This is a trim 3-day episode, taking place the second weekend of December, 1999. There's one little "real"time glitch which I will point out shortly. This is one of those reverse-custodial weekends, it looks like, with Lily taking the girls to help Jake (when it turns out he's helping them all weekend!), and Eli and Jess look to be having a "chez" Karen's weekend....to help him get set up in the basement, of course. Both of these indicate flexible, even amicable, arrangements.

Day # 1 begins 5:30AM Friday morning, following Lily's first sleepover at Rick's (ok, the "action" started late Thursday night, but we weren't exactly included..).. As Lily hurries around gathering clothes to leave, Rick asks what her weekend's like -- she has the kids, says she. He wants to take them out to dinner "tomorrow.."

Lily arrives home to the the fire truck, Jake and the girls, and report of smoke.. This is quite early, before school.. Late afternoon, Lily awaits the electrician's estimate and chops veggies.

At Karen's, Rick and Eli consider Eli's request to move to the basement. Karen enters and Jessie informs her of the plans, so she says this is something to think about for Spring break -- "3 months away!", shouts Eli.

Day # 2 -- Saturday, late afternoon, Jake assesses the damage, it'll take "a couple days" to repair.. Zoe confirms that "tonight" is the night they're going out with her mom's friend. Lily wonders if they can bring something back for Jake.

Rick tightens a pipe which is leaking in the basement, then has to leave.. Soon, R&L play menu peekaboo at Cella's, and the dinner is okay, but not great with the girls. Back home, Jake and Lily talk about Zoe fondly, and he leaves...saying he'll be there first thing in the morning to continue work.

Day # 3 -- Sunday morning at the bookstore (?), Judy reviews Lily's situation. In the basement, Karen delivers a lamp and observes to Rick how uncomfortable the door makes her feel. At the Mannings, the girls arrive home from shopping to find Jake mixing it up with Cliff. Bad timing soon when the thoughtful Rick arrives bearing gifts for the girls. Lily meets him outside and, stressed out, she takes exception to his coddling remarks re: the girls. She leaves him at the curb.

Back at the basement, Rick upbraids Eli for badmouthing Karen.

In Lily's kitchen, there are 5 candles burning for Hanukkah. [ Regrettably, on the "real" calendar the 5th day of Hanukkah fell on a Wednesday. Oh well, at least Xmas week was correct in TGH! ] Phone conversation between R&L, ratatouille at Karen's and Eli starting his homework, Lily finds the distraught Jake in her room....TBM..