Well, shoot, if I'd known you were reduced to such spartan food preparation circumstances I'd have picked up that nice bright orange 1970s electric saucepan I saw at the Goodwill this morning. Mailing it might have gotten to you just before the work is finished. :)

I have one I inherited from a friend and it comes out on special occasions - when all of the burners are in use on the stove or when we have something that needs cooking and a rectangle is easier to prepare it in than a circular skillet. (I make meat pies called "empanadillas" every year around xmas, and it's perfect for cooking a bunch of those rectangular pies in shallow oil.)

What was the plumber's verdict on the ancient leak? Is it a simple repair and the replacement of some lath and plaster, or is a bathroom remodel suddenly part of the project?