I started my day by packing up a bit of Mom & Dad to accompany me on day at the Fair! A bit creepy you may say, but this has been on my mind and is important in my grieving process.

My plan was to distribute them around the grounds in various places that hold special meaning for them and our family. I have a list of the places, so if you want to know, just ask me. At each location, I cried, laughed or just remembered. I know it might seem completely crazy, but it was healing.

I checked in at the Bailey House, armed with Moms voucher to claim her membership gifts. The last time they told me she was not on the list. I got her swag bag, sans coupon book. (I didn’t complain, I really didn’t need another one) and I learned she in fact bought another brick, but had yet to order it. We’ll see what next year brings.

It’s MPR day at the fair, and I had a plan to participate in Bring the Sing, led by Cantus, but I had some time to wander.

I checked out the “My Pillow” tent and looked over the dog beds, but at $89.99, even on sale, that’s an expensive snack for the land shark!

The Snake Zoo is still here, and still a bargain at $2.00.

The raptor out front kept his eye on me as I passed by!

I went to the MPR booth to get my member gift, a crossbody backpack, that I’ll never use. This summer MPR brought us coverage of a raccoon that scaled a building downtown and the whole twin cities was captivated by it and rooting for its survival & freedom! The MPR booth brought those memories to life in their banner and displays.

There is a giant coloring wall if you want to get your art on,

and an installation of colored strings representing regions of MN and by winding it around pegs representing the activities and things that are important to us, the overall art will show how much we are all the same, no matter where we are from.

There is an aviation exhibit I have seen posts about, but I had not found it until today. It’s on the corner near MPR, where there once was a truck dealer. I didn’t go in to research at all.

I knew my friend Trina and her mom were out and about. I had to make a quick deposit as I passed through the DNR. Luckily there is apparently zero fire danger today…

And I ran into a Kelsey Family cousin Sherrill Carlson who did just been chatting with at our reunion last weekend!

She volunteers for the Ely Wolf Center exhibit.

I headed over to find Trina and her mom near the grandstand, protected from the wind under an arch.

We three entered the bottom floor of the grandstand, with hopes to get through it all before the Cantus Sing Along. I zigged and zagged, while Trina & Mom made a straight line path around. I took much time buying clogs

and holder attachment for my phone. I’ve dropped it too many times to count, as my one handed picture taking skills are sub-par.

There are more phone & gadget booths this year.

Toys, puzzles, clothes & phone cords

and I was reminded that I’d buy a heavy container of laundry soap from Nellies every year for mom!

I’d meandered enough and Trina informed me they were ready to take the elevator to the top floor. I knew time was fleeting so I headed over to the MPR stage in Dan Patch park to get a very sunny, warm, front row seat. They set up umbrellas on the sides as I sat, but by then, the seats were all full.

Michael joined me in time for the Trivia and was the fastest correct answer to the corn dog question, winning a 89.3 The Current t-shirt, four sizes too small. They passed out sheet music and buttons, and we readied ourselves. Michael turned to me and said, he never thought he’d be a guy with State Fair swag on his hat…

There weren’t as many people as I thought there’d be, but we were surrounded by beautiful four part harmonies during the sing along portions. Cantus made up a new State Fair song as we sang along to the tune of a Happy and You Know It!

As the concert came to a close, a lady on a nearby bench collapsed to the ground. A man got up to aide, assuming he was a doctor & emergency services were on site pretty rapidly. Luckily she was helped onto the EMT cart, but using her own power. Thanks to all the local firefighters and police so volunteer their time out here!

We said our farewells to Trina & mom, and Michael & I walked over to the west end to find something different to eat.

One the way I ran into another dear Girl Scouting friend Shelley Rucks & friend.

Mike and I wanted something ~not fried~ and so we settled on the Swedish Meatball Smorgas at the  Blue Barn.

Swedish Meatballs resting in a sweet hoagie roll, covered on white gravy, pickle relish and lingonberries.  It was messy, kinda small, but quite tasty!

Mike needed one more food, a bit more filling, before heading to work for a busy Labor Day weekend in the furniture business!  He got himself a Bratwurst.  These guys do one thing and they do it well!

The day was heating up, and I had a list of drop sites for Mom & Dad, Michael joined me for one “distribution” and I grabbed my daily dose of blueberries.

He head to head to work, and I made my way up Cosgrove to scout out a few more drop sites. A few might be more complicated and require early morning or late night efforts.

I made three successful ash deposits, unnoticed and documented.

Then stopped by the alphabet forest to rest in the shade and eat my first Kiwanis Malt.

My volunteer friend Bree was manning the front entrance

and I ended up just sitting for almost an hour, catching pokemon, resting and a few people I knew found me!

I needed to walk, or I might never get up again.  I had some more scouting to do, so I headed to the Leinie bandshell and who finds me, but this wonderful family!

It’s an annual fair tradition to “find Ms. Heather!”

I wandered back into Ag/Hort, thinking I would revisit the Crop Art, but the lines were long and I ended up noticing the Orchid Show.  Mom loved orchids and grew them quite successfully!  Not only were there orchids, but this years theme, is “Purple Reign”!  I totally felt Mom’s presence as I walked through and took pictures of ~all~ of them!

I left the Orchid exhibit, walked around the hexagon and at the next exhibit hall, was the Bonsai Society display. 

I have no idea if these two organizations have their displays here every year on the same dates, but for me, today, this was a sign.  Dad loved Bonsai and took classes and created some of his own.  Some of these trees have been in training for 50-80 years!

Mom & Dad were with me in more ways than one today!

My friend Andrea was heading back over to the fair today with friends and we connected in the Creative Activities building.  I finally discovered the decorated cookie display, after thinking I had seen every nook & cranny….just goes to show, you an never see it all in twelve days.

I was also so obsessed with the Springerle exhibit, that I failed to notice the doughnut display right next door!  Those are what we call Grandma donuts! I hope that y aunt Kathy isn’t the only family member who knows how they’re made!  I might need to take lessons from her this year!

