Oh, the pleasures of family dynamics; those complex networks of affection, animosity, and, it seems, rent. What if I told you a small story from the front lines of my own soap opera to start things off?
Imagine this: Dad recently passed away and went to the great beyond, leaving Mom sad and alone. So, of course, I propose that she move in with us, partly out of compassion and partly out of sheer guilt. You know, to socialize with the grandchildren and take in the warmth of family.
Now enter my spouse, who has obviously been attending the “How to Be a Loving Family Man” course. His initial response was a firm no, but after some deft haggling on my part, he reluctantly agreed—but only under one condition. The worst part, get ready: my distraught mother would have to pay the rent.
You did really read correctly. Pay rent. in a home that we currently own and are not renting. Start the crying or laughing. His logic? He replied, grinning in a way that I can only characterize as evil, “Your mother is a leech.” “After she moves in with us, she won’t go.”
His reasoning continued, a train on the loose about to crash down a precipice. She simply doesn’t make sense to utilize anything for free when she will consume our food and electricity. This residence is not a hotel, and she has to know that!
With my blood boiling, I knew something was wrong. The reason for this issue is that I wedded a man who seemed to believe he was the Ritz-Carlton’s management. How daring! Here we are, with equal rights to the house, having both contributed to its acquisition, and he’s enacting capitalist regulations as if we were operating a profit-making Airbnb.
The worst part is that my spouse isn’t a horrible person. Really, no. He and my mother have simply disagreed from the beginning. He told me the truth about how he really felt the night he turned into Mr. Rent Collector. “Ever since I met her, your mother has detested me. She wouldn’t feel at ease living with me right now.
I am therefore torn between my mother, who is in great need of her daughter’s support, and my husband, whom I really love despite his imperfections. I ask you, dear reader, the million-dollar question: What should I do? In true dramatic manner. Shall I rent my mother a room or my husband’s empathy?
Found it in my in-laws drawer where they had butter dishes etc What’s this?? Fork there for scale.
PARTICULAR ANSWERS ARE AS FOLLOWED:
It’s a glass dog’s bone. Their short lifespan prevented them from being kept viable even though they were bred in the early 19th century.
a serving knife rest to prevent stains on your exquisite lace tablecloth.
Well done, everyone, for keeping the comments civil!
little dumbbell. A feeble baby is disliked by all.
It serves as a knife rest. In addition to being for the carving knife, these are also placed at each place setting to rest the table knife after usage. Not for the butter knife, that is. Still lying over the bread plate is the butter knife.
There were two for my granny. Although I’m not familiar with her history, her collection of instruments suggested that she was a frequent performer. I have twelve salt cellars that I use to sift salt over different foods. The cellars come with little crystal spoons. We used them for holiday banquets, including Thanksgiving.
None of my kids know how to “play” with elaborate dinners these days.
depressing custom. They won’t keep them in their home if they can’t wash them in a dishwasher.
Nothing to say about, just food from a paper bag for experiences.
to place your knife on after chopping the meat to avoid scuffing the tablecloth
Rest for a knife. Similar to a chopstick rest,
Table cloth is kept clean by a filthy knife rest.
I had no idea what to use the one my mom had given me, lol. I do now! Regards
Whoa! I appreciate your insights. What a fantastic group this is! The knife rests are really lovely!
Have one similar to this one. letting the carving knife rest, if you are using a single one.
They are quite gorgeous, I’ve never seen one!
Whoa! I had assumed I was familiar with a variety of serving utensils, but this one escaped my notice. I’m grateful that you shared!
That was the one my mom and grandmother had. Perhaps a salt roller?
I own a pair of those.
To place a knife holder there.
When a knife is not in use, it is placed on a small, frequently ornamental device called a knife rest to prevent the blade from coming into contact with a table or countertop. They are available in a variety of forms and materials, from straightforward metal patterns to more elaborate ones crafted from porcelain, silver, or other materials. They fulfill a functional need and can give a dining table a hint of elegance.
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