Astroturf replaced grass; Koi ponds filled in with Koi relocated eliminated drowning concerns, and only rounded corners, nothing small enough to choke on or surfaces high enough to fall from. An old quilt spread on the ground piled with snacks and sippy cups so even the smallest child could immediately meet their own needs added to the relaxed atmosphere. Daniela loved being out in the fresh air all day, resting on the quilt until a child called out for attention. She had a big basket full of diapers, wipes, clean underpants and spit up pads. Lisa was out there, too, not one to give up the care of her children completely.“Why are you paying her?” Nelda said the first time she saw the backyard paradise. “She should be paying you.”“Noni, you are too funny. Daniela is okay. She’s another pair of hands.”The idyllic summer day, Gladys brought a tray of lemonade and snacks to the yard. Lisa curled up on a lounge chair, reading a new novel and Daniela was having a pretend tea party with the girls.
