Friday, Family & Friends!

I was granted a reprieve from work and was able to leave midday!  I got Stella connected with her friend Kari, who is off to college this weekend and they went to the fair, while I did some blogging at Mom's and then Michael & Kathleen joined us and we all walked over for the talent show.

It was more crowded than it has been, but we still scored seats sixth row center stage!  Michael and Kathleen went to grab a bite and a beer and I asked them to find a Bud for me.  (I can only drink rice beer to avoid allergy troubles all evening)

As we waited for the show to start, a trash picker-upper guy came by and wanted to clear our aisle. He was trying to get a piece of trash and I commented "that's a sticky one!"  and he said "I like the sticky ones!" he was awfully impressive with his grabber, until he found an entire pineapple shell from the Manny's Tortas pina coladas...he was determined to get it with the grabber.  He laughed and joked and I must say, for a guy whose job it is to pick up trash at the fair...(day nine) he had a great attitude and was so funny!  I wish I had a picture.

Michael & Kathleen were gone quite a while, returning with Bull Bites, wine and no beer for me.  I guess I did not realize that Budweiser is not available everywhere.  I always buy mine at the Ball Park, so I have not noticed. The show started, but after the first act, I told Kathleen to time me. and I raced across the street, through the Food Building, around the corner to the  Ball Park, found the shortest line on the garlic fries side, got a beer and returned via the Food Building, but found congestion near the cheese curds, so I veered to the right, out the side doors by the Isabel Burke's taffy and wound my way quickly back up to the bandshell.  Only once did I almost bump the beer when a guy cut me off and stopped in front of me...I raised the beer high, slopped a drop but did not lose it, cursing under my breath. I returned to my seat in less than five minutes!  I only missed one four minute act!  (sadly, Kathleen told me it was a good one...a kid doing show tunes.)  But after three days at work, I was right where I wanted to be with family and friends!

Stella & Kari joined us towards the end, and Mom & I went up to see the County Fair talent Show and the girls went in search of dinner.  Michael & Kathleen went off to have fun on their own.

I lagged behind and as I walked up Cosgrove, and got to sample the new Ocean Spray Sparkling Tangerine drink.  

The guy serving it had a false enthusiasm and I joked and told him to try it with more feeling....he laughed and gave me jazz hands and the guy next to him called him Sparkle pony!  I was getting a glimpse into day nine, heat induced, state fair employee humor!

Found Mom had already joined friends!

S i hung out at the back and I got a call to say Sara Q was on her way out, so we met at the Baldwin Stage, and then the girls quickly joined us.  

We took a couple group shots and then I saw the Alphabet State Fair booth and we got a great picture of us four girls!

Stella and Kari explored some of the booths up in the park and Stella found the cup & ball toy and it didn't take her long to nail it!

We walked to the Ball Park stopping at Culligan to fill up water bottles. I got onion rings, Kari got the jalapeno poppers, and after sitting for a while we needed something sweet.  Kari got the fudge puppy and Sara & I got a dough-sant.  Tonight's was a bit crunchy and not quite as good as my last.  

Since it was finally crowded, and Stella is not a fan of too many people and warm weather, she had had enough, we had all had a long day and Kari & Sara  had much to do to get Kari ready to leave for college this weekend.  I started thinking that I will be doing that all too soon!

Once home, I tumbled into bed and was sound asleep in 15 minutes.  

On My Own

I worked until 5:30, got home, changed clothes, switched cars, picked up Stella's friend and we got over to fair by 7:00.  The girls left me and I was on my own to explore.  

I started by exploring a table at the Ball Park cafe, enjoying a cold one all by myself, watching people, contemplating my plan for the evening.  I finished my beer and realized that I need to hone my "friend making skills".  

Mom is amazingly skilled at it.  She meets people wherever she goes, and always finds someone to save her seat while she makes a bathroom run, or needs a little something to eat. Usually, the new friend turns out to be someone who knows someone who grew up with, or worked with, or went to church with or was involved in scouting with, or played bridge with my Mom or Dad!  

