Ka-boom

As the summer season draws to a close, we are spending some time with lake friends.

Those of us who live near the lake side got together at Doug and Sandra's place for some snacks.

A year ago Doug was building the deck we enjoyed together.

September can provide some of the nicest days of the season.

The evening before we came back to the lake a lightning strike hit a big white pine near the merry-go-round.

To say that the tree was hit was an understatement.  It literally exploded.

Those there at the time (we weren't) said there was a flash and a ka-boom and the earth shook.  That little black spot on the right is Marilyn giving you a perspective of the size of the tree that the Lord whittled down to size.  So thankful it wasn't one of the pines near our spot and that no one was hurt, except that tree, of course.

Iowa State Fair - August

Our trip to Iowa in August coincided with the Iowa State Fair.  Norm and Jan are addicted and took us along for a day.

I wonder what memories this old guy was having... 

On the other hand, this old guy couldn't afford this one... only $550,000... a deal at the fair.

How many pies would this beast make?

The fair still has the blue ribbons for best veggies etc.

Lunch time at the Iowa Pork Producers tent.  I could have had a chop on a stick but got a pulled pork sandwich instead. 

Is this multi-tasking or distracted pig roasting?

A couple of old bulls... 

Doesn't every office need a bin like this? 

The big bull and what I have been called from time to time over the years...

The "big bore."

The horse show was a favorite... not because I like horses but because the room was air conditioned.

Navy precision team from the Great Lakes Base.

This little piggy went to market... and this little piggy went wee wee wee all the way home.  Thanks Norm and Jan for a fun couple of days!