Yesterday evening was everything I had hoped it to be. I’m certainly thankful that we had good weather. Dad told me that there was a tornado in Columbia while we were there- which is odd. Our weather was great.
Unfortunately, we did not have the best chauffer for our drive down. Andrew was ranting about the nasty constituent that called that morning wanting to talk to that “lazy bum of a senator.” His rants would become quite fierce and then of course we would weave all over the road and bump into the grass and such.
We parked alongside of the road and found our way into the fair. The pricing was just 7 bucks and Andrew had 2 free tickets. David began trying to figure out ways to get in cheaper. He threatened to start dropping names…but then Andrew reminded him that the attendant would probably just chomp their gum and say, “Boys, I don’t know who ya’ll think ya’ll are but it’s 7 bucks for everyone.” More than likely David’s mom had been given free tickets as well…but ah, it was only 7 bucks.
The tin man was playing his electric guitar right outside of the gates. He had the most impressive set of silver pants. The swaying + melodious electric vibes + silver mask = Incredible Sight.
Virginia began complaining about hunger pains and since Andrew warned us that she was awful when hungry we quickly located the area full of elephant ears and cotton candy. As we sat and stuffed our faces we enjoyed listening to the conversation of two ladies behind us. Reminder: never discuss personal issues while in the midst of a fair.
The concert was great…and it’s possible that I enjoyed it a little too much. Our group split up and some of us hung out at the stage and others went back to the rides. There were a couple of rides I wanted to try out but we didn’t have time. We kept reminding ourselves of the 2-hour drive back home.
Right before we were heading out, Virginia spotted Orin and Kerry’s nephew on one of the rides. We chatted with them for a bit and laughed at Stephen’s obsession with FFH. (FFH represents Far From Home…and not Future Farmers of Honduras as Kerry told Andrew)
Eventually we headed out of the gates and began traipsing back to the car. I have official blackmail material against David now…after what he did before getting in the car. Virginia informed us that was normal behavior for him.
The little slip of paper under the windshield wiper about sent Andrew over the edge. We thought it was a ticket at first, or a note from some angry constituent (we were in the suburban which has Verdin all over it) but after getting inside and turning on the lights we read these words…
Mr. Verdin,
I saw you and your friends at the fair tonight and I’m very disappointed in your actions. You are an ambassador of the university and I’ll be praying for you.
James A. Berg
Dean of Students
Of course, the laughter that followed was loud enough to wake the dead. Immediately we realized it had to be a practical joke. After a few minutes, Virginia remembered that Peter Salle lived in Columbia. We called Aaron and asked him if his brother had planned on going to the fair and he said, yes…I think they were going to be there tonight. Aha. David called his voice mail and acted as though it was Dr. Berg.
Dr. Berg, this is David. We just saw your note and I must say we are distraught. We can’t figure out if it was the drugs, drinking, or wild dancing that offended you. Please call me back and let me know which one it was. I’ll be expecting to see you in your office on Monday and I realize there will be a penalty.
We don’t know for sure if it was Peter…but we are almost certain.
The drive home was rather funny…since I saw a side of Andrew and David that most people don’t see. Although, I think I did kind of shock Kerry. In about 2 hours we were back at their home and as we rounded the final curve in their driveway…an eight point deer just froze in our headlights. It was gorgeous.
Kerry and I then hit the interstate to get back to Taylors…and then I got on 124 and finally arrived home around 1:45.