I headed to the Baldwin park and took in a talent show and found a couple friends! I haven’t seen David since early on and this was Cynthia’s first time out!  After the show, they had a mission for cookies and I took a quick picture of them before we parted ways.  I wasn’t sure I’d see them again this fair season!

I didn’t really ~need~ another freezer bag from the Farm Bureau building, but as I walked by I realized that this year you get a red spatula!  Who doesn’t need a new spatula!  (well…me…but I got one anyway)  I also got a bag of something to use in my classroom.

I didn’t even look in this until after the fair, but the contents are cute and would make a good curriculum supplement, but not for two year olds!

Right next door is the Medica tent, there was no waiting so I walked right up, spun the wheel and got myself a kazoo!

I was hungry and realized I had eaten nothing but part of a meatball smorgasbord and pie today so I grabbed a Peters chili dog. Awesome choice @ almost 8pm… not.

I needed to return to the 4H building after 8pm, as one of my “drop sites” needed to be cleared out and accessible and I knew that would happen when the buildings closed.  I made my way back up the hill and Andrea and friends were at Giggles.  I texted and asked if they’d ever seen the Laser show and they hadn’t so they saved me a seat and I made my way to join them.  I ran into this kid sitting on a bench!  (Her mom spent the previous evening at the talent show with me…”damn you Pavarotti!”)

I had to get some after hours ashes deposited in a significant spot, but it was still too soon. I then joined Andrea et al outside of the Fine Art Building. Andrea finally got her kettle corn!

The laser show is new this year, but similar to years past. I took some video clips.

Next year we’ll try sitting on a bench in the street as the lasers create a horizontal image on the sky overhead.

After the show, I accomplished my mission outside the 4H building, to honor Mom who was involved in 4H and where the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church booth was housed that Dad & I managed in the 70’s & 80’s. (I came back Sunday early to get this picture.)

Today was a tearful one, memory after memory hitting me hard, but also healing in remembering all the awesome things that make this place so special.

I wasn’t done with my mission, but I got word that Gray arrived safely home from St. Olaf and we’d spend the weekend together finishing the job.

Woke up at 9:30 (!?!) with sore feet, sore knee and a neglected puppy standing on my chest, so I got up, walked the dog and sat down to get Wednesday recorded. It took most of the day!

I didn’t arrive at the fair until almost 4:00. My first stop was to fulfill a promise to Joan and find her mom’s bench. I thought I’d give my feet a break and take a trolley ride up to the north end. I knew the bench was on Cooper between Lee & Murphy. As I stood outside Creative Activities waiting for what seemed like hours…. it dawned on me that maybe there is only ~one~ trolley. What I learned, when the trolley finally arrived, is that the process of getting on & off the trolley when it’s packed with (primarily) elderly people, takes ~forever~! I decided to stand at the front so I could escape at any moment. I was in text communication with a Michael as he & Kathleen we’re on the grounds with her mom. When I told them to move on from the Hangar and not wait for me to arrive, Michael informed me he witnessed a trolley, stopped in front of the Hangar and the driver got out and got in line for food! The good newd… there are ~two~ trolleys. The bad news, they don’t go anywhere quickly.

The driver, understanding his primary clientele, shouted each upcoming stop at the top of his lungs. It startled me every time!

After two stops I couldn’t take it anymore and I jumped off just north of Giggles. Lo and behold, not 50 feet from me, there was the bench!

I sat for a second, honored her memory and got some pictures to send Joan.

Michael & Kathleen had not waited for me and were already trekking southward, offering vague direction texts of “bathroom, big wheel and corn dogs….”

I wandered through the newest bathroom “courtyard” to find myself at the Giant Sing Along

I don’t know the playlist, I didn’t have time to stop, but I know my friend Kathy and a youthful protege spent the day here yesterday and sang the ~entire~ list!

I messaged that I was stopping for a Gyro near the Giant Wheel, and they found me!

The Gyro is not my favorite, but it’s a good sized portion and there’s a coupon!

Our plans to get to all the talent shows like mom did was not going as well as we hoped. We had yet to do the “bounce” where we watched the Leinie stage and left before winners were announced and “bounce” up the hill to the County Show. Tonight Michael & I were gonna get it done!

We timed it to get decent seats, but it would have been too far back for mom. I know why she liked the first ten rows… the setting sun is wicked behind the stage!

The group performing before the show started was really good.

 

And when they started singing “Stand By Me” the tears started. Michael sang this song at my wedding 27 years ago!

Mom would always save us seats and if we were late, she wouldn’t have time to get onion rings and a beer! In her memory, I grabbed a frozen slushie & pie!

I (of course) ran into friends from CPLC

and saved seats for my friends Scott & Sheryl.

There was a beautiful tenor opera singer and this one brought Sheryl to tears …”Damn you Pavarotti!” Shortly after him an unassuming older guy, looking a little worn around the edges took the stage and blew. me. away.

 

We didn’t stick around for the winners, they’ll be updated on the state fair website tomorrow sometime.

We headed up to Baldwin Park, stopping for a bathroom & beverage break. The lines are always long at O’Gara’s, but if you know what you want, sneak inside to the bar… no lines.

We made it to the stage …only missing one act. The talent was not as strong as we hoped and we headed out before it was over. Mom would not have approved. But I did get to see my surrogate parents tonight!

We had not had enough of the Fair on this beautiful breezy night so we walked down to the Midway Mens Club. Michael & Kathleen had not been (ever or for ages at least). I bought a round of beer and three cheeseburgers for $15! All the proceeds benefit local kids programs.

Kathleen wanted to check out the coupon deal Mason Jar mug for sale in the Minnesota Territorial Pioneer Building.

I stopped to chat with the proprietors to see if they knew anything about the homestead that Randy’s family owned way up past the north end in the parking area. They were familiar with Poor Farm acquisition, but not the property.  I have their business card and we can follow up after the fair.

We took the back path down past Kare11 barn and got my backyard photo op!

I needed one more picture to complete the Historical Walking Tour photos, so we headed to the CHS barn. It was almost closing as we walked in, but it was a bustling place.  We saw adorable bunnies, ducks, goats, lambs and a newborn calf.

