34 Comments
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Patricia Jaeger's avatar

Whew! I too believe in taking cleaning slow and thorough. But, I'm retired and so I have an abundance of time.

Kate McDermott's avatar

It is like a walking meditation at that speed. As I've always worked in the arts without jobs with retirement plan benefits, I don't think I'll ever have the luxury of being retired. Every paid subscription, like yours, is my retirement income!! Thanks for being here, Patricia.

Ruth Stroud's avatar

Your kitchen is gorgeous, Kate! Love that red kettle! Thanks for sharing your cleaning regimen and the “in-progress” photos. It might inspire me. The book recommendations are welcome too—I already have a cherished copy of Art of the Pie. Now I just need your autograph on it—and a slice of pie!😋

Kate McDermott's avatar

OH dear Ruth, it's always wonderful to know that Art of the Pie continues to be so well received. It truly was a labor of love to write. Come visit and I'll sign your book!

And that tea kettle was given to me by a good friend. I think of her whenever I see it.

Ruth Stroud's avatar

The book is so much fun! I was just leafing through the savory pie section salivating and wondering which one to try…

Susan Hammond's avatar

Thanks Kate. A delightful way to start the day. I'm not surprised there was a line out the door. Art of the Pie is a classic. I've gifted many copies.

Kate McDermott's avatar

Susan this makes my heart sing! Enjoy your day!

Jolene Handy's avatar

Love your Kitchen!

Kate McDermott's avatar

It's amazing how gracious and adaptable she's been over the years. Now she really feels like a part of me, Jolene.

WendieM's avatar

Good job!!!

There’s often a point midway when you wonder how you’ll ever finish and soon after voilà!

Kate McDermott's avatar

Exactly! And I'm actually excited to get back up there and finish that grody job, pat myself on the back and say Voilà!

MARGARET FINEFROCK's avatar

Looking at my kitchen differently now.....

Kate McDermott's avatar

For me the process of cleaning my kitchen is a walking meditation, Maggie.

Martha Maysek's avatar

I too have been working top down in my kitchen this week, only one pie carrier but there was an old wooden cookie jar that had its share of grease and grime. I’m on the bottom half now I’d attach a photo if I could, the mess under my sink is scary.

Kate McDermott's avatar

Oh, I wish we could see that cookie jar...the before and after! I'm thinking I might start a Chat thread where we CAN post photos for those who are following my journey or doing their own. What do you think, Martha?

Martha Maysek's avatar

I would do it, I have so many small projects like this- I wonder what other readers think.

PS I was given a 1922 edition of The Boston Cooking School Cookbook, I might be testing the Prune Pie. Strange directions however…

Kate McDermott's avatar

I have that edition also. I'll check out the directions. Are you going to embark on another pie journey though its pages?

Pam's avatar

Way to go, Kate!! You're making great progress!!

Kate McDermott's avatar

Thank you, Pam! It does feel that way.

George Schober's avatar

When I have construction or repair work to do, I always count the time to my daughter-in-law Sabrina’s next visit. Electronics? Sabrina brings my son Peter with her. So I nominate Duncan and/or his wife for the next time those cabinet tops need degreasing.

Kate McDermott's avatar

Ah, well that would be everyday as they live right next door, George!

Stevie Cooley's avatar

Hi, Kate - I enjoyed reading this post and it brought back a memory. I remembered meeting you at a presentation you did in Claremont, California a few years back. I learned a good deal about pie making that day and was thrilled to have my copy of The Art of the Pie signed by you. My favorite pie to make these days is one with a filling of apples and cranberries.

Also, this is a great time of the year for cleaning those pesky projects!

Kate McDermott's avatar

I LOVED being a small part of the Claremont Pie Festival in 2017! What a lovely memory that is for me as well. I just looked back in my emails and see we did the presentation at Hotel Casa 425 which was a pretty cool place and I used some vinegars from a local store, too. I stayed in touch with the owner of I Like Pie there for many years and was sad to hear when she had to close.

Mel's avatar

What an accomplishment! Bravo!! Soon you'll be all ready for Spring and planting garlic!

Kate McDermott's avatar

Thankyou, Mel. It is an inspiring start for me. Slow and steady…and ample breaks are just fine.

Donna Miracle's avatar

Love this Kate! Love your kitchen and all the special kitchen gadgets. Looks so fresh and ready to go

Kate McDermott's avatar

Donna, I LOVE the feeling I have when I see it and how it inspires me to keep going, too. It is a slow process so as not to pressure myself about its scope. A little at a time.

Amie McGraham's avatar

I love how a simple object can take us back in time! This memory of the book signing had me right at that bookstore and I can taste the sweet results, literally and figuratively.

PS: All my countertop appliances, office chair and desktop essentials are red. Still waiting for the Benjamins.

Kate McDermott's avatar

Let’s call in that Ben energy together, Amie. 😊

Vicki's avatar

Looks great Kate! Maybe this will motivate me!!

Kate McDermott's avatar

I’m thinking it might be fun to start a chat where we can post photos of before, in process and after. Would you be interested in that, Vicki?

Vicki's avatar

Yes!

Teri Harbour's avatar

It looks so good!!!

Nancy F Guinn's avatar

Great job, I am very inspired, not that I knew what a pie carrier was! I gather by the finally photo it is any type of basket?