I love this fair! That is the mantra for this year's Puyallup Fair, sixth largest in the nation. Ken and I took advantage of military appreciation day yesterday and attended. This was our first visit, and we have lived in Pierce County for about 12 years. We rode a special Pierce Transit bus from Lakewood Mall and were dumped right in front of the gates. We walked through the livestock sheds and saw cows, sheep, goats, chickens, doves, horses, ducks, geese, and pigs. Speaking of which, we supported the Young Life booth by having BBQ sandwiches for lunch, then moved on to scones (a fair must) and coffee, and then I topped it off with a double-dipped caramel apple (not very good).

We watched a demonstration of draft horses which was great fun. Their were Belgians, Clydesdales, Percherons, and even Shetland ponies, but I have to say I love the Clydesdales with their furry hooves. Each horse weights about 2000 pounds, and his harnessings cost about the same number. We saw the award-winning pumpkin that tipped the scales at over 900 pounds, and I always love to look at the fruit and vegetables mosaics created by the area's granges - yes, there are still a few. Ken made the observation that there were not many folks in the animal barns, but the exhibition halls full of commercial booths were packed.

We received the attendee list for the upcoming Navy reunion in San Francisco, and we are excited to see folks whom we haven't seen in 40 years. It looks like there are only about 40 attendees so we should have a good chance to visit with all over the 3 days. We will combine the trip with a visit to the Schulers in San Jose.

We are in a head to head battle with the ivy around here. Any good ideas on how to eradicate it? I think sweat is the only answer. We have been told that there is a product called Caseron that is an emergent, meaning it will prevent new growth, but won't do anything to the existing stuff. It is a granular product so it is easy to control the application, and I don't think it has harmful side effects.

I am going to forward this web address to all of you who might be interested in our activities. I would hate to think that Gary and Carolyn Ousey in Victoria are the only ones following our exciting lives. Ciao