Meet Me at the Washington State Fair

I needed a fantastic state fair experience in order to remove the sour taste of the Michigan State Fair.

We checked the mail before leaving for the fair and I got a nice surprise: my master's in data science diploma from Regis University! I am so smart, S-M-R-T.

Washingtonians love them some Bigfoot.

The Washington State Fair in Puyallup, Washington used to be called the Puyallup Fair. Luckily they changed the name as that one doesn't really roll off the tongue. They did have an annoying rule of requiring masks on outdoors while at the fair. Of course, you don't have to wear them while eating or drinking, which makes you wonder if encouraging you to never stop eating or drinking is the real plan all along.

The fair food was not unlike food at other fairs but there were a few differences. Way more Asian food, teriyaki in particular. Lots of coffee and scones.

The Washington State Patrol booth was cool. 

The old school blood alcohol tests were fun.

We got a little taste of St. Louis with the Budweiser Clydesdales. Only a few short years ago I visited where these giants are raised out at Warm Springs Ranch.

This chicken has that Big Bird feather afro. I didn't know these were real.

We met up with Lydia's coworker Julie from French school and her husband Renaud.

By this time some of the scone stores were unbelievably running out of scones, and the few shops remaining had really long lines. We had another engagement and so settled for some scone ice cream.

Back in Seattle, Andres was having a birthday get together at ax throwing joint Blade & Timber. 

I was forced to beat Lydia. Sorry not sorry.

Natalie in the Lou

Natalie, my friend since high school days, was in town and wanted to tourist so Brandon and I carted her around town to see the sights.

This was the first time I've been to the brewery since the "big quit" so it was a little weird for me. A couple of my old coworkers expressed surprise that I was allowed back on campus. I agree.

I had not realized they shave the clydesdale's beards.

They were torturing a tank of Bud Light with non stop "Gloria" in honor of the St. Louis Blues. Every bottle is going to taste like tears.

Natalie feared the beechwood. Sad.

I had a couple of these wooden nickels left lying around and I figured I would cash them in. The bartender told me they'd discontinued the program and don't accept them anymore. This was officially the worst day of my life.

We went to the arch.

Strolled around a bit of Citygarden Sculpture Park. I even took this chick to Gooey Louie. Best friend or bestest friend? You decide.