Pass the Windex
Nov 14th 2007
Suzanne EnochMy Life As A Plebe
The frenzy has officially begun. Thanksgiving. Ever since I moved into my house five years ago (good heavens, five years? I need to empty the rest of those boxes), this is where Thanksgiving comes to roost every year. I have a combined dining/living room where a long string of tables can fit, though every year the family jokes that we may have to make a turn out into the hallway if all the cousins keep having kids. And I have ample parking. Adequate car and bottom parking. These are the two necessities when hosting Thanksgiving.
You’ll notice that I didn’t mention cooking in my top two requirements. That’s because I don’t cook. Okay, yes, I can put biscuits in the oven, and I pop popcorn like nobody’s business. But turkeys and stuffing and, oh, beans and stuff – that’s out of my league. I do have a pretty big kitchen, though, so in return for my having car and bottom parking, other people come to my house and do the cooking.
I see this as a win-win situation for me, with one glaring exception – I have to clean my house. The carpets. The tables and bookcases. The bathrooms. The kitchen. The sinks. The bedrooms. The front porch. The bathrooms. And yes, I know I listed bathrooms twice. They take twice as much work.
Yesterday, however, I cheated the system. For the first time, I had someone else come in and clean my house. And I’ve been on deadline for the past 16 months, so I’d been kind of…not cleaning very well. Of course I straightened first, put all the research books back on the shelves, found places for my new Wolverine and Captain Jack Sparrow statues, but then I sat back and relaxed. I watched a high-speed chase on TV. I played Bookworm and Bejeweled on the computer.
It cost me a little money, but this year Thanksgiving’s a win-win-win. And then there are the leftovers that people will hopefully forget to take home.
Where do you hold Thanksgiving? Are you the cook? The cleaner? The eater? And do you ever cheat the system?
46 Comments »
46 Responses to “Pass the Windex”
Judy F on 14 Nov 2007 at 5:40 am #
We rotate between my sisters and my brothers house now that our parents are older. If its at my sisters I get there early to help cook. I am in charge of the stuffing and the cranberries. LOL Now at my brothers my SIL does it all wants no help. Fine by me.
Now when I lived at home I helped with cleaning and did a lot of the cooking. My mom isn’t much of a cook. But in later years they discovered the local grocery Krogers gooks a great meal that you just have to reheat.
Not sure what is going on this year. Hopefully I will be somewhere.
Buffie on 14 Nov 2007 at 7:48 am #
Thanksgiving is always spent at my inlaws as my husband and his brother have birthdays around Thanksgiving. Actually, this year the hubby’s birthday IS on Thanksgiving. We have been married for 17 years and I have yet to bring anything to dinner. My MIL is a fabulous cook and she loves doing it. She never, ever wants me to bring anything (and she has told me I am a good cook
Cooking is just her thing. She cooks twice a week for the church and usually has several catering jobs a month. Last year was the first year she even let me help do the dishes!!!!!
MarthaH on 14 Nov 2007 at 8:49 am #
Thanksgiving is always at my place. I live on the outskirts of the city and have plenty of space to park vehicles.
I’m kinda a control freak when it comes to entertaining. I’m the cleaner and the cook. I start cleaning and preparing several weeks in advance. I have an L shaped living room/dining room which allows me to add several long tables to seat the 30 or so for a sit down dinner. And of course, I’m one of the few with questionable good sense as my dinner service can’t go in a dishwasher -so all the stemware & dinnerware need to be washed by hand. Thankgoodnes for DH who I can second as a dishwashing assistant.
I guess that’s why some folks (myself included) generally claim to be thankful that the holidays only come once a year. It takes that long to recover!
LOL
SuzyQ on 14 Nov 2007 at 8:52 am #
Every year we have Thanksgiving at my sister’s house. My mom lives right next door and she used to do all the cooking, but now we all help out. Mom still cooks the turkey (even though my bil tried to deep fry one last year) and my sis and me do all the sides and desserts. I’m in charge of glazed carrots, broccoli, and pumpkin pie. I did try a sweet potato casserole once that came out pretty good. This arrangement works out good, especially since I don’t have to do the house cleaning. Unfortunately dishes are another story . . .
All this talk is getting me hungry - I need to go to the cafe and get something to eat!
