I planned to be at the State Fair early but, due to extenuating circumstances, we arrived closer to noon. Once at the Fairgrounds, I let Ben and Hannah wander off on their own and I meandered about by myself. It sounds lonelier than it really was. Quite honestly, I didn't mind at all.
I stopped in Building 8 to check out the Arts and Crafts displays where James' friend Jose had a few award winning pieces. His rocking chair garnered a lot of attention and with reason. It is a beautiful piece and looks very comfortable. It won a third place ribbon. I really wanted to try it out, but that was not allowed. Maybe another time...
Upstairs in the same building I found the player piano and sat down to watch and listen. It is quite possible that this is the real reason I like going to the Fair. The giant music box is my favorite. I told Hannah I'd much rather have one of these than a treadmill, but then again I suppose the novelty might wear off over time, unless of course I had a hefty collection of rolls. During a quiet spell I chose a song to play, The Candy Man. It was sweet.
I wandered in and out of buildings looking at displays, taking in the sights, and dodging purses, backpacks, and scooters. I bought a cup of chocolate milk for a quarter, found the butter sculpture, and checked out the cow barn. Back in the horticultural building I got in line for a baked potato. Probably the best dollar I spent, aside from the black raspberry/vanilla twist ice cream later on.
Later in the afternoon Hannah and I made a return trip to the player piano. Hannah chose "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head." While she played an elderly woman arrived in a wheelchair and stopped next to my seat. She leaned over and said, "St Louis Blues." When Hannah was finished playing, this woman was helped to the piano bench by her granddaughter.
Soon she was playing the St. Louis Blues but not with the help of a roll. She played the song herself, from memory. (Her granddaughter told us we could find her on
Youtube where I learned she is 100 years old!)
It was another good day. I missed my friend Della who couldn't make it to the fair today, but I'm going to find her another time. I heard my friend Vinnie was there today, but I didn't happen to see him either.
It was a sad day, one that changed our lives forever. I was touched by the incredible sand sculpture at this year's NY State Fair and the honor it gave to both the fallen and those who stepped up to risk their own lives in the hope of helping perfect strangers.
I have kept a Gratitude Journal now since February. It has been an exercise in seeing the love of the Father in the ordinary everyday blessings as well as the grand and obvious, but somehow I often don't feel any more thankful than I did previous to starting my list. Perhaps it is because I have kept those lists tucked away in the secrecy of my bedroom. I wonder what would happen if I wrote them out on sticky notes and posted them about the house...
I stopped in Building 8 to check out the Arts and Crafts displays where James' friend Jose had a few award winning pieces. His rocking chair garnered a lot of attention and with reason. It is a beautiful piece and looks very comfortable. It won a third place ribbon. I really wanted to try it out, but that was not allowed. Maybe another time...
Upstairs in the same building I found the player piano and sat down to watch and listen. It is quite possible that this is the real reason I like going to the Fair. The giant music box is my favorite. I told Hannah I'd much rather have one of these than a treadmill, but then again I suppose the novelty might wear off over time, unless of course I had a hefty collection of rolls. During a quiet spell I chose a song to play, The Candy Man. It was sweet. 
Breakfast was plain and fancy. Plain old Rice Chex dressed up for a party. They were wearing fresh peaches and blueberries, and were decorated with slivered almonds. Yes, breakfast was especially pretty today.
I woke to the sound of leaves dancing in the breeze outside my window, leaves swishing on their branches in a struggle with the wind. Hurricane Irene brought us thick clouds and a blustery day, but no rain. We were, as Pastor said this morning, "kissed by the outer edge of the storm." I would have to say it was a rather gentle kiss. Late this evening the sun peeked through the western sky and it looks like we have another beautiful week ahead.
Late this afternoon there was a party. Friends and family gathered to celebrate the adoption of two beautiful children, one for whom I have prayed since last August. The wait is finally over and I can't tell you how very blessed I am to have witnessed this story as it unfolded. We've come to truly love this little boy.
Anxiety has plagued me the past few days, grabbing me in the middle of the night and sending my heart into palpitations for no apparent reasons throughout the day. I've not been sleeping much at night and yet find myself falling asleep during the daytime. It's brain overload. Sometimes being wife/mom/daughter/teacher/caretaker/Power of Attorney catches up to me and I lose my focus. I forget to pray...
Yesterday we had fun feeding the birds down at the bay. It was one of the most beautiful late summer days and perfect for heading down to the lake. We even took the time to walk all the way out the pier to the little lighthouse. Only one thing could have made it better, enough time to put my feet into that cool lake water. I have yet to make my way to the actual beach. I must put that on my Do It Soon! list or it won't be happening at all.
