Car Show and Tell

I actually did have a lot of work to do at the car show this year so did not have the usual amount of opportunities to take "conversation piece" photos. But I managed to get a few...

 

Here's me, just hanging out with Ryan Evans from Count's Kustoms (Chasing Cars TV show).... because I'm cool like that. No, I don't watch the show, but you know me, I am a celebrity junkie!

The swap meet area doesn't just have car parts. Here I could get my initials for my office wall. Some 3 to 4 feet tall and only $25 per letter. I passed when I wondered if my little hybrid could haul them!

Loved Charlie's Angels! The only reason I did not buy this is because it had "Kris" (aka Cheryl Ladd) on there and not "Jill" (aka Farrah). Not really. The $95 price tag had something to do with it.

I think I warned you there is an abundance of tattoos. Apparently this "Cadillac" fan was more concerned about finding the perfect hat than, say, a shirt.

No shortage of political controversy. Though no one batted an eye at this display.

Or at the sight of a multitude of Confederate flags.

And then there was the shirtless man who was strutting his stuff in front of  our booth. He just kept strutting. I don't know if he was trying to get steps on a pedometer or just needed to show of his tanned muscles.

Meanwhile, the dancing cowboy was wearing not a mere 10-gallon hat, but a 20-gallon one!

When it's this hot, why bother carrying a water bottle when you can hoist the whole pump?

I rarely (make that NEVER) take photos in a bathroom, but when I do I've spotted the Wicked Witch of the West. #Elphaba #Wicked 

Modified shopping cart with plenty of shade.

Modified cart with plenty of horsepower and traction!

Going on a lion hunt!

And this huntress caught a leopard or cheetah, which is amazing since they are darn fast, aren't they?

 

I missed this groovy pair in their '70s clothes and large wig. Just couldn't get my phone out fast enough to focus. Still am not sure where the costume party was.

More colorful hair to match an outfit. I really should try this. (Not.)

The colors in this truck spoke to me. Could have something to do with being a child of the '70s  and '80s. At least I kept my wig and platform shoes at home!

Carter drove over to the show today to get some license plates. Only 6 states left! Afterward we stopped at Shivers in Iola, where this photo was taken in 2007 with our friend (and someone's crush) Tamara before she moved on to a new job and her wedding.

Look how much the merry-go-round has shrunk in 8 years!

Took an artistic farewell shot, showing the trademark tower that is at the heart of the car show grounds. Another car show... another tale of survival.

Car Show Warm-up

Today was the first day of the Iola Old Car Show. While I typically am stuck (or have the privilege) to be working all day vending our magazines and books, today I only had 2 shifts to cover. So a few photos will just have to serve as a warm-up. Tomorrow may or may not bring more, depending how late I get home. Saturday, though, I am working from 8-4 so surely there will be something unique to capture your interest.

For now, Day One...

Apparently this guy's "other half" didn't want to come to the show. From what I hear, she's half the woman she used to be.

You're loving this already, aren't you?

Even if you don't buy weird things, you still have to find ways to transport them. Lots of modified wagons wheeled carts on the scene.

 And even very modified shopping carts with a "sun roof." nice.

Of course, kids have it easy and most get to ride along for the day. Until Dad finds something to take up their seating space in the wagon!

Checking out 4,400 swap meet spaces can be strenuous. You gotta stay hydrated. Usually these Camelbak hydration systems (with hose linked to beverage in backpack) are found on mountain climbers and marathon runners. This guy rolled up his pant legs and apparently was ready to take on the 300 acres of car show – with water or his traveling beverage of choice.

First mohawk of the morning! I know I will see several but since this one was single-colored and "normal," I had to take a picture.

I also know I will see a lot of ZZ Top / Grizzly Adams look-alikes, but I gotta snap the pics while they are walking in front of me. I saw a much better one, but it's probably rude to ask your own customer to step aside so you can get a photo. There'll be more chances!

When shopping with my mom, I always make sure my hair matches her shirt. Unfortunately, my own mom wears gray too much! On the other hand, they could be Viking fans. This is the largest car show in Midwest after all. Lots of Minnesota license plates!

I was especially happy to see my friends all the way from Radiators Springs arrive. Here is Lightning McQueen...

and his buddy Tow Mater. Love, love the characters in Disney's CARS movie! One of my favorites!

This year's car show theme is "Race and Pace Cars" so this gearhead is getting a kick out of that. I stopped by the booth for the Dick Trickle Memorial Project. Before he died last year, Dick had mentored our nephew Colin with his stockcar dreams. He also had raced with Colin's grandpa, Tom Reffner, "way back in the day." Tom is quite active in this memorial project. They encouraged respectful selfies with the cutout of the short-track racing legend.

If the van is a rockin'... Well, it was just too groovy to pass up. Love the peace sign in this vintage ride.

In fact there are a lot of beautiful vehicles and unique displays. I just tend to watch the people more than the cars. Ha. Should probably appreciate my surroundings more!

We'll see what I come up with. Right now, the car show is the last thing on my mind. We are anxiously waiting for news of Carter's arrival. Should be back in Rapids by 11 p.m. tonight! It's going to be very inconvenient to leave him at home tomorrow and return to work and the car show!

Dang.

Si, Senor!

After a long, physical-labor type day setting up things for the car show, there was only thing logical to do... Have a dinner date with hubby.

Since my dear sister-in-law gave us gift certificates to our fave Mexican restaurant in town, I can thank her for a night with my sweet senor!

The last few nights of empty-nestage have not been anything to report. Been too stressed. Tonight it was good to have the distraction and relaxation before the next three even longer days begin. Enjoyed some good food and catching up and making plans.

