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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: MaryW
Date: 06-15-2005, 12:23 PM (1 of 16)
I am having house guests this summer. One couple is in their seventies and will be here for two weeks. They have several ailments, one is very fussy about his food and they expect to be wined, dined and entertained. I do NOT want to do this but............any suggestions are welcome.

If I have to work for a few hours, I'm not sure what they can do to keep themselves busy. Hubby works intermittently (semi-retired) so he will be here for some of this fiasco. :nervous:
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: KayTee
Date: 06-15-2005, 01:54 PM (2 of 16)
Strongly encouraged napping???? :up:
KayTee
User: KayTee
Member since: 12-06-2002
Total posts: 98
From: MaryW
Date: 06-15-2005, 02:16 PM (3 of 16)
Yeah, now there is an idea. One good stiff drink and night night all. LOL.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: Chrysantha
Date: 06-15-2005, 02:39 PM (4 of 16)
Local 'senior' center where they can go for a few hours ???
Bingo ??? (it's B I G here in FL with all the 'older' people..I don't see the attraction....but then I'm not that old either :wink: )
One of our Malls here has senior days, they can buy at reduced prices and they can be entertained. ( I don't know what the entainment is, but I see the chairs outside the stores...maybe they sit and complain to each other :re: )
Do either of them garden or have hobbies ??? Hobbie stores and nurseries are good for 'looking' and keeping busy.

Does the local hospital like 'grandparents' ??? Someone to visit the kids and babies (rocking and cuddling), telling stories, reading books to sick kids ???

You can always take them out on a nature walk (and leave'em :bolt: :bg: )
(sorry feeling naughty there for a min)

Theres always movies, (rented or 'out').

(it's hard for me because I don't know any 'older' people, except my in-laws and I haven't seen them in 10 yrs...the only ones I come in contact with are in the stores...my neighborhood is pretty much my age or younger...)
Chrys
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002
Total posts: 2414
From: Domestic Goddes
Date: 06-15-2005, 05:59 PM (5 of 16)
Do they have grandchildren? You could very subtley suggest they start some form of scrapbook of memories for their grandkiddies and they might disappear down memory lane for quite some time!
User: Domestic Goddes
Member since: 01-04-2005
Total posts: 108
From: grandmasue
Date: 06-15-2005, 07:42 PM (6 of 16)
Is this couple family-relation of some sort?
One day I sat down with my Grandparents and some friends of theirs and worked out a family tree. It was a spur of the moment thing done on the back of a big sheet of gift wrap, the only paper we could find that was big enough. I got more than just names and dates. I also have notes and some special little stories written as my Grandparents traveled down memory lane. They kept this sheet of paper and added things as they remembered them and shared their new notes whenever I came to visit. Sadly a year later I lost both my Grandparents but I have a wonderful record to remember them by now.
Grandma Sue

------------
At the end I am not showing up at my grave all pretty and well preserved...I am coming in sliding, yelling "What a ride!"
User: grandmasue
Member since: 10-26-2004
Total posts: 138
From: smessier
Date: 06-16-2005, 12:21 PM (7 of 16)
Oooh, Mary! I feel for you. I have routine visits by a few people like this. I used to get so stressed out about pleasing them and worrying what they would think if I failed. No more...life is too short. My attitude these days is more about relaxing. Now I make sure I also get to do what I want. I keep lots of books (large type is a plus), magazines, puzzle books, and dvd's around. So when I want some time for myself, they can amuse themselves with what I have or go for a walk and enjoy the scenery. How about suggesting the fussy eater and/or his wife make a meal or two of his choice, of course. And if they don't like what you've offered...they don't have to come back!!! Mine keep coming though, and I find I really enjoy them now.




As Bob Dylan said..'I used to care, but things have changed."


Hope this helps a bit.
Sandy
User: smessier
Member since: 09-03-2004
Total posts: 114
From: Bama
Date: 06-16-2005, 02:31 PM (8 of 16)
I feel for you too Mary. We have several of hubby's relatives that visit throughout the year. Most of the time everything is fine, but sometimes some of them can get on my nerves.

