Kitchen table blues

Now that I've finally gotten a new kitchen floor, I noticed how shabby the table was looking. Instead of my usual reaction (fatigue), I got a burst of energy and decided to make it a weekend project.

Lucky for me, Denise and Jeremy were already planning to come over. Jeremy, who has a whole arsenal of tools, had offered to shave down seven doors to fit over my new floor. And Denise was up for helping me; she finds painting therapeutic.

Before they came over, I had sanded the table and primed it. Good planning, right?

While Jeremy worked in the front yard, Denise and I painted in the back. Papa hovered and got Pantone's Peacock Blue on her tail.

In my haste, I unevenly applied some of the paint. When I picked at the lumps, I realized that I hadn't sanded enough.

Uh oh. You can peel the paint right down to the wood.

I understand the whole embracing imperfection thing — or rather, I understand how other people might enjoy that sort of experience. But when you sand and prime and have a meticulous painter-friend help you out, can't you expect results that are a little closer to perfect?

I'm going to see how long I can tolerate the imperfection before I strip the paint and start over. I have a hard time with chips and splotches.

But for now, I'll focus on the bright spot: having friends with carpentry skills and painting skills and big hearts. Neesy, I always enjoy our craft projects. And Jeremy, thank you for the 5/16 of an inch. It's perfect!

Goodbye to the best neighbors ever

A couple of weeks ago, I had dinner with Joe and Sarah. It was a casual get together, like usual, and we talked about work and dogs and goings-on in the neighborhood.

But it was also our last dinner as neighbors (I mean, barring some weird twist of fate which would make for a super-good story).

Over the years, there have been many shared meals and baked goods and conversations in the alley. We've said our hellos — and goodbyes — to Ginger and Ed and Papaya and Blue. And a big hello to Max, who's already a year-and-a-half old and will eat the charred burgers I make.

I will miss all of that.

Even though moving is a part of life, it never seems to get easier — even when you're moving for a happy reason like Joe and Sarah are.

So, my friends, thank you for being great neighbors and helping me find Jesus and giving me this adorable plant. You are the best neighbors ever.