Debby Does…

I’m sitting in my soon to be demolished kitchen, eating puffy Cheetos, drinking unsweetened black iced tea, and appreciating, now that I am done with Paxlovid, the taste of these things, as opposed to the rusty pennies that is a side effect of the drug. It’s quite nice.

We have landscapers working in our mess of a yard, removing rocks worthy of Stonehenge; Barry Manilow on the hi-fi in the den (musical theater reference); and two dogs staring at the door, listening to my husband work to put together his dream garage. I did not know this was his dream, but I’m here for it. His dream is my dream, unless it involves large quantities of mayonnaise or chunks of tomato.

We moved here 36 days ago. It’s been pretty overwhelming but also overwhelmingly good. We are happy and, despite the towering boxes and huge renovations to come, we feel extraordinarily settled. In a few months, this time will be something we laugh about, as we’re happily nested in our new digs.

There are things that flummox us, like the lack of variety in mustard or the complete absence of cocktail weenies. Bloomington is a cross section of intense liberalism and Let’s Go Brandon types, which makes for interesting encounters and reminds us of our humanity. I believe I’ve smelled every peach at the farmers’ market and am suspect that any will measure up, but in the coming weeks, I’ll be making Judy’s peach crumb pie. I’ve got my eye on a farm in Bloomfield with something called Honeysuckle Sweet Corn and may venture there this week for a few ears. This week’s menu includes lamb steaks from Mkono Farm, where we hope to source a leg of lamb for Lebanese goodies in the fall. It’s all new and all ours for exploring.

In case you are dying to know this, I had some of the greatest honey this morning from Hoosier Honey—a tulip and poplar blend, topped with Maldon sea salt, on my crusty toasted baguette. Tonight, burgers with goat cheese patties, mushrooms, and local greens on brioche buns with some jacked up tater tots!!

I guess I’m not saying much here that is profound, but there is something deeply meaningful about the experience we’ve had together over these 36 days. This week surely tested our mettle, with Covid finding its way into our home for the first time and a storm of epic proportions that wiped out power to thousands for days, some still without electricity. Together, we found the humor, regrouped, made the lemonade, and took care of business. This 32 year partnership is pretty magical.

Next week may be tricky or it may be fun. We still don’t have power at the rental property where I take the dogs during the day to keep them out of the workers’ way. It’s the week of the 4th, though, as well as the Monroe County Fair. We may take in the parade and try some deep fried goodies. We’ve got plans for a Bloomington donut crawl and even a night where Jiffy Treet and French fries make up the menu. We’ll capture it all on video, as we find our spots and try new things together.

On the 4th, Addie and Tilly plan to avoid all fireworks and watch The Music Man at top volume as the rest of B-town revels in their patriotic displays. There will be trazadone and reassurances, as well as sweet potato treats and lots of love in this unfinished project of a house deep in this unfinished nation of ours.

I’m so happy. I cannot wait to see what’s next and I can’t believe I get to do it with the cutest dogs, best friends, and Jim in a place I’ve called home for longer than I knew.