Things are getting better with me. The pain is a lot less. I saw one television program that one of the people in the program stated, “It is Pain that teaches us the meaning of Love.” With all the pain I had, I should really know the meaning of Love! One day this past week, I experienced a pain similar to pain when you hit an elbow (funny bone) but from the wounded arm elbow to my fingers on that hand. It lasted almost a half day—still don’t know what that meant. The first therapy for me is Aug. 30. Meanwhile I still have the arm in a sling of sorts and have two right hand fingers.
My finger nails on the right hand needed trimming before I broke off one. There was no way I could do it so I asked Gina if she could. When Steve and I arrived there, I no more than got out of the car when a big dog came from nowhere and jumped in the car right where I had been sitting and then proceeded to go to the backseat. I wish I had had my camera along to take a picture if it. It sat there like, “I’m going hone with you” or else the look of, “I’m ready for a ride!” I quickly told it that I had enough kittens and wouldn’t have a place for him! I was very thankful that Gina trimmed my nails.
Saturday I received a call from Donald Trump that I didn’t answer. I have had calls from Quimby, Washta, a Robo call and a place in Minnesota. I can’t hold the phone long so if it is an important call, a message can be left. No message is left so it must not have been important.
Thanks to Elaine L. for bringing back a funeral bulletin and “A Farewell of Love to Their Mother” from Betty Knudson’s memorial service. I was going to have contacted the funeral home for this but now don’t have to. The Knudson’s had been a part of our Marcus community for over 50 years. We had planned on going to the service until my accident.
The 87th Fair is but a memory. Things that I was able to attend were the Little Miss Marcus contest and Babies on Parade. Credit goes to Kristy A. for her help. I did go through the building where people brought to exhibit—canned goods, flowers, vegetables and fruits, handiwork (knitting, quilts, sewing, and embroider articles), all kinds of coloring and other projects from kids, photos, and baked goods. Sunday afternoon while I was waiting for Steve to take his entries home, a Sioux County car was parked in front of us. There were 8 big tubs that she put in the car that were filled with exhibits. There were 2 teenagers and 2 younger children that she still found room for.
I still haven’t been able to see what the woodcarvings went for. I was at my 65th class reunion on Friday so missed the Youth Parade winners. I was surprised at all the carnival rides that were here. There were more for older kids then ever before. Other attractions for kids were the greased pig contest, and mutton bustin competition. There was a mechanical bull at the horse arena that always draws older youth to. Also at the horse arena was a wild pony race as well as the Siouxland Ag in the Classroom Activity Booth.
Sunday was the Cooking School where you could have your ticket number drawn for one of the many prizes that our businesses help support. And, you could probably find a new recipe from the cook who was presenting the cooking program. This year a man was the cook! Dave Nicks from Remsen had been in the Iowa National Guard and cooked for them. The Cooking School bulletins read, “Cooking for an Army” which he did! The colorful bulletind were done by DETAILS Custom Print Studio. Who got the grand prize? Paula Nelson’s ticket was drawn for the grand prize of a grill.
There was a Cornhole Tournament going on west of the church. Mini-rod tractor pullers were there for those interested in tractor pulling. Bingo was played north of the food stand. There was a dunking booth with the cheerleaders being the victims! An open car and motorcycle show was at the ball field. There was a softball game. The Historical Society was open for those that wanted to go back in time. Fireworks were on Friday night.
You can see that there was something for all ages at this Fair. The best part of it was that there was no admission charged! Families could come and not be broke when they left. If you wanted to buy a ticket for $1, it could be worth $100 if it was drawn. Thanks go to those who made this 87th Fair a WINNER! Keep up the good work!
While waiting for Bethany to send out my articles, I turned to Channel 27-1 where the State Fair was showing some of the activities that had already happened. Sam Schmillen from Marcus was shown with his $13,500 sheep. There were 4-H kids showing their cattle and pigs. A girl was pulling a coaster wagon with 5 hens in it. The judge could only judge one amd that one didn’t really like to be held by a stranger! The judging of cookies was shown. There were 2,000 entries and several judges unlike Marcus with one judge!
There were kids lined up to try and find out who could eat a piece of chocolate pie with a white fluffy topping to finish first. Each piece looked like it was a piece from a pie cut in 8 pieces. They couldn’t use their hands and had to put their face right down on the plate and eat the pie that way. Some came up for air more than once! There were others that continued to eat even if some of the pie was up their nose—they were out to win! Some of the girls had their hair in the mess while they were eating
Do you know how many trees are on the Fair grounds? There are 3200! How many flowers are there? There are countless flowers. There are people that are hired to make sure there are flowers while the Fair is going on. Some of the flower beds were shown. The flowers didn’t come from places that we would buy flowers—they were expensive to start with. The flowers are to be kept alive after the Fair is over, if all together possible. I think they were annuals and would not be around next year. Oh, well, just go out the next year and buy some more!
Remember to keep in your thoughts and prayers those who have lost friends/family to death, have their lives changed, have health problems some of which are terminal, have a job but are still struggling to make ends meet, help those who desire “wants” are more important than “needs” that prestige isn’t everything and be with those who are still struggling to shorten the distance between family/friends to build a bridge instead of a wall. Count your blessings!
I will leave you with this quote: Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, and Today is a Gift to be used wisely.