The 4 3 3 4 Theory
Last December Char, Nathan, and I were in Chicago for Tiffany’s graduation. We stayed with our good friend, Millie. One morning over breakfast, I told Millie I really felt comfortable in her home.
I don’t flippantly make that comment. I can count on one hand the number of times I have made that comment and still have fingers left over.
When Millie found out we would be in Chicago for Thanksgiving she offered us her house. She was going to be gone over Thanksgiving and said we could stay there, the kids could stay there, and we could have Thanksgiving dinner at her home.
When Char told me, I liked the idea because I do feel comfortable at Millie’s. While talking about it with the kids I developed a theory – the 4, 3, 3, 4 theory. Simply put – four years ago there were three of us at Thanksgiving, this year we were trying to bring together three families at a fourth families house and she wasn’t even going to be there. Both kids called me a geek. I think that was their way of saying they agreed with the theory.
When we arrived at Millie's we discovered she had left towels and linens out for everyone. She encouraged us to eat anything we could find. She left two pages of notes on where we could find things in her house and she left the keys to the car in case we wanted to use it.
She also did me a special favor by setting out Peet’s coffee. Millie introduced me to Peet’s coffee. She brought me a bag on one of her visits to Colorado. Every morning at Millie’s house, I would wake up and make a pot of that wonderful coffee.
But, like the old saying goes – there’s no free lunch. What did Millie want in return for four nights of lodging, letting eight people congregate in her home, enjoying Peet’s coffee every morning, and rummaging through her kitchen on Thanksgiving Day? She asked me to replace two nine-volt batteries – if I had time. I replaced them and left her a note telling her it took thirty seconds of my life that I will never get back.
If you read my previous post, you know we had a great time at Thanksgiving. That’s due mainly to Millie’s generosity. That and the fact – I really do feel comfortable there.
I don’t flippantly make that comment. I can count on one hand the number of times I have made that comment and still have fingers left over.
When Millie found out we would be in Chicago for Thanksgiving she offered us her house. She was going to be gone over Thanksgiving and said we could stay there, the kids could stay there, and we could have Thanksgiving dinner at her home.
When Char told me, I liked the idea because I do feel comfortable at Millie’s. While talking about it with the kids I developed a theory – the 4, 3, 3, 4 theory. Simply put – four years ago there were three of us at Thanksgiving, this year we were trying to bring together three families at a fourth families house and she wasn’t even going to be there. Both kids called me a geek. I think that was their way of saying they agreed with the theory.
When we arrived at Millie's we discovered she had left towels and linens out for everyone. She encouraged us to eat anything we could find. She left two pages of notes on where we could find things in her house and she left the keys to the car in case we wanted to use it.
She also did me a special favor by setting out Peet’s coffee. Millie introduced me to Peet’s coffee. She brought me a bag on one of her visits to Colorado. Every morning at Millie’s house, I would wake up and make a pot of that wonderful coffee.
But, like the old saying goes – there’s no free lunch. What did Millie want in return for four nights of lodging, letting eight people congregate in her home, enjoying Peet’s coffee every morning, and rummaging through her kitchen on Thanksgiving Day? She asked me to replace two nine-volt batteries – if I had time. I replaced them and left her a note telling her it took thirty seconds of my life that I will never get back.If you read my previous post, you know we had a great time at Thanksgiving. That’s due mainly to Millie’s generosity. That and the fact – I really do feel comfortable there.
posted by Ralph at 7:12 PM
12 Comments:
What a WONDERFUL friend! You know, I'm supposed to be finishing my research paper (2nd draft) due tomorrow. But, I'm digressing and reading great stories from friends and texting my hubby on his way to work.
It's nice to know there are some people nice enough to share what they have (even better when adults do it for other adults).
I'm glad you had such a good time together as a LARGE family!
what a great caring women she sounds like. we need more people in this world like her. so glad you had a wonderful thanksgiving!
Millie sounds like a real gem!
I know what you mean about rarely feeling really comfy in someone else's house. Those places are few and far between for me too. There's no place like home.
I'd say Millie is a keeper!!
You had to replace two batteries in return for invading her house?? The very nerve of that woman.
:)
Nice visit but pushy broad huh? Expecting YOU to replace those batteries! Actually the world needs more Millies.
If I ever decided to open my home to others when I'm gone and write the two page note on ware to find things,I will remember to mention were the good ol’ plunger is.
I also have to apologize for Ralph and Char breaking the air mattress .................LOL
Thanks Mille you’re the BEST!!!
What a great hostess in absentia! I wish I knew how to do that. As far as the 30 seconds is concerned, get up 30 seconds earlier than usual tomorrow.
That Millie sure is a sweet lady to offer her house for you to stay in. Not many folks would be so kind.
She really asked so little in return, just putting in a couple of batteries!
I'm so glad it worked out so nicely for you and your family to get together! Sounds like DOR is a great cook too!
I am Puddintane! They have started that nickname option now and I thought I'd try it.
Well Crap! I clicked on nickmane but didn't put a name in. I'll try to get it right this time.
How wonderful to have a friend like that, and she even felt comfortable asking you to change the batteries.
It seems most of my blog friends had a very blessed Thanksgiving this year.
What a wonderful trip. I've had countless people stay at my home when I'm gone - I love being able to do it.
I'm glad you had a great trip.
I've been jealous of DOR, SILOR, SORSO and WAR nicknames so I'm deeming my nickname as IBFOR (Indiana Blog Friend of Ralph) - if that is not too pushy, of course.
Post a Comment
<< Home