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“How about we save them for tomorrow? You already have enough food here to feed an army,” I said.
“I figured it would be easier doing it buffet style so they can grab whatever they want and whenever they want,” she said. “Now I am worried that they might find that too....casual.”
“Mom, I was worried about all the activities too. But the more time I spend with them, the more I realize that they are not so different from us. They just have more money, that’s all.” At least that was what Mark said. I hadn’t seen anything to prove otherwise.
“Ok. We will keep it the way it is. What do you have planned to do with them today?” she asked.
“Many of the older kids are spending their time with Billy on the slopes. Several wanted to do another sleigh ride tonight, but I’m hoping I can talk some of them into doing some ice skating. Do you have anything planned with them?”
“The ladies want to go into town, so I promised to go and show them around,” she said.
That was great, but that meant more pressure on me. Mark hadn’t mentioned anything about helping me today. I knew I shouldn’t ask, but what choice did I have?
“Dad, how do you feel about Mark and me cutting down one of the pine trees?”
“What do you have planned?” he asked.
“The Christmas tree is already decorated. I thought it would be nice if we could get everyone to decorate another one together. You know, like the old days. String popcorn and have hot chocolate with Christmas music playing.”
It’s what we used to do before the lodge started being booked for Christmas. Then our Christmas traditions were set aside to make room for theirs.
“That sounds like a wonderful idea. Maybe you should cut the tree today and have the decorating party tomorrow. It will give you more time to have them make more decorations for the tree,” she suggested.
“We’ve already done that. Not sure they will want to do it again,”
“You’re right. But I’m sure you’ll think of something,” Mom said.
Just because they didn’t like skiing, didn’t mean they didn’t like sledding. That might be fun. Getting them to agree was going to take...Mark.
We set up the buffet and I headed off to get ready for the rest of my day. Once they were all up, I needed to go and tidy up all their rooms while they ate. It was a good thing I had that second cup of coffee this morning because I was going to need it.
I quickly made my way from one room to the next. First, I washed down the bathroom, then emptied the trash, fluffed the pillows, and made the bed before moving on to the next. Mark saw me leaving Brice and Lena’s room and asked, “What are you doing?”
I had no time to slow down and chat. “Cleaning. Got to go.” I opened the door to the next room and went inside. Mark followed me. “You can’t come in here. This is not your room.”
“Not yours either,” he said.
I crossed my arms. “I am here to clean. It’s my job.”
“Let me help,” he said.
“You can’t help me clean,” I said.
He laughed. “I shoveled horse shit last night. I think I can empty the trash.”
“Don’t remind me. My mother was livid at me for allowing you to do it,” I stated.
“I don’t recall giving you much choice. If you want, I’ll explain that to her,” he offered.
“What you can do for me is not distract me. I must get all these rooms done before they finish breakfast. Which by the way, you should be enjoying as well,” I reminded him.
“Not hungry yet.” He slipped past me and said, “You can either stand there and waste time arguing or let me help. Your choice.”
“Why do all your choices sound as though I don’t have a choice?” I asked.
“Still not cleaning,” he said.
“Fine. But you’re not washing the bathroom,” I stated firmly.