I was not feeling very social, and if I consumed another beer I might never get up and move, so I embarked on my journey.  Time was of the essence, since the buildings close at 9pm. 

 I thought about the Bazaar, but knowing it was open later I opted for the Empire Commons.  it will always be the Dairy Building to me.  I walked through quickly as it was empty! 

Took a quick look at the butter heads, with no crowds to sneak through

checked out the winning bacon and sausage!  Now that's some nice bacon!

I saw all the booths I wanted to see and was missing Stella every time I turned around.  I took pictures of the holes, missing faces, and the egg chair missing a kid, the putting green where she would golf with me....and I walked up to the Giant Slide with no kid sliding down....all the lonely places. 

I walked past the Fresh French Fries booth and I snapped a picture of the French Fry Fairy.  

The line that usually snakes down the block (for a chance to win free fries) was a few people long. I wanted to get a picture of the new neon signs all lit up, but I got part of it.  

I have been told by three different people to try to Dough-sant at the French Meadow Bakery.  Three strikes and I am in!  They were still making them at 8:45, and, well....it was awesome!  

Glad I did not have to share it!

It was still so warm outside, I was reluctant to explore more buildings, but Mom hoped I would make it to the Grandstand to pick up a set of Nellie's dryer balls.  I started up the ramp to see the top first, and looked for my Florian Ratcheting Pruning Tool guy.  Mine was broken and I need to get another one.  Turns out the Florian guy is gone, but this guy has been at the fair for many years too and he extolled the virtues of his vs. the one I own, and I think he won me over.  I didn't buy it yet, but he sure greased the wheels by giving me  a free bottle of cleaner and lubricant for the Florian pruner I already have.  

The shirt guy is there again this year, with a bigger booth and more stuff, jackets and polos for cheap cheap cheap! Randy will have to check it out.

I also found the people that sell drain stoppers that are dishwasher safe, since the ones we got for our new(ish) sink do not work as well as I thought.  I did not buy those yet either.  I typically shop on Labor Day. I would rather carry a bag full of junk on ONE day, not all twelve days. 

I headed downstairs to find the window guys who give away back scratchers.  I do not know which booth it is, as they were all starting to close up shop as it approached 9pm.  I also couldn't check out sewing machines (mine is dying if not already dead) since they were all covered up!

I'll need to go back to check them out, find the back scratcher and if it cools off I might even buy some fudge! I did come across the Zubaz booth!  

I had walked up and  down all the aisles and on my last turn found Nellie's.  Phew, just in the nick of time.  The doors were closing and I snuck out the side. I made my way to the meeting point to find the girls and there they were right on time.  The wanted one last ride on the Sky Ride so I walked up to meet them at the east end. I walked past Dino's and stopped to listen to High and Mighty play on the stage.  Great music in hidden places all over the fair!

The girls sky ride car arrived just after I got to the end 

The girls had a fun night on rides and seeing animals, and returned with half a bucket of cookies!  Randy would be happy!

One more day of work and then a nice long weekend...at the fair!

 

Great bites of fire!

I got off work earlier than I thought (hooray!) and so I called Mom and she had made it over to the fair in the morning and was willing to make an evening of it with me!  As we all get older, I sure appreciate that every night I get to spend with my Mom watching a talent show, or laughing together at the fair is a gift!  I didn't realize how much I missed hanging out at the fair with her, until this heat has kept her away for the last four days!

These are the flowers that greet me each day as I pull into the Simpson Street lot!  They are Mary's, Mom's next door neighbor.  I had to capture them!

We walked over in the still hot and humid air and headed for the bandshell to find seats.  The place was almost empty.  At first I thought maybe because Whisperin' Bill Anderson was not a big draw, but as his show ended and the talent show was drawing near....the place was still almost empty.  Mom & I jockeyed for good seats and found ourselves in the fourth row center....and realized quickly that underneath the awning of the bandshell, the air was not moving.  Hopping back a few rows we found a ever so slight breeze that made it tolerable.  

