Spoiler Alerts

In this day and age, I figure there are 3 main ways to follow the Olympics -- without being there, that is.

1) If you can spare the time, you can either watch it live on TV or the Internet all hours of the day and night.
2) You can check for results (spoiler alerts) on the Internet throughout the day.
3) You can watch the tape-delayed version on TV at night and pretend it's live.

My initial plan is always to stay up with Bob Costas and live out the suspense like it's real time. Don't tell me who did what. I want to see for myself. Well, the first day of the Olympics (Saturday) I come into the house and announce to hubby I want to watch the Olympics later to see Michael Phelps race. "He didn't even medal," Jim replies.

Ugh! "I didn't want to know!" I said.

He kept his mouth shut the rest of the weekend, but I really only had time for the Costas review at night anyway.

Now it's the weekday decisions. I have learned from past Olympics that they will drag that drama out 'til 11 p.m. -- 90 minutes past my bedtime and I get tired after a few nights of that. In an effort to avoid the staying up too late on a "school night," I cheat.

I glance at the results during the day and determine if I should stay up to watch the Olympics. Last night, for example, knowing the men's gymnastics team had an epic fail, I didn't bother. Doesn't make me a fair-weather fan, just an informed one, right? Tonight for example, I KNOW (without saying anything more) that there is A LOT I want to see. So I'm blogging early so I can couch potato it for the evening.

Maybe you should, too. I can guarantee you it will be worth it!

I just can't tell you why.

USA! USA! USA!

Have Passport, Will Travel

Our Passports are here! Our Passports are here!

Look out world, Jim and Robyn Austin have their first passports. Ever.

Where are we going? First hint -- not the Olympics!

If you recall 4 years ago at this time, hubby was gone on a 9-day excursion out east, searching for family tree clues in northern Vermont and upstate New York. He came back with some new information, a few "new" cousins and gorgeous, gorgeous photos of the Green Mountains, Adirondack Mountains and covered bridges. I said, "Next time, you're taking me with you!"

Fast forward 4 years to Next Time.

One of the challenges last time was that Jim was only a mile from Canada, where his great-grandfather is buried, but he couldn't go there without a passport. A month ago, we decided we'd celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary with this trip. So we spent Friday, July 6, getting our ducks in a row -- photo taken, forms filled out, check written, oath sworn (seriously), etc. They probably got it filed Monday, July 9, and now just 3 short weeks later our passports are here!!

Good thing they "approved" us since we already booked our flights and rental car!

We'll be going in late September for a week, hopefully when fall colors are peaking on the mountain ranges and maybe reflecting on Lake Champlain when we cross it on a ferry, says the photographer. Even if we don't find out anything new for hubby's family tree, it will be a pretty second honeymoon!

Of course, now that we have the passports, there really is nothing to stop us from going anywhere in the future.

Well, except for the money part.

Sunday Shorts

Sunday briefly...

Church-Front Finale: Got up for 8 o'clock church and had to get going early since Carter had to acolyte. I think this might have been his last time doing it since he gets confirmed in October and a new batch of 7th-grade confirmation students comes in. That's good. Carter knows what he's doing but gets so nervous. Then I'm sitting with him getting nervous for him! It will be nice to return to our back pew. Ha.

Step-Deprived: I have so busy doing nothing or something close to it, I've struggled to get my steps in the last few days. So today, when we got home from church I made sure I got a 2-mile walk in before the rain started (turned out to be sprinkling only) and before I had to get busy on projects. Now I am sitting with over 10,000 steps for the day. Finally!

Rearrangement: My "project" continues to be basement cleanup, decluttering and reorganization. Oh yes, this will take me another month, but I made some headway with my 2 days off and having time today. I've thrown out everything impacted by the flooding in our basement when the sump pump went ka-putt. Now it's putting things into plastic totes (I'm sick of wet, mildewy cardboard boxes) and organizing them logically in the basement. I'm not done getting rid of stuff, though. I am setting stuff aside for Goodwill or the spring garage sale as I work. This is long overdue but I'll be happy (in a few months, ha) when it's done.