There is a new Hen House ( which I guess was installed last year) that I have not seen because I typically spend 100% of my CHS Barn time in the cow area!  You can literally watch hens lay eggs.

We approached a very crowded pen, and there was a Ewe lambing.  We couldn’t get close enough to see the action, but one cool feature in this place is the live camera feed.  Once lamb had just arrived and the second one was struggling. I caught the birth assist for lamb #2 on the big screen and then out popped #3.

 

The barns were closing and I loved the farmer version of the bar closing line “here’s your hat, what’s your hurry”…they just sweep you out of the barn!

After what we just witnessed, we contemplate whether or not we were hungry anymore. Looking up at the Grandstand, I am reminded of the very few days we have left.

Stopped by the Cafe Caribe and grabbed a slushie beverage and then started making our way out.

Walking out toward the street, I saw this guy. He let me take his picture…

Michael wanted something sweet and Kathleen was in for savory.

Oreo Fudge Puppy and cheese curds it is!  I failed to photgraph the cheese curds, but I did actually eat some!  Kathleen assured me they were very lightly battered and fried nice and crispy.

As we walked out of the Food Building a voice called out and I tuned to find one my wonderful work families, kid-less at the fair!

None of us know the cute photobomber to the right!

All of a sudden the fireworks started!  It as only 9:30!!  I told Mike & Kathleen we needed to race down to catch the corn dance!  We made it in time and I was able to capture it on video. The video is too long to upload to wordpress, so the youtube link is here:

Still hungry…Mike grabbed a foot long pepperoni cheese bread at the Italian Junction next door.

It was still early, and the weather was beautiful, so we headed to O’Garas for  nightcap.  We passed by Big Fat Bacon and I love these “bacon-isms”

I’m not a big beer drinker, so I ran into Chicago Dogs to grab a slushie and as I walked in I had a complete throwback moment to my Madison days.

Somebody was smoking clove and this beer maid cut out reminded me of Halloween 1984.  I love this dancing hot dog neon too.

I walked by the Quit Plan booth in the dark and a friend told me this is the last year they will be here as the smoking lawsuit money runs out this year.  Sept 1, 2007 is my quit date…11 years!

After a respite at O’Garas, we made our way home.

There’s only four more days.

Typically my favorite day at the Fair, low attendance, not kids or seniors day, Military Appreciation Day with jet formation flyovers…..but not this year.

I posted to inquiring friends and family that I wasn’t sure what time I’d get out to the fair, as I had appointments this morning. I had commented on Facebook and my friend Sue from the Alphabet Forest had this response…

I’d rather have that kind of crown, but instead I spent an anxiety and pain filled morning in a dental chair.  I had some other appointments that lasted until the Novocaine wore off and at that point, every step I took, sent pain to my brain.  I decided to spend this chilly, rainy day getting the blog caught up and playing with my dog.  No regrets, other than I missed seeing people at the fair.

 

The day was hot, sticky and the rain they had predicted for Sunday was coming…

The puppy let me sleep until 8 am, I caught up on some house chores and left the fair around 10.

They were filming an advertisement outside the gate for the Sing Along that will happen Friday in Dan Patch Park (formerly Carousel Park) led by Cantus! I plan to be there!

I watched for a minute, unsure if they asked random people walking in to film it, because as soon as they said “cut” the participants turned, tickets ready and walked into the fair! As I walked in, I looked back and the cop, who’d been dancing along as they filmed was now in front of the camera dancing! I never watch TV during the fair, but if you see an ad…. I’m curious if the cop footage makes the cut!

My plan for the day involved getting through Fine Art and the Pet Center.

I grabbed the recipe round up card for the day, and saw all the offerings this year.  The pumpkin cake with maple frosting is my “not to miss” one!  

On the hike up to the north end I started gathering pictures of the “Historical Markers” along the way.

After Shannon taught me the value of appreciating the history, it dawned on me I haven’t even read them all. I’ll get all 12 markers documented in the blog in its own post!

The Giant Sandbox was super busy on the hot sticky day. That’s a sensory experience I would avoid at all cost on a day like today!  It’s in a shady spot tucked between the Alphabet Forest and Math on a Stick.

I heard a rumor (David) that the Iron Man Meat & Potatoes at Giggles had been replaced by the new Turducken Sausage…I had to check it out.  Rumor is true, but later in the day I had a chance to see Tim (Giggle’s) and I asked if it would ever return and he replied “Maybe!” with a wink!

On my way to the Pet Pavillion, I needed to check out this “Kelsey Family” bench I heard tale of and even seen photographic evidence! I found it and happened upon friends from church who were looking for it, saw me and thought they had stuck gold!  We took a picture for incorrect reference.

We’ll refer to this is as the erroneous bench.   It is GREEN not BLUE and this is a different Kelsey Family, placed here in honor of a Jeanette, may she rest in peace and this bench bring her family joy.  The issue stemming from this new bench is that if people inquire in the Foundation Office / Bailey House, and ask for the Kelsey’s, this is the bench they are directed to. I need to stop in and see if anything can be managed on their end, or people just need to be sure to ask for the BLUE bench for “DON & CAROL” Kelsey.

I realized I hadn’t eaten anything today, not even breakfast at home. Upon recommendation of David from last nights encounter, I decided to try the sliders at The Hangar.

I thought it was a slider combo platter, but you have to choose one type. David said the brisket was good, so picked it. Interestingly, I got one pulled pork slider in my basket. I will say the brisket is ~way~ better than the pulled pork.

If anyone is thinking of resurrecting their souvenir beverage bottles from last year, there is a new style and I’m not sure you’ll get free refills on the old ones this year!

I walked through the new open air pet pavilion and it is just as crowded for the people trying to get near and pet dogs, but at least is it ~airy~ and ~open~, yet has a roof.  Today of course I happen upon the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, my dream dog….reminding myself that Lola may not be my dream dog, she’s still pretty awesome….most days.

