The next morning I awoke to the sound of Jed pounding on our door.

"Hey guys look. The 'Big House' is empty."

Sure enough the folks in the "big house" had checked out and left. Our hosts were more than happy to let us move into the "big house' (after a small monetary adjustment.)

That evening we all gathered in the "big house" for dinner. We feasted on roast pork, grilled veggies, and a pot of my "killer" chili. We sipped wine by the roaring fire. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, but the various groups of friends still remained divided. There was a definite respectful veil of politeness. They were getting along but they hadn't grown together. I hoped that this would change.   ...Continued