Choking Hazard: OK I'm not talking about Brewers, who seem to be choking a lot lately. I am talking about this nagging night-time cough I've had for weeks and weeks. I end up sleeping with a cough drop in my mouth (so not a good idea) and take it out when I'm done coughing or I wake up and there's some left. I finally remembered to buy some NyQuil today so we'll see if that works any better tonight. The only problem is I might not stay awake through all my Olympic coverage. Good thing there's always the Internet!

Treasure Hunt

We asked Carter what he wanted to do today, his first full day home with no baseball, no work, no camping or hiking. We said he could do anything from vegging on the couch to golfing. He chose treasure hunting.

OK, that's our glamorous way of saying we went to the flea market! (Yes, he is his mother's son.) It's turned into an annual excursion for the two of us. Once a summer we head south 20-some miles to Adams and see if we can find anything we need... er want... er think we should have.

Today we almost did need a treasure map to get there, though. Since we haven't gone south this summer, I didn't know about a bridge out on the way and the subsequent detour -- which added a total of 19 miles onto our trip. By that point, we hoped the trip would be worth it.

We both had our own missions in mind. Carter wants to add to his growing license plate collection and I wanted to grab some Amish Cashew Crunch. Mine was easy since the people selling it always sit in the same spot. Carter, however, had a challenging day.

The first booth he saw some old Wisconsin plates, including a tractor one. He wanted to jump on that but I said maybe we should see what else we find. After walking around pretty much everywhere, we were almost going to give up.Then he found some awesome license plates from a $2 Missouri one to a $75 Alaskan one shaped like a bear. That was way cool. And waaaaay out of our budget. He picked 3 -- the Missouri one, a Bahamas one and a Cayman Island one -- and negotiated his own deal for them. He's getting the hang of that.

On the way home, knowing about the detour, I took a shorter route that got us back to the main highway sooner and landed us in the town of Rome for some ice cream. It just works out that way every time we do this! And it was a great way to wrap up our mother-son time.

Got home and hubby's back was still bothering him. So we opted not to drive up to Wausau to see our nephew Colin race. Instead, Carter went with some friends to see the Batman movie and I watched the Olympics while Jim alternated icing his back and stretching it and resting it.

Obviously, we're all up too late, too. Good thing tomorrow's a day of rest!

Opening Ceremonies

We're watching the opening ceremonies for the summer Olympics in  London. Since they are doing the "parade of nations" part now, I figure I've got an hour before they get to the U.S. of A. Not that the other costumes (for lack of a better word) aren't interesting, but I figured I'd blog now.

I asked Carter to be by guest blogger, but he declined. He said, '"Just tell them I made it home. Keep them in suspense. They'll just have to wait to see me in person to get the details."

I'm sure the suspense is killing you. So spoiler alert for most of you who won't see him in person any time soon. He had a fun time. I don't know that he'll do the whole hiking/camping thing again. But he said the Porkies were beautiful and, despite the rains, it was pretty darn cool.Or maybe he said "righteous" or it was "beast." Yup, he picked up some new teen lingo this week that bridges the parent-child gap further.

Yep, he did not rush to my arms to hug me like he used to do after absences from Mom and Dad. I sort of had to force it out of him. We definitely missed him way more than he missed us.That is something I'll have to get used to. He predictably raced to his iPod and his spot on the couch. Sort of like he never left!

For supper we had to take him to Hong Kong Buffett. That's about as far from camp food as you can get.

Got home in time for the opening ceremonies, which was was preceded by an Olympic-worthy juggling demonstration. Oh yes, it's good to have our baby back!

Let the games begin!

Rain Check

Carter will have to take a rain check on that week of hiking and camping in the Porkies. After all that severe weather up there yesterday, they actually ended up heading back to camp in Wisconsin. Just too much rain (unheard of, right?) for them to continue.

So he spent the night in a dry bed and got to do fun camp things today and will head home tomorrow as planned. I hope this doesn't dampen his enthusiasm (pun intended) for nature activities. I hope he enjoyed some of it anyway.

