Food - what's fair

[Anonymous]

Are these people of normal weight? That sounds like an insane amount of food for anyone to be eating.
OP, shop at Costco. Most of the fruit there tastes gross so they won't be asking for seconds.

[Anonymous]

Just don't buy any more fruit. Why is this so hard?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just don't buy any more fruit. Why is this so hard?

It's not. She just would prefer to feel put upon than have a simple conversation with her husband.

[Anonymous]

Why are they visiting for 3 weeks?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since these are elderly people, I would just accept the situation. Also, since money is not tight, I would re-frame it and try to feel proud that I could provide.

They won't be around forever.

I think so too. The pain point is running to the grocery store several times a week. I couldn't do that

[Anonymous]

Dear OP: Promise me you are going to do something amazing for yourself when this is all over. Spa day, awesome pair of shoes, DH has to take care of kids while you go birdwatching for 12 hours, whatever floats your boat. Just, please. Something for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do you spend $50 on two days' worth of produce?

Easy if they are juicing.

Even if they aren't, we are feeding an additional adult (relative house guest, too) breakfast and dinner right now. She's a vegetarian and makes smoothies every morning. It's a whole package of spinach or kale each time, plus various fruits. She also plows through berries. If I make a nice protein, grain, and greens salad, she'll dump an entire $4 container of raspberries in her bowl. If I make pancakes, she has to have blueberries in hers and puts almost a handful in each pancake. I have a tween so I want to make sure my child gets fresh fruit and veggies every day. No money has been offered and I'm not sure we would accept it. But we would be happy if she simply bought her own additional produce which we would not touch. we didn't buy any berries today. We did buy a lot of apples, plums, and bananas. There's always canned peaches (in 100% juice) as well which I can attest, are great on salads and in smoothies.

The relatives should offer money or buy their own produce. I agree that Aldi's is the best value, but Shoppers is also a good buy. And most international grocery stores have greens and tropical fruit for stunningly low prices. Leave them a couple reusable bags and a map to the farmer's market if you must.

[Anonymous]

Picky eaters, particular eaters, gourmet eaters, heavy snackers, and gluten/vegan eaters should get their own food if staying so long at a family's home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes it's rude, yes it's inconsiderate, yes your hubby is mishandling it, yes I can sympathize, yes it's ok to vent on DCUM. Btw, I hope they don't drink too, like our crazy houseguest moochers!

Just mentally write-off $500 a week more for groceries and focus on something else. And continue to be a better houseguest than them. You can't save them all!

Next year, put that $500 a week toward a very nice one week beach vacation instead of what happened this year.

[Anonymous]

Just because OP can afford it, doesn't mean the grandparents should exploit her generosity. If grandpa isn't allowed snacks at home, he shouldn't have snacks on an extended stay in someone else's home. Imagine if this was a bottle of wine every two to three days. Not an excessive amount to consume, but he isn't allowed to drink at home. Or if they don't have pay channels at home and he was ordering 3 on demand every day? The costs of all these things would come out to the $50 rate OP is paying for organic berries. I bet no one would say Grandpa should have free rein over the wine cellar or cable bill.

[Anonymous]

If you work all day, they're probably bored as hell and eating out of boredom, and fruit is at least a healthier option for stuffing one's face.

Maybe you can suggest a tour or something for them during the day? Not sure what's practical given their activity level and the weather.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do you spend $50 on two days' worth of produce?

Easy if they are juicing.

Even if they aren't, we are feeding an additional adult (relative house guest, too) breakfast and dinner right now. She's a vegetarian and makes smoothies every morning. It's a whole package of spinach or kale each time, plus various fruits. She also plows through berries. If I make a nice protein, grain, and greens salad, she'll dump an entire $4 container of raspberries in her bowl. If I make pancakes, she has to have blueberries in hers and puts almost a handful in each pancake. I have a tween so I want to make sure my child gets fresh fruit and veggies every day. No money has been offered and I'm not sure we would accept it. But we would be happy if she simply bought her own additional produce which we would not touch. we didn't buy any berries today. We did buy a lot of apples, plums, and bananas. There's always canned peaches (in 100% juice) as well which I can attest, are great on salads and in smoothies.

The relatives should offer money or buy their own produce. I agree that Aldi's is the best value, but Shoppers is also a good buy. And most international grocery stores have greens and tropical fruit for stunningly low prices. Leave them a couple reusable bags and a map to the farmer's market if you must.

I remember watching my 17-year-old nephew pop blueberries and raspberries like candy. He could go through 3 or 4 packs without thinking.

Smoothies should be made with frozen fruit. WAY cheaper.

[Anonymous]

Flabbergasted by this, but only because I don't know any old people with healthy appetites. I would be annoyed.

[Anonymous]

This is why I don't do house guests.

[Anonymous]

I can only say I feel your pain OP. And people wonder why I don't host! Ha!