I did find Carole’s friend Kathy, and her collie, but there was much set up going on and I didn’t get a pic of her.  Got the dog though…

I walked through the pet vendor tent next door, and the offerings have not changed year to year, collars, leashes, chewies, treats, K-9 gear, cat trees, odor, fur, pet eliminator merchandise and the surgery trailer is still on site performing pet surgery daily.  That’s something I have never stayed to watch.

Next door is the Home Depot shed and since it was SO HOT, I decided waiting in a really long line, being hit up for home improvement deals, to play a game for a silly prize wouldn’t be so terrible, since inside this shed has A/C!  You get to know the people in line and their home improvement needs (or not) when you’re all waiting so long, and I let one young couple know what a nice job they did for us when we redid our kitchen 6 years ago now!  As the group around me got closer to the front, a piece broke off the board.  The attendant pulled out a screwdriver and started fixing it, and I said “good thing she has a tool here at the Home Depot booth!  Wouldn’t it be ironic if somebody had to run down the street to Northern Tool…” With the game repaired we all took our turns and I got this handy bottle opener!

I walked past the new Sweet Martha building to examine it now that its open, and I guess the statement someone made that this is the largest building she has on the grounds now is true.  Its also never really busy, so this is the place to get your cookies on a Saturday!

The tpt public television booth has moved into the old little white radio station booth down the street and it looks small and unassuming, but if you go inside, it opens into a big courtyard with lots of kids activities and a stage!  All the life sized photo op cut outs from Victoria, Sherlock, Poldark and Bob Ross are back there too.  I checked in as a member and picked up some new socks for Gray! ****

Cat in the Hat appears daily

and there is a photo booth that superimpose you into famous tpt television sets, but they were struggling with the technology this morning.  My image did get uploaded later and I found myself on Sesame Street!

I was told another CPLC friend Jonathan was working the Tesla booth in the Eco Building, so I made my way back over there, since I had more to see after such cursory tour Saturday while achieving our BINGO goals.

On the way I stopped into the Kemps area.  The free sample today was cotton candy IttyBitz…I decided to check the ingredients before eating and they’re full of dye & sucralose!  No thanks. I looked into the “cow pen” and just like the rest of the food industry….even the cows are downsizing!  You can win a mini blow up cow, a stuffed cow or a book this year when you pick your cow tattoo.

I took a solo cow bomb photo, but note to self ( and others) they use a blue-screen so a blue shirt makes you invisible if you want to be a floating head, and a purple shirt makes you transparent!

I did not find my friend, but I found some new chairs I want for the patio, samples of chips and cheeses, grabbed a new canvas tote, spun some wheels, grabbed more swag and learned a bit about the different ways that recycled products can be used.  It made me want to get started composting as home. 

I also took a seat at the Water Bar to test my water tasting skills, but this year, they just tell you which water comes from where and you taste them.  Not as much fun…unless you’re really thirsty…like I was.

It was time to stroll through the humid, steamy, Fine Art building with very few patrons.  I enjoyed getting a close look at this years State Fair poster art, and there were a few pieces that made me stop and take a closer look. The art that used innovative and old school techniques in different ways with different media are the most fascinating to me.

Texture, depth and color!

Humor

Creepy

Fun

Sculpture

Glass & Pottery

Creatures & Food?

Not quite sure whats up with this porcelain chicken display or the tub full of pills…

I joined Gayle & Wendy with family & friends, for my first refreshing beverage of the day at Giggles.  It felt good to sit for a minute as the heat was oppressive.  We spent most of our northwoods rest looking at radar and assessing the incoming weather front threat.

We all went our own way and I happened upon the prize drawing hour at the AFL-CIO booth and got my tickets for a couple gift cards and a bench.

I didn’t win, but if you’re in the area, check out all the different unions represented and learn about what they do.  There are also SO MANY things to  stick your head in!  I need a friend next time!

I stopped by the Hamline Dining Hall to see if anyone I knew was working, but no luck.  The new ice cream flavor from The Grand Old Creamery is called Chocolate Agate Crunch.

I am getting a crown on a cracked molar tomorrow morning, so hard rocks in cold ice cream does not sound like a food I will try today, tomorrow, or at any point during the fair!

Next door is Love from Minnesota and I love the Duck, Duck, Grey Duck photo op.  The lovely lady working there saw my lonely, wistful, wishing glance and offered to take my picture!

I needed pie and had connected via text with my niece Morgan & Matt and they met me at Sara’s!  I ate my fifth…sixth (?) blueberry pie and I took advantage of the offer of 5 vodka cranberry orange liquor, added to my frozen lemonade instead of poured on the pie…. (tastes just like the Jason drink!)

Morgan & Matt had their first blueberry pie too!  YUM!  They had just come up from the Coliseum and I realized I missed the horse show where they were going to get 26 draft horse hitches into one space.  Not sure if it ever happened, but we headed back down to the area to see if there were any draft horses still out and about. There were some single horse rigs that did not disappoint!

I was excited to go check out the bunnies….but once again I missed them.  I have to remember the bunnies are only there for four days and the poultry moves in.  Saw some cool chickens though.

And one more opportunity to play….

There were a few sheep, but the barns are switching over and the skies were turning darker.  We decided to find a spot to hunker down and watch the storm roll in.  We started at Coasters and the kids thought this might be a fun ride in a storm!  I sent the picture to Randy at work and he sent a reply.

We got drinks and food and moved around the corner to Cafe Caribe…

and checked the radar….

but the storm never really materialized and all we got was a bit of rain and floating tobasco.

We couldn’t sit any longer, so we poncho~d up and walked over to the bench.  Morgan said it has gotten turned around, so we needed to rectify that!

The rain just steamed things up at this point, we were so hot and sticky.  We headed over to the DNR to see if we could find bricks and get out of our rain gear for a bit.  Even the fish tanks were completely fogged up!

I made Morgan climb into the big boot and we entered the tunnel through the DO NOT ENTER door and found the family bricks.

