Thank you for sharing that Mama.

I'm glad I gave you a laugh JP.

You guys think I am kidding about the Deliverance thing. There are lots of overalls and mopar hats everywhere you look at the dinner lol.

I got a chuckle outta the Deliverance comment too!

Seems many of us in one form or fashion at times are at least a little bit irked by those who complain or those who don't always value the work it takes for us to create a meal, or fail us often whenever we ask for a bit of help... I know this has burned my butt many times too...

I suggest everyone own a copy of the folk tale "The Little Red Hen" and have it placed in a prominent place in their home- maybe even their kitchen or dining area.

The story just might help teach and reinforce the point that folks who wish to reap the reward of good eats ought to be willing to recognize the work, show appreciation and possibly even do their part to assist when assistance is asked for!

Afterall, is there anything sweeter than a child who offers to help peel spuds, a guest who offers to set the table or help clear- or anything sexier than the sight of a mate washing dishes after you've lovingly prepared them a delicious meal? We as cooks need to enable those in our lives- we need to let them know that we're happy to give them the joy of a hot meal- but that for us the joy of their consideration, gratitude, and reciprocated giving is da-bomb! It's partly why we do what we do for them!

My favorite kids book was always Stone Soup. Do you guys remember that one?

I always believe when you go some where for dinner you should take something. When ever my mother in law has her dinners I always call her up and say let me help .. what can I bring? If I am going somewhere and the hostess says she has it covered I still take a dessert and always find it welcomed.
At our holiday dinners since it is at my FIL's the people he invites always ask him if they can bring anything and he says no. Be nice if they asked the person who is actually doing the cooking.
This holiday my dear father in law is making either the ham or the turkey and I will do the other. Me doing both with everything else is to much. The two of us are also going to split up the sides more evenly. We did it that way this past Easter and it was way easier for me to handle my end. He showed me then he can do it and I will remind him when the holidays come

I swear I try and try to manage my time better or something during that time but can never seem to get stuff together faster. Working out of such a small kitchen and stopping to dig out my ingredients and then washing things up and putting them back away eats up alot of time.