Suburban Safari

Spending a week with my in-laws has proven to feel a bit like spending time photographing wild game in Kenya or something. Things are fine, even tranquil...so far. I just fear I'll get too close, and - RUN! - a lion or an elephant will suddenly charge and trample my scrawny butt.

"Eww...look what you stepped in," said one elephant to the other.

So far, so good. It's weird, though, 'cause I hold NO illusions to the real pain and dysfunction that has plagued our relationship with them over the years. I can't help but be thankful (very thankful) for the way the trip has played out so far, but I also have a huge amount of trepidation that there's disaster lurking under the surface. There always has been in the past.

Like walking on ice.

This week has also given me a chance to think about those around me who have to deal with dysfunctional situations in the same city, without the buffer of a 12-hour road trip between them. I have a newfound respect for those of you who deal with it and manage to at least feign sanity on a regular basis.

...

In other news:

Was I the only one who didn't know Food World closed and became another store? Southern Family Markets or something...

Weird... Sounds like a wholesome redneck bait shop. J/k.