When Ross is away, I wouldn't say things get totally lax, but maybe a little looser than they would if I had back-up. That's why the kids have spent the last two days throwing dirt clods at each other as a form of entertainment. I only stop it when they start picking up rocks, logs, or there are actual tears. I've only had to intervene once, so I feel like it's a pretty good way for them to work some things out. I am going to have to wash sheets and children tomorrow, however, so there is a downside. I kind of love this season. So do the boys. They always look forward to the change in seasons - that is from fire season to burn season, and they will likely smell like wood smoke for the next six months. With Ross gone, I've put them both in charge of the fire in the woodstove. It's obvious Fischer takes after his dad. The house was so hot the first day he got the fire going, I had to open all the windows. We let the house cool off for two days before