Life without a dishwasher...

[mikalikat]

If you had told me 18 months ago that one day I would be living in a house without a dishwasher, I would have affected my best Miss Piggy tone and said, "Moi? Who are you to tell moi that I should get these hooves wet doing Kermie's dishes in suds? Non!"

I supposed many women would have whined about this and demanded their Darling Dear find some way to remedy the situation, but remember, we'd been nearly homeless. I have washed a TURKEY ROASTER in a bathroom sink, for the love of Pete. Life without a dishwasher? I could not possibly care less.

I consider it a privilege to wash my dishes by hand each night. It's MY time. The only time during the day that I can engage in something quiet, thoughtful, meaningful and no one bothers me because they don't want to do the dishes! I barely finish dinner and I'm at the sink, rearranging the dishes on the counter in order that they will be washed. Washing dishes by hand and folding laundry are the two household duties that give you instant gratification. You can see the progress instantaneously and it makes for such a feeling of accomplishment. I love doing them both.

But most important, it's useful time. Time that I can show my family how much I love them by washing the dishes and making sure they're REALLY clean. I know that I won't be pullingout the upper rack and finding glasses with grit or bowls turned upside down filled with water to splash all over the floor. The water is warm, the soap is soft, the intent is heartfelt and in the end, I feel so good knowing I have fed my family a good, nourishing meal and when I am done, there will be a drainer and small towel full of clean dishes to be put away in the morning. While my hands are in the suds, I pray, think, sing, talk to myself, contemplate life and the world, sometimes I cry, brainstorm for work, and always, ALWAYS thank the Lord for giving me an old stainless steel sink to wash the dishes in.

It's a cheap therapist. I have worked through many worries, concerns, issues, and problems with my hands and a washcloth washing out a milk glass or scrubbing a stubborn pot. I revel in a sparkling clean pan (baking soda is a WONDERFUL way to remove anything that threatens to stain or ruin a dish) that held mashed potatoes. More than once, my husband or daughter has walked in on me talking to myself while up to my elbows in soap.

For a brief time, we discussed buying a used mobile dishwasher that can be wheeled in and out of the kitchen and in the end, I nixed the idea. I am content with the 50's style kitchen in this home. On payday I will buy a pair of Playtex gloves to keep my hands from drying out. But even those hands I wear with honor, because they show the world I once again have a home in which to take care of my family, I have a sink in which to wash the dishes. It's PERFECT.

[myinnuendo999]

Amen mikalikat "A wise woman builds her house,,," Pr.14:1

Colossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

[Longing2cJesus]

awwww Lori (((HUGS))) you alway Bless me when I read your heartfelt posts. That is quality time you can spend with the Lord and brainstorming creatively for work.

I just turned 70 years old last Friday and would you believe I never had a dishwasher until I moved into this home in June 2008. I have washed many many dishes in my life and never have I felt deprived that I did not have a dishwasher. In fact my daughter had to teach me how to load and put the soap in the dishwasher when I moved in here I am technically challanged

I am so amazed at how much the Lord has taught you the past 18 months. I am so happy that you are my sister in Christ. You are very dear to me. Lots of times in your naratives about what was going on in your life, you encouraged me by how you handled whatever was on your plate at the time. True there where times when you needed encouragement and our sisters and brothers on RF were there lifting your needs in prayer or encouraging you to continue on. Through the rough times in the past 18 months you my dear sister have encouraged and Blessed others by your steadfastness in the Lord.

I know on FB you said you were not feeling well. I pray that you are better this evening (((hugs)))

Love ya sis,
Ann

[myinnuendo999]

Amen, Praise the LORD for His matchless beauty in you sweet ladies my dear sisters... Dance with Jesus today

[bghtnpd4]

Beautiful story....

[mattfivefour]

Beautiful lesson, Lori. All of your personally experienced life lessons are a true blessing, being both an encouragement and an instruction for all here.

But I do hope Mike and Alison help you. (Or are they the only ones in the family who have a dishwasher? )

[mikalikat]

Oh, Mike handles the dishes wonderfully when I'm away working at night and on the weekends. Alison, well, what fool would turn a five year old loose in a sink with hot water, bubbles, and bowls? IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII don't think so. :o)

[mattfivefour]

Oh, Mike handles the dishes wonderfully when I'm away working at night and on the weekends. Alison, well, what fool would turn a five year old loose in a sink with hot water, bubbles, and bowls? IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII don't think so. :o)