Well, wish me luck! I am taking one big step toward removing a window, one giant leap toward a total kitchen renovation.

You know what they say, short term pane for long term counter space.

We’re getting a new kitchen window; same width, less height. My plan is to run a counter under this newer, shorter window. Obviously we need the storage space for the china and the dishes, but I have a bigger vision.

Next winter I shall pot all sorts of herbs and flowers, and grow them under this new window. This time next year I hope crocuses will be sitting in my sunny window next to the espresso machine. Imagine how much better life will be with year round access to fresh basil. I don’t know how I’ve managed to cook during the winter without access to fresh herbs. I have been making due with a sub-par cook area and sub par ingredients. I will be relieved when my kitchen helps rather than hinders my culinary experiments.

This is how the window looked this morning.

Note the dismal view of the neighbour’s house.

A properly placed rosemary bonsai will go a long way toward making my window gazing less dreary.

This is how the work progressed. Thank goodness the window guys didn’t block my access to my espresso machine or it could have been a much rougher morning.

      

It may be unattractive right now, but you know what they say – no pane, no new kitchen.

It’s done. Now there is no going back. No cancelling the cheque. This is my odyssey, my journey to a proper home and this was only my first trial. My next act will be to hold a long dinner party to celebrate and finally say good-bye to my forsaken kitchen.