tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post6811130353141822431..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: The kitchen tableUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-89480793635360699122014-02-24T10:11:44.030+10:002014-02-24T10:11:44.030+10:00Unfortunately we don't have any room in our ho...Unfortunately we don't have any room in our house for a kitchen table...<br />Our kitchen is a tiny poky little room that is too full when there is more than one person in it, there is no room to manouver and not even room for an island bench, let alone a table! The "dining" room is another tiny space which is actually the thoroughfare between poky kitchen and lounge room. We have a tiny table shoved into a corner here but it is rarely used as the space is too dark and claustrophobic to gather in. I remember good times around my grandma's kitchen table whilst growing up, in a large light lovely open space where there were not just meals, but colouring in with pencils, arts and crafts, boardgames, and flower pressing projects. I feel that our family, and probably others, are sadly lacking a vital aspect these days due to this lack of a table, or even space to have one. I wonder how many other families are crammed into tiny townhouses like us, and never have the space to sit down together to eat, chat or just relax. Another sign of the changing times...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14727699650845777267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-24180036635402091712013-09-15T03:53:23.729+10:002013-09-15T03:53:23.729+10:00For me, the greatest compliment anyone could give ...For me, the greatest compliment anyone could give to me, is inviting me into their home and having a cup of coffee at their kitchen table. Yes, the dining room is always lovely, but to me, the world happens at the kitchen table, the intimate decisions are made at the kitchen table.<br /><br />Your table is lovely, and inviting and thank you for sharing it with me (and all of us who visit with you)cmmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09535222311594759462noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-76570851093003094792013-09-03T10:40:48.948+10:002013-09-03T10:40:48.948+10:00I really enjoyed reading this post Rhonda. My par...I really enjoyed reading this post Rhonda. My parents dining table was bought when they first married 60 years ago. I have many, many memories when this table was in our homes in South Africa, Victoria and now NSW. Thank you, you have brought back many memories for me today. AnnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-33840449048743219032013-08-19T04:18:22.343+10:002013-08-19T04:18:22.343+10:00"Food is always more than food. It's a wa..."Food is always more than food. It's a way of bringing the family together..."<br /><br />I LOVE this. :) <br /><br />well done. <br />Kristinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03570943780755631241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-43230727023437614302013-08-18T10:24:17.591+10:002013-08-18T10:24:17.591+10:00This reminds me of Gramma's dinner table. No ...This reminds me of Gramma's dinner table. No matter how many aunts and uncles came to visit, there always seemed to be room for them around the table. And every Sunday after church our family and my aunt's family (the only two of my grandparents kids who remained living in the area) were there for Sunday dinner...and oh the food...all from the garden! The kids always ate at the "kid's table" in the living room...what a rite of passage when we were allowed to eat with the adults! The table was where ALL the talking about family went on...even after the dinner was finished and the men went to watch the sunday ball game and the women were finished with doing the dishes...the women...young and old would sit around the table and catch up on everyone's life. Thanks for reminding me of those memories today!<br />Peascodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11950203914710533372noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-70092152054185628482013-08-16T05:53:53.489+10:002013-08-16T05:53:53.489+10:00Lovely post. My parents in law recently downsized ...Lovely post. My parents in law recently downsized from a house to a flat and we swapped our old (struggle to squeeze 10 round) kitchen table for their huge (7 feet long without either of the extension leaves in) table, so we're planning a series of dinner parties for all our friends over the next few months. We used to have people round a lot more before we had children, but now my 14yo dd is looking forward to doing lots of the cooking, it's a win-win situation. If you weren't on the other side of the world I might invite you too :)Janhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00803293426475964009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-69951203431171993252013-08-15T22:00:14.879+10:002013-08-15T22:00:14.879+10:00Our table is in the livingroom, but we have a tabl...Our table is in the livingroom, but we have a table in the kitchen. That table isn't for us though. It's the cat's table. We bought this table at the thrift shop and I think it's a 1950's wooden table. We have three cats and a dog and our dog, miss Charlie, who is 13,5 years old, is very fond of cat food too. That is why the cats have a special place to eat, away from miss Charlie, who tries to get to the table eventhough she is at a high age. I put a clean tablecloth on the table, to make it looks cozier and it borders on the windowsill, which is filled with pelargoniums, so it is quite a nice place to eat, especially when you're a cat ; )Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-25240288496487124902013-08-15T08:50:37.325+10:002013-08-15T08:50:37.325+10:00What a wonderful post about your kitchen table and...What a wonderful post about your kitchen table and the memories it holds!!! You have reminded me of many warm memories of my mother's table and the importance of this "family central"! I am so happy that my friend Dianne Burns shared your blog with me today. Will be following.....Rosellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14615262714438296920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-9700634683842188992013-08-15T04:02:39.165+10:002013-08-15T04:02:39.165+10:00Our dining room table will be 47 years old this mo...Our dining room table will be 47 years old this month. We bought it when we were first married and poor, an inexpensive oval table with a formica top (made to look like wood) and matching chairs. We never could have imagined all the joys and sorrows which would be talked over around that table! <br /><br />As our family and our income grew, well-meaning people would often suggest that maybe we should get a larger table, but that won't be happening. When there are more than 8 or 9 of us, we just add other tables at each end as needed. When my husband and I are here alone or with just a few friends or family members, that table is perfect just as it is.