the force of the blast was so strong , it bent the trees that stood nearby , blowing leaves from branches and threatening to crack tree trunks in two . now she was , well , a fair shot , he allowed . the first thing i 'd done when i 'd taken over the inn was update the kitchen with much larger windows , bring in new appliances , and replace the cracked and chipped white tile countertops . `` excuse me , '' my mother said , rising from her chair . 