North Carolina, A Fun Family

Our next job took us northwest to the small town of Graham, ND, between Durham and Greensboro. Not able to find a suitable RV park close to the mill, I went online to see if perhaps there was a County Fairground in the area, sometimes on option for RV parking. Score! When I called and inquired about renting an RV space, the lady that answered the phone replied, "Well, I have never thought about it." After chatting a little she said to come on over and take a look. Thus began a very fun time! Seems the County Fairground was a private endeavor, set up by them on their property and run by the family until three years ago, when it just became too much work. One of the sons now runs a business selling hay, feed, and other farm products from the property. They said if we wanted to stay we were more than welcome. When asked what the fee would be, she replied, "Well, what do you think is a fair price?" I told her what we had paid at the last place with the same services and she thought that was just fine. That was the beginning of an enjoyable week being "neighbors" to some very nice people, the Isley family! Oh, and the mill was one mile down the road.

Our spot.

Several of the former Exhibit Buildings

This building has become a family gathering place, used for various events.

"Come on over!"

An open invitation for the time we were there.

That gentleman, Russell, could tell some stories. It usually took some encouragement from his wife Jeanette, and he never made a big deal out of it, simply stated the facts in a quiet Southern way.

He is in his early 80's, always working, and during the time we were there we found out he was injured in the military and told his leg would never heal correctly. It did. He was a dairyman and was gored by a bull, and when in his 50's he was run over by a tractor and told he would never walk again. He's very mobile!

Most mornings we would find a local newspaper on our doormat and sometimes fresh tomatoes, thanks to Russell.

On Saturday Jeanette came over and invited us to their weekly family Sunday dinner at the "Country Store " building. 

What a feast!  

There was a baked ham, green beans, sliced tomatoes, homemade mac and cheese, a potato dish, green salad, pasta salad, banana pudding and coconut cake! 

And of course, sweet tea. Oh my, it was good.

Compliments of Jeanette and Tamia, the cooks in the family.

We got to meet their two sons and two of the grandchildren; a daughter and her family live in Raleigh and don't make it every Sunday.

L to R: Morgan, Rusty and Tamia, Jeanette, Russell, Kerry, Hunter, and Christy. Morgan and Hunter belong to Kerry and Christy; Rusty has older children.

For those of you familiar with Duck Dynasty, this group was more entertaining! 

They had a lot of fun together and included us in it. 

After lunch Russell and Jeanette wanted to show us the area and the old home place, so we rode out with them to see the sights.

The first stop was the recently finished new house that son Kerry designed, helped to build, and furnished. I must say, he has good taste...it's a beautiful home, inside and out. I wish I could tell the story of the installation of those big double front doors the way Christy told it. Too funny! She's a real character.

Four days earlier their miniature horse had give birth to this little "jenny" mule.

Talk about cute!!! It has very unusual markings.... a beautiful little thing.

George giving some attention to the Donkey Daddy, who greeted us with a very raucous round of braying.

Our next stop was at the back of the property where the new house is,

the old home place where Russell grew up, recently renovated. They don't live here, but occasionally have the grandchildren come and spend the weekend there with them or just go over to get away from the phone! It's fully furnished.

While showing us the attic they had turned into a large open bedroom, Jeanette and I both noticed, about the same time, something that looked out of place on the old mantle. I thought it was a stick; she thought the electrical cord to the lamp looked strange. As we stepped closer the true identity became obvious...SNAKE!!!!

I snapped a quick shot, backed WAY back and zoomed in for another shot, not taking time to focus, and I was down the stairs and out the door! 

George and Russell somehow got it into a plastic bag and brought it to the front steps where Russell commenced to beat it to death with a chunk of wood.

Copperhead.

Jeanette was quite concerned about that snake being in the house and was on the phone the next day trying to find someone to check for possible points of entry!

And more snakes.

These were growing on a very large fig tree in the yard. Made me think of my Grandma Mohler's fig tree and what a treat those fresh figs were. I was so sad to hear that they don't eat them :/ Sure hope they have neighbors they share with.

Russell fed the few remaining Ayrshire cows he keeps while we were there.

Then back to the Country Store, where the family gathered again for leftovers!

While helping to carry dishes and food to cars, I got stuck under a shed in a sudden downpour. Christy sought shelter her car. It really put down the rain!

All in all, it was a memorable week and I hope to stay in contact with the Isley family.