Day five of fair week

Enjoying the antique tractors

Amazing walk through history

Bob & Gloria at the veteran's barn

A variety of entertainment at the fair

Getting around the fairgrounds in style

Charles made his last foray into the Freeborn County Fairgrounds this afternoon, an enjoyable day made better by the slightly cooler weather!

A dog show in Albert Lea?

Charles attended his very first dog show this morning, the annual Kennel Club of Freeborn County dog show right here in Albert Lea. The Dog, Trails, and Tails event at the Albert Lea City Center was fascinating to take in and very educational.

4-H'ers are up early!

We were up early this morning (at the fairgrounds before 7am), helping to set up for 4-H Breakfast. There were a lot of hungry people, gathered around the table ahead of the 4-H auction.

Day four of fair week

4-H barn has a celebratory feeling!

Chickens, geese, ducks, pigeons, & turkeys!

VFW, DAV, & Am. Legion offer hospitality

Charles spent more time at the fair this afternoon, doing some "soft campaigning" by walking around with his campaign shirt, speaking with vendors and fairgoers. He enjoyed spending time in the 4-H, poultry, and veteran's barns.
 

Day two of fair week

Enjoying animals large and small

A very talented artist

Residents enjoying fair day

Charles went back for the second day of the fair today, this time to accompany residents from Thorne Crest.

It's fair time in Albert Lea!

Getting started with cheese curds!

Nice assortment from the DFL

First day crowds

Two blue ribbons this year!

Charles had his first outing to the Freeborn County Fair this afternoon and had a nice time. He's going to be there today - Saturday, wearing his campaign shirt and hat, doing some "soft campaigning" to try and drum up some name recognition.

Time in the market

Albert Lea has a lot to offer including a twice-weekly Farmer's Market. We had fun this morning, strolling through the market and picking out some treats for the coming week. We try to wear Charles' campaign t-shirts when we are out and about in the community.

Fore!

Belinda assists the Chamber Ambassadors

Charles sponsored one of the greens

Thorne Crest also was a green sponsor

Thorne Crest team pauses during the afternoon 

The Chamber of Commerce's annual golf outing took place today on a blistering afternoon at Green Lea Golf Course.

On the town this morning!

We ventured out for some errands this morning, making time for breakfast at B&B Cafe'. They have a custom of taking photos of dinners each morning, and today, we joined the fun and appeared on the B&B Facebook page.

A new painting!

Metsälaulu (Song in the Forest)
36x36, Marble acrylic on canvas 

Charles completed a new painting this morning that will be entered into the Freeborn County Fair in August. He'll have three entries in total: A poured paint piece, an acrylic painting (shown above), and an oil painting still in process.

Happy birthday, SpongeBob!

This morning, Charles led the celebration of SpongeBob SquarePants' 40th birthday at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community's morning report.

SpongeBob's driver's license (from Bikini Bottom) says that he was born July 14, 1986.

A foggy farewell

 Charles was preparing to leave the retreat center when he noticed that it was particularly foggy outside. Stepping out the east door, he saw a beautiful scene, the St. Benedict statute shrouded in fog!

A fair time

A chicken named "Bleu Cheese!"

Best in show ribbons

That would have been interesting to see!

After the retreat was over this afternoon, Charles decided to drive to Columbus (about 18 miles west of Schuyler) and take in the Platte County Fair. It was free to get in as the fair is primarily focused on 4-H and FFA exhibits.

 

Spirituality & the Arts

St. Benedict overlooks the center

A holy place

Time in the chapel

Trying watercolors

"The Hug"

Charles had an enjoyable time this week at the Spirituality & the Arts retreat in Schuyler, Nebraska.

A beautiful sight!

Charles drove to Schuyler, Nebraska this afternoon where he will be attending a two-day conference at the St. Benedict Retreat Center. As he arrived, a stunning double rainbow was seen in the sky!

Back deck visitors

There are two neighborhood cats that have been regular visitors to our back deck. We're trying to get them used to us with the goal of eventually rehoming them through the local humane society.

One of the cats is a young grey cat who reminds us of a young Wesley, we've named "Grayson" (or Greyson). The other is a black cat that we're calling "B.K." (Black Kitty). We're hoping to get them into a stable, safe situations before winter.