Hymers Fall Fair and Seasonal Transitions

It's that time of year again when the plants start to change and the sky looks different. There are still a few warm days, but it's dark when I get up in the morning.
Here is a horizontal look at the world. It took a moment to figure out where the horizon was and the clouds weren't.

Click the pics to embiggen.

We made an excursion across the border, deep into Canadian Territory in Northwest Ontario, a whopping 75 miles from home. It feels a lot like home and once you get used to the Canadian version of the English language,   “Coffee Crisp costs about a Loonie, pretty good deal eh?”  and their different looking money it usually goes pretty well. When you leave Hwy 61 doing about 90 (kph) turning toward the crossroad known as South Gillies, you're getting pretty close, eh? You have entered an area of high basaltic cliffs and beautiful agricultural valleys on your way to Hymers where you cross a one lane bridge to get into this teeming metropolis of about 10 or 15 houses.

We got to the fair just after the rabbit judging and we missed the Western horse competition, but got to watch the jumping with some fine horses and the young women riding them.
Note to self: If I am ever a teenage boy again, I need to get into horses at that age. Teenage girls love horses.

  Even at this small fair, now in its 103rd year, there are a lot of things to see and do. there is a nail driving contest, farm animals being shown, the latest in electric vehicles, old time engines, great vegetables, and Canadian women who are unafraid to beat red hot steel into submission. Don't ever piss off a Canadian country girl.

 

Nothing beats a quick international excursion. If you get a chance to go remember your passport. Otherwise they won't let you back in at the border. Staying on the other side would not necessarily be a bad thing, though, once you learn the lingo.

I almost forgot to mention one thing. Republican Governor Scott Walker, candidate for his party's nomination for U.S President, thinks we should build a wall along the U.S. Canadian border.  Maybe he thinks it will keep out the extra vowels.

Meanwhile, back here on the farm, we had some rain to green things up a bit. It didn't stop the ladies from going out for a spin. Remember, no bad weather only bad clothing.

There are colors changing in the woods, but one of my favorite cedars is looking pretty stoic about the whole thing.

Just so you don't think I've been slacking I was intrigued by an estate/garage sale of some folks I knew a little had decided to spend most of the rest of their retirement years in Arizona. The Cooker and Stitch made many rounds of the place and left with armloads of goodies as did I. But there was one thing calling my name and drawing me back the next day. Something so unique, functional, and unusual, that I just couldn't help myself. You see, I may not be the sane and stable person you always thought I was. So I present to you...


wait for it...


drum roll...


The Octocycle!

Don't you think everyone should have one? With a little bit of TLC, a few modifications, and something other than Forest Service green for a base color I think it might be a desirable thing. I know, it looks like the Beverly Hillbillies version of this:

But think of the possibilities! A perfect gift for the person who has everything. Well, maybe not, but a darn good way to spend an afternoon! And it's mine, all mine!