We exited through the bat cave and the temperature had just dropped, and the air was almost chilled!  We didn’t really have a plan, but I wanted to try the new Dairy Building malt flavor of the year “S’mores”.  I thought it best we try both versions, the malt and Sundae for comparison.  Super, super sweet, but absolutely nailed the texture, flavor and yumminess of a S’more!

I stopped quickly to see  butter head.

It was still steamy inside the buildings, but outside was glorious!

We were eating our treats and turned around to see the sun breaking through the clouds over the coliseum.

Still no agenda, the kids heard from friends who had landed on the grounds right before the storm and as they entered, they were told to just come in…for free…and seek shelter! I guess better safe than sorry! The Fair doesn’t take chances like that.

On our way to connect with these friends, we checked out the Merchandise Mart. There’s a couple new things in here, the marionettes that I used to contend with in the photo booth at the Alphabet Forest are now housed inside here.  And there is a new product called Mouse Mix, that Morgan says works!

There are still ornaments, faucets, toys, nail polish, mops, chip clips and the recycled patio furniture people.

Last year, there was a new wine opener company that both Mom & I were impressed by.  I watched his schtick one morning and was his straight man for a bit.  I ended up buying gift sets for my brothers and one for mom. 

Ironically, that night I told mom about it and she had just purchased them all for Christmas gifts too.  I went back the next day, explained the situation and they accepted my return kindly.  I have used the parts often, and just this last month when we had family gathering to celebrate Mom & Dad and the corks got stuck in the scotch bottles…we needed stoppers.  The set only came with one, and now this year they have extra stoppers!  Today I bought three. He remembered us from last year and was so sorry to hear mom died.

Last year I also found the puppet lady in here and I asked if she made golf club covers and she said she would!  I ordered a Sloth cover for Randy for Christmas and had it shipped after the fair. I stopped by today to thank her for doing that!

There is an Avon both and I bought some of the new Skin so Soft with Picaridin that is my new favorite bug repellent.  I also restocked our supply of Smooth Gator.  Gray depends on this stuff for soothing itching and I like it for sore muscles.  It’s not cheap, but we love it.  You have to like the smell of Eucalyptus, or this stuff will kill you!

Almost connected with their friends Morgan had to make a pit stop.  I questioned her choice of facility, and took a picture, in case it was the last time we’d ever see her!

It took a while, and she explained that it was a bit challenging in overalls, when you want to be sure that your straps and such make contact with absolutely ~nothing~ inside.

We took a quick pic and planned to part ways, but all ended up at tables in the Ball Park.

I left the kids alone and connected with friends of my own.  Sally, Tom and I had walked enough that day so we sat and shared stories of love, loss and family.  They, both having lost parents, and more recently all their belongings and house in a fire.  We listened to the Beach Boys concert while sitting at the Ball Park, and then decided to walk down to see if there would be a Corn Dance.  I was hungry, I thought, so I decided on a Gyro from my favorite spot Dimitri’s.

I need to remember that 10pm on a slow night might not be the best time for this dish.  The meat was dry, however the tatziki and bread were still delicious, so I managed to eat it all!

Tom got a Pronto Pup and we sat down by the Corn booth to wait for fireworks.  The show was going longer and longer and we decided not to wait and made our way home.  Snapped an awkward selfie on the bench!

Sally was feeling peckish and got herself a deep fried Twinkie.

I’ve never seen one purchased or eaten, so this was an experience.  I didn’t know that the booth was owned by Eddie of Spaghetti Eddies next door, and I learned that Eddie doesn’t make canolli anymore because he’s getting older and too arthritic.

Tom & Sally walked home with me as I offered them a ride back to their rental, while their house is being rebuilt. It was nice to have company and as we pulled up to their house, the fireworks went off.  Tom is a veteran so fireworks are not his favorite thing, so it was good they were home safe and sound.

Tomorrow I have a dental appointment at 8 am, so we’ll see what the day brings.  I hope to get to the fair in the afternoon.

The morning moved slowly, as I wrote blog entries, spent some time with the puppy and the kid packed up to return to school. I was a bit exhausted from the previous emotionally and physically demanding days.

I didn’t even leave the house until 2 pm.  My plan was to remain on the East side and get through Creative Activities, Education, Annex,  4-H, and finish the Eco Building.  Rain was predicted every other hour, so I was hoping that it would stay away so I could get through the buildings with fewer guests! I only got through Creative Activities and my Sunday plan took a more fun turn.

I was completely engrossed in the Creative Activities and feel like I took care to see every display case and hanging object there was.

My friend Elysia who we call “E” was trying to connect with me, and we were in the same building for almost 20 minutes before she actually found me!

 

She found me trying to get quality photos of this incredible Springerle display.  It was tucked in a dark area by the door to the annex and taking pictures was difficult.  What I wanted most is the recipe and the instructions in hops that it will help me when Andrea tries to teach me how to make them this fall  Dad made them every year and I never really did it with him…now I wish I had.

The La Patisserie demonstration that was supposed to be in the Cambria Kitchen was cancelled.  Not sure why but I got a nice picture of the unoccupied space!

The buildings were so humid and oppressive that most people were outside.  My friend Carole informed me they were not going to come over due to the forecast, but there was no rain yet.

E & I quickly got through the back corner of the Creative Activities and saw an enormous Tinker Toy display!

It’s a huge Midway Like display utilizing different generation Tinker Toys, from wood to plastic.

We then cruised through the Annex, making my first stop for wine slushie samples, soup and more slushie!

The slushing lady was sad to know mom died too. We’d say hi every day!

The standard shops are present here, with the addition of a sign shop and a floral shop. The Swiss peeler/slicer guy is still doing his thing!  And Jacobs lefse is still there.  I almost bought some extra supplies, realizing that I don’t need more as I will just find and use Moms.

They had a claustrophobic kitchen gadget shop where I looked for an avacado slicer, but they don’t have the good one. I again realized, I bought one for mom.

E has spent the last four days in the Education Building as her son is very active with the robotic teams.  She was gracious enough to accompany me through it, one, more, time! We spun the wheels,

answered trivia, snagged some treats, maps and pencils and attempted to get some funny pictures.  The first photo-op was with MNdot and we were posed “falling off” a bridge.  The kid running the computer system was not sure what he was doing, so we don’t think we’ll ever see that one.  The one from the Minnesota Historical Society of us at the Oliver Kelley Farm hugging the Oxen is fun!

