My middle child is moving back home today -- accompanied by one very large (18lb) cat who needs to fit in with the 4 we have; several snakes, two bearded dragons and several geckos. She is moving into the guest bedroom and the menagerie are moving into one of the spare rooms (thank God for a big house even if the oil bills are killers.......). M-in-law coming for the holiday -- said child will camp out with the menagerie so elderly lady can have appropriate accommodation. Son in an uproar --he has to give up one of his three (yes, that is three ...) rooms but has been told that having two rooms for his own exclusive use ain't so bad......oldest girl, safely ensconced in her own house (as long as they keep paying the bills) watching from a distance with amusement.

I love them all but sometimes the temptation to dump this huge house, slash our expenses by 2/3, and let them all lfend for themselves is quite tempting.

The good news is the one who is moving home is happy to be doing so - not resentful - although a bit sad - this move represents the end of three year relationship for her. We told her we will treat her like a grownup -- she said we always did which I took to be a compliment....

Oh well, the rent they both pay will cover the oil bill, and the electric, and take a tiny bite out of the property taxes -- life isn't so bad??!