Page 28 - 2018AugSept

FAIRer Days Ahead!

By Dave Friant
s is the case most every summer around these parts, this
daily sauna we call weather in North Texas continues
Ato dominate. Can be a real bummer. However, it’s
August and the final 6 or so weeks of the sweat fest will soon
be exiting the scene. The experts in the field assure us of more Hey, it’s once-a-year. Avoid them for the most part and play
reasonable temperatures down the road. Not sure if our high- a bust the balloon dart game. 2) The prices for parking are
dollar Bushnell binoculars are needed for the view at this point, excessive. REMEDY? Skip a breakfast at your favorite eating
but some movement toward relief is again in the cards. In the establishment that week. 3) Those food and ride coupons that
interim, let’s continue to enjoy sweet tea, very early and short must be purchased. REMEDY? Take your best shot at how
walks in the neighborhood, and the occasional decent movie many will be needed and give those two or three remaining
(there are still some) on the big screen. coupons (always the case) to an exasperated parent(s) with three
Fortunately, we’re for the most part at least partially retired elementary grade schoolers tagging along. It’ll make you feel
and in a position to endure the impacts. We can remain in the good. 4) Generally unsuccessful navigational skills necessary to
comfort that A/C provides and be better able to monitor our avoid stepping in some ride “spills” created from “I don’t feel so
activities. While bothersome to hear over and over again, the good” kiddos. REMEDY? Sorry, you’re on your own.
suggestions of remaining hydrated, wearing a floppy hat, and I always attempt to promote a bit of playful competition amongst
spreading on the suntan lotion are for our benefit. my grandkiddos. We always walk through the pavilions which
Depending upon age, health, and other circumstances, some we know have the sample foods available. Fifteen minutes on
probably entertain the thought of a move to a mountain state for the clock to see who can get the most. Winner enjoys either a
relief during these days of excessive heat. I can only imagine cotton candy, funnel cake, or the upfront passenger seat on the
the rewarding experience of short-terming it for a summer in way home.
the land of Suburu vehicles, beautiful dogs, and ponytails. Relax. . . we’ve done the heavy lifting. No longer a time to
The operative term here is short-terming. No need to abandon let the worries of the day override the positive elements that
rational thought and consider a PERMANENT move. By a we all can still experience. Take the spouse, the grandchildren
large number, the plusses of the DFW Metroplex far outweigh (or great-grandchildren as the case may be), or another couple
the minuses. to enjoy the festivities. Doing so might be viewed as a minor

On a cooler note, State Fair time is right around the corner. It’s event compared to other happenings in our lives, but such acts
probably not everyone’s cup of tea for 3-4 hours on a “Seniors of connectedness can be useful in sculpting the legacy. The
get in FREE” Thursday. For what it’s worth, I’m again ready prospect of permanently storing some valued shared experiences
to lace up the tennies and greet Big Tex this year wearing his make it worthwhile.
Celebrating Texas Innovation duds. Please pass the Pepto Bismol. The fried whatever has just kicked
Let’s put pen to paper and analyze this 3-week extravaganza. in!
On the plus side: 1) Making a large dent in your daily steps
goal. Doc continues to promote the health benefits of exercise.
2) Getting to watch the obedient Aussies (the dogs, not the
nationality) and Blue Heelers do their thing. 3) Mustarding up
and chomping down on those delectable Fletcher’s corn dogs.
4) Taking a watch-your-step stroll amongst the prize-winning
farm animals. 5) Being amazed at the fitness and finesse of
the African Acrobats. 6) The joyful sounds and pageantry of
the nightly parade. 7) The Midway Barker with his usually
successful attempts at head-and-partial-torso-on-a-pole humor.
8) Inhaling the tantalizing aromas of all those new cars and
trucks with the newfangled computerization elements.
On the less-than-completely-plus side: 1) The carnies
lining the midway are generally too verbally forceful in their
attempts to promote the frequently rigged games. REMEDY?

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