Kim on 14 Nov 2007 at 9:08 am #
I want to go to Thanksgiving with Buffie!
This year my mom guilted me into Thursday at her house. Although I insisted on making the turkey. My mom only knows how to cook meat one way. Drowned in beer and dry as a bone.
Since my husband and son are spoiled beyond belief I’m also cooking dinner on Friday for the three of us at home. They have to do all the housecleaning and I do all the cooking.
Sometimes we go to my in-laws and I usually take a couple of desserts to that. Since none of my in-laws eat sweets I’m guaranteed to have good leftovers to take home
I’m going to take JuliaL’s advice and add wine to the holiday line up this year. Eniebriated is the only way I’m making it through *g*
Michellynn on 14 Nov 2007 at 9:10 am #
In the past my family has taken turns for the various holidays (DH and I also rotate from one year to the next which side of the family we will spend a particular holiday). This year we are scheduled for his side of the family and no one is “claiming” the honor of hosting yet. LOL We shall see…
Last year, DH and I moved in to a new house that has all the aspects Suzanne mentioned…plenty of parking for cars and bottoms. So, we hosted both sides of the family. The families loved it but it was a lot of work for us. When we host…we host it all (we cook everything but desserts), and like MarthaH prep ahead of time. I’ve become picky about having others in my kitchen (particularly when it comes to DH’s side of the family since they have tried to take over in the past and literally made a mess of the kitchen and the meal…never again!). I also have relatives that are unpredictable and can be rudely late (not just fashionably late..but rudely late by several hours). So, it..
Michellynn on 14 Nov 2007 at 9:11 am #
..became necessary to not rely on relatives (unless it is my Mother) to bring a key piece of the main meal. With that said, we now delegate the desserts to everyone else (although I still make a turtle pecan cheesecake as a backup, and backups are always needed..LOL ).
I do cheat in one aspect, though. Cleaning. I have a regular cleaning service and it saves me an enormous amount of time throughout the year AND at holiday time. It is nice never having to worry about having a clean house including when my side of the family wants to have a spur of the moment get together at our house (our house has become entertainment central in the last year..LOL) I work outside the home and don’t now how I would get along without it. It frees up sooooo much of my time on the weekend to get other things done. Our house is large and would take me an entire Saturday if I didn’t have a service on a regular basis. We don’t indulge in many service “luxuries”, but this is one I would never give up.
Karen Hawkins on 14 Nov 2007 at 9:24 am #
Every year we go to my mother’s and it’s a big deal, but this year, the dh and i are taking the kids to Italy instead. No turkey for us, but plates and plates of pasta and bottles and bottles of chianti!
I’ll miss the family gathering, but the kids had the entire week of Thanksgiving off this year and it was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Next year, we’ll go back to traditional.
And Suzanne, HUZZAH on having help cleaning! That’s a huge job and we all need a little help now and then.
doglady on 14 Nov 2007 at 9:29 am #
Thanksgiving was ALWAYS at my Mom’s until my father passed away ten years ago. Since then it has rotated between Mom’s and my brother and SIL’s. Now that the other brother has FINALLY married (Age 46) we have a third location which we used last year. No matter where it is held my mother is still the queen of Thanksgiving. When we have it at youngest brother’s house my SIL’s family also attends. My mother hands out the assignments. She, however, is ordered by all involved to make the stuffing. My SIL’s mother is too busy trying to be a young hoochie to be bothered with her family. Her children and grandchildren call my mother Nana. She is the quintessential southern Mama. The new SIL has her own catering service so her contributions are always scrumptious to eat and to put on the table. My other SIL is a cake decorator for a very uptown bakery in Birmingham so her desserts are always lovely as well. Me, I run a bakery so I have my minions make rolls and pies to take. My cooking? UGH!
Casee on 14 Nov 2007 at 9:40 am #
My mom cooked every year until last year. Then she deserted us to go to Hawaii. So last year was the first year I had ever cooked a full Thanksgiving dinner. We were just talking a few days ago about how many times I called her last year on Thanksgiving day. I think it was every hour until dinner was actually on the table. LOL.
