The High Priestess on Family, Fires, and the Messy Aftermath of Both...

I understand that it's been awhile since I've blogged. The problem, it seems, is that when you have a houseful of out of town in-laws in for a big family wedding, EVERYTHING in your home is basically, not your own. You MUST share. In this age of technology, everyone needs a computer. So every useful outlet in the house is up for grabs and it's first come first served.

Now that things have quieted down a bit, I can take a breather and catch up. I think.

The out of towners arrived on Wednesday. Averie sacrificed her room for the comfort of her aunt and uncle, and bunked with her sister (thanks girls). Bryson escaped unscathed. We all gave up our living room space to accommodate cousin Tina, who slept on an air mattress on the floor. Everyone put up with some sort of inconvenience; sharing bathrooms, losing privacy, and making "nice nice" with family.

On Thursday, wedding rehearsal. As the fires were raging through the inland empire, the gentle fall of ashes began to appear. It is to be an outdoor, rose garden wedding. Falling ash on white satin. Get the picture? At this point, we're all putting on our happy faces and praying that the fires will soon be extinguished.

On Friday, family drama ensues as the aunts are not particularly fond of each other and the squabbling, whining, and general pettiness shows it's ugly head. It will calm and there will be peace before the wedding day. But for now, there is momentary, emotional stress.

On Saturday, Wedding Day, the fires are worse, the ashfall is abundant, the sky is hazy orange, and the show must go on. It's the 4th day of family in the house, and I'm just about DONE. Everything goes off without a hitch. The day is absolutely beautiful, despite the fires, and the happy couple are off to Tahiti. I wish they were taking me with. However, there is a small reprieve as the out of towners are going to visit the uncle's family in the heart of Fire Central. We get a one night breather in our own home. Averie blissfully sleeps in her own bed. There is a sense of peace.

On Sunday, more family fun as we have an after wedding brunch at the bride's parent's home. Very nice. Not too much stress. Yummy food. Go home and wait for the out of towners to return. That is, if they aren't now stuck in San Bernardino awaiting firestorms to be extinguished.
Sunday evening brings the return of drama. The out of towners arrive at 10 pm with horror stories of fire survival. We know from experience that it's not always as bad as it's presented, but we listen politely, say we're happy they're all safe, and go to bed. Averie gives up her bed again.

This morning, we're informed that flights out of LAX are cancelled and therefore, the out of towners may not get home to Pittsburg today. Oh joy. Averie...don't change the sheets on your bed just yet.