The Pitter Patter of ...

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We've decided to take in a stray.

The lovely Autumn, a friend of Banana's, is coming to live with us. She and Banana have been pals for the past few years and have great plans of eventually exploring the big, bad world together. Circumstances have arisen that have lead to smaller steps towards their eventual independence.

Autumn's parents (dad and step-mom) had been making plans to live and work around the world as soon as Autumn finished school. Autumn's dad (being a Sommelier) has landed a job in the wine-making region of BC, starting pretty much now. His wife (as is custom) is tagging along for the season, and they both have plans to scoot to more interesting parts of the world (namely China) when the weather in the Okanagan cools down. Autumn wasn't ready to pack up and leave Calgary just yet, with a bosom buddy and a boyfriend in town. When word of her wanting to stay first emerged last fall, we offered up some space in our house. As the time got closer, we firmed up the offer (and then the plans) with Autumn's parents.

We're looking forward with great anticipation to having Autumn with us. She's a polite, friendly and helpful houseguest - we'll see what happens when she's a resident (I have high hopes that things will get even better). She's a steadying and calming influence on Banana. She's a good eater (regularly vacuuming up leftovers in the fridge, but never putting on an ounce of weight) and a good conversationalist. She also is fluent in French, so it will keep Banana practiced up.

I'm also looking forward to having another person coming and going in our place. I've always said that I wanted a house full of kids, pets and music. Technically, it is just one kid now (and that is only until Autumn turns 18 in August), but it is the young spirits that I was referring to when I originally made that wish. Another (surrogate) daughter is just the ticket to keep life interesting.

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