El Mezcal is the best!

We realized neither one of us heard from Carter today but we saw his schedule was quite packed with his last lecture / activity of the day starting about now. That's good. Keep him busy and on task. We've gotten a few updates from a program coordinator but it will be interesting to hear in Carter's own words what he actually did, learned and retained.

And liked, of course.

I sure missed his help with the heavy lifting at the car show today. He is disappointed he's missing it but wrote down a list of the license plates he still needs for his collection. Only 19 left, he pointed out. Like I will have free time to shop!!

After my spicy dinner date, I am ready for a siesta!

Hasta mañana!

Word of the Day: Ominous

ominous: giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; threatening; inauspicious.

 
For some reason, I remember learning the word "ominous" in high school English. It was made easy by the sample sentence: "There were ominous dark clouds gathering overhead."

Obviously, looking at the sky from my stop at the gas station on the way home tonight, you'll see why that word often comes to mind during the summer. Very strange (with the white, puffy layer beneath the storm clouds) and ominous, wouldn't you say?

Today though, I am also feeling stress from the ominous car show coming this week.

Not that it was all fun and games in the past – despite entertaining photos – but this year the person in charge of our activities there left the company for less ominous pastures. So three of us old car editor types are learning event-management at warp speed and I, for one, am making list after list so we don't forget anything from the volunteer schedule, signage and book displays down to the plastic checkout bags and entry slips for our giveaway.

There are a lot of stinkin' details.

The concept is ominous! And I do not use that word lightly!

Thankfully, I had a nice weekend getaway leading up to this week. And thankfully, hubby got me an hour massage certificate for my birthday. I will be using that a week from today if I can swing it!!!

As usual, I am just over-preparing for the worst. I mean those ominous clouds this evening dropped a little rain and that was it. Now they've moved on for the moment.

I suppose we need moments / days / weeks like these to test our survival skills, our faith in God and in ourselves. I suppose...

Showtime :: Day Three

Today was my third and final day working -- and attending with joy, of course -- the car show. Instead of being in our trailer by the book tent, I got a new outlook on things down in the heart of the swap meet. And again, right near the bathrooms. What a view.

I was sharing the vending kiosk with a church group selling nachos, pretzels and, you guessed it, ice cream. Since it was just sandwiches and drumsticks, I managed to exhibit enough self control not to eat up any of my profits. My boss should be proud. I know I am!

I got done at 1 p.m. and made my way quickly home so we could head down to Adams for Carter's baseball tournament. Basically it was like going from one huge event to another -- the second being the largest skeeter convention I have seen in some time. Good thing I sprayed down before I left home!

The tourney was for the 16U team (Carter was called up from the minors, ha) and they lost, but we play again tomorrow. Got done with enough time to stop and eat good burgers and sandwiches at Trail's End Bar & Grill. Just got home and I am really exhausted -- but I am so dedicated to you, dear readers, I am posting random car show photos one more time.

And I mean random order AND random thoughts...

Smokin' in the boys room? Or a steaming pile?

I guess bib just aren't made for closing all the way!

Fashionably cooling head gear.

Just.... Why? Really. Why?

Patriotic sun catcher.

Those feisty redheads!

Not sure how to take that...

Missile Control Center. I don't think these qualify under Wisconsin's new concealed carry law.

Notice it says "your" bird... not THE bird! Car show folks are nice.

Don't know what he's selling or buying. I just get a kick out of the walking billboards.

This is how we roll...

Size matters... when it comes to your tires anyway.

Carter took pictures of cars he wanted us to buy.... I took pictures of ones we could afford!

Of course, I found one for myself... Viking canopy included!

Not sure why I thought of our racing friends when I saw this! (OK, I do know why.)

Sitting in the hot seat.

Not the best place to sit down with your kid for a break!

After zooming in, I discovered she has the Serenity Prayer tattooed on her back. Love the prayer ... not the pain, though!

Bachelors on parade??

When you just don't know what to do with those last strands of hair on top of your head.

"Woodie station wagons??? I thought you said Woodstock!"

Again with the bib closure problems!

Did you ever watch "Grizzly Adams"? I thought of that show today for some reason.

Camo gear for the mighty swap meet hunters.

Weird eye or weird Packer fan?

Elvis may still be alive! He's aged well.

I guess when you are married long enough, you become your husband's pack mule without complaining. I obviously haven't been married THAT long! (I also like the background action of the guys eyeing up the girl. Good lord.)

Daisy Duke called. She really wants them back!

A car show is just like a time capsule... Or  Sam Elliot movie.

Don't get stuck in traffic behind some ol' blue hair!

Found extra hair somewhere and fashioned it into a Mohawk.

Two times the fun... until they are hot and bothered like the rest of us.

I wanted to complain about MY job and working on Saturday. But then I saw this guy walking into the men's bathroom with a plunger. No complaints here, I swear.

We're just going to have to sue the bib company over these wardrobe malfunctions. That's all there is to it.

I thought it was underwear as a headband. And, well, I'm still not sure.

The Swap Meet is a Safari to this mighty hunter at least.

Close the door. Elvis hasn't left the building after all.

Train 'em young.

Ageless hair trend. Better this than the mullet, I say.

Good thing God believes it's what's on the inside that counts.

Whoa. Elvis has a twin brother, too.

A nice warm fuzzy at the end of the day.

What the fork? If you don't know what to do with those old forks, make them look like you are giving someone the bird.

Oh, and there were cars, too.

New public showers added this year!

God bless America... and you.... and good night!