A Fair Fun-Fest

Finally Friday. True, this has felt like an entire week of Fridays, but this is the real deal. Plus: long weekend #1! The American education system once again proves itself a worthy employer.

Today I would like to formally acknowledge that my posts have, as of late, been lacking a certain je ne sais quoi*. Ok, ok, I know: they kinda suck. And I know I suck for not pouring my heart and soul into writing them. But quite frankly, my brain has been so all over the place lately that I wouldn't even know where to begin. I might even go so far as to say that you're all pretty lucky I've managed to pull it together to write anything at all, all things considered.

This weekend bears with it the Great Deerfield Fair (I just added the Great right now- why should NY get a Great and not NH?), and I am going to be one excited fair-goer. I would tell you that it's my favorite event of the fall season but that would be false; it's my favorite event of the year! It symbolizes all that is holy about fall in New England: the smell of wet leaves and hay and moussed up mullets. The 4-H clubs of NH and their sad little baking contests. Paying a dollar to see the world's largest bear in a shady caravan, only to be disappointed by a fake-o stuffed animal. But enjoying it anyway because you have a caramel apple in one hand and a cup of hot cider in the other (and an apple bellyache on the way). Finding treasures like hair decorations with hot pink feathers and leather togs attached to an old roach clip and black face Aunt Jemima dolls (actual finds) that have probably been sitting in some old man's attic since 1974. Watching someone skillfully wield a chainsaw to create large wood totem poles to post in your yard next to the "Forget the Dog, Beware of Owner" signs. Trying to make the sheep baa at you while they are being shorn of their warm wool, which will then be used to make amazingly hairy ponchos in an assortment of disturbing color combinations. Getting yelled at in the midway, catching 12 year olds making out behind the poultry barn, stepping in cow poop, and making yourself sick on rides that are likely missing more than one nut and bolt. Trying to find the "Relaxation Grove", which turns out to really just be a greasy dark alley behind the fried dough guy and the french fry guy with two picnic tables occupied by large men dressed in leather and do-rags.

There's so much quality New England going on it's hard to take in all at once. I've learned the trick is to just let the fair wash over you (which might happen quite literally, if it's raining), and absorb as much of the culture as you can. This will be Chris's first NH fair and if I may impart just one tidbit of wisdom to him, it would be this: enjoy it. It's all over in the blink of an eye, and next September will seem a very long way off. I am now accepting any and all requests to accompany me next year. Who's in?

One last thing! For those of you who read The Boy's blog and are just reading this as a substitute for his, I can tell you all that despite his lack of posts he is, in fact, doing well. I have not locked him in the basement, feeding him only Boston baked beans and Sam Adams- although he would probably like that. No, he is actually just putting in some long days at the new job, learning the ropes and such. That's right, my man knows how to brown nose his way to the top! However, I'm sure as soon as things get a bit more settled it will be back to the usual hilarity over at brickwindow.

I'll leave you with this thought for the weekend:

*Eh? You like that? Mad French skills.