The talent show was over before we knew it, such great talent all stacked on one night will make it tough for the judges!  Any one of the acts might have won on another night.  We think we may have watched the winner of the teen division perform Tarantella on the piano.  A six year old kid in a plaid flatcap stole the show!  Looking forward to Sunday night!  (If you read this for information, know that the talent show finals start a half hour earlier this year! The show starts at 7:30 in the Grandstand.  We line up about 5pm)

Trying to decide what to eat, Mom & I walked up north to the county fair show.  As we were discussing all the different types of food we could eat for dinner, Mom figured a malt would tide her over until later!!   

The show in Baldwin Park was not quite as dynamic as the main stage, but when it was over we headed to find food.  On the way we walked through the Kidway to find all the guys from church helping out in the Lions's ticket booths.  One of the guys joked and said we could come in the air conditioned booth for $20.  Almost worth it!

Still undecided on food, we were walking towards the Midway Men's Club, which my friend Joe recommended the night before.   I was hoping to connect later with some friends going to the Cat Video show at the Grandstand. So I thought I would be eating later.  Mom needed food sooner, so as we were about to sit down at theMen's club, I got a text from Ruth that she was sitting about 50 yards away at the Visitor Center.  We walked on and sure enough I found her and her sister Naomi!

I thought the grandstand show started at 7pm and they would be done by 9.  Ruth informed me that there was two hours of preshow!  Music, Grumpy Cat, people talking, and then waiting for dark for the movies.  She would not be done until after 10:00.  I thought about getting a ticket to join them, but they had reserved seats.  

Mom wanted a hot dog, I wanted a beer, so we headed to the Ball Park. Got a table near the street and I fetched a beer, then Mom ran into the food building for a Peter's hotdog.  I finally decided I wanted Bull bites from Axel's.  I walked quickly through the food building to Axel's and got my bull bites, as I returned I spilled all the horseradish sauce into the boat.  Thank goodness for the beer....after moving fast, and it was still 90 degrees out, I ate a chunk of cajun seasoned beef drenched in horseradish and the sweat began to drip off my brow.  Mom wasn't sure I was OK! 

  I told Mom I would like to catch part of Sheila E.'s set.  I was a drummer back in high school, and I wanted to be like her!  We walked back to the bandshell.  Mom thinks she has seen her before and looked at me and said. "She is old".  I turned to her and said, "yes, Mom, I am too! 

I finally finished my bull bites, sweating all the way through them, refusing to throw away $8!  Knowing work and an 11 hour day, awaited me early in the morning, I did the prudent thing and returned home with Mom. 

I got home and my phone fell on the floor.  After three crashes to concrete at the fair this past week, she is a goner.  A big chunk fell out and it is the place where the slide is secured...and it hurts my face!  Might have to spend tomorrow evening phone shopping instead of at the fair.  

My blog for tomorrow could just be a new phone shot.

Oh, fer hot!

Stella & I arrived at the Simpson Street lot to find the house empty, but quite comfortable!  

Usually the warm, empty house impels us head over to the fair faster.  It was a nice break to sit by the window in the dining room!

As we entered the grounds, the Military Veterans Parade was just passing by.  It was pretty powerful to see all those men & women lined up and marching...more and more kept coming. 

Needing a refreshing treat right off the bat, we walked through the Ag-Hort building to get a frozen Apple Cider stick. ( just a buck!) we cruised through the crop art since Stella missed it last time.  We checked out the prize winning veggies and the heat has certainly taken it's toll on the collection!  I did not take pictures of the rotting vegetation...you are welcome!  Got a cute prize winning scarecrow. 

Dad was volunteering for the Foundation, doing a stint at a kiosk selling coupon books and posters down by the Birth Center.  Stella and I wanted to see him  to make sure he did not need some water or a cool rag.  The closest he may ever get to his self stated dream of being a Midway carnival hawker! "Step right up, get your coupon book he~ere!"  

As we stood there talking, we got to watch the missing man fly-over. I got a picture of the tail end.

As we stood there chatting up customers I felt something on my head.  I reached up and pulled off this enormous grasshopper!  *shudder*  It could have been worse!

We filled up Dad's water with some ice and moved on into the Birth Center.  No calves coming now, but probably later today.  I am not sure I will make it until "later today" but we'll see.