We walked right up to the reconfigured St. Thomas both and got a bag, no lines, no schedule…but not sure if that is the standard protocol.  I grabbed it and tucked it away and didn’t look at it until before I went to bed and at first glance I thought it said says “Blessed are the Needy”.  I wondered if they were putting all the beatitudes on different days of the fair., but there are only eight….  The next morning I noticed the bag actually says, “Blessed are the NERDY”.  I’ll check to see if that is the bag every day!

I like to see the school art submissions and this one blew me away.  A multimedia collage created by a first grader!!

We needed some food, and grabbed another Egg roll (my third!?!) Man they’re delicious.  E & I tried the garlic cream cheese wontons and they were not my cup of tea, but E liked them a lot.

We stopped in the middle of Dan Patch to try to take a sunny selfie to send to Carole to tell her “it’s not raining” and a lady stopped and asked if she could take our picture for us.  We were obviously struggling!  LOL  I love it that strangers are willing to help at the fair!

We grabbed a photo-op here where I don’t think I have ever actually done it!  Then we strolled through the Health Kare11 booth and got a Ucare bag which are new and blue this year, picked up the Gluten Free food list and thought for a split second about getting our blood sugar checked but decided against it after our recent consumption!

E has never been to a talent show, so we grabbed a beer, a lemonade slushie, a burger and pie and settled in for the show. The talent was excellent, but we didn’t stick around to hear the winners as I convinced E to take in talent show #2!

I don’t know if it was because it was a Sunday night and kids were heading back to school. or if the weather forecast scared people off, but the fairgrounds were so empty, E & I could take opportunities to do things that normally had long lines.

We stopped by Anderson window booth and smashed a Vikings penny. The lady was offering me a penny to smash and I asked her if I’d have to be on her mailing list for life and they’d hold my email address forever, and this kid just looked at me and said…”lady I’m just trying to give you a free penny!”   E grabbed the pennies and we got the job done!

We scored yard sticks that we had to carry awkwardly all night tying not to stab each other and strangers as we walked!

The tent was still set up where the Red Vines natural giveaway was happening. They wanted to close up so they were handing out ~stacks~ of boxes!  Score!  We walked back over to the county Talent show where I had not yet succeeded in honoring Mom by sitting through a show on these bad benches with shredded rubber getting in my shoes.

David was there and had a couple of seats by him, so we joined him for talent that was not quite as good as what we had just seen.  I asked how Davids food & beverage spread sheet was working this year and he had made some progress, but had lots to do! He informed me tat Iron Man meat & potatoes were no longer offered at Giggles and was in disbelief!  Recon required!

After the show, I offered to take E on the Giant Wheel.  I did not know she was afraid of heights until we had tickets in hand and were waiting in line.  (a albeit ~short~ line)

As we waited I go to catch up with this lovely youth & fiance from CPLC and as I turned the queue corner again who do I see but my former coworker Molly!  E is convinced I know everybody!

Once in the Wheel, E had a slight panic moment, and then we both panicked a bit when the enormous hornet appeared on the glass door of our  enclosed but somewhat ventilated cage soaring 150 feet in the air!  We got a bit more freaked when our cage mate pulled off her shoe and was going to attempt to smash it…or miss and just make a mad hornet! I pulled my epi pen close and just tried to take pictures.

It was quite a view!

Once we survived the flight, and safely on the ground, we started walking again.

We encountered some poor little plushies left behind at the fair. I’m sure it was preceded by some parent saying “if ~you~ want them, ~you~ carry them!”

we walked down to check out the bench, and catch the view of the skyscraper above.  We ate some french fries…since they were. right there.

I promised Randy cookies the night before but failed with the long lines.  Tonight was much better, and I bought a cone, whipped out my ziplock bag and the kid in the booth exclaimed. “you’ve done this before!”  Ya, not my first cookie take-out mission.

We then wandered over to get corn, listen to Earth Wind & Fire and possibly take in a corn dance.  E had never seen or heard of it, so I thought it would be fun.

The concert ended, late…after a few encores and the fireworks went off…and no corn dance.

We waited a while as a good Minnesotan does, until I finally asked about it in the ticket window and got a vague answer.  Then one of the managers approached me and asked if we were waiting for it, and he informed me that there would be no corn dance as the kids were all exhausted.  The day before set a record for first Saturday attendance shattering the old record by 20K people and with the heat and humidity today the temps in the booth reached 140 degrees.  No corn dance for you.

We did however witness kids getting dunked in corn water trough!

With no corn dance, and tired feet we made our way out the gate around 11:30pm.  The “M” all lit up takes on new meaning for me this year!

I’d only walked about 9K steps that day, but E recorded almost 24K!  She hopped on her bus and I walked back to the all too quiet house and made my way home.

It never did rain….

Today is Mom & Dad’s wedding Anniversary.  When I woke up this morning, the thought that brought me a little joy, is that in 56 years, they never spent an anniversary without each other.  This photo was taken the moment we surprised them with their bench in 2012. The Pioneer Press photographer happened upon our gathering and captured a very special moment for all of us.  Photo credit: Scott Takushi Pioneer Press August 25, 2012

Celebrate the moments with those you love, those moments will never come again.  I’m glad we didn’t wait to get the bench.  I love the fact that they got to enjoy it!  There were opportunities to connect with people over the annual bench hunt and all the photos shared showing Mom & Dad how much they were loved and respected by the people who took the time to find it!  Now, instead of only being able to mourn on the bench, we can reflect, remember and rejoice in the joy we all found there!

Today, the first one to find & share photos of the bench was my cousin Thane!  Today is his birthday, so he shares a special bond with them too.