<br /><br />Ironically, our last big event around that table was two weeks ago when we had a big farewell meal for our oldest granddaughter. She just graduated from college and is moving from New York to Australia! It was a happy/sad event, but we're excited for her, and thanks to your blog, I have a much better understanding of some of the things she'll be finding in her new life!Lindanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-35008972269759046622013-08-15T03:07:22.731+10:002013-08-15T03:07:22.731+10:00When I was a child our kitchen table was the centr...When I was a child our kitchen table was the centre of the universe. Everything was done on this beautiful surface. But then again we did not have any other table. We shared every meal and our entire lives right there. When I was an adult the kitchen table in our home became just as important and versatile.<br /><br />Even our dogs knew that the kitchen table was the heart of our home. We had two enormous Wolf/Huskey dogs. They were ¾ wolf and other than humans and elephants there is no other animal who cherishes the family and home more. To exclude them was to stab them in their hearts. <br /><br />But my Mom did not want them in the kitchen because they were so big and because they really needed to be outdoors in the cool or cold. Of course the minute the back door was opened even a crack they charged in – jamming their 180 lb bodies in a bottleneck in the door frame and then bursting free like two champagne corks and diving under the kitchen table where it was impossible to dislodge them. Mom tried but eventually decided that the better part of valour was to pretend that she did not see them. A compromise she could live with. <br /><br />Of course every time they shifted positions under the table everything on the table rocked and rolled. And Nanook loved to steal the napkins from off of our laps. By the end of every meal he had quite a collection under the table. And Dingo was in love with my feet – nibbling them and resting his head on them. To this day I know that I did so well in school because every night as I did my homework on the kitchen table I had the love of my family around me and I was willing to stay longer and study harder because of this – and the comfort and complete sense of security the contact of big furry head resting on my feet brought.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-61200221784838360062013-08-15T00:32:52.350+10:002013-08-15T00:32:52.350+10:00Rhonda,
I loved this post. So much of life ha...Rhonda,<br /> I loved this post. So much of life happens around the kitchen table. We have a large table that can extend to accommodate 10 people comfortably (14 if we squish together) and we often have our family and friends over to use it at that size. What means the most to me, though, are the common, everyday moments shared between my husband and son as we sit at that table. We eat supper together every night (it's a rare night that one of us is missing due to a meeting, etc.) and share the happenings of the day, what happened at school, on the farm, at work. Homework is done there, bills paid, budgets planned, puzzles completed, laundry folded, crafts made, artwork attempted, cups of coffee drunk, dreams discussed, all done with much love. They say the kitchen is the heart of the home but I think the kitchen table is the soul. It's where everything happens.<br />Kristina<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-23208338991334233892013-08-14T22:45:40.036+10:002013-08-14T22:45:40.036+10:00Our kitchen table is the center of our home as wel...Our kitchen table is the center of our home as well. It's where we spend time with visitors, make decisions, do homework, chat, learn, read, draw, measure and cut fabric, eat, drink, and be merry. I can't imagine being without it. It's an 80's or 90's semi-opaque white varnished extending table, bought when we were first married as a dining suite for $100 from one of my inlaws because it was no longer fashionable. I'm very glad that we bought it even though I thought it ugly at first because we haven't found anything that would work nearly as well for us.Mishihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03618556202180054642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-19688506082210489202013-08-14T22:29:16.144+10:002013-08-14T22:29:16.144+10:00Everything.Everything.Irishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04396327335856768030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-16379635301235442202013-08-14T21:12:50.499+10:002013-08-14T21:12:50.499+10:00Thanks for the lovely post,today. We were given th...Thanks for the lovely post,today. We were given the family table from my mother-in-law when they moved out of state. It was made by my husband's great uncle who was a gifted woodworker. He made pieces for all the family, including wooden toys for the kids. The table seats twelve with two leaves. He even built in linen storage under the top.He passed away many years ago now but I think of him often when we sit down for dinner. When we can no longer use it, Uncle John's table will go to another family member.What a great way to pass on family history.<br />SueSuehttp://www.lessnoise-moregreen.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-71118615298612633462013-08-14T17:28:19.009+10:002013-08-14T17:28:19.009+10:00I visited my Mum last week and at 84 she will soon...I visited my Mum last week and at 84 she will soon be packing up her home and downsizing. We were all wondering what to do with the 12 seat table that has been ours for as long as i can remember. Not too many homes could take such a table though it does have sliding panels that make it smaller. It is located in Leeton, NSW. