We managed to escape Sioux Falls on Friday night to head to Mom and Dad's for a Friday-Saturday stay. We also managed to see my grandparents as they came from Fort Dodge to help us celebrate Xander's birthday. As always, we had good food, lots of conversation and even had a chance to check on the progress of the conversion of the old chicken coop as it is transformed into an art studio. There's still a lot of work to be done, but a new roof, windows and exterior work are coming nicely. New electrical, interior work and a new furnace are coming up and should make it a really great studio space.
I did take the opportunity to get a ride in. I took the Rig out for some gravel road riding in sub 40 degree temps for about 17 miles. I didn't necessarily intend to go that far, but the extra miles allowed me to see a few deer and a red tailed hawk that shot out of the long grass at the roadside about ten feet away from me. The single speed is a good ride for around there as there are some hills going in and out of the valley surrounding Waterman Creek, but nothing extreme.
I love riding in the valleys around there. There's a beauty to the type of rolling, grassy hills that's hard to explain. It's not like the majestic, overpowering beauty of the mountains, but a more subtle, soothing beauty that eases the spirit and encourages peace. The valley serves as home to a variety of wildlife and provides a sheltered resting place for hawks, eagles, herons and a great number of other birds that visit the many feeders at the house.
After lunch we had presents and cake for Xander, more conversation, a quick nap and I spent some time tuning up Mom and Dad's bikes. We headed home after putting the kids in their pajamas so that we'd be home in time for a good night's sleep before church in the morning.
Too quick a trip, but hopefully it won't take us as long to make it back for another visit.
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