Raindrops kept falling and falling...

The Fair had arrived. Our town prepares for months for this event. The buildings were cleaned out, exhibits hung perfectly, animals were washed and brushed, the rides were set up, and all types of food would be sold. The anticipation had been building...and finally the Fair arrived. And so did the rain. It sprinkled. It poured. A light mist fell. The clouds opened up and water came rushing down upon us. Puddles formed, then small ponds. Roofs leaked. The barns flooded. The Fair had to close early one evening. Exhibits got soggy. The goats had to be moved. We needed an ark. The beauty pageant was moved. Umbrella sales skyrocketed. Ticket sales plummeted. So how did I handle this soaking weather? I'd like to say that I smiled and made positive comments about the fact that I looked like a drowned rat. But I grumbled a bit. I complained for awhile. But then I realized that it wouldn't change anything. You can't control many things in life and weather conditions are one of those things so I snapped out of my ugly mood and went into Fair mode. I had fun visiting with all of the dripping wet people who came to the Fair determined to have fun. I saw old students of mine and caught up on their lives. They are all grown up. I taught some of my students in first grade and then again in seventh grade when I taught literacy. It did my heart good to find out about the paths in life that most of them have chosen. They are blue ribbon people!
And then I ate my way through the Fair. Maple cotton candy was my favorite. It was made on site with maple syrup from NH so it was fresh and yummy! If you ever get a chance, try it ! My least favorite was the deep fried Twinkie! Sicky sweet - what was I thinking? I could only eat half of it and no one else wanted it so in the trash can it went. I thoroughly enjoyed corn chowder in a bread bowl, fudge, french fries, fried dough, buffalo burger, pizza, lobster roll... and I will be eating salads and yogurt for the next few weeks since I need to fit into my gown for my daughter's wedding in 24 days!

Despite the rain, even the scarecrows were smiling!

My 'burn your face off' peppers earned a blue ribbon! The cherry tomatoes and the red hot peppers received red ribbons. Okay. The butternut squash got a white ribbon - and I am still grouchy about that.

Moo... You know I hate having my picture taken!

'A pumpkin in a pumpkin' ~ the mom of this 5 week old baby girl sat her in the giant champion 700 pound pumpkin ~ too cute!

Finally, on Sunday afternoon, the clouds parted and blue skies made an appearance. Better late than never, I guess.

It takes more than a few raindrops to dampen our spirits but next year I hope someone remembers to invite the sun!