The Illinois State Fair was just a week ago and I am thinking how much I would love to go to the Fair just one more time in my life.

The State Fair was something that our family never missed. It meant getting everyone together and heading to Springfield for an entire day. We arrived as the gates were opening and staked out a couple of tables and plenty of chairs in the Farm Bureau tent. It was located behind the Dairy Building. This was a good place to meet and always used as the center of the Fair day. Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, or Dad would be there waiting for us at the end of the day for the journey home.

The Dairy Building was a wonderful place. There was always a sculpture made out of butter. Usually, a full size cow made of Butter. I always wondered how long it took to sculpt it and how much butter was used. One other thing about the Dairy Building was the cheese sandwiches and chocolate milk. I have never found a cheese that was that full of flavor, or colder chocolate milk.

After the visit to the Dairy Building we were off to see the cows, pigs, chickens, and rabbits. However, the favorite of Daddy's and mine were the mules. What wonderful animals they are. There is such intelligence in their eyes. I've always wanted a mule not to work, but for a pet.

Next, it was off to look at all the new farm equipment. Shiny new John Deere tractors, the latest combines and corn pickers. You could see the wishes rolling of Grandpa, Daddy, and Uncle Wayne.

There was a visit to the 4-H Building to see all the exhibits of the 4-H kids. Always fun to see the projects they came up with and if you knew anyone who had won a Blue ribbon.

Next, it was off to the Exposition Building. This building contained all the handiwork of the people of Illinois. Pies, Cakes, canning jars full of fruits and vegetables, handmade quilts. Wonderful to see the talent of the people of Illinois.

One year when I was very little, my sister and a friend took me to ride the rides when a huge rain storm came up. We got lost and ended up at the fire station. I remember that a kind fireman wrapped me in his coat and took us to the Farm Bureau tent to find Mom and Dad. I will never forget how scared we were.

In later years, as teens, we would go to the Fair to ride the carnival rides in an area known as "Happy Hollow". Also, to see the Grandstand Show and fireworks that followed. I got to see "Paul Revere and the Raiders", "The Beach Boys" and several other 60's groups there. Always great fun!

I've not been to the fair in over 40 years now, but I sure would like a cheese sandwich, chocolate milk and see a few mules again.

If you get to go to a State Fair don't pass up the opportunity. You never know what magic they really are.

August 11, 2011

The heat continues to zap the life out of nearly everything here in North Florida. The afternoons are timed by the 3 p.m. thunderstorms. Survival depends on air conditioning and fans.

I couldn't find much happening in August of 1951. So, I thought I would ramble on a few things that I have had on my tiny little mind.

I urge all to read the book or, at the very least, to see the movie; "The Help". It is wonderful novel that shows a unique side to "domestic" help, that the majority of people might not think about.

After reading this wonderful book, I got to thinking about how I was brought up to interact with different races of people.

My mother was the original "Archie Bunker". I guess her ranting never took with my sister and I. I tried very hard to raise my boys so that they wouldn't judge folks by the color of their skin, nationality, or gender. One son learned the lesson, one son still has issues with some of different color or nationality, but he would never be mean or hateful to anyone, because he is a kind and gentle soul.

Growing up in a small southern Illinois town didn't give for much interaction with anyone from a different race. There were black families, but due to the time in history, I guess I didn't really give it any thought, until I was in high school. Even then I don't remember thinking about race relations that much.

I knew what was happening in the south was wrong, but like so many folks today, it didn't seem to affect me, so I just didn't think about it.

When the Equal Rights Movement started, that is when I became more aware of all inequalities. The Women's Movement spoke to me in ways that nothing else ever had. I guess I could see how women had been second class citizens and were indoctrinated to believe that we needed to marry, have children, and that was it! The whole Cinderella myth. What I wanted to know was, what happened to Cinderella when her kids moved out, or her husband left her for Snow White? What if Cinderella didn't find a Prince Charming but a frog? What if Cinderella found that she wanted the whole kingdom and to heck with Prince Charming? No one could answer that until the women's movement came along.

