Well, we opted for the Valentine's Day cookies, only I must have forgotten something in my mother's recipe -- or I wasn't able to decipher her hadwriting.

Well, I'm still not so sure about the coral calcium thing, but the soft water is fantastic. No more water spots, the taste of the water is superb, and my hair is starting to lose the frizzies.

I've actually been able to cook three nights in a row in my own kitchen. I had to scale back my chocolate chip cookie plans since I take a water aerobics class at Ventura College on Monday and Wednesday nights. I was too tired to mess with cookie dough.

So, my first meal was grilled cheese sandwhiches and Campbell's Tomato Soup. Mmmm Mmmm Good!

The water softener was installed today. I really don't know that much about it since my husband made all the arrangements for this appliance. I do know that he ended up getting all the bells and whistles, including a component that will add minerals back into the water, which is supposed to make you feel better and boost your immune system because of the coral calcium. It's a more holistic approach, according to the salesman. I know that was the salesman's words since my husband, with the store-bought cookie and fast-food addiction, would never use the word holistic.

We'll see how it works when I get home and if I feel better after a few weeks. Of course a lot more sleep and eating at home for once may make me feel better anyway.

We received word the kitchen is complete -- at least the contractor's portion of it and with the exception of the two back doors to be installed at the beginning of March. The doors are ordered, but won't be in until March 1.

With that in mind, this weekend was spent moving back in to the kitchen.

I met with the stained glass artist this morning. She came up with a couple of beautiful designs. I chose the more organic of the two -- a vine of three strawberries coming down the middle of the glass.

I took some time picking out some colored glass to use. We chose a few shades that will complement the dishes and the countertops and Denise (the artist) is going to cut out some berries in different shades for me to take a peek before we finalize the decision.

Seeing the drawings was great. Now I can get a good picture in my head of what it's going to look like.

Over the weekend we finished the painting the trim in the kitchen. ... Yes, more painting. It's a dark raspberry chocolate color, so it took three coats.

We also ordered the back doors for the house.