Our dishwasher broke a month ago. The second dishwasher in 5 years. To fix the problem, we need a water softener/filtration system so seditment doesn't collect...to the tune of $4000.00. I was sure the plumber added an extra zero to that estimate by accident, but nope. This isn't in the budget now. So, we must wash the dishes by hand. This completley stinks because of the sheer amount of stuff I do in the kitchen creates a monumental amount of dirty cookware. My little one is down for a nap. I have a list of projects to do. And the last thing I'd like to be doing when my little one goes to bed is wash dishes.
But you know what? I've gotten so I sort of like doing the dishes by hand (gasp!). It slows me down, gives me a chance to reflect and appreciate all that I have. I was looking around me today and had to photograph what I was looking at.
A huge single basin sink and new faucet in the new kitchen we remodeled ourselves; a vase with black eyed susans, picked fresh from my flower beds; tomatoes we grew ripening; another large bowl of harvested herbs, that we grew, looking and smelling delectable; a load of laundry hanging to dry in the beautiful sunshine of summer; and a photograph of the first family adventure we took when our little one was born, to Portland Headlight.
How could I dread dish duty when I have so much to be thankful for?
I love your perspective. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I have never had a dishwasher, in 28 years of marriage. I do get tired of the job at times, and share it with my very capable daughters. When we moved here, the house was unfinished. WE were able to design our kitchen ourselves, but space was limited. I opted for cupboard space verses a dishwasher. Never regretted it. My sink also looks out my kitchen window to our lovely yard. I wash with the windows open as much as I can. I love it!
ReplyDeleteEven though we have a dishwasher, I started washing dishes by hand a few weeks ago. I don't hate it as much as I did when we didn't have a dishwasher. When I have a choice, it's not so bad and it doesn't really take that long.
ReplyDeletePlus, I don't have to unload the dishwasher, which I dislike immensely.
I always liked doing the dishes. In Peace is Every Step, Thich Nhat Hahn talks about how doing dishes can be a meditative experience. We have a dishwasher now, so I extend my cleaning meditation to the whole kitchen. It is nice to have that time after a busy day (and to make it a practical meditation).
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