My niece Natalie

I’m SO excited – we’re adding a family member! NO – not what you’re thinking! I am done with that, Red House is my baby now. And at the “demanding” stage. We are going to have an addition to our household though – my niece Natalie. She’s my sister’s only child, 19 years old, from suburban Saddlebrook, NJ. I haven’t seen her in years but I remember a sunny little kid - very eager to please.

When my sister first called about our taking Natalie she said Nat was somewhat withdrawn and unmotivated, the only one in her class who hasn’t gone on to college. She figured that a few weeks with us in Napa and seeing me adeptly manage my life and work (ha - depends what day she sees me!) would be just what Natalie needs to jump start her own life plan. I said sure, wonderful! She called back a few days later and said she thought a few months might be better. Ok… And she mentioned that Nat hadn’t “actually graduated” - something about a “suspicious fire” (!?) that she was seen running from. Well… I am nothing if not determined to have an impact in this life so I said bring her on! (I decided not to mention the new details to Michael right away.) I will inspire this girl! I will have her painting vineyards and collapsing barns in no time! I also hope Natalie can be of help with Andrew and Delia. Who knows, maybe Michael and I can get away for a weekend ALONE! That would be fantastic! And we’ll see what her interest level is, but I even had a thought that Natalie might want to be Red House’s (first!) intern. I’m going to talk to Keren, my assistant, to see if there are some tasks she can help with. Meanwhile, she arrives next week! The kids are excited and Michael is too – with a little apprehension thrown in, but I think it’s going to be great for all of us! Ok – work is calling – must get back to it!