I miss Nilly.

Nilly misses me! I miss her, too. I'm feeling irrationally protective of her, too. Not that Nilly can't defend herself, of course. She's a strong, audacious, wise young woman.

Thanks for the tips.

Edited back in so not to make the very nice Tal look crazy: Am I being an asshole?

am I being an asshole?

Nora, the most important thing to do is not worry. Nilly knows what needs to be done, and will make sure it is done that way. We all did a freak out in one way or another, and none of us really needed to.

am I being an asshole?

No, you're being a nervous host.

Tell you a seekrit. Know what Nilly likes best? When everyone gathers up in a circle and talks and talks and laughs. The food is secondary to Nilly. It's the lowest thing on the list of things she gives a shit about. She knows that she won't starve.

It's such an important thing to us, the act of breaking bread with people we love. Hosting means you're responsible for the feeding, i.e. the contentment of guests.

Think about what you'd like people to better remember; the conversations you had or the veggie dip. All you have to really do when you've got good company is to make sure no one gets food poisoning. A bucket of chicken and cans of store-brand soda are all that's needed when you have some comfy places to sit and good conversation, I swear. At least, that's what I tell myself.

Worry not as much as you are, Nora. But telling you to NOT!worry is unrealistic. Just means you care about your guest's comfort.

I am actualy less worried about the Nilly stuff than the hostessing stuff, though I feel sheepish to admit it. As I, ya know, signed on for it willingly.

It's just Monday.

Everything I've heard about Nilly related stuff has certainly prepared me for a very sweet, informative, self-sufficient houseguest and I'm sure all that will be fine.

But I will not be cooking omelettes. :)

Also should be noted that if we went and met Nilly's family, they'd go just as nuts trying to feed us.

cereal-

thanks, Allyson, Lee, Tal.

But just think, Nora -- this way you don't have to worry about bringing a bottle of wine!

I greatly look forward to seeing Nilly, and also Nora and Tom and everybody else, and I'll still be looking forward to it even if you only serve olives and mushrooms.