And Finally......

The weather here has cooled considerably over the past few days, but while we were at the fair, it was still pretty hot. Even so, we were surprised to see what someone had rigged up:

And yes, the air conditioner was running. That’s frost on the outside of the car -

More From the Fair ~

Our date night was a success, despite the bummer at the egg incubator.  We wandered through the rest of the barns, as well as the exhibition hall.  We didn't go on any rides, but we did tour the midway, looking at the goings-on and listening to the barkers trying to temp us into parting with some cash.  The weather was perfect - not too hot - and we ran into some friends, stopping to visit.  We both had a great time ~

We got a kick out of this guy, who helped himself to some extra feed ~

This guy did, too 

I love the "smile" this guy had.  Must have been dreaming of a blue ribbon ~

One of the newly hatched chicks

Walker made friends with the babies

We got a lesson on how to tell the sex of a chick from the feathers

Beautiful country sunset

And of course, fried stuff!  This funnel cake was way more than we could finish ~

No Fair!

Walker and I had a date night at the county fair.  Our first stop was my favorite, the small animal barn.  I was excited to see this little guy breaking out of his shell, but, an hour later, when we checked back and he wasn't making much progress, I asked the chicken guy how long it would take him to get out. The chicken guy told me that since he wasn't out by now, he wouldn't live even if he did manage to get the rest of the shell off. Of course I wanted to take him home and try to save him. (I didn't.) I would never make it as a farm girl.  I really wish I had never asked about him.  Sometimes, denial is a good thing ~

Not So Little Miss Diva

Diva's hanging out with me this weekend.  We used to spend time together often, but as she gets older, she's been busy with activities of her own.  I miss her, but I know this is all part of growing up, so I keep my feelings to myself and enjoy her when I can.  

Diva helped me in the kitchen, where we dipped strawberries in chocolate...

while Walker grilled brats for dinner.

Bro stopped by, and we talked him into joining us

Later, after Bro went home and Walker went to bed, we had a makeup lesson ~ today, we learned to do eyes

Good Things that Happened This Week

I had a blood test done and it only took the techs one stick to get what they needed. Walker was sitting in the lobby of the clinic after my appointment, waiting to take me to lunch. I received a random “I love you” text from a friend I hadn’t talked to in a while. I stopped at Home Depot to pick up some paint chips and ran into a former co-worker, who told me he always remembers me because I was such a good boss to work for. I got to visit online with one of my favorite people - twice! I found a sunscreen with monoi oil in it – I love that scent! I heard the Zac Brown Band on the radio twice in one day. Beauty.com found an unredeemed promo code on my account and sent me a $10 refund. And at the office, my boss brought in treats for his birthday and there were actually some left for us vampires on the night shift. Sometimes, it’s the little things ~

Road Trip in Photos

Last summer, my nephew, Duncan, completed the requirements to become an Eagle Scout. He lives on the western border of Minnesota, while the rest of us live all the way across the state.  We had traveled there for Duncan's high school graduation last May, so my sister decided to hold off the Eagle Scout ceremony until this year, to save us from making that trip again so soon.  In good weather, with normal traffic, it takes around six hours of driving time.  But summer in Minnesota means road construction, all over.  So we never know what to expect. Despite working the night shift, we always try to get on the road before noon.

Walker & me, ready to hit the road

my mom joined us for the trip

first traffic jam, just past Minneapolis

Walker needs a smoke break.  That's him, wayyyyy back there

Fuel stop

Looked a lot darker and more ominous in real life.  We got back on the road in a big hurry.

my mom passed the time sending text messages

the navigator showed the pilot a little love

another construction- caused traffic jam.  Eight miles an hour and.......

182 miles to go.  sigh.

We made it!  We had a suite.....

with a big comfy bed,

and a view of a field.  When the train isn't there, you can see the golf course down the road.  Train noise doesn't register with us - we live a block from the tracks at home.

Walker went to Walmart for a scented candle.  I waited too long to reserve a room and all they had left was smoking rooms.  Walker goes outside to light up, so we're not used to having that smell in the house.

Walker went golfing at first light, but he brought me a little brekkie before he left.  Nice surprise to wake up to.

I got busy making pasta salads in the hotel room.  We had a microwave and a fridge.  I brought all the ingredients and utensils from home.

I dripped a little water on the floor and wiped it with this towel.  Ewwwww!  Don't they ever mop????

 

We brought our food to the church where the ceremony was being held.  Squeak and Cubs "helped out" in the kitchen

Squeak showed off his surgery scar to Gramma

Walker's still feeling the love

Gramma and Squeak

Cubs, Squeak, and Bro were in charge of the Kool-Aid

The church had some beautiful windows

The boys waited patiently for the ceremony to start

The scouts lit candles to illustrate the various steps toward becoming an Eagle

Duncan got his new scarf

And took the Scouting oath

then presented flowers and pins to his Grandmothers.....

who were so proud of him.

His proud aunties were also honored

before he gave a speech.

Nephew Reilly was on the color guard, who closed out the ceremony.

After the ceremony, we took some family photos

before enjoying lunch.

Cubs was really tired of having his photo taken

so he trapped me until someone got mine

Then we went to the site of Duncan's community project

And got a little silly

Okay, a lot silly

Reilly pretended his shoe was a phone.

Back at hotel, Walker ambushed my sister as she got off the elevator

My flowers

All that fun wore Walker out.  He crashed in his chair around 8pm

so I put my feet up and relaxed, too.