Wednesday, February 26, 2014

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Linens

About two years ago, I began to notice some of my kitchen linens were missing. Naturally I assumed my husband was responsible, but I couldn't figure out why he needed my favorite oven mitt or that nice thick potholder or that pretty Williams-Sonoma apron I got as a wedding gift. All I knew was, I was putting things in the kitchen cabinet drawer that holds other linens, but then later I couldn't find them. What on earth was happening? This week, I went to the kitchen cabinet by the stove and pulled out the bottom drawer containing the plastic bin where I organize my heart-shaped cookie cutters. When I tried to close the drawer, it would go only halfway. Had something gotten wedged behind it? Um, yeah. I finally got on the floor and took the drawer off its casters so I could see what was hiding in the back of this cabinet. Like a magician who pulls 37 scarves out of a hat, I removed two full-size aprons, three oven mitts, one dinner napkin (THAT's where it was!), five terrycloth dish towels, and six potholders. And of all the things I discovered, what I most appreciated finding was this wonderful embroidered potholder!

When I worked at the local newspaper years ago and started writing columns about my passion for teatime, a thoughtful woman named Betty showed up one day with this terrific potholder she had embroidered for me on her sewing machine. Betty loved to stitch up all kinds of whimsical things, and she showed up with gifts on quite a few occasions. One day I even asked her, "Betty, why are you sewing all these beautiful things and then giving them away?" And she said, "Because it's fun!"

Her work was just so lovely, like the pretty quilting that graces this potholder, and I always felt honored to receive something she'd made. I haven't seen Betty in many years, but I hope she's still stitching away and having fun, wherever she is! And I'm very, very glad to have solved the Mysterious Case of the Missing Linens. Who knew the space behind a cabinet drawer could hold so much!

16 comments:

  1. That is funny...and I know it does happen. I'm glad you found your missing items and especially that neat potholder. Things that are made for you by friends are extra special, and this one certainly is!

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  2. Funny story! Happens to me too. But what a surprise when we find them! Betty did a beautiful job on the pot holder.

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  3. Mystery solved and a treasure found! YeeHaw! :D

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  4. That's a lot of "stuff" to fall behind a drawer. I love that super cute pot holder!

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  5. Hmm, this could be a chapter from your book. At least you found everything and the pot holder is cute, such a thoughtful gift.

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  6. So glad you found it! And I'm laughing at this, "Naturally I assumed my husband was responsible..." That's how it works in my house, too.

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  7. Isn't it great when that missing item shows up again? So glad you found the linens and that cute embroidered potholder.

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  8. Smiling! Oh what delights we can find behind many a drawer in many a kitchen, I just know it. It has happened to me. Love the embroidery on that potholder and so glad you found it.

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  9. What a cute story. I am not sure I could have gotten up off the floor if I had gotten down on the floor. Blessings

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  10. Oh gosh, Angela, that's just too funny!

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  11. So glad you found all of your missing stuff. It's always a treat when missing things show up again.

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  12. Gorgeous work dear Betty! So nice to find our misplaced treasures! I just returned from our Dollar Tree-bought tea towel and pot holder you shared a few days ago - perfect for my Mom's green TEA kitchen! Many thanks!

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  13. What a cute story: the Case of the Missing Linens. Just like a Nancy Drew mystery. Such a pretty potholder, Betty did a great job! Have a great day,
    Joanie

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  14. Sounds like a Laura Childs tea mystery! So adorable, and what a talent she has!

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  15. Too funny, Angela! Did you tell Alex you were sorry for thinking he was the culprit? ;-) I imagine it was like magic pulling that many items from behind the drawer. So glad you found the adorable tea-themed potholder. Betty could have sold them to tea rooms or gift shops and ladies would have grabbed them up!

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