New Hangings for the Deck

Image via Wikipedia

Besides watching the horse pulls, one of the things we really like about the Fair is looking at all the stuff people have to sell.  Sunglasses, boots, jewelry, hot sauces, archery equipment, patio spinners, hats, dresses, you name it, somebody's selling it.  The hard part is deciding what to buy, because of course, it's the Fair, and we have to buy something.

This year I got a wind chime and a mobile type thing to hang out on the deck.  We've always looked at a lot of these things, but we never had anywhere to hang them, so we waited.  Now, we've got the deck and the pergola, and I've got someplace to hang them!  I got a wooden wind chime because I love the sound of the wooden chimes better than the metal tinkly ones.  And this one just happens to have a frog on it.  And then I got a decorative hanging with copper and colored balls - kind of like the ones pictured here.  It kind of reminds me of a solar system, and I really like the way it catches the light.  We just have to decide where we really want to hang them.  For now they're hung on the hooks we have for the citronella lanterns.  I'm really enjoying listening to the frog when the wind blows.  I ought to get video or at least audio of that - and some pictures too, huh?

Tuesday Tidbits

 Here I am at the end of another Tuesday and now that I sit down, everything has flown out of my head.  I'm sure it was all there before!

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I already mentioned that we went to the State Fair on Sunday, and Jeffrey got a new cell phone.  Cory got one too, even though he wasn't with us.  The boys had already picked out the phones they wanted, so we knew which one to get him.  Then Monday before work he stopped by US Cellular to get his activated and pick out a protective case.  I think he's liking it quite a bit.  I'm the only one left without a Smart Phone, but I guess I'll survive.  I still like my phone, and I can check facebook, twitter, and email from my phone, so what else do I really need?  And, besides, I'm usually home where I can use an actual computer to do all that.

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I've been wanting to use this picture for a while.  It made me think of Beth & Tim when I first downloaded it - and then I just never needed it.  They found out they were going to be parents and cut down on the drama.  Or maybe they just kept it to themselves.  Until now.  Hopefully they'll get their stuff figured out.  They have a son.  They need to grow up.

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Speaking of that adorable son, I got to go hang out with him today.  Beth had a dentist's appointment and didn't figure Jason would be happy to sit in his car seat the whole time, so she had me meet her there and watch him for her.  Yeah, it was tough, but somebody's gotta do it, right?  Thankfully Cory didn't have to work today, so I had a way to get there.  I still would have gotten to hang out with Jason.  Beth just would have had to leave work early enough to swing by here and drop him off first.  Tomorrow I get to see him again, because she wants to take all three kids to Old World Wisconsin, and she doesn't think she wants to do that all by herself.  Probably a good decision.  Also, I really do need to see that little guy regularly, because he just keeps growing and changing, and I might miss something.

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I guess that's it for now.  Nice to see there were at least a few things in my head, huh?  Tune in next Tuesday for another edition - episode? rambling list? - something.

Pictures I Didn't Take at the Fair

Jeffrey and I went to the Wisconsin State Fair yesterday and spent the day just walking around and hanging out together.  We always have a good time, from the moment we walk through the entry with the bronze letters saying, "Wisconsin State Fair Park" until we walk out again at the end of the day.
 

 
I took several pictures, but I just get busy looking and seeing and doing, and I forget to get pictures of the stuff I'm really interested in.  I have a friend who always takes tons of pictures whenever she goes, and they're always a lot of fun, so I'll let you look at her pictures!  (I hope that works, and her pictures aren't all friends only)  I just love that she takes pictures of everything, and she's not afraid to take pictures of people.  I don't get good pictures of people, because I don't want them to actually know I'm taking their picture.  Yeah, I know, get over it.

Instead I take pictures of animals (mostly horses),  crowds, the sky, bronze plaques and neon signs, and even some flowers.  I just want to take pictures of the people eating the turkey legs, wearing the odd interesting outfits, and trying to sell all the gizmos and gadgets - but I don't.  And, instead of taking a picture of the man cooking the noodles I had for lunch, I took a picture of the sign.  So many signs at the fair, just begging for attention...
 

The noodles, by the way were yummy.  I didn't get a picture of them either.  I just ate them.

Camera Critters (#124)

 
I found these critters at the Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday.

I’m sure there must be some eyes somewhere in all those feathers!

Camera Critters is a fun weekend meme hosted by Misty Dawn.Visit the Camera Critters headquarters and join in.

My Milk Man

Jeffrey working the Golden Guernsey booth at the Fair:

Selling Milk at the Fair

Both the kids have worked the booth at the Fair, but this was Jeffrey's first time.  Since he works for the company, and he's salaried, he didn't actually get paid for doing it - unless you count the free Fair tickets.  But they needed somebody, so he did it.  He looked kinda cute in his apron, didn't he?  I'd buy some milk, or led flashlights, or whatever he was selling. (Except probably a Vita-Mix because I'm cheap like that)

Looking at the Sky on Friday - 65

I’m so glad there’s a meme like Looking at the Sky on Friday, because it means all the time I spend looking at the sky, and taking pictures of it, has a purpose! Click the badge for more info.

