I had to do the California State fair and it was 3 weeks long! It was the longest show I had ever done. It actually was not as bad as I had imagined...Larger area mass than the Iowa state fair but less people.
I found it interesting that on my rental car I had Hawaii license plates? how did a Hawaii rental car get here?
 |
| Even California people were stopping, pointing at my license plate |
The fair turned out some decent numbers, but does not compare to the Iowa fair. It was next on my schedule. At least I would be home for a while.
 |
| The famous golden bear at one of the entrances |
I had a week off between fairs so I got a little down time. We had the nationals going on in Knoxville. (I know...what the heck are nationals?) I found out they are kind of a big deal. it is the sprint car nationals, and drivers and fans come from all over the world for this event. We did not go to the races, but went into town to see all the festivities and people.
 |
| one of the sprint car teams from Texas |
On the weekend before the fair started, my son in law Michael came out with the kids and stayed with us. On Sat we took our granddaughter Alyssa with us garage sailing, and I have to tell you, she loved it! We gave her some change so she could have her own money, it was quite comical watching her look through the stuff and then ask me if she had enough to get something. She really wanted a cat we found for sale at one house....what a dilemma! We had to explain to her that her mother may not like her bringing home a new kitty, to which she replied, we could keep it at our house. LOL!
 |
| Allysa really loved this kitty!! |
that night our grandson Andrew fell out of bed and split his head open so Mike and I had to run to the Knoxville hospital in the middle of the night to get his head stapled. Uffda! luckily it was not
anything too serious!
 |
| Andrews head with bonus staples! |
 |
| Mike and the kids checking out the barn. |
On around day 5 of the fair, I went outside to get a cup of coffee and to my suprise...A bags tourney was underway! All I could think of was my family should be here! I was laughing to myself thinking about it. (if you are a member of my family you know what I mean)
 |
| The world champions Petersen's were not even there.. |
After 11 grueling days I was done with the great Iowa fair, but I had another scheduled in 2 days in NY. So I did what any responsible husband would do...I taught my wife how to drive the riding mower.
 |
| Bonnie has it figured out! |
 |
| the old homestead looking good!! |
So off I went on Wednesday and headed to NY. I had a layover in DC. ON the way down I saw the Washington Monument and the White house in behind so I fired up the phone and grabbed a picture!
 |
| DC from the air...or at least a little of it. |
Is it just me, or all these fairs beginning to look alike??
 |
| California fair |
 |
| Iowa Fair |
 |
| New York Fair |
I am only in day 2 of the NY fair, with 9 days to go...wish me luck!
 |
| cool sand sculpture |
 |
| lunch today...coney dog...when in Rome.. |
