Another kitchen upgrade

I love "before and after" photos.  

(Which is, btw, part of the reason that I have such a bizarre affection for reality TV a la Biggest Loser, Home Makeover, What Not To Wear, etc.  If we had cable, you'd never hear from me.  Anywho...)

Despite my love of such photos, I keep forgetting to take the "before" photo of my own humble makeovers which is why I had to dig up this one of Leah helping with the chores around the house.  Behind that cute little girl is a culinary relic.  And thanks to the decade that I was born in, it was destined to be mustard yellow.  Unsurprisingly, mustard yellow has never been a part of my kitchen dreams.  So, after a few cooking malfunctions and a generous Christmas check from Uncle Jeff, we decided on an upgrade.  

(Moment of Silence for Yellow Stove who is resting in peace in a Lowe's recycling center somewhere in Southern Maryland.)

S

C

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L

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D

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AND DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

*Cheers and screaming for White Lightning!*

Isn't she perty?!  Some of her finer points include:

A storage drawer for baking sheets and muffin pans so I don't have to store them precariously in the top corner cabinet where we used to live in constant fear that they would slide out onto our heads.

A door with an unbroken handle that opens without catching and doesn't emit screeching nails-on-a-chalkboard sounds.  It's amazing, the new technology out there.  

Sealed burners so food doesn't slip through to provide a mouse buffet under the cooktop.  (Fortunately, we have no kitchen critters in this house, but don't get me started about our basement apartment a few years ago.  Blech.) 

A self-cleaning (which I don't plan to use because of the toxic fumes) interior that is spit-shine clean and not covered with a half-inch and decades worth of a black crud coating.  I can pretty much see my reflection.

A viewing window so people can see not to preheat the oven when I've got all my bubbling brews fermenting in there.  

A clock, timer, light, delay bake (will I ever use that?) and she MATCHES THE OTHER APPLIANCES!  Yippee!

We are grateful to welcome this new member into our humble kitchen family and plan to use her well.