Adjusting to a one-butt Kitchen

So we did it. We made it through the downsizing experience. We somehow kept our sanity and now look forward to summer when we'll celebrate another anniversary. The last six weeks weren't easy, though. The decisions regarding what to keep and what to re-home might haunt us for a few months. But, so far, a month into apartment living, we haven't 'needed' anything that we've given away. That's a good sign. And right now, the only item we've been searching for and wondering about is the round, glass pyrex pie plate. I still need to shop for the ingredients for spinach quiche, so there's time. I am 99% sure the pie plate made the move.

Which brings me to our kitchen. A lot less cabinet space than the house we vacated, but it's certainly doable. It's all about sticking to Mom's mantra "There's a place for everything, so keep everything in its place." With limited room, there's no letting dishes pile in the sink or sit on the counter. Finish one project THEN move onto the next task (ie. prepare Suzy's meal, feed her, while she eats, clean up, and then begin to prepare supper). Not enough room to multi-task and certainly too crowded for both of us to be in the same area at the same time. Every once in a while we find ourselves slow dancing around each other, balancing plates or glassware. And that's fun, too.

Suzy is adjusting nicely. She's keeping a good routine which helps us with appointments and fun activities. She hasn't been in the mood to play with her toys, so we bought a new squeaking duck and after some serious squeaking, Suzy fell asleep with the duck under her chin. I think she senses the stress of moving and adjusting to new routines like using an elevator and stairs. She's a trooper.

Time to get ready for this year's book events. Stop by for a visit. www.judykiehart.com/events Later this month I'll be chatting with Sammy Downing at Orca Books (open to the public) about her new release When Darcy Met Lizzy -- described as a 'queer Pride and Prejudice remix.' Fans of Jane Austin and the Bridgerton series will find the book an enjoyable read, as I did.

My second book, Mixed Shorts, will be launched on June 1st. I'm excited about this book and hope to hear from you once you've read it. Currently, it'll be available through Amazon and my website. Yes, I am aware that many are boycotting Amazon, but for Indie Authors, Amazon is the best -- and sometimes the only -- way to promote our books, so please reconsider this when you shop for Mixed Shorts!

A final thought: No matter how spacious your kitchen, take a moment to slow dance with your partner while preparing a meal—because cooking together is more than just food; it's connection.