So I, together with my husband and one of my sisters, took a trip out to see my grandparents this past weekend. They live in between two fading towns in middle of nowhere SD. Pretty much the best place one can find. They are at least a thirty minute drive to a town in either direction and gravel roads are abundant. We decided to visit at the perfect time because it was such glorious weather during the time we were there. Usually we have to deal with sweltering heat and no air conditioning, but the temps were in the 70's the entire time! It was blissful. Here are a few photos from the weekend!
Sean and I on the farm.
My sister, Jenifer and I :)
Jeni helping grandpa carry water to his cow and baby calf.
So. Many. Chickens!
And chickens produce eggs of course, so there was much egg hunting to be had!
We did a lot of fruit and veggie picking. My grandmother has a huge span of garden with so many varieties of foods that she grows. Everything from corn, cabbage, strawberries, and broccoli, to peppers, dill, tomatoes, and chokecherries. And that's just the start! In the photo below we all went out to pick from the chokecherry tree. They aren't good for many things, but we took them back to the house to make chokecherry juice from them.
My grandmother boiled them for a long time on the stove in water, and then we drained the juice from the blanched berries.
It needed sugar. Or honey. Or anything sweet really would have helped, haha. It sure was bitter!
My favorite vegetables to pick are the peas. I put them in my pocket and walked around eating them all over the farm! Sweet goodness.
Of course strawberry picking is a must. There aren't as many this late in the summer, but there were still a few red, ripe berries for us to gather.
And then promptly put on our ice cream...It's heavenly!
We spend a lot of time doing puzzles with grandma! We put a 550 piece puzzle together in about half a day.
And of course everyone just LOVES (har har) when I make them pull out monopoly. I am in love with monopoly and I could play it all day long. Sometimes my family succumbs and plays with me :) even though it isn't their favorite.
I told my grandmother about
my shop and she was all gung ho about it! She brought me over to the second house on their property (where much of their stuff is stored) and scrounged all around in boxes for clothing for me to bring back home! I thought I had found everything I could find in previous years exploring that place, but she ended up finding me a ton of stunning pieces that she made in the 1950's! I can't wait to get them cleaned and pressed so that I can wear them. Eeeek! It's like a treasure hunt every time I visit. I think it's magic.
These were two of the pieces we found from the 70's. High waisted bright blue pants and a psychedelic floral top. Yes please!
Talking with grandpa is one of the main activities while we visit. That man could talk to you for hours about engines, lawn mowers, trucks, and farm rodents that he's killed.
I think the man has earned it though. He has a Purple Heart for his time served in the Korean War and we hear stories about his service and bravery every time we visit :)
Can't have a farm without a couple of loyal animals. This little darling is Trixie and she is getting up there in years, but still follows grandpa wherever he goes. She's a sweetheart with the cutest smile and fattest little tummy!
And this adorable tomcat is Eureka. He and Trixie were our buds throughout the weekend.
Can't wait until our next visit! Hopefully it will be less than a year in between next time.
God Bless all!
KJA
Matthew 5:14,16
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see
your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.
