Earlier this week, we took the family to my 37th annual visit to the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights. The highlight for me was going to the top of the DNR’s fire tower–an attraction that has been closed since 1978. The new Miracle of Birth and Eco Experience buildings were also very nice.

Of course, there are really only two reasons to go to the fair: people-watching and food. The crowds have been light due to the rainy weather, but I still managed to find a few people I knew. Favorite T-shirt sighting: black shirt with white letters - “I AM A LIAR.”

It’s getting really expensive to eat at the fair, so my intake is controlled as much by my wallet as by my desire to keep my weight in check. The list this year:

• Pronto Pups (2)
• Tom Thumb Donuts
• Sweet Martha Cookies
• Kiwanis Vanilla Malt
• Danielson’s Onion Rings (who were celebrating their 50th year at the fair with a new trailer booth)
• Cheese Curds
• Bull Bites
• Macaroni-on-a-Stick

Only missed out on the french fries and the original dairy building malts…DK

Above: tinted primer applied earlier this week. Today we wrapped up most of the painting: navy blue walls, white columns. One section was left blank, as we are waiting for the projector so we can paint the screen accurately (Silverscreen, by Behr). Tomorrow we get more estimates for flooring and will attempt to locate some nice used room dividers…DK

Last night I drove my kids to Grand Marais on the North Shore of Lake Superior to stay with my parents for a few days before school starts. Four hours and 15 minutes door-to-door, stayed overnight, then left at 7:30 a.m. to return for more painting in the new office. This was my first, and likely only, visit there this summer, unfortunately. Sven and Ole’s was closed, but I did get some donuts at the donut shop…DK