What I wouldn't give for a nice apple or slice of red pepper-or even a salad made out of real lettuce-vs. iceberg.  I would LOVE to spend an afternoon or an evening out at a local restaurant right now.  We're on day six at the father-in-law's.  Don't get me wrong-he's a great cook-but it's different food then I would normally eat.  Lunch yesterday was just left over pork roast-no bread, no veggies, no fruit.  I'm pretty sure I haven't had any dairy products in the last four days-well except for a small bowl of ice cream last night. 

It's awkward when you stay at relatives-especially when they are you're inlaws.  How much do you request?  Afterall, they've already set up so many baby things to make our stay easier.

Our first full day in town was consumed by "a shot and a beer" ritual.  This ritual is continued through out the day until I am left with two bleary eyed grown men at the end of the day.  My husband slept soundly through the night while I dealt with baby Chedda's needs.  I woke up grumpily at about noon only to realize that the "shot and a beer" ritual was going into day two.  I spent the rest of the day rightfully indignant.  Watching my husband with his father I found interesting similarities.  The ever frustrating response, "Doesn't make me a bad person."-that one comes from Pops-in-law.  I watched as my husband appeared to change into a different person-mimicking his father's sarcastic and often silly comments.  A grown man still seeking his father's approval.  I wondered how he perceives me when I am with my family.  Am I the same-or do I change somehow?    By the evening, reminiscing and gossiping about events from the long distant past were in full force.  Did the uncle jump/fall/get pushed out of the window?  What about the time his other uncle brought a fully loaded shot gun to the dinner table?  I am mildly amused by these stories-though I've heard them before. 

Thankfully, the shot/beer ritual ends by the next day.  It's now time to get out of the house-HURRAY, I think-because I cannot spend another moment on the couch.  Plus I see scary things on the couch-like my in law's hairy belly or his white under pulled up over his navel.   I've never seen much beyond a relative's living room in Connecticut-so I am excited for some sight seeing.  First stop-Walmart.  I am given the tour of the children's department with their three dollar onesies (upon arrival we were given a handful of funny onesies from grampa-too bad they were all preemie sized.)  This is followed by a visit to the pharmacy department and observation of a worker who appears to be talking although no sound comes from his mouth.  After Walmart we are given a tour of the town which consists of Linen and Things (going bankrupt), Home Depot, Circuit City (going bankrupt) and a buffet of gas stations finding the cheapest price about 10 minutes from homebase. 

Today, we are off on the second part of our journey-the mother in law's house.  Then we will attempt to visit every relative known to mankind on Thanksgiving.