County Fair!

I must confess that, although I grew up in a small farming town, I didn't appreciate it.  Living in a town with only one movie theater and no shopping malls was boring!  So I attended college in the Chicago area and stayed.  Now I love all things country related -- locally grown produce and locally raised meat, fresh air . . . (oh no -- I'm starting to hum the theme song from Green Acres!)

Anyway, this afternoon I had a chance to go to the local county fair, and it was wonderful!  Here's a few images from our time:  We watched pig races,

 learned how farm kids did chores a few years ago,

 got the evil eye from a watchful cow,

 hung out in a butterfly garden

 and rode the rides!

It was a wonderful taste of the country for these city folks!

Keeping Cool in the City

When I was in Chicago last week, we walked over the the fountains at Millennium Park and had a grand time cooling off our feet in the water and watching all the kids playing and splashing.  Here's some of my favorite pics from that day.

There are two giant pictures of people at either end of the fountain, and at a certain time, water spouts out of their mouths.  It's a little bizarre looking.

 But the kids love it.

 The little ones were the most fun to watch.

 She had just a moment's peace before there were kids splashing all around.

And this little girl also found a moment to enjoy some solitude.

What a great way to enjoy a hot summer's day!  I hope you are finding ways to keep cool as well!