From Basil to Butternut...a bit of an update and a ramble

Thank you, all of you, for your wonderful comments and stories and memories. I loved reading all of the porch stories. If you wrote me an email I am working on returning all of them. I am just a bit behind with everything, but want you to know I am working on them and you will be receiving a return email from me shortly. 

With that said, I am behind. Behind in every area of my life. It wasn’t until this past Sunday that the chaos around me seemed to finally stop swirling. Monday morning I woke up early, dove into my morning rituals, and decided to head down to the river for the first time in ages. But, at around nine thirty, all of the power on my street went completely out due to maintenance of the electric lines. This really wouldn’t be a big deal or stop me from driving, usually, but Sunday night I decided to be super responsible and start using my garage. Up until Sunday night, I parked in the back outside of the garage. It rained Sunday, so I thought it might be a good idea to start to make use of the garage. I neglected to realize one of the two issues with this garage parking plan. The garage is under the house and connected to the basement. I knew wheeling up the hill, to my front door, was part of the plan until the elevator is installed. However, I forgot about the planned power outage and how that might put in wrench in the whole electric garage door opener plan. So, no river. I waited, hoping the power would magically come back on before the four o’clock scheduled return, but no luck. Instead, I took advantage of the peace and let my mind heal.

I find it fitting I moved into this house at the end of a season and started another so soon. Out with the old and in with the new. Fall. Yes, it is finally here. I love this season. I know it is trite or cliche, but I adore it. I burn candles called Pumpkin Cupcake and try to spend as much time outside surrounded by red, orange, and yellow leaves and try to spend time inside, cooking and gathering with friends and family. My very favorite part of a house that is my own, is deciding how I will decorate it with each change of the season. I kind of have a holiday freak flag when it comes to decorating and theme food and dinners and drinks. I’m kind of happy I don’t love the fancy flavored coffee at Starbucks because I might drink them every single day. I’m just a plain coffee, with a splash of milk and a bit of sugar, kind of girl. But, the names of the lattes make me want to order them and guzzle them down. The Pumpkin Cupcake candle burning next to me is actually making me want one of those drinks right now.

My house is still in the midst of change. It will be transformed into a place that works for me. Until then, I only, with much help, unpack what I need for the next month or so. That way, when construction begins, I don’t have to pack up a ton of stuff I just unpacked. And as I look around, I see what mostly is unpacked is my kitchen stuff. All of my cookbooks, most of my pots and pans, measuring spoons and cups, and a few baking sheets. The essentials, like plates and silverware and glasses are up here too. I say up here, because most of my stuff is still in boxes in the basement. Since the elevator is not installed, I can’t go down there, and the hill to my front door is too steep to carry much of anything. I am not complaining, just explaining. I have so many good people, especially my mom, dropping by to help uncover items from the basement and carry them upstairs. It’s temporary, so it really doesn’t bother me much. I make lists when I think of stuff I need and a then someone runs down to get it. I learn what I love the most and what I need the most. Clearly, as evidenced by what is unpacked the most, cooking is a favorite. 

I noticed this weekend my cooking told a story, as it usually does. Friday, I made basil pesto from the last huge bunch of fresh basil from a new neighbor. This sweet lady from a house at the end of the street, walked over a huge and beautiful bunch of basil from her community garden. She said she industrial size production of the basil and needed to use it all up before the growing season ends. I happily and graciously accepted the basil, drove over to raid more from my parents’ garden, and made a huge batch of basil pesto. I froze some for a nice treat during the cold months ahead. When the seasons change, there seems to be this click, like the heat and humidity stops, the bathing suits go into storage, the boots come out, and the air is finally cold enough for an extra blanket. Sunday night, I marked this click with a batch of Butternut Squash and Apple Soup. As I chopped and stirred, I felt another click. The click of the transition to a new way of life. A way of life that will suit my needs and a space that is all my own. I can plant and decorate and cook in my very own space, in my very own house. It felt good. I felt rebirth, hope, and flood of light all at once. A fresh start, a new beginning, a new season is here.

From this...

to this.

And then with just a click, it's time for fall.

So, I will cut it short tonight. I have so much to share in the coming days and weeks. Contractors, architects, elevator professionals, electricians, project managers, dry wall installers, window installers, and kitchen designers have run amok these past few weeks. One of the best moments of this process was when I learned the kitchen and bath architect has a daughter with a condition that requires her to use a wheelchair. He knew every inch and every detail of what I need. I almost cried when he told me about her. To have complete understanding is touching and rare and priceless. I knew he was the one to do the job, I just knew it. I am currently taking pictures of every room and every inch of my space to share with all of you. I want to show you every detail of what it takes to make a house work for an individual with paralysis. I planned to start showing you this week, this post, but I used my phone camera to take some of the pictures, and after I downloaded them, they don’t look so great. I wrote down, find camera, and will start fresh tomorrow after my mom stops over. I plan to explain what works for me and what doesn’t in each picture. And then we will have an entire group of before photos to compare with the after photos, which I will surely share. And Belle will make many cameos in the photos, do not worry. She is very busy barking her head off at the cat across the street and at all of the squirrels and deer. None of which find her threatening, but she still tries to sound fierce. 

My walking, or wheeling, buddy.

Again, I can’t thank you enough for helping me through this change and process. Your support has been uplifting and humbling. It is so nice to know we aren’t alone and every single one of you makes me feel this way. I appreciate you reading and tuning in so very much. I have a dog and a late night walk with some starts calling my name.

Much love and blessings to all of you...