In the Kitchen Chaos
I had planned on having a lazy day today. I forced myself not to feel guilty about sleeping until eight o’clock. At that time I got up and went down for my usual cup of tea. The pups had been very good. Once they saw me up, they joyously scrambled down the stairs and waited patiently by the front door to be let out. I opened the door for them and headed towards the kitchen. Instead of pouring myself a cup, I spotted the jars of apple jams I had made for Rosh Hashanah sitting in the tray, waiting to be labeled and put away for the time being. On each label I wrote, “Apple Jam 2019, Wishing you a sweet year. Shana Tova.” I smiled at my work.
Unfortunately this year, between the construction on our street and the endless noise and dust, I was not inclined to make many. I made only one batch, five jars. I carefully went back and forth to the closet in the dining room to put them away. There was room on the top shelf to put some there. I stood on tiptoes and nudged for some space. Oh my goodness, what a terrible mistake! Several jars of preserves tumbled on top of me and crashed, splattering everywhere! I was covered with sticky syrup. Thank heaven I was not cut. There was broken glass and jam all over the floor, but only syrup on me. I looked at the mess all over the room, the walls, and the closet door. I put on some kitchen gloves and a rag and proceeded to mop. Back and forth I went. I left a trail of the syrup all over the place. I brought back a plastic bag to put all the mess into. I carefully put in the broken glass in there as well. I did not care about myself, but I was afraid the pups might get hurt.
By then my back was a sheet of fiery pain, and I was weaving about like a drunk because I was so unsteady. “Okay Stella, stop! Stop,” I scolded myself.
I tidied myself as best I could and told myself, “This won’t do. Stop, sit down, drink your tea and eat something then take something for your back.” By this time it was past noon. I washed all the stuff that had become sticky, even the huge vase that Peter had bought many years ago. It sits beneath the cabinet that houses our stemmed crystals, right next to the closet I had designated as my pantry closet. I had calmed down somewhat. I was not shaking, just trying to work calmly. Then I lost my rag. I couldn’t imagine where it had gone. I was now convinced I am in the early stages of Alzheimer’s! That’s all I needed, Alzheimer’s! I went all about the house looking for the rag as if my life depended on it. Then I remembered where I had put it. I looked behind the closet door and sure enough, there it was! I took a deep breath of relief. “I do not have Alzheimer’s after all!”
I cleaned the kitchen next, and after that the powder room. I was exhausted by then, but there is no rest for the weary. I had better take my shower. As I showered, I could hear the dogs barking outside. “Mum! Mum! Where are you? Did you forget you have to feed us? It is past our lunchtime,” they barked peevishly.
I dressed hurriedly and went downstairs again. I replenished their bowl of water and fed them. Satisfied, they settled down for a little snooze.
And now l am about to sit for a leisurely cup of tea. What a day!
By the way, I am not making any more apple jam this year. Would you please accept the good wishes instead?
May your year be filled with sweetness
May your life be filled with love, joy, and laughter
May your table be laden with plenty
May you share it with friends and family
May your prayers be answered
May your sins be forgiven over Yom Kippur
May you all stay healthy
May Peace Abide Throughout
Shana Tova, dear ones!