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12605358521258969537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-89586663243422631152013-08-14T16:47:31.267+10:002013-08-14T16:47:31.267+10:00My husband & two young children try to sit at ...My husband & two young children try to sit at the table most nights to eat dinner together, no tv or other distractions. We talk about our day & what will happen tomorrow, just like my family did when I was a child. Our table is between our kitchen & family room & is often where friends sit when they drop in for coffee as we can enjoy each others company & keep an eye on our kids. It is also the table I sat at as a child with parents & sister & now I sit at it with my family. I wonder what secrets it could tell? Haha. I think that sitting at the table together to eat is an important part of family life. Thanks for your wonderful blog. During my busy, crazy life it is always a great place to go to recharge & remember what it's all about.<br />Amie, NSWAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-53429128567436676162013-08-14T15:46:24.584+10:002013-08-14T15:46:24.584+10:00Food at one end, colouring and craft at the other....Food at one end, colouring and craft at the other. We bought an old table so we needn't woorry about felt tip stains and coffee mug rings. I like that were adding to the patina of it. And in the middle the stuff not to loose/found, a candle and fruit xMaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18387407423793099797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-19257759652856498542013-08-14T13:26:14.506+10:002013-08-14T13:26:14.506+10:00Hi Sherrie, I hope you recover soon and and get ba...Hi Sherrie, I hope you recover soon and and get back to your family events around your table.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-31884642333415754062013-08-14T12:43:51.744+10:002013-08-14T12:43:51.744+10:00I can totally relate to the kitchen table being th...I can totally relate to the kitchen table being the hub of family life including immediate and extended family, through good times and bad. Our kitchen table sits in the middle of the kitchen/dining area and breakfasts, lunches, dinners, birthdays, games, projects, baby baths, the list goes on all happens there, our table is very special, my Grandad made our kitchen table, he has now passed on and I remember when he used to sit at it (when it was at his house) of an afternoon/evening and everyone would gather round and just start talking :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-64084817598189198912013-08-14T12:12:18.837+10:002013-08-14T12:12:18.837+10:00what a beautiful post as always..I love our kitche...what a beautiful post as always..I love our kitchen table, we bought it in 2002 it is made of recycled pine from the savoy buildings in London..Every mark tells a story, when my youngest was little he jabbed his fork into the area where he used to sit. so when we have grand children I can share that with them and like every one else our table gets used for just about every thing too...All though our eldest two boys have left the nest I now have my sewing/craft room, so no need to use the table, but I have in the past... It seats 8 and love it when sharing meals with family and friends..but since being diagnosed with Lyme last year and being really sick 3 years before that, we haven't had any social gatherings around our table..look forward to being well to do so again..I can see why you have so many followers your posts are so incredibly touching and profound ..Sherriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01413758774374975978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-61522571030349093822013-08-14T11:54:09.062+10:002013-08-14T11:54:09.062+10:00One of my sons made us a beautiful "farmhouse...One of my sons made us a beautiful "farmhouse table" while in High School. It is a table that I had dreamed of for many years. One of his High School friends, who is also a family friend, put his name underneath the table alongside my son's name. It is so appopriate as this friend of my son has spent many happy times with us at our table! I love to really decorate the table for holidays and my kids used to ask me why. I told them so they remember how special they are!<br /><br />Angie<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-88692159426525649212013-08-14T11:36:36.474+10:002013-08-14T11:36:36.474+10:00My kitchen table was my grandmother's kitchen ...My kitchen table was my grandmother's kitchen table. I was lucky enough to get it when she passed away and grandpa came to live with my mother. I treasure that table. It is small, seats only 4, but oh the memories that I shared at that table with my grandmother. I love that table and when we sit there I remember her and her wonderful meals.Roxie700https://www.blogger.com/profile/01763951875927210467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-65270943933982613972013-08-14T11:27:04.960+10:002013-08-14T11:27:04.960+10:00Hi Rhonda. I have just inherited my family's ...Hi Rhonda. I have just inherited my family's kitchen table after my Dad died last year. It has been in the family for over 50 years that I remember. Not the one we had as a small child - that was the old red laminex one with the silver edging. I think this one, a lovely cedar one which has its wear marks on it too, along also with the happy and sad memories came from my grandparents, so it is indeed old and holds lots of memories. If only it could talk!! I enjoy reading your column each day and feel like we are all good friends. It makes me happy to see others who are living like-minded lives. Have a happy day. Sandra from Brisbane north.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-24620525818722221012013-08-14T10:53:59.651+10:002013-08-14T10:53:59.651+10:00Although we both work outside of the home, we alwa...Although we both work outside of the home, we always have breakfast and dinner at our table with our two little boys. It is important centering time for our family.Reddirtmommahttp://reddirtwranglers.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-57990067485058404462013-08-14T10:52:08.312+10:002013-08-14T10:52:08.312+10:00It's a great thing, and something to be very p...It's a great thing, and something to be very proud of, to help create furniture for a new couple. You husband and SIL will remember those wood-working sessions forever and probably pass the story along to younger members of the family.<br /><br />Thanks for commenting, and welcome. :- )rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.com