When most expectant parents would be nesting, my daughter and her husband were mid-remodel. Sawdust swirled and workers buzzed while every dish, glass, pot, pan and appliance sat in the adjacent family room as if someone had tossed in a grenade. When Baby George arrived four days ahead of schedule, Paige and Adam had just finished hurriedly moving items back in.
Grateful for their beautiful new kitchen and new baby, having everything in just the right place was not a priority. Except to me. At the risk of being that mother-in-law (who me?), I wait until the second day of my visit to mention that I know a great kitchen organizer in the area whom I’d be happy to call “I mean, not to meddle,” I whisper to Paige and Adam, so I don’t wake the baby.
“And not to suggest you haven’t already set up your kitchen perfectly — logically! But it’s just that this organizer could suggest ways to better arrange your kitchen that could save you time.” I regretted the presumptuous offer the minute I made it. What made me think this idea would land well? George opens his eyes, makes a small squawk.
Paige and Adam look at each other, look at me and then, probably due to their profound sleep deprivation, shrug and say, “Sure!” I met Mary Rogers, a cooking educator and kitchen organizer from Boulder, Colo., 20 years ago. I was living in Colorado and invited her to my home to get tips for one of my columns.
She taught me to observe how I moved in the kitchen. “It’s math,”.