Grandparents' Round House*

JJ and I spent the last five days relaxing in the round house with my grandparents.  My grandparents, who are originally from Mississippi, retired here fifteen years ago.  Besides going to Mass on Sunday, we never left the lake.  My grandmother is quite the sports fan, and we watched every bowl game that came on.  JJ and I were treated to a country lunch every day, and we fended for ourselves for dinner since my grandparents don’t eat in the evenings.  Also, going to my grandparents’ house means a chance to catch up on napping time.  Afternoon naps are required from 1-3 at the round house.  As usual, my grandfather and I spent some time arguing talking about religion and politics.  JJ and I also got to hear numerous stories about when my grandparents were first married.  I cherish hearing these stories and try to soak them up every time we get together.  The one story that stuck out was when my grandparents were first married, my great-grandfather, my grandmother’s father, was so worried that there would be a fire in their second story apartment that he bought them a rope to escape with.  We also learned more about how my mother and father’s grandmothers were best friends.  In fact  when my father’s grandparents’ house burned down, they lived with my mother’s grandparents for about 9 months.  This was many years before my mother and father were ever even born.  We also heard lots of stories of when my mother and father were first dating, and I now have lots of blackmail material on both of them!

I tried to get out everyday and do a bit of hiking and looking for wildlife.  I really was looking for the bald eagles, but failed to find them close to the house this visit.  I did spot them on the other side of the lake, but didn’t have the time to drive to the other side.   I did run into a few deer, turkeys, and various other small animals.  The weather was chilly, but not cold, and it was nice to get out around the lake.

I don’t think we will see my grandparents until they come down to the Mississippi for my nephew’s baptism later this year, and  JJ and I will not have a chance to make anymore road trips this years as we have already planned events for our breaks this semester and next.  I really would like to get back to Kentucky do some fishing this spring or summer, but really don’t think I will be able to find the time.

Kitchen Deer

A Better View

The Usual Activity at the Bird Feeder

Turkey Crossing

Coots