This year I’ve held her hostage and refused to let her leave the state. It’s my first year as a Vegetarian, so we’re getting creative. We’re still doing the whole turkey dinner, but she’s adding some variety in there for me. Usually I bring a few dishes to help out. This year I’m sure my kids will insist on helping with the pies (which is not necessarily a good thing!).
Suzanne Enoch on 14 Nov 2007 at 9:53 am #
My mom used to do everything, but then she had some sort of epiphany and started assigning dishes. She still does the turkey and stuffing, but my sisters and various aunts and cousins from both sides of the family bring the other side dishes and desserts. I was given the choice of providing either the soft drinks or the biscuits. Remember how I mentioned above that I can cook biscuits? I wasn’t kidding. That doughboy and I are good buddies. *g*
Cookiedough on 14 Nov 2007 at 10:11 am #
I’ve already had my Thanksgiving!
We Canadians have it in October!
I’m always in charge of the mashed turnips and at least one pie, usually I make Lemon Meringue.
I go every year to my sister Debbie’s. Her DH and I are the only ones who like turnip, so more for us! This year ther son turned 27 on the day, but HIS almost 2yr old son stole the show, as always. He’s just an entertaining little cutie.
We gather up a few sisters, and various adult children and significant others and an elderly Aunt. Two turkeys are cooked with at least a 10lb bag of potatoes mashed. four or five pies. There are a few birthdays the week before and after, so there is also birthday cake.
This year, Debbie and I had it planned to the wire and under shot it. The turkey was done, but nothing else. The plate of sliced turkey started heading toward the dining room, and we had to call it back, other wise the cooks would get nothing.
Cookiedough on 14 Nov 2007 at 10:17 am #
the dinner was alnost two hrs later and by the time we sat 16 of us down, nothing was said for a good hf hr, we were all so hungry!
the clean up wasn’t too bad afterwards, as we had gifted Debbie with a dishwasher a few yrs ago. she’s the hostess of most family gatherings, and used to wash everything by hand for a few days after.
Add to this the fact that she runs a daycare in her home, has four dogs and 30 or so birds, it gets a little hectic!
I love my family dearly, but I’m glad after the madhouse, I come home to a quiet home.
For Christmas we do the same thing, but most of us stay there- at least I do!
and end up with brothers’ families as well. 7 siblings, 15 children and 4 grandchildren- hmmmm family togetherness taken to a new high!
lol
Julia London on 14 Nov 2007 at 10:26 am #
My family respectfully asks me not to attempt any dishes, just bring the bread. I have hosted Thanksgiving a couple of times, but I am the one who lives an hour away, so I almost always go there with my cans of Pillsbury rolls. That my mother usually ends up baking.
But, I am the youngest of three sisters, and they still boss me around like they did back in teh day. They tell me to get in there and clean the kitchen since they did all the work. And then they come and sit at the bar and drink wine and watch me.
I am not a good cleaner, either, which is why, Suzie, I have someone come in once a week. I can’t believe you’ve never had professional help!!!! There is a whole industry out there waiting to serve at your beck and call! I have becked! I have called! I live in a sparkly clean house and I never got up from my chair!
Claudia Dain on 14 Nov 2007 at 10:37 am #
Never mind Thanksgiving, all this talk about cleaning services has me drooling. I wonder if I should make the call and get some regular help around here?
Oh, and Thanksgiving is at my house, but since it’s just Us, it’s no big deal. Just another family meal together. DH cooks the turkey since I have this thing about touching uncooked fowl. I can touch raw beef all day long (mind out of the gutter, ladies), but there’s something about bird flesh. It’s so rubbery and cold and beige. Ugh.
Claudia Dain on 14 Nov 2007 at 10:39 am #
KarenH, I want to hear about the Italy trip! What a great idea.
Mia Rose on 14 Nov 2007 at 10:45 am #
We always end up going to my MIL’s house and even though she never request’s we bring anything, I tend to at least show up with my signature pinwheels that everyone loves to snack on before dinner. She’s a fantastic cook (she doesn’t have to work, so she practices plenty) and so is my FIL (he’s italian and learned from nonna), so between the two of them they have dinner taken care of.