We got some of that wet stuff today, too. I had to take pictures because I forgot what it looked like!

It was coming down so hard and just smelled so good, I wanted it to last for hours and hours. Instead, it was over in less than 10 minutes. The sun came out, dried up the puddles and this afternoon you'd have no idea it had rained unless you saw it yourself.

We saw it because hubby and I took today and tomorrow off so we were home. We figured with Carter gone, we might do something fun. Just the two of us. Well golf would have been good, but that didn't happen. And the rain wasn't the reason we'll have to take a rain check on that.

Jim woke up with a really sore back -- probably from golfing with his dad and boy #1 yesterday, but it could just be age. Who knows? Anyway, he was stretching and resting it all day so we were not about to go make it worse. So I tried to get some stuff done. First order of business was an hour massage at 8:30. Basically rolled out of bed and went there -- not knowing that Jim's back was hurting worse than mine. I swear.

For fun after that, I cut his hair, did some organizing and put my Annika shrine together. My what?? See...

Got my autographed flag and photo plus the photo of us together in a large frame. Cool, eh? Now I just have to find a place to hang it!

For more fun, I sat on the deck and soaked up some rays while reading, then worked out and went to a picnic with some friends.

Tomorrow, I really better crack the whip (on myself!) and get some things done. Because once my baby comes home, I'll just want to hang out with him... while he ignores me and reacquaints himself with his iPod Touch and the TV. Sigh... I still missed him!

Holes

As I worried about our baby today, dealing with storms and maybe even hail and lightning, I prayed for his safety... then started counting down to his return in something like 40 hours.

His absence definitely leaves a hole in my heart, but I am lucky. It's only temporary.

After visiting the funeral home this evening for the 3rd time in 10 days, I see many friends who are now dealing with holes in their hearts that won't be going away any time soon. Maybe never. If they are lucky, though, they will get smaller and less painful. Over time. Probably a long time.

Tonight's funeral was for a gentleman hubby played ball with years ago and even dabbled in some Johnny Horton karaoke with the guy. He died of a heart attack Sunday. While he hadn't been in the best of health -- with a few nasty habits he refused to kick -- it still took those close to him by surprise. As his grieving wife pointed out, it's going to be a big hole to fill.

How does one fill it? I think what a lot of people do is stuff it with memories. That's what a dozen of us did at a nearby saloon after the service. But that won't be the same as feeling someone's strong arms around you or hearing a boisterous voice and laugh.

Hopefully the love, comfort and support of family and friends fills the hole a bit, too. We do feel helpless on the outside looking in. Very helpless.

I only know I am so blessed that -- for today -- it is not my heart that's breaking. And extremely grateful mine will be mended come Friday. I will not take that for granted.

Mountain Madness

I've become obsessed with the weather in Ontonagon, Mich., these days. I know that's close to the Porcupine Mountains so I am torturing myself wondering how Carter is handling each and every little thing.

Yes, I miss my baby!

It's so weird not having any contact at all with him. Even a brief call to say he did "nothing" would be better than nothing. But I understand the rules about not letting them bring any electronics with them. That would only distract them from their time with nature, each other and God.

So I'll just pray for his safety and leave the rest up to God.

Of course, seeing that there is a 70 percent chance of rain tonight and a 100 percent chance of heavy thunderstorms tomorrow has me a bit concerned.

Yes, I packed a rain jacket but now I wonder if he'll be warm enough. Funny, when yesterday and today I wondered if he'd be too hot! Did we pack the right stuff? Oh boy. I guess it's all part of the adventure!

As long as the only mother he blames is Mother Nature!

Aging Process

Came across this photo today and found it quite fitting. I don't think I'm the only one guilty of this. We become so busy with our own lives -- centered around our children and our own family unit, that it sometimes takes a special effort to think of those outside it.

I worry about Carter growing up so fast, forgetting sometimes that simultaneously, my parents have become elderly. Some days even old and frail.

