She looked so Valley Fair in the midnight air

Another week, another update. Firstly I hope all is totally awesome and well at the Hakes family gathering in Dallas Center, Iowa, and the 2nd annual Judy Hakes golf open. What a great day for golf, yesterday. Please support Huntington's research!

We could not make it this year as yesterday we were here having a family birthday party for Miss Sarah who just turned 14. Holy guacamole, Bat Man, 14. School starts in one week and one day. Where did the summer go? It didn't go to h-e-double hockey sticks that's for sure. I had a sweat shirt on all day yesterday and still got chilly and had to come in from the deck. We wanted to start a bon fire but it was just too windy, boo. Tammy's nephew Josh hung out with us and we got to watch "Freeway" with him. If you've never seen this early Reese Witherspoon vehicle, and you aren't opposed to lots of violence and language then I highly recommend it. A cult classic, even better than Bubba-Ho-Tep, but that's a B movie for another day.

Friday was Sarah's day to take two friends to Valley Fair amusement park. They did all the scary rides while Tam and I did go on the Corkscrew roller coaster, the Monster (in my day they called it the Octopus. I guess someone must think an octopus is not as scary a name as a generic monster? Whatevah...) People watching at Valley Fair is more interesting than at the airport, who knew? And I'm still waiting for the NBA shorts thing to go passe for the boys. Have they any idea how ridiculous they look? Seriously. Maybe they should call them American kilts. Plus all the nylon wearing non-jocks hang out in the Midway, playing too cool for the room. You can feel the creepy factor.

But the scariest ride of all that day was coming home. Why? We came the closest I have ever been to hitting a deer. Right after we dropped off Caitlyn, just before it was dark dark, Tam started down the road, so we are doing about 25 or 30 mph and it jumped right out in front of us, streaking across the street. She slammed the brakes to the floor, Sarah's bottle of water ended up flying from the back seat into the foot area of the driver's seat. We were all strapped in, which is good, and I had literally just crawled into the back seat from the wayyyy back, since there was room with Caitlyn getting out. Sarah screamed, Mariah threw her hands over her head and ducked, and I was waiting for the impact wondering if the Jeep would spin completely around. And we missed it. GO JEEP! I'm so brand loyal. We totally stopped on a dime and missed it by less than an inch. It was so close Tammy had to think if she felt a thunk or not. Way scarier than any dumb coaster or Power Tower ride. LOL

Today is another gorgeous one and now I'm just hanging out waiting for the Twins game. Football starts for real in two weeks. I can't wait! BEARS ALL THE WAY THIS YEAR. I called it. The Vikes are excited that they have Brett Favre now. Yeah, ok. Good luck with that. In Wisconsin they keep saying they'll never forget #4 and thanks for all the memories, Brent. Crack me up.

Guess that's about it from Sodium Manor this week. Take care everybody. Love you all!!!