Cold weather has arrived which in my house means it's crock pot time! I use the regular one often throughout the year but last year I was given a triple crock pot (that was on my wish list) that I had out on my main counter until spring arrived. I love it but it is long and takes up space I'd rather have for chopping and such. So...today I am rearranging the items on my kitchen counters. I have a 3 foot section of counter where I have a rarely used Kitchen Aide mixer and a toaster oven...both have been there for years. Then I have a very small counter between the door and the stove that has held a primitive clock. This morning I moved the clock and put the toaster oven there. The mixer will go into the mudroom to be pulled out when needed. On that 3 foot section of now clear counter space, I am going to put the bread maker (currently on my main counter taking up more space than I'd like) and the triple crock pot. :) Now my main counter is mostly clear except for a piece of pottery that holds several cooking utensils at one end and the microwave at the other end.

I think this relates to Susan's question about my underlying principle for reclaiming space....as of late, I am finding that sparsely covered table tops, counters, dressers, nightstands, entertainment centers, washer and dryer, vanity, etc....I just like them cleared. I have a ledge over my sink and a CD rack behind it that has a flat top on it. It is currently covered with CDs that don't fit on the stand. It bugs me and has bugged me for awhile so maybe..MAYBE I'll dust those off and try to find a new space for them. Every time I do the dishes I think....gee, I should take care of that but then get side tracked into a hundred other things.

    I'm making a big pot of chili for tonight. The house is chilly and that will help warm things up. I also have a turkey that is ready to be roasted....having the oven on for a few hours will take the chill out of the air too, I hope. I think it's crazy to have to turn the heat on so early in the season but perhaps Pete will build a fire tonight. The polar fleece sheets go on the beds today and everyone gets an extra quilt. :) The air conditioner has been taken out of Jeremiah's room and the one in the kitchen will come out tonight too. I'm leaving one in our bedroom but only because sometimes we still get a pretty warm spell during October and I just can't tolerate a hot bedroom.

Have a great day everybody!

Michelle