Rob's State Fair Ramblings, Day 2

 Today was friend day. For years now, my friend and I have been getting together one time during the year to enjoy the fair. We have worked together for years and have become good friends. We like a lot of the same things, and we have a lot of laughs along the way. We started our day by walking through some buildings. She likes grabbing free stuff as much as I do. If I saw a free goodie that she didn't see, I'd let her know, and vice versa. We made a pretty good team, helping each other out making our haul. We really enjoyed sampling the free dip mixes. As much as I wanted to load up and buy loads of these mixes, that just isn't in the budget this year. I bought a few, but really had to practice restraint. #RobtoManila2024

When we got hungry, we decided to eat in the food court building, where there is seating and air conditioning. She wanted catfish, and I opted for some Chinese food. She really liked the catfish. I had the catfish last year, and I agreed that is was very good. While we were eating, there was a guy a few tables away. He jumped on top of the table, gave a loud whistle for attention, and announced that it was his friend's birthday. He led the entire court in a round of "Happy birthday." I thought that it was pretty fun. It turns out that this guy was part of a prayer team that prayed healing upon people. I saw him and several other guys laying hands on people and praying over them. 

One fun aspect of our fair trip is to go in and see the quilts. She knows quilting, and she is able to tell me what kind of weave it is, if it's hand-stitched or machine, and how it's pieced together. She has made quilts in the past, and has even made one for me. We chatted about which quilts were our favorites. I was really excited to see that an afghan made by my friend Steve had received a first place AND champion purple ribbon! Yay! Then we went to the other side of the building and I showed her my cookies, and explained a few things about baking. My cookies don't have ribbons on them, but have been assured that they will be placed there soon.

From there, it was Ferris Wheel time. This is also a part of our tradition at the fair. I like to get a token annual "selfie from the top." I was also able to get some good pictures of the horizen of our city. After that, it was off to explore the Grandstand. While there, I saw my friend Vince who is a part of the Christian Motorcylists Association.  They were giving out free water. That was some good water. It was cold and clean, and hit the spot. They were so nice, and deserve a shout-out.  Our final stop on the grounds was the animal birthing center. We saw a couple of big pigs resting, and tomorrow is their due date. We saw some baby ewes and calves, and a cow in active labor, ready to deliver. However, there was a huge crowd in our way, and there wasn't much we could see. 

At 5:00, five hours after we started, my friend was ready to call it a day. We had a really good time, and we are already talking about doing this next year. After we said our good-byes, I realized I needed to reserve a motor scooter for my mom next Saturday. As I was there, I noticed that a crowd was gathering for the Family Variety Theater, which I posted a picture of yesterday. I decided to check it out. A give it 2 thumbs up for entertainment and family friendliness. The star of the show, Kenny Arhen, is very talented, and kind of silly. He is very good at engaging a crowd, and incorporating the kiddos into his act. The kids were loving it, and enjoyed being a part of his show. You can feel comfortable taking your kids to see him. In fact, I'd encourage it. You might think he's a bit silly, but your kids will love it!

While making my way around, I noticed the 4-H building. I always enjoy seeing what the kiddos across the state are doing. One area I avoid like the plague is the ornithology (bugs) exhibits. I am horrified to see praying mantises (my favorite insect) pinned onto bug exhibit boards. It's too much. I consider praying mantises as a little messenger from God, as they seem to show up when times get tough. I love them, and I can't bear to see them dead and pinned. 

My final impulse stop was the Lair White House, aka State Fair Museum. As I was going in, I saw Joe and his family yell at me. Yes, I saw you! Thanks for the shout!  The display in the Lair White House revolved around what's free at the fair. Sights, shows, entertainment, and etc. It also showed us what has been free in the past. It was quite interesting. The theme changes every year. Next year's theme will feature animals of the fair. 

At this point, I was quite spent. My feet were tired, and my pedometer was reading 19,000+ steps. It was time to call it a day. I had such fun today. Day 2 is in the books, and there are 8 amazing days left! I will go out tomorrow after church. No, I will not, nor will I ever ditch church to go to the fair. The same goes for my jobs at the school and club. I have responsibilities, and they take precedent over the fair. 

Thanks for taking the time to read what has been a longer post than usual. Please like or comment to help me determine how many people are reading. God bless you! 

PS: It's late, I'm tired, and not checking for typos. If you see a typo, have a little grace, LOL.