State Fair 2017

Thinking that we would avoid the crazy crowds common on a Friday night, we decided to visit the Wisconsin State Fair on Tuesday afternoon. Boy, were we in for a surprise! Lines getting into the fair were very long, and every food stand, vendor, and exhibit were full of people. Despite the crowds, we had a good time.

Below are some pictures of things we saw and did:

Talented Kids

Girl and Boy singing: "The Sun will come out Tomorrow"

4H Exhibit-spray painted bottle caps

Nutcracker-done by a young 16 year old girl

Interesting Sites

Flame Guy

Pow Wow

Giant Ferris Wheel

Molly Moo

Guess about Cows

Learn About Cows

Sleeping Steers

Beautiful Surroundings

Entry to Flower Building

Exploratory Park Path

Fattening, Unhealthy Food

Fresh Cut Pizza Fries

Spam Everything (ugh)

Door County Cherry Fudge Cake

Crème Puffs

Yes, we waddled back to the car, but since the walk was long, we lost a few calories. Well, two weeks to Irish Fest!

Ozaukee County Fair

This Saturday we visited the Ozaukee County Fair. The weather was warm and sunny and just a perfect day to spend outside.

We love this fair because of the 4-H horse riding by the young ladies. It is such a beautiful sight to watch the horses gallop, jump, and pose while being controlled by these little girls.

We frequently find interesting animals to capture. This year a chicken gets our vote on the most interesting feather design.

We received a nice surprise when we ran into some friends from church who brought their grandkids to the fair. What wonderful grand-parents Dr. Ken and his wife, Peggy are.

Our ritual is to visit the fair, then walk the town of Cedarburg. We visited a few of the shops, but were focused on getting a few pieces of Sal's pizza. The pizza, as big as one's head, is always served with warm, fresh, garlic bread. Oh, so good! Of course, we cannot leave Cedarburg without visiting Amy's chocolates and picking up a few pieces for gifts, as well as some for ourselves.

This continues to be the only free fair in Wisconsin and one we hope to enjoy for years to come. Although smaller than others we visit, it has all the essentials!

Waukesha County Fair

Saturday afternoon was so warm and sunny we decided to go to the Waukesha County Fair.

New cow every year!

As always the fair is just plain fun. The exhibits, music, animals, and food, are something that signifies SUMMER to us.

We always enjoy the 4-H exhibits. This year, there were some really nice looking bakery and preserve entries.

4-H train exhibit and  creator

4-H hot jelly

Talented Kids

The animals are, of course, are a must see. Odd looking ducks and speckled goats caught our eye. As well as huge turkeys and magnificent horses.

Grand Champion Steer

Such Pretty Pidgeons

Odd Duck

Who's your Daddy?

The pig, duck and goat races were fun to watch. We always marvel how these animals just run around the track and give the crowd such a good time!

This fair has some of the best food we have seen at any fair. The variety of meats is extensive, as well meat on stick and meat wrapped in bacon.

Meat everywhere!

This year, we opted for an ice cream dessert. The cookie dough sundae was about 16 ounces of vanilla ice cream covered with huge pieces of cookie dough and chocolate. So very good... and so very rich!!!!

Two weeks to State Fair!!

Doug and Tina came to Town

This weekend we got to enjoy a visit from Lou's baby brother, Doug, and his wife, Tina. We had a great visit catching up on their life in Arizona.

Doug is very active with the Habitat for Humanity, and has helped build many wonderful homes for those who through oppression or misfortune could not obtain a home. He also runs a high-end rug cleaning business-specializing in cleaning and treating wool carpets.

Tina is extremely busy with her church, and is very involved in fund-raising. Tina has a heart for young people, and has accompanied them on various missions. Along with doing interior design for clients and volunteering at her church, she is busy collecting pictures of her adorable grand-children.

We got to enjoy lunch with them and had a great time laughing about all of our little driving mishaps over the years, as well as reminding ourselves of all the wisdom that comes with age!

Doug and Tina may become snow-birds and may find a summer home in Wisconsin so that they can spend more time with their children and grand-children.

One thing that Lou and Tina have in common is their love for making spiced pecans. So, come Christmas time, we are going to have the great "nut bake-off" to determine if spouses can tell the difference between the goodies.

Happy house-hunting, Doug and Tina! Hope to see you soon.

Picnic on the Farm-July 4th, 2017

Lou and I usually host a large Fourth of July party at our house, but this year we were invited to a big church picnic at Scot and Shirley Cerka's Farm in Burlington, WI.

Beautiful Day and Beautiful Surroundings

Scott and Shirley own 18 acres of beautiful land complete with horses, geese, an in-ground swimming pool, hot tub and lots of fun toys.

Horses enjoyed the day, too!

Noisy, happy geese

Miniature Horse, Emma

Boys and their toys!

Scott spent much of the beautiful, sunny afternoon cooking burgers, brats, hot dogs and corn. Guests brought various salads, fruit and desserts. Shirley was busy making guests welcome and ensuring everything went smoothly.

Chef Scot

Awesome Food!

There were some friendly games of bean bag toss, Frisbee, and bocce ball to keep people entertained along the sidelines.

Bocce Men

Deciding who goes first?

Looking for the little white ball

The Stanger Team-sheer power!

One attention getter was the kitten, Ethel, who found her way onto various laps. Elfrieda really enjoyed holding Ethel and entertaining her. Ethel also enjoyed taking a nap on Ali's lap. It was just so cute.

Elfrieda and Ethel

Ali and Ethel

Everyone was having a great time just relaxing and eating! What a way to spend a holiday.

Big and Fast

Brad and Lou

Diane and Clark

Having a good time

Jeff preparing for the Olympics

Fun in the Sun

Preacher Jeff Pose

Thank you Scott and Shirley for a great day!