Unexpected visitors

Had a similar situation, Gagagran, staying in a holiday home near PiL, when DH's Father CAME RIGHT IN at 8 a.m. I didn't help by being paralytic
with laughter under the bedclothes. SiL and BiL nearly had seizures laughing too when we confided later.

Indinana - reminds me of a very happy "drop in".My mum was from South Africa. Some years ago her brother and his wife flew in to Heathrow around 7 in the morning and suddenly appeared at the kitchen window having crept round the back ! Mum nearly had a heart attack,but it was fantastic as she hadn't worn herself out preparing for them weeks before - which was their plan! Lots of tears and laughter. Everyone pitched in making up beds and cooking together and it was lovely. I love unexpected visitors, they come to see you not your house and if anyone looks a bit aghast at the untidy house or my scruffy appearance then they aren't really friends or loving family are they ?

stillhere you can drop in on me anytime you like. You sound like my kind of person

SusieB50 what a lovely story

I have always been the visited,friends sense they welcome,can always find something to throw in oven even if the food is mismatched as it is short notice..for that reason would always have impromptu kitchen suppers..someone can always nip out for a few cans or bottles of wine..I dont feel comfortable with just dropping in and wait to be invited or send text to see if convenient...we had to leave all our friends behind when we moved ...and I miss it all..

I find those kind of sterile homes intimidating, Stillhere. I've got bookcases each side of the fireplaces, crammed with all kinds of books, and other bits and bobs that make up our daily lives. Those minimalist houses don't seem very loved imo.

Have to agree Bellanonna. Sterile isn't a concept my house would understand. As I type I'm sitting on the sofa, which I'm sharing with a part-knitted jumper for my GD, an A4 paperback back of patchwork ideas together with a bunch of fat quarters, my Kindle and my iPhone.
On the coffee table next to me I have buttons, tape measure, a pair of knitting needles, pin cushion. And nearby there is a little pile of knitting and crochet books, an A4 pocket file of patterns printed from the internet, and my wallet of knitpro needles. All this detritus is pretty much a permanent feature as all these things are in constant use. I have got a tiny set of drawers as well, which sit at the book of the table next to the wall, which contain lots of other handicraft bits and bobs - row counters, needles, cotton reels, scissors, stitch holders, crochet hooks, circular knitting needles.
Oh, and on the floor under the table is my round knitting basket, which is overflowing with wool waiting to be knitted up. Plus a bag of wool recently delivered which won't fit into the basket .

'paperback back' ?

I'm too embarrassed to tell you what my sewing room dining room looks like

I don't know anybody who has a 'sterile' home, they all look lived in and that includes mine. But I agree with Gagagran, what's wrong with a quick phone call to check it's OK to pop round? What if you were ill in bed or something? You'd still be trying to welcome them warmly and make them feel welcome! Surprises like the big ones mentioned are different, but just calling on spec is a bit rude in my world.

We're all different, that's for sure!

Totally agree with Bellanonna, Ana,Charleygirl and Mumagain.........can't bear to be called on unexpectedly. So much so that this is the first time I've actually posted on here to support those who are like-minded!
I don't think I'm a 'saddo' - seem to have plenty of things to do and loads of friends. Did wonder if it was something to do with DH and I both being project managers before we retired( so we like to get the maximum out of each day and are list makers par excellence!) or maybe because we are both only children of only children so accustomed to smaller numbers of people around generally . We have 2 adult married children and 2 adorable GDs -they are the total exception to the rule obviously!!

P.S. LOVE marmite!

Living alone and being practically housebound, I'd love to have someone call in unexpectedly. In the past before the days of mobile phones I enjoyed having people call in and take pot luck. A house should be a home to be lived in not a show house.
I love Marmite.

Exactly my thoughts Bijou but obviously if it makes others uncomfortable
Then they need a phone call first.

I love Marmite too!

11.55 today, phone rings. Hello it's Josita, I am down the road- can I come and see you?

Josita was our Au Pair in Leicestershire in 1980- when I went back to full time study at Uni when our youngest was 5. She came to stay with us again with her BF around 1985- and never seen her since. She is a Professor in cognitive linguistics at a University in Michigan. Wow- so she came, the fridge was empty so we went out for lunch and she came back for a really good natter. Wonderful.

Yes, you wouldn't want to turn someone away because the house was untidy.

Exactly, even if it is sod's law- when our house is all fresh and clean andtidy, with flowers everywhere looking and smelling sweet- nobody comes. But hey ho- I'd much much rather friends know that they are welcome anytime.

I don't tend to drop in on others without warning, but love it when others drop in on me! When we were young we arrived at a friends house - we had been invited a couple of weeks before. They had totally forgotten. Suitcase was in the hall, he was going back to Mum, but tried to say they were just having a clear out. They kept up the pretence of all being well, and having beans on toast for tea was just the thing. After a couple of drinks the truth came out, they ended up laughing about it, and 40 years later they are still together!

gj what a lovely surprise - and she rang first!

busylizzy what a great memory!

Perhaps your visit saved their marriage busylizzy

The only people I would usually drop in on occasionally are my parents in law - and I know I would always be welcome, but if they were busy they would say so. I did once call in unannounced on my son (he has a flat near his Uni) and was pleased, but not surprised, to find the place pristine - he even had a vase of flowers on the hearth.
I never mind people dropping in on me, but prefer to make arrangements to call in on others.

That vase of flowers means a girl nearby Grannyactivist

If they are good enough friends to just pop by then it doesn't matter what state you or the home is in. If they are just acquaintances, killing time before they do something more interesting,then it doesn't matter what state you or the home is in.

I like to have some warning that people are coming but, on the odd occasions when an old friend has turned up unexpectedly, i've still been thrilled to see them.