Dave Smith wrote:
>
> My mother used to do the big feast hosting like Thanksgiving and Christmas,
> and two of my brothers, myself and our wives always helped with the
> cooking, serving and cleanup. One brother was not so generous with the
> help, and his wife never lifted a finger to help. It couldn't be that she
> was worn out from work because she was the only daughter in law who did not
> have a job. I guess there is one in every family.


I never knew her so I couldn't say, but I'd guess didn't help because
she never felt comfortable in your mother's kitchen. I know that's it
with my mother-in-law. No matter what I do, even if it's to put a plate
down, my mother-in-law is quick with a small instruction that I
interpret as criticism. I'll NEVER figure out how her dishwasher is
loaded. It looks straightforward to me, but no matter where I put a
dish, it gets moved. There's a system for putting water in the sink,
how to hold a tea towel. If so much as pour myself a glass of orange
juice, someone comments on which glass I chose and whether I wouldn't
like a bigger one, a smaller one, the one from the other cupboard. I
usualy decide that I didn't want the orange juice so much after all.



> When we did the dinners for my wife's family the famous niece was always
> the first to go into the kitchen to clean up <?>, but her idea was to wrap
> up leftovers and try to smuggle them out to her car to take home.


I know this is sick, but I'm starting to love hearing about your crazy
niece. No matter how bad I think I have it, a story about her makes me
realize how good my life is. It's like watching daytime t.v., a guilty
pleasure.


--Lia