I pray for them every day but that's not the same as calling them as often as I should. Or getting in the car and driving those 4 hours to see them. We spend 2 hours in the car every day as it is, so it's not that much of a stretch really.

It's unfortunate that we are reminded of their age and declining health when they become sick again or discover some new pain or ailment.

My 84-year-old dad has been suffering from Shingles since last fall. They say it strikes the elderly worse than any other demographic -- and my dad is proof of that. It's 9 months now (with a heart attack in that time period, too) that he has dealt with the crippling pain only those who have suffered with Shingles would understand. My 80-year-old mother has become his caretaker and done everything she can to alleviate the pain and help him. Unfortunately, they still have found themselves in the ER a half-dozen times this year because the pain was just "too much" for Dad to handle. And my mother was out of options.

One of the things that has helped temporarily is pain medication, but that makes Dad drowsy and "out of it" and that's not good. He's not the same anymore. He's lost his spunk and maybe even some of his stubbornness. Maybe.

Of course, all of us kids are worried naturally -- for both Dad and Mom. There comes a time when it's too much for an elderly woman with osteoporosis to take care of an elderly man with Shingles, diabetes, high blood pressure and Lord knows what else.

They have tried to convince us they can handle this so I guess I'll just keep praying God will give them the strength.

And throw some our way, too... along with patience, acceptance and understanding. Just to name a few.

Love your parents!

Happy Trails!

Today was the big sendoff for Carter and 6 other high-schoolers from our church who are going backpacking and camping in Michigan's Porcupine Mountains this week.

Actually it wasn't that big of a sendoff. Trust me, after how stressful and time-consuming packing seemed to be (for me!), I was glad to see him finally hit the trail.

You know I'm not telling the truth.

I think we had everything he needed and we kept having to pare it down. I couldn't stress enough that every little thing weighed something and would add to the overall weight he'd be carrying on his back this week. I know he's used to carrying a very heavy backpack for school... but he doesn't have to carry that for miles. I think that finally sunk in but we still had to scale back on unnecessary clothes, etc. He did good. He even figured out my Bible weighs a few ounces less than his, so he took mine.

Early this afternoon, he got a ride to church and camp so I got to say goodbye at home. Of course I gave him hugs and kisses and said I'd miss him. And being a typical teenager, he had to torment me and say something like, "Mom, get used to it. In four years I'll be gone for good."

Thank you, dear, just break my heart one tiny piece at a time!

Uff da.

It's like he wants to be sure we won't miss him. Ha. That's just not going to happen. I'll worry that it's too hot for him -- projected highs in the low 80s most of the days, or whether he's safe -- from everything from thunderstorms to wild animals. I'll just worry.

And miss him.

And be grateful he has this awesome opportunity to bond with friends and God's creation. Happy trails, Carter!

It's Show Time

Wisconsin Rapids is always home to the Water Ski State Tournament in July. The competition takes place on Lake Wazeecha, less than 2 miles away, but we have rarely gone to see it. Usually there's always something else going on or we're out of town.

Today, since we didn't have a graduation party to go to until after 3, hubby and I walked over to the lake and caught some of the action. First of all, while we really have nothing to compare it to, it impressed the heck out of us. Basically, if you can even water ski "normally," you have skills I can only dream of. The teams in this show competition don't do anything standard or boring.

We happened to catch the Muskego Water Bugs do their show, based on the Disney Shrek movies. Yup, there's not just skiing, there's a story to be told, too.

Since I had my camera (of course) I thought I'd share some of Wisconsin's finest in action...

Large, hot crowd lines Red Sands Beach on Lake Wazeecha.

Lined up and ready to go!

Here come the Water Bugs.

"Shrek" makes an appearance.

Fiona's "bridesmaids" do a dance on the dock before simultaneously leaving on skies.

I'm impressed they can go from dock to water and even more impressed they all did it. Didn't lose a single bridesmaid!

Look mom, no hands!

A little backwards fancy footwork.

I loved the pairs ski. Reminded me of figure skating!

"Fiona" gets a lift.

That takes balance -- and strength.

