The morning was spent at home again resting my sore feet, but more importantly it was a big day for Jack. We had a zoom hearing before a judge, hoping he would grant Jack’s petition for a legal name change. It’s been a long awaited day! All went according to plan, but not without anxiety, knowing that one person held your future in his hands. Judge Gilligan was kind, respectful and helpful and there were lots of tears as Jack’s best friend and I testified as to the reasons we thought it was right. When the judge spoke the words, I hearby grant your petition, we all breathed a sigh of relief through our tears! We left the zoom and cheered, hugs and tissues all around! Randy was there and recorded audio of some of it for posterity. I refrained from doing rabbit ears during the actual hearing.

I delayed my attendance again, planning to only stay for my scheduled shift. The day was not only rainy, but the temperature had dropped into the 60’s! I pulled out new gear, layers for wicking, warmth and water, including gloves!

I grabbed one of each of the recipe cards on the counter as I passed Creative Activities not sure if I’d missed any. The giveaway stock is plentiful this year, most vendors have run out of nothing.

And caught the end of the parade as I walked up the hill.

Just like my father, barefoot in Birkenstock’s until the snow falls, I’d prefer to never wear socks, so today, it was a no socks, glove day in the Forest.

Another all too quiet shift, manning my post as chief of crown distribution again. I didn’t see anyone I knew until Karla & Steve stopped by at the end with their son Kory. Kory is a photographer and has won ribbons here at the fair, but they were on a mission to find a friends work in Fine Art.

I made sure no kids were around (which wasn’t hard today) and made my 2021 noodle.

I received a text from my neighbors, requesting cookies, since they weren’t getting the kids to the fair this year. It was to be my only stop and then home!

I heard from behind me as I walked, “Fairborne, taking a right!” I’ll never pass up a chance to take a pic of the mascots, so I grabbed my phone and took a pic as he zoomed past.

I walked towards Sweet Martha’s hoping to find my friend Paula somewhere along the way! I got a text from her and walked a bit farther to get a hug and a picture! I am blessed with multiple 50 year friendships!

I actually had to wait in the cookie line, but mom always taught us to go to the left. The line I chose seemed to have a crowd, but they were one family unit, so I was next!

I took a bucket picture, since I’d have to bag them up to get them safely back to the waiting children!

I rounded the corner to the WCCO water fountains to wash my hands and bag the cookies, when I spied this young friend and her roommate! The only member of the Quinn family I’ve encountered this fair!

I sent pictures to the waiting kids, letting them know I was on my way with the treasure.

I got a photo reply….I think somebody was excited!

It was only 7:30, so there were people still coming, but not close to the usual crowds. The weather factored in today. I’m curious what the attendance totals are looking like. I’ve heard people talk if 40% lower than average. The service road, open when I walked over, was now blocked again. I’m sure to keep pedestrians safer in the dark.

I looked up the attendance stats when I got home and the low numbers are astounding, but not surprising.

Tomorrow I work the early afternoon shift in the Forest. I’ll spend the entire morning blogging and hit the road by 10:30.