I have a problem...

[Kirsten]

Hmmm, tough question, especially as she's a good friend and you don't want to hurt your feelings, but I think I would do it as others have already suggested. That doesn't sound too hurtful 'cause you're not blaming her for not being clean enough, but referring to your standards, which is a normal thing as it is your house.

I had a similar problem some years ago. 2004 after my first back surgery, a neighbor helped me at home with some things (while I was in hospital, and also later when I was at home after surgery). And there, I saw her cleaning the litter boxes, and then grabbing into a bag of jelly beans that an American friend had sent to me! Without washing her hands!! I have to admit, I was shocked and furious and told her she could have the entire bag now, because I would no longer eat any of those jelly beans. Then, I actually had to explain to her that litter boxes, the scoop, and the container with the used cat litter are contaminated with urine, poop, and probably all kinds of germs! Obviously, that thought didn't even occur to her before I told her because after that, she didn't want the jelly beans any more! lol Imagining that she probably had never washed her hands after cleaning the litter boxes, I started cleaning all the door handles and other things she might have touched when she was gone...

[pomtzu]

Since you've been friends for such a long time, she probably knows too much about you for you to be able to give her the allergies or sensitive stomach routine. And since you have a cleaning lady (I presume you still do), then cleaning would probably be out too, except for maybe straightening up a bit in between the regular visits by her. I rather like what KBlaix suggested - helping you with some of the cooking, but under your direction. Also running any errands and doing some of the laundry. Other than that, can't think of anything that would be of much help to you. Sorry.......

[Bonny]

Since you've been friends for such a long time, she probably knows too much about you for you to be able to give her the allergies or sensitive stomach routine. And since you have a cleaning lady (I presume you still do), then cleaning would probably be out too, except for maybe straightening up a bit in between the regular visits by her. I rather like what KBlaix suggested - helping you with some of the cooking, but under your direction. Also running any errands and doing some of the laundry. Other than that, can't think of anything that would be of much help to you. Sorry.......

Allergies can just pop out of no wheres sometime.

[Pinot's Mom]

Since you've been friends for such a long time, she probably knows too much about you for you to be able to give her the allergies or sensitive stomach routine. And since you have a cleaning lady (I presume you still do), then cleaning would probably be out too, except for maybe straightening up a bit in between the regular visits by her. I rather like what KBlaix suggested - helping you with some of the cooking, but under your direction. Also running any errands and doing some of the laundry. Other than that, can't think of anything that would be of much help to you. Sorry.......

Yes, Ellie, I do still have a cleaning lady... Sasha (the friend) really wants to cook, and help, and she has such a great heart. I knew this issue going into the stay here, but had never witnessed it in my own kitchen. One of the first nights here, she wanted to cook chicken. The handling of the chicken and lack of hand/prep area washing was appalling. I don't know... I might just let this ride for a bit, though. We seem to be separating a lot of the cooking, so it might work out OK.

Thank you all for your words - just trying to keep things on an even keel.

[kitten645]

"I might just let this ride for a bit, though."

I'd be careful of this approach. If you are anything like me, your feelings will pent up until you blurt out "WTH are you doing? That's gross!" LOL! Just sayin.

[Pinot's Mom]

"I might just let this ride for a bit, though."

I'd be careful of this approach. If you are anything like me, your feelings will pent up until you blurt out "WTH are you doing? That's gross!" LOL! Just sayin.

I do that, too. The good thing right now is that schedules aren't meshing very often to eat together, so we don't get exposed so much to the food handling aspect. If I drop off PT after Dec. 23 (her last day of work), though, please send a health professional to my house - Ellie knows where I live!

[pomtzu]

If I drop off PT after Dec. 23 (her last day of work), though, please send a health professional to my house - Ellie knows where I live!

Should I notify the FDA to be on call too???

[cassiesmom]

Yes, Ellie, I do still have a cleaning lady... Sasha (the friend) really wants to cook, and help, and she has such a great heart. I knew this issue going into the stay here, but had never witnessed it in my own kitchen. One of the first nights here, she wanted to cook chicken. The handling of the chicken and lack of hand/prep area washing was appalling. I don't know... I might just let this ride for a bit, though. We seem to be separating a lot of the cooking, so it might work out OK.

Thank you all for your words - just trying to keep things on an even keel.

Put a liquid soap dispenser beside your kitchen sink and one in the bathroom. I'm with the people who say that if she sees you washing your hands and handling food properly, she's likely to pick up on your actions. A blunt statement has worked with me: "Elyse, you did wash your hands before you started slicing those peppers, right?" My sister is even more diligent about these things than I am. She has had us over for holidays in the past and I have found I am more attentive to hand washing and being careful with food safety in her company.