The kids are playing in the backyard on the swing set. My mother and I now have a house of our own, but right now, I'm sitting in Theresa's kitchen enjoying hot tea. It's September and Oregon is feeling a touch of autumn. Theresa assures me it will warm up a bit before the weather completely changes. It's different here. Four seasons to the two we get in the desert. I'll adjust, or at least I will if I ever warm up.

I've grown to love Theresa and her husband, Salvador. Also ...