Ooops!

One misstep is all it takes. 

Happily, Brandon didn't fall through the hole his foot punched in the drywall at the top of the hall closet. He was up there removing some old siding when he stepped off the board stretched across the stringers to give him access to an awkward place. The hole is easily repaired, but his body wouldn't have been. 

It was a reminder to me (and to him) of the danger of the work they do. Powerful saws, huge hammers, hidden wires, and seemingly solid floors can all cause accidents. It's all potentially very serious. I'm feeling grateful for their willingness to take these chances so that we can have a splendid new kitchen. And responsible for their wellbeing.

So, each morning as they arrive, I ask them to be careful. I move cords out of the way so they won't trip. I make sure they have their safety glasses on. They smile indulgently - I think they see me as a sort of ersatz grandmother - and carry on with their work, confident in their skills and their strength.