Stella and I wanted to see Heritage Square and get some pictures since this will be the last year it will look this way.  The foundation and the State Fair have big plans for renovations for this space for 2014.  Part of the space will become a transit hub, but the vendor and stage space will get a redo like the International Bazaar did a few years ago.  Stella is sad, but as we walked through she understood that the infrastructure is falling apart and something needs to be done.  I asked a vendor if their space was guaranteed for next year, and as she understands it, they all have to reapply for their status and hopefully there will be room for all those who want to return.  

Had to stop for Jarritos!

A parent/friend from Linwood owns a great shop called "I Like You" and she has her wares just inside the main building.  Cute stuff!  Stop by and check it out!

I don't know that the Trading Post or Funk & Rose will fit into the decor of a "new" facility!  They might have to be bastions of days gone by and remain as it in the new place!

The military trucks and service people had booths lining Dan Patch.  They were giving away Military bandanas somewhere along the road and I did not bring my wet frozen rag today, but it was so crowded, the thought of going into the tents was more than I could handle.  We found a misting fan instead!  I saw this Australian guy.. awesome uniform!

We walked up Dan Patch and saw the Minnesota Glass Blowers just finishing a demo.  

Beautiful glass. But Oh fer hot!  They let me snap a photo of the kilns and as I did, my iPad went dark despite the brightness on high and Stella informed me I was overheating!  I took a few more shots today that captured the overall feeling! 

We told Dad we would meet up with him after his shift, so we made our way back towards him and we passed by the Ranger tower. ~open!~  As an exercise in overcoming my fears (claustrophobia and vertigo) I figured this was as good a time as any since not very many people were interested in climbing a steel tower in the sun on a 93° day at high noon.  I texted dad to let him know where I was so if it took a while, he could head our way.  Stella chose to wait, in the shade, on a rock near the DNR.  I started climbing and there was one kid behind me.  I told him to pass me or he would never get to the top. 

It did not take me long to get up there, but once I did, I was rather shaky. The tower was empty but for me and a Ranger sitting on a chair, who was sympathetic and handed me my prize for making it to the top.  An induction card for the Ancient and Honorable Order of Squirrels.  ~only available at the top of the tower!.  Not wanting to drop my iPad from the tower, I waited until I had stopped shaking and took a few pictures.  

A few more people were coming up, so I decided it was time for me to make my descent.  The way down was MUCH harder.  I had to just hold the railings and look straight ahead using my feet to feel my way down, because if I glanced downward, the world started to spin. As I approached the bottom, I overheard the Ranger at the entrance say to a little kid "Don't worry, I'm the guy who will carry you down if you get scared up there".  I am sure he would not have let me ascend if he knew the risk involved with me!  Randy texted me as I was atop the tower and I told him where I was.  His response was "always good to exercise vigorously on 90 degree days".

Dad joined us and we all needed some lunch.  Dad got the Jaunita's Chicken Salad fajita, because....I will say it again....it is AWESOME!  Stella and I wanted to have our first Gyro from Dimitri's.  Their Tzatziki is sooo good. 

Dad needed a water fill up, so I took him to our secret oasis in the Blue Flame building.  Even advertising they have A/C, the place was still quiet and cool!

Dad had yet to discover the super secret location of their bench.  So, armed with the knowledge of where he had already looked and the photo clues I left him on the blog, I allowed only "yes or no" questions, we hinted his way to it!

It was hot.  Have I said that?  On our way out of the fair we ran into Dan Runyon ( Jaunita's) and talked a bit about how sales were going.  I reiterated the awesomeness of his chicken salad on a hot day, but we all agreed that on days like this, people don't stay as long, don't eat as much and it is almost too hot to drink beer.  All the vendors are down on numbers. As a woman who parks cars outside the fair every year, says " millions of dollars, not being made!" 

We decided it was time to head back for some respite.  It made me happy to walk into Mom & Dad's house and know that they had an escape from the heat.  