Now, I see things like the "Bachelorette, The Real Housewives of (you put in the place name), Toddlers and Tiaras, " etc. What, just what, are we teaching our daughters and granddaughters? Also, what kind of messages are being sent to our sons and grandsons?

Then we have the ultra right-wing, trying to put us all back in the 50's. What the hell is that all about?

Now, don't get me wrong, I am a housewife and I love being at home. However, when I am home, I am not cleaning and cooking for 24/7. I get a lot of art work done, and just have the freedom to do what I want, when I want. I love having the freedom and space. It seems that at 60 I am just discovering who I am. It is a wonderful thing.

I admit that I do still see the colors and nationalities, but I try with all I have to ignore those distinctions. I encourage my grandchildren to see people as just people. I hope and pray that at some point in the future there will be no need to fight for anyone's rights.

Crazy Days

The past week has been really strange. The dog days of summer are upon us, but someone has informed my dogs ( Lilly Belle and Lyle Love-It ) that the best place to be is in the house with Mom. This requires me to become a dog wrangler. Lilly hates Lyle, but Lyle loves Lilly. I have no children, but still have to deal with baby gates.

The dog days of summer also brings daily afternoon storms to Florida. You can nearly set your watch by them. Anywhere around 3p.m. and 4p.m., it will assuredly rain, if not out an out thunderstorm with crazy winds and monsoon rains.

These daily storms also play havoc with the electrical and phone systems of the house. About two weeks ago, my phone started with static and random ringing or not ringing at all. I went to their web site and decided to do an online chat with a tech, to see if I could solve the problem without having someone come to the house. Now, if you've seen the commercial for a credit card company and the tech named "Peggy" then you will know my frustration and the near hysterical laughter provided to me via "Windstream". As I typed my problem into the little slot provided for the online chat, I see this typed: "Hello, my name is Peggy. How can I help you today?". I was laughing so hard that I couldn't type anymore.

Next, thing is that I must call them. So I call from a kindly neighbors house and Windstream sends out a fella to fix the phones. The minute he opens the box several wasps fly out. Wasps have a bad attitude problem. I think they are like Republicans, teenagers, and (yes) old ladies just damn angry all the time.

Finally, phone fixed. Then it is on to a neighborhood meeting about an access road (which no one really cares about) and maybe forming a neighborhood watch. We have had some strange goings on in the neighborhood, so it might be a good idea to know who the neighbors are and just to keep an eye out.

A representative from the County Sheriffs Dept. was supposed to come and relay information on setting up such a watch. Unfortunately, the local Sheriffs Office is about 30 miles away, and there is not a lot of concern about the citizens of our neighborhood. The representative just didn't show up. Makes me feel very safe.

Saturday night, after my husband had gone to bed, I hear what sounds like a loud firecracker go off just outside the back door, thinking someone had some leftover fireworks I just continue watching my television program and then off to bed. The next morning, my husband goes to town to get a newspaper and the required Sunday morning doughnuts for breakfast. Our truck needed a small repair and a tire aired up, so he pulled into the back yard. Low and behold, the entire top of a large tree had fallen out and it just missed our back deck. So, it was not a firecracker, but the tree. Guess, from now on when I hear something out of the ordinary I will take the time and effort to look out and try to determine the source.

This got me to thinking about the neighborhood watch thing. I guess, I wouldn't be very good at it. I don't seem to really care about strange noises and such. The neighbors might not feel any safer with me in their group.

The dog days of summer have put me in a stupor. Ready for some cooler days or a very large pitcher of Margaritas in the blender, Jimmy Buffett on the stereo, me and Lyle Love-It on the screen porch. This could be one of the reasons for my lack of attention to things in the neighborhood. If nothing else, the margaritas may make me see things to report to the Neighborhood Watch.

Have a wonderful week all my friends and family.