Well, Jerry, regarding hiring: I haven't had occasion to have hired many people, but my track record is, shall we say, absymal. Most recently of course, my house-sitter.

I figured--how hard can that job be? I can help Betty out and possibly get a chance to hear her play piano and sing. No downside.

Wrong. It turns out Betty, among other things (problems with cats) also put a lot of kitchen utensils, etc. where Jan would not think of looking for them. Looks like I'll never hear the end of it. So any time Jan accuses Betty of some heinous crime along these lines, I've started telling her I did it myself.

I've never dealt with a female as possessive of things domestic.

But, obviously in the grand scheme of things, these concerns are. let's say, not exactly earthshaking.

Fortunately that's not required at the kitchen table.