Daphne and I have been married for 16 years, and neither of us are the same people we were in 2002. There are stores and restaurants that we used to be excited about, but we wouldn't even think to visit them today. Daphne now enjoys foods that she wouldn't touch when I first met her. I used to think a Friday night at home was a wasted evening, and now I can't think of another place I would want to be.
After our disappointing first day at the Iowa State Fair, both Daphne and I admitted later that we were secretly worried about returning for a second time. What if we really had outgrown one of our favorite events?
Sunday's forecast was in the 90's. Daphne's plan was to keep Charlotte as cool as possible and keep her belly full. Before we left home, Char was given cereal, milk, and a hot dog bun smeared with peanut butter.
To keep Charlotte cool, we took numerous breaks in the air conditioned buildings, and Daphne also brought along this water bottle.
The spray bottle was great way to beat the heat. The mist spray cools you down quickly, and you can refill the bottle at any fountain. One dad spotted me spraying down Charlotte, and he asked if I'd also spray his kids. No problem!
Char also thought the bottle was fun to play with. She'll be happy to cool you down, too.
Daphne and I started the day with a corn dog...
... and some apple egg rolls. The egg rolls reminded me of the apple pies McDonald's served in the 70's. (Man, I miss those pies.)
It was then time to use Char's Thrill Pass Wristband. There's a new rule this year. Char will smile before and after the ride, but you get a scowl during the ride. (I do not know why.)
Before:
During:
After:
The Iowa Turkey Federation sells a turkey sandwich that I hadn't noticed before. The turkey was awesome, and felt like it was a healthier choice as well.
Char tried some of the turkey that didn't have BBQ sauce on it, and she asked for a sandwich, too, "I just want it plain, please." She filled up on turkey, and her good mood continued.
Char also had PB&J on-a-stick awhile later.
This wasn't the winner of the biggest pumpkin, but it was definitely the most handsome.
By the afternoon, Daphne was getting cheeky. This is the "butt pants" seat at the chainsaw carving exhibit.
Yea! Now that's more like it. This is a pork chop that's worth a photo.
The Salty Carmel Lightning Rod cup from Bauder's Ice Cream was a great way to wrap up our day.
Speaking of dessert, Daphne's recipe for S'more Bars made it into the 19th edition of the Iowa State Fair Cookbook.
According to the older gentleman who was selling the cookbooks, these books are sent to Library of Congress for prosperity. "If you're in there, then you're immortal! They can read your recipe a thousand years from now." I don't know about that, but getting a recipe in the book is pretty cool.
Whew! We had a great day two at the ISF! Keeping everyone cool and well fed paid off. We hadn't outgrown the Fair!
We were Back in State Fair Groove! Link.
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