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It was most likely August 1963 (though perhaps August 1962). I started first grade after Labor Day in 1963. I don't remember this explicitly, but I simply calculated since I know that I started my senior year in the fall of 1975. My grandfather asked me if I wanted to go to the state fair. I gave an affirmative answer, and we did so the next day. I am guessing that he first checked with my parents.
For me, it was a long drive to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights. We parked and entered the fairgrounds. I vaguely recall visiting some crop displays and Grandpa buying me some food or a treat. I don't recall what else happened, but I remember telling Grandpa that I wasn't feeling well. So, we headed to the parking lot, and we found his car. Shortly after getting in, before even shutting the door, I threw up and made a mess on the seat. Grandpa was not happy, but he didn't yell at me. He got some rags from the trunk and wiped things up. I took a drink, and I felt better after that. We drove home, and I am sure my grandfather was disappointed that he wasn't able to see all the things that he wanted to see, but he didn't say anything to me about it. I don't recall him ever going again after this, but he may have.
I know that subsequently I went to many county fairs, but I don't recall ever going to another Minnesota State Fair. However, since Des Moines is not too far away, we did go to the Iowa State Fair several times. I know that we did at least once before Christina was born, and then another time when she was in elementary school. But I do remember the last time I went to the Iowa State Fair.
Marcia was away for some reason, perhaps with her sisters in a FL gathering or on a cruise. Likely, Christina and I dropped her off at the airport, but I don't clearly remember now. I know that Christina and I planned to go to the state fair on the east side of Des Moines. We walked through some of the agricultural buildings and then some of the commercial buildings. The latter had many booths where you could register for a drawing or get a discount on some service. Christina was a little bored in the commercial booths until she pointed out an internet service company.
At this point in time, the only internet service we had was a dial-up service to my college's connection. The downsides were that it was slow and the connection was broken when someone tried to make a call. All users tried to warn others, but it was hard for everyone to remember. Marcia and I had talked about subscribing to one of the options available in our town, but she was adamant that it was an unnecessary expense. I conceded that it was, but in my mind, I thought that it would surely be convenient.
So, Christina and I listened to the sales pitch (from Iowa Telecom, perhaps). After checking all the angles and commitments, it seemed like a reasonable expense to add on to the ongoing expenses. This was likely 2003 or so. I had been at Central since 1989 and could afford this. Additionally, though I did not think in exactly these terms, the gain (convenience) seemed worth the (financial) pain. I signed up, but I knew what Marcia was going to think about it.
Published 2026-02-20.
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Life in Our Trailer Homelisting of family stories by me Sayings From Grandpa