Sitting here blogging I am listening to the reports that the humidity hit a record dew point today of 77.  Hopefully as the week wears on, we will see a break in the weather.   We are watching KARE11 news and there is a booth at the fair that lets's you try on an aging suit. Weights, weighing you down, rods in the elbows and knees  restricting your movement and sagging you, a neck collar, and cataract goggles....   Randy's response was "no thank you, I already have one!"

 Apparently it is the U Of MN health booth today!

I am thinking of heading back over tonight, but I have to work three eleven hour days Wednesday through Friday and I am hoping to get out to the fair after work each night.  

Randy made a lovely dinner...

This humidity has me thinking, home feels good.  If I get a message from a friend telling me they are at the fair...I will be off like a shot!

Not one text, but three messages from friends and family, so I was off!

I got on the grounds and you could have shot a cannon through the fair and not hit anyone.  I texted everyone and while I waited for replies I wandered through the empty merchandise mart. It was hot inside, but I would rather go through the building hot and empty than hot and crowded.

I took a picture of the first two booths inside the door and noted the irony...next door to each other are the Fairy Finery booth that Stella loved when she was little and the Low Vision booth which is more appealing to me now!

I walked around and was invited to sit down at the "Smooth Gator" lotion booth.  This tiny lady (about four feet tall, if that) asked where I had pain and I said just my feet. I told her she really did not want to touch my "fair feet" so she grabbed some bags and covered my feet with the lotion.  She had a good sales pitch, but the stuff is $40/bottle so I told her I had to see how it worked walking around.  She said they are on commission, so if I come back ask for Linda, the tallest lady in the booth!  I have to say, throughout the evening I realized a few times that my feet felt awesome!

I got messages to meet friends at the Ball Park Cafe, so I joined up with the Quinn family!  

As we gathered, my friend Joe Knight and his wife Kelly came by in search of food.  I got a look at Joe's food consumption list from last year and he out-ate my brother Mark!  They found the comet corn at the Blue Moon and gave it a good review! 

Quinn's  got a basket of the new craft brew battered onion rings and they are really good!  Thick sweet onions with a light crunchy batter.  Nothing undercooked about these babies!  

They also got a bucket of cookies, and as Joe's wife Kelly said, it would be rude not to eat one when offered!  I finally took a photo of this iconic Minnesota sign.  I have walked by it 1000 times and I keep seeing it as a backdrop for friends photo ops so I decided I better have one too! 

It was a (hot) lovely (steamy) night for sitting (can't move) on the patio and having a cold one....or two.  Kathy found us and her crew connected soon after.  Kathy told them I knew everything about the State Fair..."just ask her" and I was stumped by the first question!  "When did the State Fair start?"  I had to do some research at home to find out it was 1859, the first year Minnesota was granted statehood.  I will not forget now!  

The people are in the glow of the red Ball Park baseball lights!

I was lamenting the fact that I must return to work the next day, and putting in long days through Friday.   Mike Q suggested I take a walk over to the AFL-CIO..."it's right over there".  But I explained that I volunteered to do it, no one was forcing me.  He still found it unjust labor practice, keeping me from the fair and thought I should visit!

I got a text from my niece saying they were at the Hanson concert, so the Quinn's and I wandered that direction...(with my feet still feeling pretty good!). Hanson...being younger than our music, but too old for the kids (their one hit, Mmm Bop, in 1996) the Quinn's headed home.  I hope to connect with them all again. 

I skirted the crowd and found Katie & Nick hanging at the back.  We chatted over the band, heard Mmm, bop!  And got a couple pictures.  Since they just arrived, they had lots to see.  Sadly many of the food vendors had already closed up shop by 9:30, I am sure due to low sales.  Too hot to eat!  I told them the Midway would be a fun walk and hoped to connect with them again on their short stay here in Minnesota.

  I headed home.  On the way out, his great percussion group was performing for the street crowds.  

This was the first night I saw the Pedi-cabs working too.  Maybe the temps were cooling down.  I sure did not feel cooler.

Mom was hopeful the temps would drop down to the 70's over night so she could open the house, but I think when she saw me, dripping with sweat at 10:15 pm, she decided it might be best to keep the A/C running!

Tomorrow is work and hopefully a talent show with Mom, if she can take the heat!