July 31, 2024

Just My Opinion - by Mary Kilen

More Fair Fun And A Busy House
Last week was full of fun at our house as Carter wrapped up his week with us. There were trips to the fair on Tuesday and Wednesday. Despite the heat, we had a great time.
Tuesday was about rides, food, commercial building visits and a free stage performance by A Hard’s Day Night, one of favorite Sibyl Center performers.
Wednesday was more food, commercial buildings and rides, along with the Sawyer Brown concert. Carter was pleasantly surprised by how many of their songs he knew, but he did say it was his dad’s favorite band.
We finally made it to the pool on Thursday for a little while. With the shorter hours during the fair and our trips to the fair, it was the only time we could make it work.
Of course, we also had plenty of time to sit in the massage chair at the office, visit some local restaurants, work on a puzzle, get in a ride on the Harley, and movie time at our house.
The time seems to fly by. It seems like they just got here and it is time for them to go home.
On Friday, Dale met Amanda in Minot for lunch and traded Carter for Jozie. Now, it is her turn this week.
Dale’s sister Linda, her husband Steve and their grandson Alex came from Colorado on Friday night as well. Needless to say, nobody got to bed early at our house that night.
On Saturday, Linda went off to visit friends while Steve took Alex through Powers Lake, McGregor and Tioga to show him where he grew up and to visit some of Steve’s family that still lives in the area.
They did not get back to the house before we left for a final trip to the fair, this time with Joz. She got to go on rides, enjoy some fair food, and hit up the commercial buildings before we took her to the Lainey Wilson concert. We left the concert a little early to go back to the giant ferris wheel to give Jozie a look at the fairgrounds at night. It’s a great view of all the lights and the rides.
Unfortunately, that meant we were leaving the fairgrounds after the concert got out. There were so many people still wandering around and lining up for their last shot of fair food that it took us a little longer to get out than planned. We made it home about midnight, exhausted but still talking about all of the fun we had.
Sunday morning, Dale took both Alex and Jozie for a ride on the Harley. Then Steve and I took Joz and Alex to the pool while Dale and Linda talked to Ron on our portal. They were still talking when we got home. Steve, Linda and Alex left about 2:30 to check out Flickertail Village before heading back to Bismarck to visit family for a few more days.
Jozie and I hit up the dollar store and found some great buys. After supper, it was time for a little bit of quiet. We settled in and watched the Olympics, especially the women’s gymnastics.
On Monday, we are all back at the office. Jozie has spent her time in the massage chair, worked on making bracelets and checked out Tessa Hynek’s soda stand.
The rest of the week will include plenty of other things including a Minot day and Crazy Days/SummerFest in Stanley. I’m pretty sure there will be one more trip to the swimming pool before she heads home, likely on Friday.
It’s been a busy couple of weeks at our house with two grandkids and family visiting. Buddy has been the happiest little dog with extra people around. It is sure going to seem quiet when Jozie leaves and it is just us again. Buddy might need a day or so of rest, but then he’s going to be looking at me like “when are they coming back?”
How Is School Just Around The Corner?
It never fails, it seems like summer has just started and “poof” just like that it’s gone. The State Fair is over and fall sports practices will soon be starting. Blue Jay football meetings and a football camp are next week. The start of the school year is only a few weeks away.
I saw this one on Facebook and as a you get ready to send your kids back to school, consider the following:
“To all students returning to school, if you see any of the following:
Another student struggling to make friends
Another student being picked on
A student who is new, shy, or not with the “in crowd”
A student who is eating lunch along
Be A Leader! Be A Warrior!
Say hi. Smile at them. Ask if you can sit with them. Include them. You never now what that person is facing inside or outside of school.”

STANLEY WEATHER