Neighbor Cindy came out to walk her grand dog, Edison, as I was nearing the stop sign. It’s always a delight to talk with her, as it is with all my neighbors. Somehow I launched into a long story, and Cindy commented, “I can’t do that! I can’t walk and talk at the same time. Look at you! How do you do that?”

I should have said I was on auto pilot. If there is anyone who can’t do two things at once, it’s me. I’ve walked that road for ten years and shouldn’t have to think while strolling. Now working in the kitchen and talking at the same time is IMPOSSIBLE for me. Recently when one of my daughters was here, I remember pausing dinner prep to lean on the counter to talk. If I noticed her stomach rumbling I might have stopped, but she could have gently reminded me what I was there for. Here is your warning for anyone who comes here for a meal. Be the gate-keeper of the kitchen and don’t let anyone talk to me if you want to eat that same day.

I wouldn’t want to push any of my shortcomings onto another person, but how satisfying it is to know that Cindy can’t do two things at once, either! We should pause to remember Chef Brocket from the children’s TV show Mr. Rodgers’ Neighborhood. In his kitchen, silence reigned. That’s as it should be!!