This trio had two jumpers and one sneak below.

A little airborne fun!

Reach for the sky!

A farewell shot.

Somewhere in there is a barefoot skier! Crazy. But darn cool.

It would be fun to see some more of this. I'll have to mark my calendar for next year!

TGIF

We were home today. Hubby was working and I was not. I was taking a post-car show free time day. Since I am still recovering from the show, this was much, much needed.

First, it felt good to finally get 8 hours of sleep. Haven't had that in a week. Soooo nice.

Secondly, it felt good to get to my chiropractor. The standing, lifting, straining during my work at the car show took its toll. Every part of my back and neck was noisily moving itself back into place under Dr. Tom's capable hands. That helped a lot. As a bonus, I had hoped to get to my friend the massage therapist, but she unfortunately was just leaving town. I'll have to get her next week.

Didn't get much done for being at home today. Had errands to run and little things to cross off my list.

Carter was busy getting volunteer hours at the Assumption H.S. Athletic Association Golf Scramble. He was there at 6 a.m. (thank you, hubby, for getting up) to help with the bag drop, getting the contestants' clubs in their appropriate carts. After that, he got to hang around some target competition on the driving range and help with that until the next bag drop started at 11:30 for the afternoon shift.

He had a few funny stories to tell us, including his amazement about some "old guy" who was able to hit the "target" something like 4 out of 5 times. Some old guy? Dad asks, "How old?" Carter replies, "I don't know. Like 30 or 40."

Uff da. I do remember when I thought that was old, too. In fact, even in my early 20s, 40 for sure was old.

Not anymore!

After Carter's shifts were done, he went golfing with a buddy. When they were done, we picked him up on our way to Stevens Point to watch some our girls play in the softball tournament there. We wrapped up our time in Point with dinner at Mitchell's Hilltop Pub & Eatery. Yummy stuff there.

I was too full for cheesecake or dessert of any kind. You know I'm full if I didn't suggest King Cone on the way home.

And I still survived. TGIF!

Season Over

For a moment today, it felt like the Summer season was over. Temps dropped down to the 60s and that's kind of where they were all day. Probably low 70s but it was such a dramatic change from the previous 40 days, that it seemed like Fall.

No wonder baseball finally wrapped up.

Yup, Carter had his last league game tonight. I actually took some pictures finally but I am too beat to deal with them. The good news is they went out on a win, 14-10. That high of score means no one was really trying that hard -- to pitch or field. Including our son. They all seemed a bit tired and ready for the season to be over.

After the last pitcher for our team ended up hitting 2 batters, they brought Carter in to pitch with 2 outs. I think he got 3 pitches in before the catcher threw out a guy stealing from first base. So heck, we might as well give that Austin kid the Save, right? Doubt it.

Now that baseball season is over, we can start thinking about football. We still really want to Carter to go out again. I think he's feeling the pressure, though, since this is now High School Football. Yikes. We'll see if he changes his mind.

In the meantime, I'll deal with this monster I created with my free Packer tickets. It's kind of fun having everyone suck up to you... but it's a lot of pressure knowing you can only make 2 more people happy.

I'll see how long I can drag this out...

As Luck Would Have It...

My luck has been running in strange streaks lately...

You just never know if the rules of 3 will apply.

When our sump pump was malfunctioning last month, there was at least 3 carpet-soaking floods in our basement. We finally do have a new pump, but I've had to throw out a ton of stuff stored in cardboard boxes versus sturdy plastic totes. Sigh...

Yesterday, when I was walking to Carter's game, my MP3 player froze up. I thought, what else it gonna break? It was weird. It had been fully charged and just quit playing in the middle of song. The power was still on but I couldn't shut it off and even when I plugged it back into the charger when we got home, it did nothing. It was frozen "on" for some reason.

I sort of didn't mind. I've had it for something like 8 years and it has served me well. However, I am starting to get jealous of Carter's new, very cool iPod Touch. So if I was forced to replace my player, I would just have to get one of those!

