More Czech Family

This past weekend I met my my host dads entire family: the two other brothers, their families, and his mom. Wow, what a group. They loved to discuss politics and drink fine Czech beer together. The fact that the family owns a pub doesn't hurt.
Babička (Grandma) and one brother live in the village of Lhotka in Moravia. It seems like the family has lived there for a long time. The own the pub, and a car club. I'm not entire sure what the club is about, but it has the family name on the sign. The village is 600 years old, 3 times as old as America. Its creepy to think about as I'm walking the streets.
Saturday, 11 of us went to an open-air museum in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, a small town outside Ostrava. We toured a set of 5 different mills, and I had a guide printed in English to follow. The weather was perfect, a warm fall day with vivid colors in the trees. In the afternoon we went to a local soccer match, married vs. single guys. They singles won, I was told because the beer bellies of married men slowed them down. A Czech's words not mine, I promise!!
Sunday I helped to pick apples, pears, and look for walnuts. I felt like such a city girl transplanted to the country. On the way back to Trutnov we stopped at the local cemetary. In the Czech Republic, Halloween isn't about ghosts and candy, instead people celebrate the holiday by decorating graves of loved ones. We lit candles and put flowers on the Rada family grave site. It was really peaceful and nice.
So, I have learned that there are some simple rules concerning interactions with Babička. First, if she talks to you, act like you know what she is saying, then ask someone for a translation. Second, when she makes a suggestion, it is really a demand. For example, if she motions for you to move while watching t.v. so you dont hurt your neck, do it. Third, a food offer is an even stronger demand, if you pass it up, something must be wrong with you. Last, always act as though you like the food, even if you don't. She will love you for it.
One funny moment was when I was asked if I like pumpkin. When I replied that I like pumpkin pie, people looked at me like I was crazy. Pumpkin pie does not exist here, so I'm in charge of making it for the family at some point. They share their recipies, I share mine.