to look forward!