County Fair

 

We raked in a few ribbons at the county fair this year. I forgot about the fair until a few days before, so I didn't have time to sew or doodle anything for it, but we earned more than enough prize money for fried food and then tucked some into our pockets for a ferris wheel ride at the state fair, so it was worth the chaos.

I didn't take pictures of any of our other entries, but with five minutes to spare, I took pictures of our floral entries so we could at least enjoy them as snapshots.  

 

Later in the week, we spent a few hours walking around the fair while John was at work. The midway that used to seethe with excitement in my childhood is now a dinky thing that can be circled in ten minutes flat, but we enjoyed it nonetheless.

The girls loved the bunnies, as always.  Bunnies!  

I had Annie stand in the horse barn so I could check settings for the annual stairstep picture, and I liked it enough to keep.

Snapping the annual stairstep picture, however, was not so effortless.  Observe my results.

One:

Two: 

Three:

Four:

Next year, I'll bring manacles and paste-on smiles for instant success.

Zeke didn't feel very secure when I plopped him on the bench.

Debbie came with us this year, and she took this charming mama-in-the-picture shot for me.   Smashing success!

Here, also for your enjoyment, is a bald eagle speck.  My camera couldna reach closer.

 

With ribbons dazzling my eyes and the promise of coins clinking in my brain, we indulged in not only a blooming onion but also two elephant ears..  It was a bit of greasy, fried heaven.

  

I tried to get a picture of Ezekiel eating his first elephant ear, but even unpacking my Popeye arms wasn't enough for a good picture.

Sister Deborah is so much handier than Popeye arms.  Thanks, Deb.

Millie and Annie climbed to the top row of the grandstand while we watched the miniature horse pull.  For those unfamiliar with county fair entertainment, the horses pull a load of weights.  People do not pull miniature horses.  Provincial games are all a bit confusing.

I've titled this poignant diptych "Annika Eyes the Elephant Ear, but Mildred Denies Her."

I enjoyed eavesdropping as Annika and Susannah made plans to buy a huge bag of cotton candy with their winnings.

I bought a second bag to appease the rest of the masses (i.e. ME and the other girls).

 

   And that's that.  See you next year!