Yesterday, as I perused the veggie department at the grocer, I overheard a couple talking. They were bemoaning the expense of the fair. “It’s just ridiculous,” said one. “I could take my kids to Disneyland for that price,” said the other. “I don’t even allow my children to go anymore.”
On the one hand, I see their point—it has become rather pricey. Much like everything else.
And yet I’m so thankful my parents did not take that viewpoint. Sure, it wasn’t as expensive back then. But for our family, it wasn’t cheap. All the same, each year we’d load up the Chevy Malibu wagon and head for the fair…
We’d eat deliciously greasy food … create splatter paint masterpieces … and visit all the barnyard animals. My dad and I would ride at least one wild ride … waving to my mom and brother, waiting below. When it was all said and done, we’d walk back to our car—elephant ear in hand—dusty, tired, and oh-so-happy!
Some of my most treasured memories take place at the fair. What a pity if I had to miss out …
{where was this handsome pups when I needed him?}
I was quite the contortionist last night–trying to get comfy without touching three touchy spots. I had a bit of a mishap, you see. But before I go further I’d just like you to know… IT WAS NOT MY FAULT!
I’m watering flowers and garden spots for friends while they are away on vacation. I had finally made it to the backyard … and managed to find the hose {a large chunk of tree fell in the storm last Saturday … knocking out most of their garden and back fence}. Their eldest son, waiting for the assessor, came out to chat with me. We were chuckling about the wretched luck of the neighbors, who’s backyard was filled with the fallen tree. They had just moved in that morning. That’s when things started looking up–but only because I was in a hole. That’s right. Heading for the water spout, I stepped upon the deck; I heard a crack and down I went. ”What in the world?!”
Now I realize I’ve gained some poundage in the last few months, but C’MON!
The good news: It was me and not one of the kids.
The bad news: I’m a tad pathetic. My shin is scraped and puffy on one leg. The other is scraped, with a nice purple knot on my thigh. It kinda looks like a galaxy of blue, purple and pink … which would be kinda cool if it didn’t hurt like the dickens {what does that even MEAN?}.
To add insult to injury, now I’m gun-shy. Out back you must tread upon the deck to turn on the water. I’m trying to figure out how I could rig up some contraption–a pully system of sorts … lower myself down … back up and over … without touching one sole to wood. Unfortunately, science has never been my strong suit.
Of course, the thought has skittered across my mind that I could simply never return.
Do you think they’ll notice if their entire yard is dead?
I motored my way down to New Belgium’s Tour de Fat on Saturday. Yes, I said motored. It was for the best really. 1) The only bike I own is my ten speed from Junior High (total 80’s … black, with pink and turquoise accents … and two flat tires); 2) The last time I rode a bike I ran over my own leg (yeah, I don’t know, but it’s true); and 3) If I rode a bike from home, with my current chubs, in the 90 degree temps, I would be dead (and hence, no pictures for you).
So while driving to a bike festival may seem like a major fail, it was really a win.
We went later in the afternoon so we would be sure to catch March Fourth Marching Band. It was hotter than blazes—the amount of sweat pouring forth from my body was most unfortunate. But oh the spectacle of it all!
By the time we left I was ready to go out and purchase a bike … and the perfect attire for next year’s shenanigans.
For those unable to experience the wondrous whimsy yourselves—never fear! I snapped a few shots, just for you.
So slap on your ID bracelet…
Grab yourself a Fat Tire, and prepare to be amazed …
{poor, poor fellow; so pitiful ... and yet, so very tasty}
We attended a luau at “the home.” My grandma and her friends performed the Hu Ke Lau during happy hour, followed by Hawaiian dancers, and a hawaiian themed dinner–complete with roasted pig. I must say, it’s always a bit disconcerting to look my dinner in the face. Never been a fan, myself. Fish with eyeballs? No thank you!
If I wasn’t such a carnivore, I would totally be a vegetarian. Sigh.
And so my wish for you, dear friends: may your days be as beautiful as a Hawaiian afternoon, may your nights be full of song and dance … and when you look upon your food, may it not look back …
{nothing like new books begging to be read}
A couple weeks ago Maddy, of the Maddy Chronicles, announced the winner of her giveaway: Amy of Magpie and Muttonfly. I was dubious. After all, the winner was chosen via random generator. Who wins those things? Certainly not I! Still, out of curiosity, I clicked the link. And what do you know? It brought me here. I clicked back; clicked again. Same thing.
It took me ten minutes to realize I had actually won. You do not even want to know how long it took me to decide. An Amazon gift card, people! There are WAY too many options. Like a pup on spring morn’ … just when I would focus on one thing … SQUIRREL!!!
Finally, I settled upon books. Shocking, I know. They arrived in the mail yesterday … right as I was coming home from an errand. I must have seemed a tad overzealous because the mailwoman looked a tad scared. Could it be helped, my friends? Me thinks not. After all, it’s one thing to get books in the mail … it’s a whole other when they were free {to me}.
And, I might add, they are bea-u-tiful. Sigh. I purchased books I had planned to read this summer: When You are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris, Aunts Aren’t Gentlemen by P.G. Wodehouse, and The Thornbirds by Colleen McCullough. I know the first two will be good; the last, I haven’t a clue. It could be total sap. Luckily, it’s a lovely paperback. It’s also orange, so there’s that …
So thank you {again} Maddy! I plan to keep them forever–and I’ll think of you each time I see them upon the shelf.
In other bookish news, people keep asking what I’m reading … so I created a page that will tell you just that. Now if only I can figure out how to make it show up…
Finally, I was planning to give you a short review of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet … but I do believe I’ve rambled on quite enough for one sitting. Another post, for another time, perhaps?
Until then, happy reading, dear friends!
