My husband, Steve turned sixty two weeks ago and I follow him in a few weeks. I loved my 50's and look forward to what my sixties bring on.
This past Sunday, August 22nd, we did our stint at the Iowa State Fair, where we've volunteered at the Cultural Center (CC). We thoroughly enjoy it. This time, everyone we spoke to had come from out of state; Texas and Colorado, or had not been to the fair since their youth. We brought out the map, marked where they currently were, and then tipped them off to where "we" felt the highlights of the fair were. My to go spots, after they spent time in the CC: Agricultural Building, Bill Riley Stage, Pioneer Hall, Fabrics and Threads, etc. Steve points them in the direction of the animals and machinery.
While in the CC, I enjoy all the exhibits and vote for my favorite miniature display. If I know of anyone entering exhibits, I try to find their work, specifically. Kudos to those who enter...there are a lot of creative and artistic people out there. I've always thought I'd enter, but I never have. I think the quilts are some of the most beautiful works of art there is. The patterns, colors, quality-superb.
After our four hour stint, we then start off by going our separate ways, see above. We meet up, usually at the Bill Riley stage, food in hand for a quick bite and rest. Then, we're off again, doing our thing, saving the spots we both want to go to together. We had several hours to kill until the concert we were going to that evening. We took the sky glider up to the hill, visited Grandfather's Barn and the artists in residence in that location. There were many enjoying the beautiful day, sitting at shaded bistro tables with a glass of wine. There were jewelry makers, potters and painters doing selling their pieces. Remarkable, each one. We took the sky glider back down, grabbed a bite to eat, then went to the concert.
Leading up to the concert, I surmised it'd be an older demographic. Hands down. I was not incorrect. I'd say we were some of the younger ones. Seriously! There were quite a few walkers, wheelchairs, and canes assisting this crowd with getting around. At 72 years old, the Doobie Brothers
I consider myself an observationist...my spell check tells me that it's not even a word. I looked it up, it doesn't really appear to be an official word, but, remember my use of freedom...I'm using it here. Anyway, I do like to observe and people watching is one of my fave things to do at the fair. Anywhere really, when I take the time to do it. And, people at the fair are some of the most interesting characters you'll find anywhere. I always wonder why people would wear white shorts/pants to the fair? High heels? Dressy clothes? I digress.
So, back to the concert. There was an older-than-me gentleman that I had been observing. He was in his late seventies, early eighties, I'd guess. He was bent at the waist a bit, used a cane and had a little wobble to his step. He walked past us a couple of times. The last time I observed him, he was hobbling down the stairs. Seriously, it was difficult for him. But, he made it, stood in front of the stairs on the platform, placed his cane on the garbage cane beside him, so it was close and wouldn't fall. Right then, right there, he was in his element. A man of 20 again. He was singing and playing the air guitar. His age disappeared from his face. No one but he and the band and his memories.
In observing this man, my whole evening was made. Two songs, that was all he had in him...or maybe it was all he needed. Or, maybe it was the two songs that meant the most to him. The songs he wanted to hear before they left. He grabbed his cane, turned around and motioned for someone to come down from the seats behind him. She came down, and they left, beating the traffic besides.
It was a spectacular day into evening with the Doobie Brothers, sixty, inspired and freedom!
