Fortunately (Photo-Heavy Post)

Do you know the story, Fortunately, by Remy Charlip?  That's kind of how the last few days have been.


We got a flat twenty minutes into our trip
but FORTUNATELY, it was after the terrible one-lane construction zone, and I coasted the car safely to the shoulder. Fortunately, we had AAA and they came and changed our flat. The spare was only a temporary, but fortunately there was a Walker Tire at the next exit. An hour later we were on our way to Kansas.

Pretty soon we had arrived at our destination, but it was too late to do anything as Abilene rolls up the sidewalks at 5 PM. Fortunately, the hotel had cable TV and there was a Gilligan's Island marathon on. Nothing soothes a tired, hot, child after six hours in a car like Gilligan's Island.

Next morning, we were up bright and early to visit the President Eisenhower presidential library, museum, and boyhood home.  The boyhood home is interesting as it was donated right before Eisenhower's mother died, and all the contents of the house are original. Fortunately,they permit non-flash photography, so I'm able to show you some of it.

The shortwave radio you see to the right enabled Eisenhower's mother to listen to news of the war from Europe, and to hear her then General son speaking to reporters. The lacework you see over the chair was done by Ida, and the woven blanket you see in the corner was made by President Eisenhower's Grandfather and is the oldest item in the house. 

The wooden box on legs you see to the right was for mixing bread dough (it would be placed near a warm stove to rise). When the guide mentioned that Ida baked bread three times a week, I couldn't help but think, "So what? I do too!" but I don't have six boys to feed. 

We posed for photos on the back steps, as you do.

 And by the sign. As you do.

By the time we finished with the house, I was feeling a little light-headed and nauseated -I've been dealing with some (boring stuff) but fortunately the Eisenhower museum was dark, cool, and had benches to rest.

 They had a nice display of Mamie's hats.

 ...and instructions for achieving the signature hairdo.

 That silly fringe wasn't some Kansas invention-it came from Elizabeth Arden in New York.

 This is why you should have nice bed-jackets-your husband could become president and your nightclothes could end up on display at a museum in Kansas.

 This skirt was interesting...

 ...not sure I agree, but in the 50's it probably made sense.

But then, it was time to head off to Grand Island to see the State Fair.

The kid was shaking so hard I thought he'd fall over.

 One of the volunteers let Danny pose with his rosette for the most winning entries in the youth division. He's extra pleased as it comes with an addition $25.00 in prize money (along with the other ribbons).

The Details:

Wheat Bread-1st place
White Bread-2nd place
Cinnamon Buns-1st place
Oatmeal Cookies-1st place
Cherry Lime Quick bread-3rd place
White Cake-1st place
Cream Biscuits (scones)-1st place
Apricot jam with pectin-4th place
Apricot Butter-5th place
Pickled Mushrooms and onions-1st place
Rosewater Cherry Jelly-2nd place

Let's just say he's delighted. We're very proud of him, but we would be, ribbons or not. That's a whole lot of work. Fortunately, we get to relax until next year!

We took a look around the fair to see all the other great exhibits.

"Heh, heh, nice pumpkins."

 "What?! Oh, the squash. Fine then."

This photo is for Mim. Just when I was saying we never see Massey Ferguson tractors anymore, this small lawn tractor shows up at the fair. I wouldn't really mow the lawn with my handbag at my side-I haven't gone completely Moominmama. Yet. 

What you can't see on my hat are the tiny silk bees sewn on. I didn't make the hat, but as soon as I saw it in the thrift store, I knew it would be my 2015 State Fair Hat (because you need a State Fair Hat!). The dress was purchased back in the winter, and it needed buttons which I only got around to replacing on Monday. I'm glad it still fit (nothing else does). 

Hauling laundry up the stairs is a hassle. Fortunately,  this young woman invented a sled utilising pipe to make the job easier. This was one of my favourite displays from the students.

 There was plenty of nature to see along our adventure...

But after a quick stop at Pioneers Park in Lincoln, it was time to head home.

 When we got home, the air conditioner was busted! On a holiday weekend! Fortunately, we got it taken care of. It was a busy three days, but being a long weekend, I have until Tuesday morning to recuperate. I think we should make Danny cook our meals this weekend...he can no longer claim he doesn't know how.

Okay, I promise, you won't need to hear about the Nebraska State Fair again until late spring, at least.