Kitchen Remodel II

Ohmigawd. I'm sure that even before humans moved beyond the basic animal survival stage and began to do simple, civilized things like living in caves, stealing each other's wives and cooking food that there were probably more developed kitchens than the one I've had for the last couple of weeks. I thought the whole no cabinets, no countertops thing was bad. Then I met the no stove, no microwave and no sink thing, and I began to realize that even backpacking is more civilized than kitchen remodeling. At least the cave men had fire. If I want fire, I have to light a candle or pull out my backpacking stove. I feel so, primitive.

Gary working on the plumbing

Doesn't it make you want to cook?

Speaking of which - I'm toying more and more with the idea of starting a commune. with the economy where it is, and with society as a whole pretty well going to hell in a dump-truck (I don't think the problems fit in that hand basket any more), I'm beginning to think that creating a small community of other pissed-off intellectuals out trying to live off of the land and make clothing out of old grocery bags might just be an appropriate response. I've got several interesting developments so far:

• The folks that run the Mountain States Wholesale nursery have been talking about creating a commune on their property - which is already blessed with ample growing yards, green houses, wells and food producing plants. While I think this is an ideal location, it would be unlikely that they'd let me run it (seeing as how it's their idea and all). So, obviously, that doesn't work for me. However, I like the nursery idea, so I say we either find a similar set up, or use Gary's guns to take over their commune and plant me as the "Gemini Queen of the Commune". Gary can be my consort.





• Another friend with ties to the New Mexico ranching and farming community has offered cows and seed. I can't imagine life without beef, so this works for me. He also thinks we should ban money in favor of the barter system. This would eliminate the need for lawyers and accountants. I think this is brilliance.




• Considering that we're in the Southwest, we should take a clue from the native communities who were seasonally migratory. Living somewhere nice for the summer, like Mt. Graham or the Rincons where we had a regular water supply, cooler weather and lakes stocked with trout (we'd have to manage this resource carefully if we anticipate Fish and Game's collapse). For the winters, we could go someplace where we wouldn't have to deal with cold weather and keeping track of heavy coats. I like the San Pedro river area for that, but there's always Hawaii. It's a long canoe trip, but the Queen of the Gemini Commune can just conscript a few handsome young studs to row her over there.




• Finally, the commune has to be equipped with a full kitchen at all times. I will not eat brick dust and try to re-heat meat in a toaster oven just to escape the evils of society. At the very least, I need a flame for my macaroni and cheese. There are certain products of progress that simply cannot be set aside.

Monday has been established as the install day for the cabinets. I'd be more excited if it meant I'd also have a sink, stove and microwave - but we must take the little joys as they come, right?