The day after. . . *updated*

December 26th, 2007

@ my grandparents’ house – 12.25.2007

After 4 days of vacation I must now return to the daily grind.

We all converged on my paternal grandparents house for dinner. We didn’t actually plan to have dinner, but Grandmother made a turkey and green, so my sister made some dressing and potato salad to go with, and we chowed. My grandparents always have the makings of a meal at their house.

My lil sis, always with the cellphone.

My dad.

As you can see, my family is really into photos. As we sat around the table, my grandfather told about our ancestry on his side of the family. His great-grandfather, Sandy Payton, being born in the big-house on the plantation in the late 1830s (with light skin and straight black hair. . .hmmm); how my great-great-great grandmother was a full-blooded Cherokee from Oklahoma.

My grandmother has a similar story from her background. She pointed out that most people from here time have similar ancestries, the details just vary slightly. I’m just glad that we actually know who the people are, because many people since accurate records weren’t really kept for black Americans back in the day, especially during slavery.

My cousin Jeremy brought along his friend Ryan. Everytime he comes around he brings one of his friends by. At least this one was nice and funny.

My dad found this really old (1957-64) Brownie Starflex camera. It still had the batteries in it. It was amazed they hadn’t corroded after all this time. But stuff was made to last back then. I definitely plan on using it once I get some 127mm film.

A rare shot of genuinely smiling.

Jeremy shared the gift of Hennessy & coke. It was aight. The Henn tasted like Jack Daniels-light, to me. Oh, and that refrigerator behind them is the one that came with the house. Thirty-four years later it still works. My grandmother has some a wine-cooler stored in the back from her trip to Hawaii almost 30 years ago.

Ah, the warmth of the kitchen. My grandma would probably die if she say I posted this photo showing all the clutter, but I think it’s what makes this house a home.

My grandparents. December 24th was their 61st wedding anniversary. Yay! for commitment.
Grandfather will be 89 on the 31st of this month.

Entry Filed under: life,photography,portrait