I was looking at the latest Martha Stewart Living and had a little brainstorm - there is a duplex in Austin, TX that was converted back to a single-family home, and in one small photo looking into the dining room there is a cinder block and boards set of shelves. And the ah-ha moment was that if you used thick boards, say five feet by 14 inches by 2 inches thick, then it would look so much different than the standard set I used to see in college - a 1 inch board sags where the 2 inch thick (actually 1 3/4 after sanding, but anyway) would look good. Sand the boards, give the exposed edges a smooth feel, and end up with an industrial-looking element in the room. And maybe make the boards cedar? Wheels are turning.

Don't you feel virtuous when the kitchen is completely clean and uncluttered? When the beautiful appliances you use are sitting there, sculpture-like in their elegant lines and efficient demeanor, and everything else organized? One day I will accomplish that. My two drawers are a little progress, and there is much more to do. By cleaning that drawer and rearranging the laundry room shelf, and if it get to it this evening, one cabinet, I can clear off the counter on the right side of the sink and make it so much easier for washing dishes or staging recipes that take a lot of room to prepare.

SRS