The past few weeks have been pretty crazy: work deadlines piled one on top of another, Papa away for “Opening Day baseball”:http://firstpitch.org/ and then “a theology conference”:http://www.wheaton.edu/Theology/theo_conf/, and Mama valiantly battling a mild cold. So, Lucy and I did the only reasonable thing we could do today: we bought a chef’s knife.
Last Saturday, I took a knife skills class at a local “cooking shop”:http://thechoppingblock.net/ (thanks to a birthday gift from my brother) and had the most fun I’ve had by myself in months. I left Lucy in the charge of her capable Papa and thoroughly enjoyed learning the proper way to hold a knife, chop an onion, and mince herbs. It cost something to go in terms of time and frozen milk, but I’m really grateful I got the chance.
Since then, I’ve only had a chance to practice my new knife skills a few times. But what I did notice during those few times was that, despite our perfectly serviceable knife collection, we didn’t have a true chef’s knife. (And some of our knives, especially the cheapies from Ikea, are pretty dull — not awful, but I could tell the difference.)
So, Lucy and I decided to take advantage of the 20% off sale at the Chopping Block (ends April 15!) and invest in a good, sharp knife. “Friedr. Dick”:http://fdick.com/, 10″ long, nice and heavy, with a full tang. It wasn’t cheap, and I made sure to ask about the return policy in case I had regrets. But I feel really glad to have it. In this busy season of our lives, my new knife feels like a faithful reminder that there will soon be time again to cook with leisure, go for family walks, and maybe even write on our blog! :)
To my loves,
It is always a beautiful shot with Mama and Lucia. The love and the bond shows in every way and it makes my heart glow with thanksgiving. Your smiles make me smile and what could be better than that? (Yes, I know a Husker victory over Oklahoma would come close, but we have to wait for the fall to arrive before that can be experienced.)
The knowledge that a new knife for the kitchen can provide pleasure tells me how important that role is to you, Ann, and I well know how that ripples down to the pleasure and security that is then shared with all of your family. So your decision means a subtle happiness to those who mean the most to you, as well. Can’t beat that, no matter what the knife cost.
I thank you for your writing, your photos, your very being, and I send you my love…
Maybe you can put that knife to good use next week in the preparation of Lucy’s birthday dinner!