Three weeks ago we finally installed a hood over our stove, something we’d been meaning to do since we moved in eight years ago.

We removed the cabinet that was over the range and had to find places for all the glassware inside. Then we had to install a new outlet, as the power line labeled MICROWAVE was too short. The MICROWAVE got removed as soon as we moved in. If you visit our house, you’ll have to reheat your coffee in a sauce pan on the stove.

Berck bought a giant attachment for his drill to cut a hole from the outside. He ended up about a quarter inch from hitting the 220 line for the stove (which might have meant instant death).

We positioned the vent so that you will be accosted by wondrous smells as you walk up to our front door (provided we’re cooking at the time). The other day the UPS man remarked, “What is that amazing sauce you’re making?” It was 10 pounds of onion being cooked in butter to make onion soup. It did smell amazing right outside.

I painted over the wallpaper that had been behind the removed cabinet, and Berck enhanced the spice shelf. The whole process was a lot easier than I had imagined, and I can’t believe it took us this long to actually get around to it. Now the cooking detector doesn’t go off whenever we’re cooking (provided we remember to turn on the hood, which is a habit we’re both having to remember to form).