Tuesday, November 10, 2009

What Goes Up, Must Come Down

I’m thankful this morning that Hurricane Ida downgraded to a tropical storm before she came to see us. The thrashing of trees and relentless noise of sideways rain hitting the windowpanes throughout the night was enough action for me. It’s interesting that it’s always harder when storms come ashore in the night. You can hear the chaos but you can’t see it, and somehow that makes it more unsettling.

On another note, this past weekend, we went to the National Peanut Festival in Alabama. Fireman and Daughter-In-Love wanted to go (she’s never had that unique experience) so over the rivers and through the woods we went. This event is like a state fair with a strong agricultural emphasis. Somehow, it feels cleaner than a local fair, which is a good thing. We ate our standard fare of boiled peanuts and kettle korn. Pretty healthy fair food in my opinion.

We watched as they rode the giant Ferris Wheel and I decided that if I were to define myself as something at the fair, it would be the Ferris Wheel. I’m up, I’m down, I’m all around, but I’m steady.

Here's a tidbit from history:
The original Ferris wheel (also known as an observation wheel or big wheel) was designed by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., as a landmark for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The term Ferris wheel later came to be used generically for all such rides.

If you had to define yourself as an amusement ride, what would you be? The Gravitron? The Carousel? How about the Fun House or the House of Mirrors? Or the Big Slide? I’m laughing thinking about all the metaphors.

7 comments:

Zuzana said...

Glad that Ida is diminishing:;)
I loved the fresh peanuts that were sold on the side of the roads in Georgia and South Carolina. I think they were peanuts. Boiled I believe. They were delicious.;)
Interesting history of the Ferris Wheel.;)
xo

Rosezilla (Tracie Walker) said...

I think I'm a Tilt-A-Whirl. Careening around sideways with sudden dips up or down, my life often has me screaming with laughter; and sometimes, just screaming. :) come to think of it, my family would probably say I'm a Bumper Car, because I am SUCH a clutz, always running in to everything!

I was always afraid of the Ferris Wheel, but not afraid of the wilder rides. Don't know why. My son, who always wanted to fly, loved it, the higher the better.

I love boiled peanuts, or at least I used to; and I hope Ida gives us lots of rain, but doesn't do any more harm. Okay, I'm done now :)

Heidi said...

The storm does sound scary! Glad it is abating. You've reminded me, we actually tried to grow some peanuts, but we forgot to dig to see if they are under there, so out to the garden I will go when I finish this comment to dig up our Michigan grown peanuts.

I'm terrified of all carnival rides. I'm kind of a pick up a plastic ducky and look on the bottom to see what you won kind of girl.

Shelly Wildman said...

So glad the storm has died down and that you are all o.k.

Merrie said...

So thankful that Ida settled down.
Were you in Dothan? I remember it from when we lived in Blakely.

Again, you have stirred memories and emotions from my life. Thanks...
I think my life ride is "Its A Small World Afterall"...

Blessings!

Greg C said...

I would be the "round-up" That is the thing that spins around, pinning you to the sides and the bottom drops out leaving you hanging there like static cling, haha. That's how my life has been lately. I know the floor is coming back up soon though.

Ballerina Girl said...

The answer to your question is the title of my blog!!!

:)BG