theNest

Summer is here and the natives are out of school. The weather is heating up and the pool is beckoning us to come cool off later this afternoon. I enjoy the morning chill with my warm mug of coffee. Madeline and Owen got up this morning, immediately dressed, and went in the backyard on the side of the house to build something. I know enough to let them alone as their imaginations are running wild and would halt abruptly at the sight of an adult. I can hear them though and it is enough to make me smile. They are working together and getting along so interrupting such a sweet moment would be short-sighted.

Last Monday, we all had a terrible day as we transitioned into Summer mode. The kids wandered aimlessly because they didn’t need to prepare for school and consequently fell to boredom and quarreling. I fell apart because my house was a wreck and any attempt to keep it clean was just futile. We’ve come a long way this week in our transition. It’s Friday and Madeline and Owen know they have a few responsibilities to complete before leaving the house – both academic and domestic. I have staked out a few rooms that they are not to clutter under any circumstances and let go of the others until just before bedtime. I have also learned that a stocked fridge equals a happy family. This is do-able for me. This week has been a week of negotiations on everyone’s part so now we can feel free to play knowing the boundaries and expectations of Summertime.

We heard the strange pop noise and then got a call from our next door neighbor that the hill behind us was on fire!! Too close for comfort. I roused the neighbors because I saw flames and kind of freaked out thinking the worst and if we needed to evacuate, I wanted everyone to have a fighting chance. You never know with CA fires. I ran across the street in my pjs and socks and started banging on doors like a mad-woman. This is on the heels of our 911 call yesterday for a little guy who had a bad asthma attack (he took a med-evac ride to San Diego and is stabilizing). I think we are going to rename our block Wisteria.

The fire trucks came and it was out in about 30 minutes. Luckily, we still have June Gloom and no wind so it was out really quick. They are still cleaning it up as I write and investigating. From the pop sound, we think it was started by the electrical poles. Anyway, Good Morning Sunshine!!