Well darned if it didn't start working again just fine tonight. See, when I wouldn't mind the bad luck, I don't get it. I guess I should be grateful.

I did have some strange luck today, though.

As incentive to work the car show, our company prez said for each shift we worked, we'd get our name in a drawing for some Packer items, including game tickets. Then, the more you worked, the more name tickets you'd get per shift. I signed up for my normal 5 shifts because I am on the "old cars" staff. It certainly had nothing to do with any Packer prizes.But I got my name in the bucket some 40 times, I think. But other people had theirs in a lot, too.

Today was the day there were serving ice cream to the workers then drawing for prizes. I told my boss I wouldn't be there since we had to get Carter to an appointment in Rapids, "but text me if I win something big," I said. He countered, "You wouldn't want to win Packer tickets anyway, would you?" I said, sure, it would make me the sister of the year or daughter of the year or something of the year!

So guess which Viking fan wins Packer tickets? This one!

Actually the 3 people drawn before me got first dibs on the regular season game tickets. I get pre-season ones. So of course I call my sister Renell in central Minnesota, who could wear green and gold every day of the year and probably not wear anything twice. Since she's never been to Lambeau Field for a game, I figured I better ask her first. (No, Jim and Carter were not interested.) Of course, Renell was ecstatic! Who cares if it's just pre-season?!

I found out later this evening that I actually won 4 tickets, not just 2, so now I'll have to do some thinking. I might have to have a "lottery" with the rest of my siblings who aren't smart enough to boast Purple Pride. We'll have to see. I'd be open to bribes until I figure it out. Ha.

We'll see who else's luck is about to change.

Rain Dancing with the Stars

We continue to deal with drought conditions and Mother Nature is just sitting there teasing us.

Tonight Carter had a baseball game at the Kellner Field. Since the temps had cooled down to the 80s, I decided to get my steps in a walk over there. It's less than 3 miles, but during that time, very dark clouds came from behind me, hovered over me, then moved on toward the ball park. At any time I expected them to break open and drench me. Didn't happen.

When I got to the game, we could hear some rumbling but saw no lightning.

For a few minutes. Once they spotted it, they had to wait the obligatory 30 minutes to resume play. They didn't have to wait that long. Lightning was seen shortly after and the game was called.

For at least another half hour, it has been thundering and lightning but not a drop, not one, of rain.

I was just chastising Mother Nature for her cruelty... but now I have to bite my tongue. Rain drops are falling. FINALLY. Unfortunately, I see sunny skies in the distance so it won't last long enough.

I still might get a chance to break out my rain dance. It's sort of like the Macarena, isn't it?

I've obviously been doing it wrong so far!

Monday, Moan-day

Ugh. Those long hours at the car show -- with its heavy lifting (at times) and sweltering heat -- have finally caught up with me. There was lots of moaning and groaning going on when my alarm went off this morning. And I don't mean in a good way.

It was tough to get this tired old bag o' bones out of bed. I could have slept for hours more. But that's pretty typical for Monday anyway.

Today was a hot one. Again. I'm starting to understand what my sister and brother-in-law in Texas go through in the summer months. Today's official high in Wisconsin Rapids was 99 degrees at 1:45 p.m.

I was pretty much oblivious to the heat sitting buried at my desk in the air-conditioning. It was a busy day trying to catch up on what we didn't get done in the office while working the show Wednesday afternoon and all of Thursday and Friday. I made some headway anyway.

Got home and ran some quick errands so I could just get home and hopefully to bed early.

But not before I give you some baseball highlights from the weekend. C'mon, you didn't think you were off the hook, did you? Don't worry, there weren't really any highlights.

Squinting in the sun while at bat Sunday morning versus La Crosse.

Here Carter smacks a good hard hit... right to the first baseman. Dang.

At least he looked cool.

See? I told you there wasn't much to tell. They played the other 0-2 team Sunday. La Crosse was up 7-2 at one point and we battled back in our final inning to lose only 7-5. This put our season tournament record at 3-12. Oh boy. I hear you saying, "Uff da!" I know.

