The Little Man in the Sea

The ever-patient Grandpa on his boat with his grandchildren.

Today's blog contribution is told firsthand by guest blogger Daddy... Enjoy!

This is merely a portion of the dialogue during a recent fishing trip three of the Kee men undertook. It was quite windy that day, and the swells were rather high on the lake. Henry had wanted to go fishing all week, and this was as good a day as any to go. However, between the waves, and possibility of having to come eye to eye with a fish, a lot of nervous questions began. This is what ensued.

Henry: Grandpa, why are there waves?

Grandpa: Because there is wind.

Henry: But why do the waves go like this (hand motions)?

Grandpa: Because that's the way the wind is blowing.

H: Are those trees moving? (Referring to the submerged trees sticking out of the water)?

G: No

H: It looks like those trees are getting out of the ground and moving.

G: ...

Here there is an intermission while Daddy pulls in a fish... it goes into the bottom of the boat with the hook deep in it's mouth... Grandpa is trying to get the hook out, keep us perpendicular to the waves, and keep his rod from going in the drink... oh, and now there is a real live fish to contend with for the nervous one.

H: Why is that fish flopping around?

G: Henry, not now, I've got too many things going on.

H: Is that a Walleye?

G: It's a Walleye.

-the fish takes a flop toward Henry-

H: AHH! Get it Away!

G: Henry, sit down!

-Grandpa gets the fish under control on it's side in the boat-

H: Why's that fish looking at me?

G: ...

H: Do fish have teeth?

G: No.

H: But how do fish eat?

G: They swallow things whole.

H: But how do they know where the food is?

G: They can smell it.

H: But how do fish smell?

G: They use the sides of their bodies.

H: Oh, like on the sharks we saw at the aquarium with the slits in their sides?

G: Well, no, they smell with their whole side.

H: Oh... do worms have teeth?

G: No, they eat their food whole.

H: Oh... how do worms smell?

G: Err... I am not sure they do smell.

H: Oh... I hope I don't catch a shark.

G: Sharks are usually in salt water.

H: What's salt water?

G: Like the ocean... We are in fresh water.

H: But why is the water so dirty?

G: No... it's... the water is fresh meaning it has no salt.

H: Oh.... What's that for? (upon seeing Grandpa drop the anchor)

G: That's the anchor.

H: What does that do?

G: It keeps us from moving.

H: Like we might blow away?

G: No.. We won't blow away... It keeps us in one spot.

H: Oh... I hope I don't catch a fish... They're yucky.

We were on the lake for three hours...the moments of silence were few and far between. It wasn't all for nought though...