Crowded house or empty nest? 6 pros and cons.

First the pros- 

1. It is quite nice having a mature adult son home again, while his house is repaired and altered,  as opposed to the stroppy teenager of way back who was was last here for any length of time.

2. In-house computer, iPad and printer expert.

3. Great source of news of the outside world.

4. Casimira, Scout and Whitey, the  3 accompanying cats who are part of the package provide tlc on cold Winter evenings as they snuggle up on  couch or bed. 

5. Having a young person in the house again distracts from the fact we are getting older and somewhat set in our ways.

6. Provides the opportunity to cook memorable meals from "fine 70s cuisine" for  old time's sake. And to enjoy some of the yummy takeaway leftovers which are delivered  to the house while the parentals sleep! 

And the cons -

1. Wasn't bargaining on having the vinyl collection  and cartons of gear not to mention the huge shirt and t shirt collection (obviates the need for washing and ironing every week!). Must add they have now been tidily stowed in his own former bedroom and present bedroom ( at the other other end of the house, good for peaceful coexistence) with a bit of an overflow into my study cum computer room.

2. The accompanying cats make a bit of a mess with muddy paw marks on pale flooring with cat biscuits scattered around. Our  stretching exercises at the gym make bending  down and replenishing their food and water supplies, lifting and washing their dishes somewhat easier that it might otherwise  be for peeps of advancing age.

3. We are indeed somewhat set in our ways to have a flatting situation on our hands.  Bathroom, toilet, kitchen, housekeeping etiquette is largely still unspoken two months down the track.  

4. Ditto meal preparation and food shopping. ( Did appreciate unexpected chocolate and Lewis Road chocolate milk on a couple of occasions though) 

5. Having visitors and conducting one's social life is somewhat different, requiring notification in advance so that one or other parties can vacate the premises for the other.  So far so good, I might add, though a third wet weekend is looming.

6.  Our computer/technology whizz is often too tired or time-strapped to be of assistance when first needed, and as prone to procrastination as we are.

On the whole I would recommend the experience to others in a similar situation as it is quite enriching and rewarding from a human point of view. Indeed I have grown accustomed to his face!