Oh no!

Benjamin has four friends from junior high (or earlier) who have become our friends. We don’t see them often as they have all grown up, but it is delightful when we do. They and their families are the core of our 4th of July party. A few days before the 4th, one of them (there’s really no good way to get around using names – without permission. It’s too late to text and ask, and the awkwardness of not using names is extreme. Daniel. And Amanda) texted to see if it was okay if he and his wife stayed over after the party, as their neighborhood is loud with fireworks. Since my sister was no longer coming, we had space, so of course!

Keith came home from his concert last night and they were still here (obviously). We stayed up (probably too late, as we were all yawning, but fighting it off) chatting. It was so nice. Keith went up first, because he had to work this morning. We all followed in a few minutes. I handed off towels as they were brushing teeth and went to my bedroom. Keith asked, “Are they staying over?” I burst out laughing – “remember….?” Nope. He just thought they were going home (30ish minute drive) at 12:30am. Teehee

I came down this morning and a doughnut run had been made! Oh my! That was fantastic. Daniel had taken the day off, but Amanda was working at the dining room table. We helped her by sitting at the table and chatting. So helping! Eventually, I ran out to pick up Chinese food for lunch. As I drove home, I saw a grey cloud and hoped for a solid rain shower over our yard. As I got closer, the cloud was black. Something was burning. I continued closer and saw that it was definitely coming from somewhere near our house. What if it WAS our house? What if I left and the three of them blew up?! I looked at my dashboard and pushed the button that said Keith. My first phone call using the car! He answered and I said, “Are you okay?”

There was a long pause. After the fact, I am pretty sure he was thinking ‘why is she calling me from Yang’s to see how I am?’ Of course, in the moment, I thought, “THEY ARE NOT OKAY! THEY ARE BLOWN UP!” The pause ended and he said he was fine. I reported the dark cloud. He said, oh, it’s north of us as I turned onto the street north of our house into the neighborhood. I didn’t get far.

As I went an alternative route home, I knew I could count on Daniel. He told me years ago that he was a gawker. I took the food inside and Amanda reported that Daniel was on it – he had run up the street to check it out. Upon his return, he let us know he is now an elite gawker. He traversed driveways and yards to get a look and listened in on strangers until he jumped right in with questions. An older couple (estimated in their 80s) live in the house. The man was going to DQ and went to the garage. He saw something smoldering and it suddenly burst into flames. Flames immediately expanded. He got out of the garage, but was taken by ambulance – thought to be minor injuries/smoke inhalation. The two cars and one toy (boat? jet ski? camper? unknown) all exploded. The garage was completely destroyed but firefighters saved the house. The wife escaped unharmed. Wow! You just really don’t expect that – in your neighborhood or anywhere. I am so glad everyone was safe, or safe-ish.

After the excitement, and lunch, I heard Amanda mention ice cream. I think she was asking Daniel for a dessert run. I said we had some ice cream in the basement freezer. They went to check. When I came by a little later, Amanda was sitting at her computer eating ice cream out of the container. How great is that!?! She said, “There was just a little left!” Of course!! I can’t say enough how nice it feels when someone is comfortable enough in your house to eat ice cream out of the container. What a win!!

My friend came with her kids and Daniel played in the pool with them. Eventually we all had a swim. It was a beautiful day. We talked about Daniel’s imaginary brother’s wedding. Daniel and Benjamin were in kindergarten together, and his wife will eat ice cream out of the container at my house, but I have NEVER SEEN HIS BROTHER. For real. I have seen his picture. It looks like Daniel with a fake mustache. Hilarious!