Good luck. They shouldn't expect you to entertain them all the time. Just tell them when you need to work for a while and offer them some videos or magazines. I like the idea of having them cook something they like one night.
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: allie-oops
Date: 06-17-2005, 12:12 AM (9 of 16)
You can put up a big sign that says "Welcome Guests" with a picture of a fish on it. Under the fish, it can say "guests are like fish - they both start to stink after 3 days."

Sorry, couldn't resist. I used to get SO stressed out over things like this. Now I throw hot dogs and paper plates at everyone and make sure I enjoy myself, lol. I really feel for ya, Mary. Part of the difference with me is that I don't care at all about entertaining dh's family....they don't come here....and mine knows me better.

I love the scrapbooking and family tree ideas....I sure can't add anything new. Most of the older folks I know either go to bed at 6pm or they're re-tiling their bathrooms and putting on new roofs. Probably the best thing you can do is ask them what THEY would like to do, and if it fits in with your schedule or finances then go for it. Oh, and the stiff drink is a good idea too, lol!
Allie
"onward through the fog"
User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002
Total posts: 282
From: Sewing Oodles
Date: 06-18-2005, 08:59 AM (10 of 16)
Mary,
I suggest YOU take a much need vacation. You are looking really tired and need some much needed rest. (Don't tell anyone your actual locations.) ;)
Hugz,
Cindy~Texas
User: Sewing Oodles
Member since: 07-29-2002
Total posts: 69
From: MaryW
Date: 06-24-2005, 10:28 AM (11 of 16)
I LOOK tired. :shock: Good grief, how did ya know. LOL.

These guys are going to have to be happy with whatever I throw their way. I just don't have what it takes for any super duper efforts.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: Bama
Date: 06-25-2005, 12:09 AM (12 of 16)
Good luck Mary. :dave:

Anyone have ideas for inexpensive meals for house guests? We're getting guests next Friday for 4 or 5 days. The last time they were here I spent over $200 on groceries. Hubby said we can't afford for them to visit very often. :re:
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: Sherri
Date: 06-25-2005, 10:35 AM (13 of 16)
Mom says your supposed to paint your guest room yellow. It is not a welcoming colour and guests will leave sooner.


Sher
My website
User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001
Total posts: 357
From: Bama
Date: 06-25-2005, 06:51 PM (14 of 16)
hmmmm.... my sewing room is yellow, but unfortunately I just have a day bed in here. They'll be staying in dd's room that is baby blue. She will sleep in here. :yawn:
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: MaryW
Date: 06-28-2005, 08:43 AM (15 of 16)
How about this for a brunch idea.

BREAKFAST FRITTATA

2 tablespoons butter, divided
2 medium baking potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
6 large eggs, beaten
1 cup grated Cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese, divided
2 tablespoons chopped chives
1 cup sour cream
1 large tomato, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Melt butter in skillet, add potatoes, and sauté until tender. Sprinkle with salt.

3. Transfer potatoes to a buttered 9-inch quiche or deep-dish pie plate. Sprinkle ¼ cup of Cheddar and Swiss cheeses over potatoes. Spread sour cream over cheeses. Top with chives.

4. In same skillet used for cooking potatoes, melt remainder of butter, add eggs, and cook eggs until softly scrambled. (Eggs should remain fairly liquid.) Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Spread eggs over chives layer. Top with remaining Cheddar and Swiss cheeses.

6. Around edge of quiche plate, arrange tomatoes on top of cheese layer. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over tomatoes.

7. Bake approximately 35 minutes until cheese is completely puffed and slightly brown. Sliced and serve. Yield: 6 to 8 servings.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: SummersEchos
Date: 06-28-2005, 08:54 AM (16 of 16)
Those are good Mary, great for company.
Summer
Summer

FREE FALLIN
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004
Total posts: 884
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