The Fair

The Oregon State Fair falls around the last week of August, often coinciding with my parent's anniversary. I recall many Saturdays growing up where we'd all wait until the blue Volvo carrying Mom and Dad disappeared down the street.

We'd eat all the "good" cereal.
We'd find all the treats.
We'd watch TV on the upstairs AND downstairs TV.
We'd wear our shoes IN the house.

And then as evening drew nearer, there would be a mad rush to "Hurry and clean all this up! They'll be home soon!" With no cell phones, we never knew how soon. So, with all the rooms vacuumed, beds made, dishes washed, we'd wait.

And still watch TV - up until the very last minute when we'd see the blue Volvo slowly come into view and chug up our driveway. The TV's would be turned off and wiped down of any tell-tale static and all four to eight (depending on the year) of us would disperse to read/play the piano/sit quietly.

I wonder if Mom and Dad ever knew. Anyway, this year, I headed to the state fair instead of watching other people go. Seth and Christina were nice enough to let me play third wheel and the morning started off great at the "bear" restaurant.

For the life of me, the name of the place escapes me. I do remember there were bears on everything: the walls, the napkins, the plates, and even in the bathroom decor. And EVERY time the word "bear" was brought up, Seth would quip "You have to count them all. It's the game."

Christina and I ate our breakfast. Without counting.

At the fair, we hit up the barns full of animals first - because nothing is funnier than an angry sheep. EXCEPT a bunch of angry sheep and goats who have all just gotten shaved/trimmed/groomed.

I just loved the name.

Keeping each other warm - in the 90 degree, unairconditioned barn. 

The black sheep. All alone. It's in cage. With just his thoughts.

A whole group of newly shorn sheep - and apparently those "second coats" come in a variety of colors, as shown nicely by the model in the middle.

Again, it was really warm in this barn and these poor, hairless animals were clinging to each other like life (or their pride) depended upon it.

"Oh yes" *scratch scratch*

Another brother for Dex and Snoop?

Apparently, as we came in through the gates, someone was heard demanding "Where are the piglets!?" Big crowd around these little guys. They reminded me of Gretchen ... maybe Gretchen needs a little sister. 

Pig pile

The three of us nearly ran to this barn.

They were only a few hundred bucks! I wanted to tuck one in my purse and take it home. Make it carry my lunch to work for me.

Seth kept trying to get a picture of us with the Lego statues but kids were constantly thronging the place. And yes, that is a Diet Coke I am drinking. A $3.50, 16 oz, Diet Coke that lasted about two seconds.

Our feet were really tired.

It looks like Christina is laughing. She was. 

Christina: "You know it hurts, right?"
Me: "WHAT?!"
Christina: "heh heh"

Henna Lady: "Okay, it'll hurt just a bit."
Me: "WHAT!?"
Henna Lady: "Got her again. Heh heh."

My ink. Lasted a week. Co-workers were shocked.

Christina being bold and having it done on her forearm.

Maritime power.

                  

Christina took the shot and then said "Wow. You guys look like you could actually belong to those bodies." Nice.

We've already decided to get one made for Mom and Dad when they come home. 2013!!!

We also saw the following:

1) A man who took "throw a baseball at a milk can and win a small prize" WAY too seriously. We thus spotted him several more times (and with just as much competitive zeal) and other games.
2) Watched a man blow glass into a platter for thirty minutes, while the man sitting next to me said, about every sixty seconds "Okay. There's the platter. Oh, no. Not yet. Okay, here it is. Ah, nope." I almost cheered when the platter was done.
3) Scored delicious free tacos in an obscure cart near the back of the cart.
4) Had to pull Seth and Christina out of the "Made for TV" warehouse before they purchased everything in sight.

Who is up for next year?