We rented a farmhouse in Tipton, Michigan, for three nights in order to attend the admission information session at University of Michigan and to tour their School of Engineering. The Tipton farmhouse turned out to be a unique experience both positively and negatively. Positively, this place is modernly and comfortably equipped but has a charming, almost rustic decor and a lovely surrounding complete with wildlife of many kinds and a sheep farm full of lively, hungry sheep. Jacob and James had fun feeding the sheep with the animal crackers thoughtfully provided by our hostess.

The negative aspect of this place came in the perturbing form of a strange man in a black pickup truck who came up the driveway one afternoon when we were relaxing and watching wildlife (using James’ binoculars) on the front porch. When we looked at him questioningly, he grumbled, “Just picking up the trash.” The trash-picking-up activity was completely unnecessary (we were not generating that much trash), and his appearance quite disturbed our peace as we were not expecting to see a stranger, least of all one in a black pickup truck, during our stay there.

The rustic but simultaneously modern interior

The peaceful yet very animated surrounding

Sitting on the front porch, we could see many birds coming to the feeders including a couple of gorgeous American Goldfinches. Coming near the house to eat and play were a few lively white bunnies who would quickly devour stalks after stalks of daffodils. We used James’ binoculars to watch them eat and frolic tirelessly with one another. Criss-crossing the yard in front of the front porch and burrowing into the grass were skittish grayish-brownish gophers who were shy of human attention. A little bit further away right next to the pond was a serene crane in light grey color who would stand stock-still for a very long time. He or she would occasionally make a slight movement only to catch a fish.

We were so happy to be able to hang out on the front porch and watch those wildlife activities up close with the help of James’ binoculars. Such a relaxing and excitingly fun yet utterly simple thing to do! Beside the wildlife, the sheep also occupied our time and interest. During our short stay, we became aware of the time they were released from the barn in the morning and in the afternoon as well as when they were herded back inside to be shut in for the night. We watched their movements and behaviors with much curiosity and pleasure as living so close to a sheep herd was an entirely novel experience for us. We had never expected to have such an enjoyable time watching the sheep and feeding them.

Last but not least, since I’m finishing this blog post on Christmas Day, I would like to include two beautiful Christmas songs from two of our favorite Christmas singers, Johnny Mathis and Perry Como. Enjoy!