The boys had fun, though. And hubby didn't mind the break from coaching. I think he found there is some fun to be had outside the dugout -- even if we're losing!

Now Carter just has league games Tuesday and Thursday this week and he's done. He's not bummed about the losses. He's bummed the seasons are all over. He loves baseball. And we're pretty sure football is not in the cards this fall.

Then you'd really hear some moaning on Mondays... and Tuesdays... and Wednesdays...

Car Show :: It's a Wrap

OK, show of hands.... Who wants the play by play of our 0-3 baseball tourney from the weekend? OK, now who wants more photos from the car show??

Oooohh. Not even close.

Here are more photos of the car show crowd -- and maybe even some cars!

Herbie Rides Again: In the sequel to the Lindsay Lohan remake, she gets so drunk she forgets where she parked the car... at the Iola Swap Meet. That's possible sober, too!

If you are dragging your kids to the car show, you might as well do it in hot rod style!

Saw so many real mohawks, this one caught my eye... And yes, Mom did buy one for Carter.

This Wildcat was for sale right across from my vending window. Now that's nice!

Eenie, meenie, miney... Mustang! So hard to choose. Why pick just one.

This guy knows how to keep his cool.

They are upgrading their signage at the show. Typically we see people with cardboard signs around their necks. This seems to catch the eye a little better. Good thing people were already wearing their sunglasses.

Paging Dr. Who??? OK, second "doctor" in two days. They must have gotten the memo that Grey's Anatomy was shooting an episode in Iola. People were definitely McSteamy (and not in a good way).

Mixed Messages: His shirt that says "This is what awesome looks like" might be out of order.

Oh, Shania Twain, what nonsense did you start with baring the mid-drift? Someone should tell this guy that was so 15 years ago.

My view on Friday afternoon. Nice modified selection!

Uhm... A case could be made for age limits on some things.

Caddyshack 2012: Carl Spackler in the house??

 

Look again... I mean it could be, couldn't it??

I don't know if I can blame Shania for this one... Tying the shirt at the waist was fashionable decades ago. On women, at least.

Making a case for skinny jeans? Or no?

Oh no! My ship has sailed.

This Fury was fired up about every 15 minutes, scaring the dickens out of me!

It always drew a groovy crowd of onlookers, though.

Where are the Fashion Police when you need them? Dude 1, please borrow the belt from Dude 2.

About that age limit...

Very cool clouds on my way home after Friday night's rain shower.

Texting while driving might take a backseat to photographing while driving. But I got the picture!

Boy Scouts for Rent... Well their services anyway. As a fundraiser, they charged to help people carry their heavy goods from the swap meet to the parking lots. See the brown, brown hay-like grass? That's why we needed (and still do need) rain!

They typically tell people at the show, if they get lost, they should meet at the Tower in the middle of the grounds to find their missing friends. This approach works, too. Again, good thing we had sunglasses on already.

Purple hair? Please tell me she's not a Vikings fan. Just this once.

Hey, Glee fans.... Coach Sue Sylvester made a surprise incognito appearance!

The cars weren't the only things modified. In this case it almost looks like a wheelchair modified into a shopping cart. I could be wrong.

This cart also was modified... with a built-in swimming pool! Sweet!

My view Saturday out the back door of the Tower.

My view Saturday out the back door of the Tower.

Yummy.

Checkin' under the hood to see if it's drool-worthy. Usually is!

Staples had a sale on ink cartridges... Uff da. The dark on the woman's neck is also a huge tattoo. Ouch.

I blame this woman for walking by and prompting the 30-minute conversation about women and tattoos.

'Nuff said, I guess.

Another Mustang for sale? Shoot. I forgot my checkbook.

I was alarmed to see this on my way out of the show. It has been so dry, there had been a burning ban for the entire county so all the show campers could not have campfires or use charcoal grills. They even discouraged attendees from smoking in public. However, the Iola Old Car Show wouldn't be the same without its famous chicken dinners... So after they were done grilling for the day, the fire department made sure all the coals were doused. I think the firefighters got to eat for free, too.

Until next year...