Which of course means us kids, my husband is the oldest of the five @ 28, sit around and eat and drink until way late. Oh and we can’t forget the drinking games…
We did just buy our first house, and now that we have a ‘formal’ dining area with room for a bigger table, my husband is anxious to have everyone up to our house for Thanksgiving. I’m so used to sitting around and not having to worry about anything I’ll probably go crazy.
P.S. Karen, Italy… How fun, I’m so jealous!
Suzanne Enoch on 14 Nov 2007 at 10:57 am #
I envy all of you who have professional caterers and bakers in the family — I would totally be over there all the time. *g*
And Claudia, other than my frenzied straightening of things before the cleaners showed up and my guilty feelings (quickly squelched) that I wasn’t helping them, it was pretty nice. I think I’ll do it again.
As for KarenH, I believe I’ve already informed you privately that I hate you. Italy. Sheesh.
cail on 14 Nov 2007 at 11:16 am #
Thanksgiving is at my parents this year. We’ve been doing it there since my brother became the person who travels farthest for the holiday. For 4 days my grandparents, two sets of aunts and uncles and 3 cousins and another grandma will be staying at my parents house. I’m debating weather to make the 30 min drive back and forth each day to enjoy my own bed.
Everyone brings dishes. Each person has signature traditional dishes that are expected for dinner. I’m often in charge of bringing one of my desserts.
Michellynn on 14 Nov 2007 at 11:18 am #
A regular professional cleaning service is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself, IMHO. *G*
amy1242 on 14 Nov 2007 at 11:54 am #
We actually do two Thanksgivings. The Thursday one is with DH’s family, at our place. We do the turkey, dressing, potato’s and gravy. The rest of the food prep is passed on to other family members. The second one is at my moms house the Saturday after, where we are in charge of green bean casserole and pie. My DH’s family helps with the dishes, mine does not. I am from a family of all boys and they NEVER help with clean up, nor do their wives. Sucks for me. I was also born on Thanksgiving day (a true turkey at heart), so we celebrate my bday that Saturday as well, when mom remembers. My favorite part? The leftovers!!
Claudia Dain on 14 Nov 2007 at 12:05 pm #
Amy1242…”nor do their wives” ???? For shame! That’s just not right.
Sabrina Jeffries on 14 Nov 2007 at 12:06 pm #
First, let me say that even when I was practically dirt poor, we had a cleaning service. I do not clean. Ever. I spent a few years of our marriage pretending that I did, and I finally admitted defeat. Hate cleaning with a passion, although I do love a clean house.
Our Thanksgivings are completely different every time, because of my parents being overseas for most of my life, and my siblings being scattered across the US. Sometimes it’s just me, hubby, and son. For the last few years, my brother and sil and the twins have been coming to my house and staying for the holidays. My brother and sil do most of the cooking (he likes to cook, what can I say?). I cook a good turkey, when my brother lets me, but I haven’t had to do it for a few years. Last year, my parents joined us. THIS year, however, I’m going to HIS house and my other brother is joining us (haven’t seen him at Thanksgiving in a long time–he lives in Dallas). No parents. My bro is cooking as usual. I can’t wait!
Claudia Dain on 14 Nov 2007 at 12:07 pm #
So Suzie, did the cleaners stay all day? Was there a team? Did they scrub the baseboards and the ceiling fans (true grunt work and what I rarely do)? Did you sing a little happy tune when you wrote out the check?
Ronlyn on 14 Nov 2007 at 12:14 pm #
NICE!! I want to hire cleaners.
Thanksgiving is typically at my aunt’s house because she has the most room. I normally bring a dish or two. So, I cook, eat & help clean up afterwards.
Julia London on 14 Nov 2007 at 12:15 pm #
Sabrina, I am with you. I can keep a house that looks sort of clean on the surface, but I know its not CLEAN. And I really like a clean house. So, like you, I will live under a bridge before I give up the housekeeper.
Claudia, she rotates the heavy stuff. she does that like every other time. She even cleans out my fridge and wipes it down. I would marry her if I could.
Lisa H on 14 Nov 2007 at 12:28 pm #
First things first, Suzanne, you have a new Captatin Jack statue? Could you pleaaaaase post a picture for me so I can drool?!
Next, Karen, Italy? Are you serious? I am so jealous! I am 100% Italian and visiting the land of my ancestors is a huge dream of mine. Have a wonderful time, and please tell us all about it when you get back. Maybe you’ll see that hot guy in the suit that you wrote about. If so, please capture his image on film!
