Company for Christmas (move, university, generation, town)

[Bette]

Just a few cosmetic things that needed to be done anyway.

Almost all done now.

Just a few phone calls, set up appointments and work is getting done.

Actually, I'm relieved - I was almost scared to start it and now,it's at least better than it was.

[cebuan]

My wife's daughter from college. it's OK -- she just eats Ramen noodles, and will spend the whole time in her room on her phone.

[Gerania]

A new toilet and towels? My mother would have told me to step off. She was was from England, so that made sense.

[Bette]

Originally Posted by Gerania

A new toilet and towels? My mother would have told me to step off. She was was from England, so that made sense.

The house needed it. It was time for the towels. My kids used them in HS and that started in 1999.

I'm good with work stuff but not so good with the house stuff.

So excited to have them here. That's the important part.

It's kind of like if your parents or in-laws were coming over - you'd be cleaning all day; well, this is like that!

[jrkliny]

Originally Posted by Bette

....

It's kind of like if your parents or in-laws were coming over - you'd be cleaning all day; well, this is like that!

No, I won't.

[nuts2uiam]

Originally Posted by Bette

The house needed it. It was time for the towels. My kids used them in HS and that started in 1999.

I'm good with work stuff but not so good with the house stuff.

So excited to have them here. That's the important part.

It's kind of like if your parents or in-laws were coming over - you'd be cleaning all day; well, this is like that!

This is not about me, rather you. You sound like a phenomenal person and mom, just someone who needs a little nudge now and again. What I would have done as a surprise for my mom, I would have have had the list done for my her and solicited her input on colors etc. Sorry, if I sounded harsh earlier, but you are not a doormat for her inexcusable list of demands. Enjoy your visit.

[funisart]

Originally Posted by nuts2uiam

This is not about me, rather you. You sound like a phenomenal person and mom, just someone who needs a little nudge now and again. What I would have done as a surprise for my mom, I would have have had the list done for my her and solicited her input on colors etc. Sorry, if I sounded harsh earlier, but you are not a doormat for her inexcusable list of demands. Enjoy your visit.

I think most of us were “off-put” by the daughter’s demands, and surprised at Bette’s self deprecation. Her daughter is young and sounds easily embarrassed. Remodeling is a stressful chore, costs more and takes longer than expected.

I think Bette is doing an amazing job, while working full time, after years of doing for others, putting herself last. She was fixing up her home as she could pay cash, so that she would have a paid for, updated home in retirement. Hopefully this demand list and expense won’t cause her to go into too much debt. She has been frugal, now she needs to be kinder to herself, in my opinion.

I agree that the daughter should have gifted, as in already sent towels and bath rug. Would have been a thoughtful Christmas present. Any time we stay with friends or family, we take a gift and treat them to several meals out.

[Gerania]

Originally Posted by Bette

The house needed it. It was time for the towels. My kids used them in HS and that started in 1999.

I'm good with work stuff but not so good with the house stuff.

So excited to have them here. That's the important part.

It's kind of like if your parents or in-laws were coming over - you'd be cleaning all day; well, this is like that!

That's true. Oh, no, there are finger prints on the refrigerator!

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by jrkliny

Unbelieveable!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I cannot imagine any guest, family member or not, sending a list of home improvements. Obviously if the toilet is not functional, then it needs to be replaced. If the guests want new rugs, new towels and "stuff like that", I would recommend they stay elsewhere or bring their own stuff.

I refused to stay with my in-laws until two repairs to the house were made. First, they needed to replace the flooring around the toilet in the only bathroom in the house as the wood was completely rotten. I was afraid that I would fall through the floor as it was that bad. Second, the ceiling above the bed that we slept in was losing plaster due to a roof leak. My FIL did not want to do either as "it really wasn't necessary" over his daughter's objections.

I was more than content to stay at LaQuinta (TV, internet access, good food nearby, etc.) and drop by a couple of hours a day rather than staying with them.

The old man finally relented and his carpenter friends come in and make the repairs.

[Teacher Terry]

Have a great time with your kids!