15 Dec 2007 Saturday 2:49am

Day 108

Imagine my surprise when I come home at 2:00 am and find the front door propped open and smoke billowing outside. Made my heart race wondering where my teenagers are and if they are safe. Upon entering, I was greeted by the upleasant aroma of seriously burnt hot dogs. It seems my son, 19, had gotten hungry, not having enough pizza earlier, and he decided to cook something. Oscar Meyer all beef hot dogs. And then he fell asleep watching TV before they were done. Actually, they were done, the water boiled away and the steel pan started to adhere to the food which continued to burn, burn, burn.

Luckily, the smoke detectors did their jobs and woke my daughter, who woke my son, who turned off the stove and opened the doors to let out the smoke. It took about 45 minutes to clear out the house, with all the windows open, ceiling fans blowing and kids huddled under a few comforters. I suggested my son go back to microwaving his hot dogs from now on.