Molly, what an interesting perspective! Way different from the way I was raised. We had dress tablecloths for the holiday dinners in the formal dining area and those were taken off the table and not used for another few months. We had a wood table for everyday use and tablecloths were viewed as a utility item, just like kitchen towels, etc. I don't agree that it's the same as an unmade bed and it wouldn't occur to me that someone would think I wasn't finished with the kitchen clean-up because the tablecoth is on the table. There is almost always one on the kitchen table unless we are doing some messy art project. I never saw my grandmother's kitchen table without a pretty tablecloth. I can't image a meal which isn't appropriate for a tablecloth since we aren't talking linen or damask. Just plain cotton or cotton/poly blend. I do use a silencer cloth to help cut down on the clattering and help soak up any spills. With a houseful of kids, it's much easier to shake the cumbs out the door or let the washing machine clean up the major spills. I enjoy vintage cloths and while I know I should iron them, I don't. It sounds like our families are very different. I've never met anyone who did a tea. The women in my family all worked from the time they were children and changing out a tablecloth and having different rules for different meals would have just been too much work. I have a feeling my grandmothers probably didn't have nice wood tables and the tablecloth was also a way to bring color and niceness into their kitchens. It was easier to have a stash of tablecloths than worry about some old finish which wouldn't hold up well to constant use. I know for myself, it cuts down on the constant wiping and crumbs falling all over the place. I'm not talking about spills, but even the condensation from glasses and bowls. I've got a couple of friends who have starting using tablecloths and they agree that the table just looks prettier and is easier to maintain. We've even started wear aprons to cut down on the clothing stains while cooking. I love the Internet. It's so interesting to peek into lives so different from my own. LOL. Gloria

I just wanted to thank alisande for posting the link to Tamara's post. I have participated and received a $100 American Express gift card. I plan to use the gift card on a special meal out, no clutter except on my hips. Thank you again.

Practigal! I love your tone; please keep it up! Seriously. I need motivation. I get so overwhelmed at times I feel paralyzed. I put two, small, out-of-place items away correctly, but then I got sidetracked with a little trip to the hospital. I had mild but classic "chest, neck, jaw" pains with a mild headache on the right side. I've been taking it easy since coming home. The chest episode wasn't as bad as I've experienced in the past, but after it had lasted for three or four days, I thought I should go in. They did an EKG, blood work, chest X-ray, etc. and said I was not having a heart attack (always good news!) and I should follow up with my primary care doctor this coming week. I think she'll do a stress test. I had an angioplasty a few years ago at the same hospital; they couldn't find a record of it. It figures. At that time the test showed open and clear arteries, but I do have mitral valve prolapse and had rheumatic fever as a child. I've been having some tooth issues, so I think a trip to the dentist is warranted. I'd be embarrassed, but happy, to find out the jaw issue was tooth related. I try to be as healthy as a worn-out, diabetic, 60-year-old can be, and have set my sights for 100. I spent the morning clearing out and re-arranging the paperwork, manuals, receipts, and various info on my sewing machines. I have one more label to add and the binder will be back on its shelf and off of the top of DH's dresser. Win-win for everyone. I love sewing, quilting, and vintage machines. That's why I must get the 12x12 room back in working order. I have four machines: - 1975 Singer 252 Fashion mate, (a gift from my Grandmother back in the day. It's not a reliable machine at all, but I'll never part with it!) - 1954 Singer 15-91, (a steal of a deal from a local thrift store and it sews perfectly.) - 1952 Pfaff 130-6, (free from FreeCycle and included its original storage cabinet, all the original paperwork, and nearly every foot/accessory Pfaff offered at the time. I am so blessed. I offered the couple money for it but they both chimed "Freecycle is Free!") - Bernina 230PE Activa, (a birthday gift and total surprise from DH and wonderful for when I am feeling "modern") - A Pfaff Serger 4874. (another total Surprise! from DH) I guess that makes five machines! This one is overwhelming, but I keep plugging away on it. I have most, or all, of the original paperwork for these machines, plus, and the paperwork for the buttonholers, zigzaggers, and various bits and pieces. Everything is now all on one large binder divided by machine. And a bag of old papers is going out to the car before I eat lunch.

Zalco, Yesterday, he didn't have "foiling." I am kind of teasing about HL, but foiling is absolutely a words; e.g. he was lauded for foiling the plot.