It is also Boston Scientific Day at the fair , so I donned my official shirt and headed to Simpson Street at about 8:30 am.  I arrived and very shortly, found myself surrounded by loving and supportive neighbors.  Everybody on the street is missing Mom & Dad this year.  Stories were shared and tears were shed, and as we stood there a truck pulled up and asked how much to park, and I had no idea what the corner neighbors were charging, but I must have underbid them by a little when I said $20.  The people didn’t bat an eye and pulled right up.  I’m not parking cars this year as I’m not there to manage the property, but there are two spots in front, that I told the neighbors to fill if they want. I ended up with company as Sonja was heading over too.  I offered to buy her a beer with the parking money and toast Mom & Dad.

The plan was to stick close to the East side and get through Eco, Fine Art, Education and Creative Activities.  That was the plan….

We skirted through the edge of Creative Activities and the buildings were already quite crowded. I grabbed today’s recipe card for the round-up.  (There will be a recipe blog page later).  I stopped by on our way out last night and realized I’d missed the first card, but luckily I asked at the desk and was able to pick it up that one too. We headed to the street (a fair professional never wants to be stuck on a sidewalk) and as we walked I told Sonja that if at any point she wanted to peel off and leave me, just give me a wave and run.  Every day, I run into people and get engaged sharing stories, tears and hugs and some conversations are longer than others.  Shocking, I know.  I had yet to stop the Alphabet Forest this year.  I knew it would be a time-consuming and emotional visit.  I also knew that both Debra Frasier (the creator & founder of this amazing place) and David LaRochelle (author of some of my favorite toddler tales) would be there.  Sonja didn’t wait too long before peeling off to accomplish her goals for the morning!

I stopped to say an emotional hello to David, as he was engaged with kids helping them “adopt a dragon”!  This moment absolutely reinforced my decision to decline volunteering here this year.  As much as I want to see families, play with children and plant the seeds of early literacy, the Alphabet Forest is not a platform for my emotional needs right now.  I’m a detractor from the goal, and the stuff going on here is not about me.

I got more hugs, tears and support from my friends in the forest and had to check out the special event tent that Debra created this year.  She returned for a limited engagement as “The Queen of Letters” with her sidekick Alpabetini. 

What Debra does in this space is magical. Just like the entirety of the Alphabet Forest, it is fun for all ages!  I got a hug from Debra and she invited me to sit down with her and discover my “Word of Power”.  She reminded me there are only 26 letters in the English language, every book, every email, every text, ~every word~, we use is made up from only these ~26~ amazing letters.  I was entranced. It was just the two of us in this ethereal space, completely tuned out of the chaos surrounding us and after choosing cards, and pointing to letters in her enchanting letter book, the three words were chosen. 

 

I know that meaning could be found in just about any word that Debra pulled out of her magic book, but these were pretty spot on.  Once the three words are selected, discussed and defined, The Queen of Letters asked me to choose the one that is the most powerful for me. A word I respond to or one I need to work on. “Adaptable” is the word that I chose for my power word.  In the coming year of firsts & lasts, remembering and clinging to the “way things have always been” and trying to make things stay the same, when they never will be again, adaptability will be critical.   Debra told me the companion word to this is “flexible”, a word I had already heard that day when talking to moms neighbor Megheen.  They both used the exact same phrase with me, within the hour…”if you aren’t flexible, you will break.”

Choosing a power word, summons Alphabetini, and she dances, but only to one tune…”A,B,C, D…”  I sang along, swept up in the moment.  

Once you’ve been bestowed with your power word, the scribe of letters writes it down for you and places it in one of the Queen’s embossed envelopes and you’re instructed to take it home and put it with all your really important things and to take it out and read it when you need to be reminded of your power. 

I was given a gift in those magical moments.  Experience it if you can, she is only there through Aug 30th (next Thursday)

I turned around to attempt to reconnect with Sonja, when who do I find, but my coworker and her beautiful girls that I have had and currently have the pleasure of teaching!  Seeing them delight in this space, is why I love it here!

 

I left the Alphabet Forest, confirmed in my choice to take a year off from my volunteering and made a promise to return for the Tenth Anniversary year in 2019!

I headed over to the Fine Art building, where I was going to try to find Sonja and actually get inside a building to see something.  Who do I run into outside, but this wonderful couple!  The Berge’s are life long friends of our family and one of the loveliest couples I know!

I talked their ears off and they graciously listened and shared stories.  Grateful they had a bench to sit on, this already very busy fair day at 11 am!

Sonja emerged from the Fine Art building, sure that I had moved on….but no.  We decided to head into the Eco Building and see if there’s anything new.

On our way in, I literally bump into, Steve & Karla!  They were on the second to the last punch of the walking tour!  Something they had never done before!  I almost forgot to get a picture!  

Outside there is this huge solar flower!  It folds up at night and “blooms” during the day.   If only I had the space!

I took a quick picture of the coolest kids pay area on the fairgrounds. Free and mostly shady, eco friendly play yard! 

The water bar is there again this year, but there was a line and I had to remind myself…It’s ~Saturday~ at the fair.  These are activities that can wait until a less crowded week day.

We saw the BINGO cards. 

Sonja and I decided to play. It’s a fun, fact filled adventure with trivia and games to play.  Many people playing near us were going for the BINGO coverall, but we were going for efficiency and straight line BINGO.  Paul Bunyon is still there, lots of family friendly scientific experiences, hands on interactive exhibits and photo ops, We accomplished the task in less than 15 minutes, which included time to fill, empty and fill out water bottles.  We collected our prize, a cooling wrap, and moved on.

 

Neither of us had eaten yet, so I grabbed a Foot Long and Sonja got a malt and we made our way to Creative Activities.

The kitchen in the Creative Activities got a complete makeover by Cambria and it’s beautiful.  Today TeaSource was there and as you ~can’t see~ on the big screen monitors, there’s a rotating demonstration schedule.

The kitchen is 180 degrees from last year and the reconfigured space is not conducive to the cookie display functionality.  I hope there is some improvement in this area in years to come.  I was disappointed to find there are no decorative or stamped cookies in the cases this year.  Andrea…you need to enter your Springerle next year!!!  You’ll win a blue ribbon, with our without competition!  There were cookies on a stick

 

Which reminded me to look up the 4-H Llama show schedule.  I did get there last year, but never got the blog post done.  I’ll see if I can get there again this year.  It’s Wednesday @ 6 pm.

