Hers:
We took a “daycation” this weekend to New Paltz and spent time hiking the Shawangunk Ridge and swimming in Lake Minnewaska. It was stunning, refreshing, breathtaking and awe-inspiring.
And then we drove down the mountain and went to the Ulster County Fair. The views were … different. Electrical cords snaked across hot, dusty earth powering generators for vendors of all sorts of artery clogging eats. Fried Oreos, corn dogs, sausages, elephant ears. Sporting elaborate tattoos across ample flesh were the people who ate all this food. Sounds and smells were jarring, at best.
- $45 to get in the fair. (Our youngest, being under age 4, didn’t need an armband, and I designated myself “photographer/sherpa”)
- $5 for a soft pretzel
- $5 for lemonade
- $3 for French fries
- $7 to watch someone stuff my eldest in a large plastic casing, blast a leaf blower inches from his ear, and send him scrambling like a trapped rodent in a bubble across a man-made pond.
Perhaps a few months ago, I would have felt a pain in my chest – not just from the greasy, stale French fries, but the thought at having dropped $65 on NOTHING. Yet as I stood sweating on the fairgrounds, I realized we got a lot for our money.
I have amazing memories of my childhood visits to the Miami Dade County Youth Fair, sure now that it was as every bit as grimy and seedy and oily and hot. And as I snapped pics yesterday of my thrill-seeking triad racing through funhouses and screaming their heads off on mini-roller coasters, I realized that they too will someday look back on this adventure with nostalgia. It was $65 well spent.
Interestingly enough, we came home and I saw this article in the NY Times – research shows that people are happier when they spend money on experiences rather than material goods.
A new slipcover on our sofa would only look nice for a day before the cats got at it with their claws and hairballs. My son, on the other hand, will remember forever the ten minutes he spent as a gerbil.
Blessing – living a short drive from the mountains
Sounds like a fab day for all, we are busily looking up these mysterious mountains that have eluded us thus far. Looking forward to the details from J later this week
Great photos and glad you had fun! Now, tell me more about those fried Oreos! I must try them!
That was me, by the way
Alma – I'm sorry to say that we didn't partake of the fried Oreos. We tried to eat very little from there. But I can't decide if that sounds delicious, or absolutely DISGUSTING. I'm leaning towards the latter. (and believe me, I like unexpected combos – like bacon in my chocolate – but there's just something about grease and lard that shouldn't mix.
We're reading your description of the fair and money well spent. We fondly remember taking you and Ronnie to the Dade County Youth Fair with the same smells and sounds .. somethings never change. Pretty sure there were no fried Oreos but lots of other greasy food that Dad has to admit he loved. Fortunately, in those days, we weren't too aware of the dangers of eating the really tasty stuff. Do you remember meeting at Disney World about 11 years ago? Deb, you announced that you were pregnant and promptly
went into an eating frenzy .. loved those cheese fries and other gourmet treats around the Magic Kingdom. Glad you all had the fun experience and may you always cherish happy memories together. You are so right, the "things" are fleeting, the memories last. Mom and Dad
We love the Gunks also. (And you wouldn't have found me on that roller coaster either, beautiful though it is.) Sounds like a perfect day.
Why didn't anyone comment on how ripped and sculpted my abs were?