Jeffrey and Cory had to work at the State Fair Sunday morning.  I went later and walked around by myself for a while, waiting for Jeffrey to finish his shift so we could hang out.  While I was waiting, I checked out the Midway and all the colorful rides – set against a blue sky.

If you enjoy skies as much as I do, be sure to check out Looking at the Sky on Friday.

My Favorite Fair Purchase

 Cory doesn't understand it, but we like to go to the Wisconsin State Fair every year, at least once.  And we usually have to buy something - just because.  All those booths are hard to resist.  So far I've managed to resist buying the Vita-Mix, though I do think about it every year.  I just can't justify spending $450 on a blender.  Maybe one of these days...

I'm pretty sure my favorite Fair purchase of all time has to be the Mr. Sticky . We bought it at the fair 3 years ago because we had just gotten a white cat, and I thought it would be great for all that white cat hair that gets all over everything.  And it's been great.  It really does take care of that cat hair.  Except that my Mr. Sticky had lost some of its stickiness, and then the handle of my giant Mr. Sticky broke when I was cleaning the Weasley hair off Jeffrey's ottoman.  So we went to the Mr. Sticky booth at the fair this year to find out what we should do - because Mr. Sticky comes with a lifetime warranty.  I wasn't sure if a broken handle was covered, but when Jeffrey told the lady at the booth that the handle had broken, the first thing she said was, "Why didn't you bring it with you?"

That's right - because of the lifetime warranty, it was all covered, and because they were at the Fair, we could just exchange it there instead of having to mail it back to the company. We didn't have it with us, but because Cory was working at the Fair and going every day, he offered to take it back and exchange it one day.  So he did, and we now have a brand new Mr. Sticky and a brand new Giant Mr. Sticky - and the travel size Mr. Sticky that comes in the box, too.  So we're all set for a lifetime of picking up cat hair.  And other stuff.

While I was there, I took some time to watch a Mr. Sticky demonstration, and I realized I haven't been using this thing as much as I should be.  For instance, there are lots of times when I think the stairs really need vacuumed, like now, but I just don't get to it.  Mr. Sticky to the rescue!  Why didn't I think of that?  Instead of dragging out the vacuum cleaner and putting the extra long hose on, I can use my giant Mr. Sticky.  I tried it this week, and it doesn't get everything because I can't get into the crevices where the steps come together, but it does take care of the large pieces of fuzz and stuff.  How handy is that?  So I'm going to have to be thinking of new ways to use my Mr. Sticky.  It's not just for cat hair any more!

Camera Critters (#123)

 
Jeffrey and I went to the Wisconsin State Fair last Sunday.  We saw several live critters and several critters of a different type – inflatable!

Camera Critters is a fun weekend meme hosted by Misty Dawn.Visit the Camera Critters headquarters and join in.

Cory was a Cow

It was Golden Guernsey day at the Wisconsin State Fair today.  That means all kinds of fun activities for the kids and adults too - like ring toss with milk bottles and a cream puff eating contest.  Cory got to wear the cow costume.

Did I mention it was a really hot day?  Somebody said the heat index at the fair was 118°.  On the news tonight, they were talking about how hot it was and how everyone was managing to stay cool.  They never once mentioned Golden Guernsey Day or the poor guy (and girl - they took turns) who had to wear the cow suit.  I guess he couldn't have told them how hot he was anyway - since mascots don't talk.

The good news is he survived, and tomorrow he gets to stay inside.  In the air conditioning.  He was cute though, wasn't he?

Camera Critters (#71)

We went to the State Fair last Sunday. When we’re at the fair, we really enjoy the horse pulls. The horses are gorgeous, and it’s so much fun to watch them. Usually we watch the heavyweight division on the last day of the fair, but this year we got to see some of the lightweight and middleweight divisions, too.

We missed the youth competition in the Clydesdale Show, which we got to see last year, because Cory didn’t work until the afternoon and the competition started at 8am, but we really enjoyed the horse pulls.

Camera Critters is a fun weekend meme hosted by Misty Dawn.Visit the Camera Critters headquarters and join in.

To the Fair!