I have Thanksgving at my house. I cook and clean and bake. Its not a Martha Stuart Holiday, but the food is always good, fattening and I get to keep the leftovers!
I was actually doing a thourough cleaning of my dining room and foyer earlier preparing for the day. Someday, I would love to hire a cleaning service for mainly the “big” stuff.
My mom brings some dishes, she is a great cook, but her arthritis makes it difficult for her to host a holiday anymore. I don’t mind, I love having everyone over even if I do have to clean!
dbrown3400 on 14 Nov 2007 at 12:48 pm #
All my brothers and sisters live in different states and my 24yo daughter lives in Miami, so it’s just my 29yo (a/o Friday) and me for the holidays. Many times she and I cook a traditional Thanksgiving dinner from my grandmothers’ recipes but nothing is on paper except for the butterscotch and pumpkin pies, which just wouldn’t work otherwise. We cook and drink a glass or so or so or so of wine and listen to music while preparing the turkey, stuffing and various side dishes. Somehow, everything comes out as it should, a miracle with all the wine, and we enjoy our meal together.
Both my girls cook our traditional family holiday meals and want me to prepare recipe cards for posterity. It’s hard when you take “some of this” and “a pinch of that” to make the dish.
This year, however, we are going to her friend’s uncle’s house who will serve an Italian meal from antipasto, through fish, pasta, meat (I hope there’s turkey) and more. (I hope there’s pumpkin pie.)
dbrown3400 on 14 Nov 2007 at 12:50 pm #
I don’t have to prepare anything so will miss the particular tastes I’ve grown used to on Thanksgiving. Maybe there will be some good leftovers and it won’t matter what day it is.
I don’t like to clean either and always had a housekeeper when I had a big house. Now my place is so small, cleaning is a breeze (when I do it).
Suzanne Enoch on 14 Nov 2007 at 1:32 pm #
Ah, Lisa H, let me just say that Captain Jack looks very fine in my display room. *g*
That room is the one place I told the cleaning ladies not to bother with — I thought they were going to faint when they saw it. It’s A LOT of dusting. Trust me.
And Claudia, there were 2 of them. They arrived at 8:40am, and left at about 2:40pm. I imagine that subsequent visits won’t take quite as long, since they dug out the neglected dusty corners this time.
Claudia Dain on 14 Nov 2007 at 1:42 pm #
I am getting so tempted to take the Cleaning Service plunge. It would be so nice to have all those nasty jobs done. Wiping down the inside of the fridge? Wow. That’s impressive.
I have to admit to having tried it 3 times before with 3 different people and each time I felt I was getting ripped off. It’s been years ago now, but the sting lingers. I don’t mind paying, but I want them to actually do the cleaning I’m paying for!
What does this have to do with Thanksgiving? Ummmm, I’d be thankful to have someone clean behind the couch?
zambonigirl on 14 Nov 2007 at 2:25 pm #
Cleaning services are a must. An absolute must.
I don’t do Thanksgiving at my pad, but the Merry Maids come and spread their Holy Water Of Clean around twice a month.
Thanksgiving this year is going to be at a restaurant. There are only about twelve of us in my family, and probably only eight will show up. It’s not a huge holiday, but it’s the only one that everyone celebrates. I have one of those families where “Chrismahannukwanziyule” is not a joke but a way of life, so we all do our own thing in December and have the reunion in November. This is the first year that we’re trying it at a restaurant, though. One of my aunts always hosted, but they had to move and just don’t have the space, not even for eight people, any more. Plus, it was a huge hassle for her and it wasn’t fair. I’m kind of looking forward to the restaurant. It’ll start on time, and no clean up!
anneriailin on 14 Nov 2007 at 2:32 pm #
My Thanksgiving is held at the restaurant of our choosing. Neither of my kids is very fond of turkey and to cook one just for me would be, imho, not very bright. So we go out to dinner and then to a movie. Works for me. No mess and no clean up.
We do get up and have a nice breakfast and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and then usually watch ‘Miracle on 34th Street’. Makes a nice segue into the Christmas chaos….err…I mean season!