The prize-winning cookie entries all share similarities, uniformity, color and size must all be judging criteria.

There were some impressive entries, but I keep thinking , I can do this!  Maybe next year I need to make it happen. 

The cake competition is always fun.  This year a tribute to our national parks.

There is so much to see in this space, but today there are too many people to get close and take time to enjoy it.  A few shiny things caught our eyes as we made our way out to return another time.  And talk about upping the game on a Granny Square blanket!

and this needlepoint was spectacular.

I set my thoughts to Pie and I still needed to buy Sonja a beverage to toast Mom & Dad with this $20 parking bill in my pocket! 

Pie #4 was purchased

and Sonja informed me of the new Pronto Pup BUILDING.  I had no idea they built a permanent structure, but then again, this is not one my State Fair food groups.  We had to stop by and check it out.

There is Pronto Garden and viewing windows to see the behind the scenes operation.  There were bags and bags of pronto pup batter mix inside.  You don’t always think about the time and transport efforts this saves having all the supplies for your satellite locations on the grounds.  

We ran into another wonderful work family hanging out in front too. They had obviously had a great morning so far.

 

We finally made it to Cafe Caribe for a margarita!

So refreshing on a humid, sticky day.  I got word that family was saving a parade bench, so we made our way back up near the Space Tower and Sonja headed for home while I stayed to hang out with all the Espe cousins!  I went inside and renewed my foundation membership. 

While we waited for the parade to start, family & friends came and went and Kiera, the most recent 21-year-old, tried some new beverage options!  She decided beer might not be her favorite thing, but her dad was happy to help her out!

 

Somewhere up near the north end, Karla found they were giving out a new product…Natural Red Vines.  They taste just like the real thing, but are made with real sugar, flavored and colored with all natural ingredients!  Radish coloring, not Red Dye!  They were delicious!

 

The parade passed by and there were big bands and little bands, dancers and jumpers, horses and wagons and the usual mascot subjects.  

My friend E,  her son and a friend from CPLC  were in the parade as a fair employee and representing First Robotics.  

…but my favorite was this guy!

I noticed they had poop scooper guys today, and I thought I recognized one.  He was scooping and finally turned around and sure enough!  It was the hardest working, smiliest, best attitude guy on the fairgrounds….and I honestly can’t remember his name.  I don’t know if I ~ever~ knew it. He’s been featured in the blog almost every year and I tried to get his attention, but he was off.  If you see him, thank him.  He’s awesome.

I made sure I got a picture of the Espe gang before they all departed, just like Carol Jo would have.  

We all parted ways and I stopped to listen to Tonic Sol Fa for a bit as I was headed back to Moms to recharge my phone and spirit. 

Leaving the grounds, there was a large police presence and I noticed they were moving barricades.  I walked out to cross the street and Snelling Avenue was bereft of traffic and as I crossed over I asked the crossing cop if a protest was on the way, or if had just passed through  He told me it had just ended, so I continued on my way home, or I might have retreated back into the fair. 

One back at Mom’s, I plugged in all my electronics and settled in to wait for the kid to arrive by bus.  Jerry stepped out and asked if I had people coming to park and I didn’t so he asked to put out his sign and in less than a minute, BAM, BAM, the two front spaces filled by people who were happy to pay $20, as the neighbors across were charging $40!!!

I walked down the street as I heard laughter coming from the Mackey House.  I was invited to have a seat at the Simpson Street wine bar and relaxed for a bit with Sonja, Bartley and Mary. 

The youth arrived and we had a plan to get to the Coliseum for the draft horse and hitch show.  All the horse shows are free now and you need to get there early for a seat.

We made a quick stop at the Space Tower to say hi to one of my former kids Eben and his family (who run this operation!)  This is a pretty awesome private view of the Tower!

I was hungry and forgot to use the bathroom before we left moms, and as we headed to the Horse Show, I decided the line for Noodles was shorter than the line filling the street for the bathroom. 

We serpentined our way through massive crowds and arrived at the coliseum, found seats and then took advantage of less crowded facilities and a little shorter lines for a burger and a lemonade for Gray.

Once settled we were joined by E and watched an amazing exhibition of majestic beasts, adorned with glorious tack and beautiful rigs.  There were 16 teams lined up in the Coliseum, my pictures don’t do them justice.  Next Monday there will be 26 teams lined up in here.  Hoping to see it.   I did pick the winner though!  Gray’s pick came in third.  

Hungry & thirsty again after the show, we grabbed a Giant Juicy turkey sandwich and the Buffalo version of the turkey ribs.  Once again I ate the ribs so fast I failed to get a picture!

We found a group of good friends hanging out at Cafe Caribe, listening to the band.

Gray & I hung out for a it, then made our way up to listen to The Bodeans and/or Ipso Facto.  So much great music, so little time and foot power remaining!

Randy wanted us to bring home cookies.  His joints are not cooperating again this year, so he’s unsure if he’ll be able to navigate the fair.  We tried….but sorry, “no cookies for you”  The lines filled the street.

We instead met up with family and friends halfway in between. Mike, Kathleen, Kevin Kopper, Karla & Steve, Kiera and Logan all converged in the same spot at the same time, like we were drawn there by unseen forces.  Gray happened to run into two former, formative teachers!  High school art teacher on the right and grade school music teacher on the left!  I was standing there in my Boston Scientific shirt and a stranger asked if I’d “been spotted” yet!  

Boston Scientific has a few employees who are designated spotters on the grounds.  If you are “spotted” wearing your official t-shirt, you win a gift card!

Prior to this day dawning, I anticipated spending the day on Mom & Dad’s bench, sad, dwelling in the past, drinking too much and crying.  Thanks to the magical, “powerful” gift I was given at the start to my fair day, I found the courage to make new memories, spend time with family, here in the moment and I didn’t even make it down to see the bench.  Mom & Dad would have wanted nothing else!