We'll be heading to the Wisconsin State Fair tomorrow. Cory has to work from 3:30-10:30 so we'll just take him to work, drop him off, and spend the time he's working hanging out at the fair. If he had his license I suppose he could drive himself to work, and we could stay home, but we always enjoy running around the fair. We like looking at the animals, so maybe I'll have some new critters to share for Camera Critters next weekend. We also always have to look at all the gadgets and gizmos and infomercial type products for sale, usually taste some wine, pick up as many free samples as we can, and listen to some music along the way. Oh, and then there's the food. I will not be trying the new chocolate covered bacon, and I would not be trying that even if I did eat pork, but I'm sure we'll find something good to eat. I especially like the food in the Wisconsin Products Pavilion, because I love seeing the foods that are grown and produced in Wisconsin. The Golden Guernsey booth where Cory is working is in there too, so of course we'll have to stop by and say 'Hi' to him a couple times.

While we're walking around the big expo center I'll debate whether or not to sign up to win some Branson vacations, a kitchen makeover, or a new car when I see the entry forms. I usually decide not to sign up because I know I'll never win, and all I'm doing is giving them my information so they can call me and try to get me to attend some timeshare presentation or something I do not want to do. Sometimes the prize is good enough I just have to try - after all, it's the State Fair and anything can happen, right? I'll be sure to let you know if I win anything. Mostly I figure it's a day to spend hanging out with my husband, and that's good whether I win anything or not.

If I talk nice to the guy at the Golden Guernsey booth, I might get free milk though...

It's State Fair Time Again

The Wisconsin State Fair started today, and that means Cory is working for the next couple weeks. This is his 3rd year working the Golden Guernsey booth at the fair, and he really enjoys it. The days are long, and there's a lot of standing, but it's a pretty easy job selling milk and greeting people. This year he even has the gel inserts for his shoes the first day! Last year he suffered through day one and then he and his dad stopped at Walgreens before his shift the second day to buy some inserts. Those things really do make a difference! Too bad they can't have some GelPro mats for everyone to stand on.

He's working again tomorrow and then Sunday. I took him and dropped him off this morning because he didn't have to work until 11:30, but on most days he has to be there at 8 or 8:30am, so his dad will swing by there and drop him off before heading to work, and then pick him up again after work. There may be some waiting around either before or after work, but he'll figure out something to do. Beth mentioned tonight that she really wants a cream puff, but she's probably not going to make it to the fair. I told her to ask her brother, nicely, and give him some money, and he can go get one for her between the time he gets off work and the time his dad picks him up. It won't take long, but it will give him something to do at least one day.

Anyway, it's a busy schedule for a couple weeks, but pretty decent money for a young man. I'm not sure what he's got planned for his money this year, probably not a big purchase like a PS3, but definitely some Pokemon cards, maybe some posters, maybe some books, and who knows what all. He does always manage to find something to spend it on.

Looking at the Sky on Friday - 23

I’m so glad there’s a meme like Looking at the Sky on Friday, because it means all the time I spend looking at the sky, and taking pictures of it, has a purpose!  Click the badge for more info.

I took these when Jeffrey and I were walking around the Waukesha County Fair on Sunday, before the concert.

We didn’t ride any of the rides, just watched.  I’ll save all my ride time for some real thrill rides – I’m thinking we really need a trip to Six Flags and some serious roller coasters!

If you enjoy skies as much as I do, be sure to check out Looking at the Sky on Friday.

Camera Critters (#18)

Last Sunday Cory had to work at the State Fair from 8am-3:30pm. Since someone had to take him to work, we decided we might as well just take him and wander around the fair while he worked. We ended up spending most of our day watching the youth competition in the National Clydesdale Show.

First was the Youth Decorating, where the young people had 30 minutes to decorate their horses for competition.

When they were finished, the judge critiqued their work and gave them some pointers.

Then they were judged on their showmanship.

All the youth also had an opportunity to judge a group of horses. They were all out on the floor with the official judge, had their own score sheets, and we're scored on how closely they matched the scores of the official judge. I thought that was really neat.

Then they hitched their horses to carts and drove them around the ring.

One of the cart drivers was very young. I think they said 8 years old.

And then they added a horse and drove the wagons.

In the end, this young lady, who was right in front of us during the decorating (the one in the first picture), won the overall competition. This really takes some serious work and dedication on the part of these kids. It really is amazing. Certainly a very enjoyable way to spend a Sunday.

Camera Critters is a fun weekend meme hosted by Misty Dawn.Visit the Camera Critters headquarters and join in.

I Need a Title for This Post

Poor Cory. First he had to work all day at the fair, and then since we were going to the concert last night, he had to stay at the fair until that was over. Talk about a long day with a lot of standing and walking. He was moaning about needing some kind of gel insoles or something for his feet. I can sympathize because I used to be on my feet all day, too. I remember it took me at least a week to adjust and not have sore feet every day.

Also, since he's used to sleeping in, getting up at 6am yesterday, then not getting home until after 11pm and having to get up again this morning at 6am was hard on him, or so he thinks. But he's young, he'll survive. Any ideas whether lack of sleep causes blackheads or not? Still, he won't die. We're the parents. We're much older than he is, and we got up early and got to bed late and got up early again, too.

