The Ministry of Mines has Extracted Wondrous Mineral Bounties

It is marvelous to see how quickly the Republic of Kitchenistan's ministerial government has advanced since the great wall tumbled a few months ago. This week, the efforts of the newly created Ministry of Mines and Minerals was wonderfully highlighted as locally quarried (well, Indiana) limestone benches went into place on both sides of the border crossing.

The gorgeously simple stone is a handsome gray-mottled white honed in a fashion that is beautiful both in its utility and form. Still, it must be sealed quickly as the outdoor stone has been discolored by a bombardment from helicopters...well, helicopter seeds as opposed to an airborne military force... The seeds drop from Mr. Price's tree and desicate in the sun...leaving the seed's outline marked on the stone. Assumedly, this will be addressed in the coming week. Despite Jo's disdain for most things Indiana, we are pretty pleased with how this stuff looks against the green walls inside and stucco outside.

But there was additional movement. Final adjustments to wall board in the basement came after I actually contributed to the process by priming the walls---no small feat, given the heat that we are feeling this week. Shelves went into the basement work areas too. It is all getting close to the end. Some painting here. Shades and a few pieces of trim there. Though I have said it many months in a row, we will soon be done. Expect a 4th of July barbecue...

Oh, and the people have spoken. See how nice the registers look with the newly resurfaced wood floors? Third time is a charm...the floors look great.