Sibling Weekend

Just got through a very busy weekend. It was a sibling reunion and the first time all four of us had been together since April of last year when we closed out the last remaining items from our parents house. Also the first time all of us with spouses had been together since Dad’s funeral.

Friday was State Fair day because my older brother’s wife was the only one who had never attended our fair and she wanted to see what the fuss was about. My sister ended up spending about 30 dollars on carrots and pellets to feed the goats and other farm animals that were around.

We ate at the fried cheese booth because you have to and stopped at the Dairy Barn for grilled cheese and/or milkshakes. There were stops at the pork and beef tents as well as visiting the pig and cow barns. But I guess there is value in knowing where your food comes from. Steaks and bacon don’t magically appear out of the sky after all. (It makes me feel a little better when I buy from smaller farmers and not big factory meat producers because I think they treat their animals better)

There was a building with information about farming here and you could win a free hat by answering questions that could be found on the various displays. I have quite a collection of these hats which I only wear while at the fair. Anyway, I had done the thing when we first got in and, for some reason, my older brother wanted a hat. So, when we passed the place, we made a detour and then everyone wanted a hat. I was able to lead them to the answers rather quickly.

The next day we did the art museum because they had a special exhibit going on. The museum grounds were once a private residence for a wealthy family and they donated all the land (and their house) to set up the museum. It means there is a lot of green space and gardens and a place that sells local beers, pretzels and other food and beverage options. My wife had her eye on a pretzel and managed to convince a few others that we needed food so we walked over there after leaving the exhibit.

Managed to find enough tables with shade because it was hot. The forecast called for heavy rain and storms but the front was slow and we were stuck in the warm air before the front. The skies did open up on our drive home though so the forecasts weren’t wrong just off.

Sunday, everyone had to leave and now we are all back to our “normal”lives. Our relationship is interesting because it isn’t like we talk on a daily basis but, when we do get together, it is like no time has passed.

And there is no law that says siblings have to get along. I’ve hear horror stories from others and my Dad and his brother were on/off for a lot of their life before finally burying whatever grievances they had when both were in their 70’s. We are all glad we didn’t follow that example.