You know? I'm glad tomorrow is Saturday so we can sleep in.

Gone to a Concert

at the Wisconsin State Fair

Morning Traffic

Cory started work at the State Fair today. He'll be working today, tomorrow, and Sunday, then take most of next week off because of band camp, and then work again next Friday and Sunday. He's scheduled to work 8:30-3:30 every day, so Jeffrey can take him to the fair and then go to work and then swing over and pick him up after work. Except for today. Today he had a meeting in Baraboo and left the house at 6am - so I had to take Cory to work. Not my idea of fun. Yes, I've been to the fair, but I don't actually pay attention to where I'm going, so I took the wrong exit and headed the wrong direction. I figured that out pretty quickly so I got off the interstate and got back on again, going in the right direction this time. And then we hit the traffic. Honestly, I don't know how people deal with this on a regular basis. We were barely moving.

We did finally manage to get to our exit and head toward State Fair Park, got to our turn and realized that we couldn't turn there. They had it blocked off. So I had to go up a ways, turn around and come back so I could turn on that street and get Cory to the front gate. I was thinking he worked at 8 instead of 8:30, so I was worried he was going to be late - even after he got in the gate, he still had to walk to the building and get ready to work. So it was a good thing he didn't start until 8:30.

I finally managed to get him there, drop him off, and head back home. Coming home was pretty much a breeze, since now I knew where I was going, and all the traffic was heading the other way. All together an hour and 40 minutes out of my day and a headache to go with it.

Fair Tickets

Summerfest started yesterday, and we didn't go to opening day. The last couple of years we've gone in the afternoon, donated our 3 non-perishable food items, and gotten in free. Mostly we went because we wanted to see REO in concert, and the fireworks. This year REO isn't playing Summerfest, and we just couldn't get enthused about any of the other bands. We hated to miss the Big Bang, though. We did watch it on TV - not quite the same, but high definition is pretty nice.

We do have tickets to see REO at the Wisconsin State Fair, so we'll still get to see them. Jeffrey went and bought fair tickets yesterday since they're cheaper now than they will be at the gate. He figured we won't have much time to do anything else when we go for the concert, so he bought extra tickets so we can go back. We have to have time to check out all the Wisconsin products and the 'as seen on TV' product booths, right?

Image via WikipediaOne of our favorite things at the fair is the wine tasting, so we have to have time for that, too. We get to taste different wines from around the state and buy the ones we like. We have found some wines that we really like this way. I always grab the brochures, thinking maybe we'll go for a winery tour or sign up for the wine of the month. So far I just get the newsletter every month from one of the wineries. One of these days I am going to order some of their wine, because it is really good. I had some last weekend, and I really do need to order some.

Anyway, I think he got enough tickets so that we can go to the fair for the concert, go to the fair to taste wines and look around, and even go back to watch the horse pulls if we want to. Yes, we definitely must watch the horse pulls. I can't believe we never went to the fair when we lived in Illinois. We go every year here.

Mr. Sticky

Every year when we go to the State Fair, we walk through lots and lots of exhibits with lots and lots of people trying to sell us something. We have bought several different things in the past - from magic color markers for the kids to Oxy Ball laundry detergent balls to some great smelling shoe cleaner. Sometimes we're really pleased with our purchases, and other times we wonder how we got suckered into it. Usually everything costs $19.99 or something like that, and they throw in an extra this, that or the other thing to the first 5 people who buy. I'm sure you know what I mean.

This last summer, since we had just gotten the cat, when we saw the demonstration for Mr. Sticky, we decided this was the product to buy this year. I just want to say that I love Mr. Sticky! We have white cat hair everywhere - on people's clothes (Cory wears a lot of black), on the furniture, everywhere. Mr. Sticky picks it up so nicely. Then, simply run it under warm water, and the cat hair slides right off. Dry Mr. Sticky, and it is ready to pick up more cat hair.

Definitely worth the $24.99 for the regular size Mr. Sticky, the travel size Mr. Sticky, and the extra large jumbo size Mr. Sticky. Just saying - because I just finished cleaning the cat hair off the couch cushion next to me - the one Tillie claims as her own when just the two of us are home so she can be right next to me.

Responsibility

The kids only have two more days of work at the Fair - today and Sunday. Cory hasn't been feeling well for the past couple of days, but he's been managing. Today Beth woke up with serious cramps, and she was wondering how she's going to manage standing and working for 7 hours. If it was just her, she might have considered calling in sick and staying home, but she realized that she's also responsible for getting two other people to work. It wouldn't just be one person missing work. It would be 3. She drank some mint tea, took something for the pain, and just left for work. Today might be a day she wants to come home early.