I’m taking a different approach to the In My Kitchen roundup this month, sharing a new beginning and a heartbreaking ending.
It’s time for the monthly In My Kitchen roundup hosted by my friend Liz over at Bizzy Lizzy’s Good Things. Head over there for a full list of participants from around the world.
There’s been a lot going on in our house of late and, just for a complete change, I’ll be focusing on what is not in my kitchen this month. It’s been a very stressful time for us, with major changes in our domestic life – some planned, but others that came as horrifying and distressing surprises.
Firstly – what is not in my kitchen in March is, well, the kitchen. I’ve had plans to give the old kitchen a facelift for some time, but actually ended up gutting the room. It’s been a huge job, removing everything except my faithful Stanley combustion stove, and replacing it with a fresh, brand new look.
Horrible, grainy photos – but there’s not much that is lovely in my kitchen this month.
Of course, these things take time and the next few weeks should be interesting. We’ll be juggling the makeshift kitchen in the laundry – on the other side of the house from the fridge and pantry – no hot water in two bathrooms out of our three, and an influx of house guests who visit and stay with us annually for WOMADelaide. But it will all be worth it in the long run, so stay tuned!
The other, heartbreaking, absence in my kitchen is our old Border Collie who was euthanised last week. He was 13 years old and unfortunately stone deaf, and two days after our return from Canada I didn’t see him asleep in the driveway and he didn’t hear my car – with devastating results. Miraculously, he appeared to escape the encounter with no broken bones or organ damage.
Jesse
Just as he seemed to be on the mend, with the massive bruising beginning to settle, he came down with a grave bowel infection which nearly finished him. Finally recovering from that set-back, things were looking much more hopeful when an existing back problem flared again, probably because of all the trauma, and it became obvious that there was only one option left to us.
Jesse was a rescue dog and came into our family eleven years ago, at a time of much grief. I relied upon his quiet good nature and loving company, his affectionate charm was an enormous healing influence on our children and he quickly latched onto The Bloke as his new best friend. He was a brave old boy who leaves an aching hole in our lives and will be much missed.
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So sorry to hear about Jesse. A huge loss when they are such a big part of our lives.
Exciting news, though, about the kitchen. Good to know I’m not the only person who completely renovated a kitchen and still kept the old wood cooker. Mine’s an Everhot.
Oh Amanda I’m so sorry to hear about Jesse. I know how much our dogs mean to us and I know you are hurting. May he rest in peace.
So sorry about Jesse. I’m sure he’ll continue to bring you joy as you remember the good times.
Jesse was such a beautiful friend, Amanda, he will live long in your hearts. My Libby was also a border collie and she was about 15 when she had a stroke and I had to call the vet to the house. It was a very sad farewell. Thoughts are with you, and sending hugs.
I will look forward to following the adventure of your new kitchen. Thank you kindly for the shout out xxxx
Oh, dog sorrow, Amanda. Hug.
So sorry to hear about Jesse, Amanda 🙁
Your loss is very sad. Dogs are indeed our best friends.
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Losing our old dogs is the saddest thing. Take comfort in the memories.
What a beautiful photo of Jesse, Amanda. So sorry to hear about your loss. Hope brighter days are in store for you 🙂
Sending you so much love Amanda XO Jesse was lucky to have a wonderful life with you XO
Sorry to hear about Jesse, Amanda. Border Collies are such lovely dogs- I once had a fella named Bill and he left us at about the same age. I am sure he has left a big gap in your family life. Good luck with teh kitchen. Love that old stove.
I am sorry you lost Jessie. It’s hard to loose an old friend. Good luck with your new kitchen.
Was saddened by the loss of Jesse and brought back sad memories of my 3 cats who were like children to me and company for 18 years (just like a human teenager!). Cant wait to see posts of your new fab kitchen. You wont know yourself.
Oh Amanda, I am so sorry about Jesse. What a tough thing to go though. Sending you big hugs! Have fun with the kitchen renovation xx
I’m so sorry to hear about Jesse. What a loss – but what a beautiful life he had with you. I hope your happy memories of him can help with the grief.
Good luck with the kitchen renovations too x
I’m so sorry to hear about Jesse Amanda. I can relate to this story in more than one way. Jesse would have had a fantastic life and have faith that the universe felt it was his time to pass.
So sorry to hear about Jesse (my mum once ran over our family dog on a hot day when she was asleep under the car and she was in a hurry to get to see us at the school sports – it was awful). He sounds like he had a wonderful impact on your life and I hope his spirit will linger with you for some time. And good luck with the kitchen!
I am so sorry about Jesse, our dogs have such a hold on our hearts and their lives are way too short. And to have the rest of your home in disarray does not help. I am sure your new kitchen will be amazing, something to look forward to.
Oh I’m so sorry to hear about Jesse – our pets leave a huge hole in our lives I know. xx
Losing a loved pet is devastating, he obviously brought a lot of love and joy into your lives. Our elderly pooch’s days are numbered, I dread having to make THE decision. Enjoy your new kitchen
Amanda, your brave old boy was blessed to spend his time with you. I’m so sorry for your loss. There will be lots of old memories in your new kitchen.
Oh no so very sorry to hear about your fur baby. So sad and painful. Wishing you good memories and maybe a new fur baby down the track ?:)