sorry you didn't hear from the step-adult-kids. this year. next year will be different, I'm willing to bet.
and...good call on the possible set-up. 5 miles away is waaaaaaay too close for someone who, um, fits the description you got!! more red flags than a bullfighting ring (and my guess is, that's not the only resemblance....)
Thank you for your kind words about the "kids" And "Amen" to the rest!
Gardener
"My soul, be satisfied with flowers, With fruit, with weeds even; but gather them In the one garden you may call your own." Cyrano deBergerac