Monday, April 03, 2006

Walking The Line


The countdown to company begins.

Nine guests, arriving at different times, some sleeping here overnight before moving to a cabin for the weekend.

The normally contented housewife morphs into an anxiety-riddled harridan.

The absent-minded husband, who has purposely avoided discussing any details, is now bombarded with life-or-death questions. "

What time can everyone check into the cabins?"

"Is anyone lactose- or gluten-intolerant? What about the kids? Did you ask about his kids?"

"How is anyone going to get any sleep when I'm flushing the toilet every two hours and snoring so loud?"

I'm walking the line between preparing and nagging. In my defense, I do need answers if I am to make multiple reservations, do all the shopping, cook and transport everything we need.

This far pregnant, I can't "just run into Sam's Club Friday" and load a flatbed of burgers and cokes by myself.

Someone has to recover the outdoor furniture, change the sheets, and finish spreading 25 bales of pine straw.
The key is to do it all without dampening my husband's excitement. Our guests will be here for a long weekend, but his memory is even longer.

For all the supplies I must gather, acquiring a merry heart is at the top of my list.
But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. --Luke 10: 40-42

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Meredith, is there anything I can do to help? Babysit for a morning or anything? Let me know.

Shannon said...

It can be so stressful trying to get everything ready, but you've chosen just the right passage to dwell on. Hubbys will remember a smiling, happy wife a lot longer than they'll remember that everything went off without a hitch:)

Anonymous said...

Meredith,
My husband is the same way! LOL. You have to love them though! They have such hospitable spirits. Mine never thinks of all the details until I remind him. He will invite someone over at the drop of a hat and we always have a great time despite the household conditions. ( Fortunately in this day of cell phones I can call the kids and give them the heads up and make sure at least the bathrooms are presentable! They have gotten very good at the shove it in a bag and stick it in the closet. LOL) I have tried to be more like him and forget about the
details so much and have more fun with it. It is hard though when you want everything to be perfect. Hang in there!
Carrie

Anonymous said...

I had to laugh when I saw the photo with the article. I do exactly the same thing with a notebook, cookbooks, several "to do" lists, etc. I know it will all come together and be lovely. Have a great time and hang in there. Connie

Anonymous said...

I am so at the same place right now. Actually just posted about it on my blog.

Praying for you!

Marie said...

Let me know if you find the address of the "merry heart" store. I could use a visit there from time to time!

Anonymous said...

Sorry, but what are you having to cover or do with the 6 bales of hay? !

Anonymous said...

sorry!..I had it wrong,.. it was 25!! bales of pine straw....is it for mulch on the flower beds? What is pine straw?...pine needles somewhat composted?