–dorothy
Lisa H on 14 Nov 2007 at 2:45 pm #
Suzanne and all you other lovers of Johnny Depp, listen up, People Magazine just announced their sexiest man of the year(They gave the title to Matt Damon- not sure why) but Johnny was #6 (#1 in my book) Check out his picture, he is sooooo beautiful, his eyes make me melt in allllllllll the right places (I would only say that to a bunch of romance fanatics!)
Anyway, enjoy!
Karen Hawkins on 14 Nov 2007 at 3:00 pm #
Matt Damon? Sexiest man of the year? I’ve always thought he was a bit of a Streisand. Never got him, even as Jason Bourne.
I gotta get that magazine, though! Sounds like the Other 99 might be worthwhile.
And yes, I will take lots of pics of Italy, eat lots of pasta, buy lots of pricey leather goods (including shoes!), and marvel of the ancient historical vistas, locales and art work. I’m soooo excited!
Btw, I just got a housekeeping service and, like Julia, I would give up my house before I let them go. I. Need. Help.
There. I said it.
susang on 14 Nov 2007 at 3:02 pm #
Just don’t forget to schedule the cleaners for the day after, so that your house is back in tip top shape for the next round of entertaining! Or just for you–even better. Susan G.
Michellynn on 14 Nov 2007 at 3:15 pm #
Claudia, try to get a reference from someone you know in your area for a cleaning service provider they are happy with. We went through a few cleaners before we found one that actually did a great job for a decent price. I used Merry Maids when I lived in Houston and they were fabulous. I tried them here in Pennsylvania and they were awful. You just have to find the right crew sometimes.
*ok, done with my sermon on cleaning services..LOL*
zambonigirl on 14 Nov 2007 at 3:23 pm #
I don’t think of Matt Damon as a Streisand, but he’s definitely nothing to Johnny.
Have you guys seen this picture of johnny: http://www.frankwbaker.com/celebr21.jpg ? I used to have a clean copy of it somewhere, but this wqas the best I could find by googling.
*sigh* Such a dream boat.
I am thankful for pictures of Johnny Depp this year. Especially just after my break-up.
Suzanne Enoch on 14 Nov 2007 at 4:39 pm #
Oh, Susang, I forgot about the day after. I guess I’ll have to do a little cleaning, after all. I’ll consider it a fair trade for the leftovers.
cail on 14 Nov 2007 at 5:18 pm #
maybe thats what i’ll get my bf and his roommates for xmas this year. their apartment is gross.
Aspen on 14 Nov 2007 at 6:37 pm #
LOL
I am living in my very own apt now! Yay me! This will be the first time I have to travel home for the hollidays! I am so excited! Now my sib, still at home gets to do all the grunt work!
I can’t cook either. I am planning on picking up something on the way. Cake? Cookies? What is the best “I cant cook so here”-dish?
Suzanne Enoch on 14 Nov 2007 at 7:03 pm #
Ah, Aspen, as the resident non-cooker, I recommend bringing pie. Pie always says “it’s the holidays”. *g* Or if kids are going to be present, then chocolate chip cookies, so you can say “I know that kids don’t always like pie, so I thought they might appreciate this”.
Can you tell I’ve been doing this for awhile?
twolilhahas on 14 Nov 2007 at 8:16 pm #
I’m a non-cooker, too, but I’m thinking about trying my hand at sweet potato soufflé this year. Normally, we go to my grandparents every year, but this year they’re in the nursing home. So, we’re trying to find a way to bring them home for the day. Two wheelchairs is complicated, though. So, our plans are as of yet undetermined this year.
Julia London on 14 Nov 2007 at 8:48 pm #
Suzie, I know all those tricks so well that I am wondering if we weren’t separated at birth.
Santa on 14 Nov 2007 at 11:06 pm #
Did I mention that I’m free Thanksgiving week? You’ll need an interpretor just in case someone wants to help you celebrate ‘La Festa del Toccino’. Really. It’s no problem and my family won’t mind…..
Traditionally, we split the holiday between the in-laws. One year at my mom’s and part of the weekend at my in-laws. Then we do the opposite the following year. Not too complicated, right?
Aspen on 15 Nov 2007 at 8:04 pm #
Thanks Suzanne!
Pie it is. and some cookies for me!