Wyoming sunrise

I saw this incredibly beautiful sunrise one morning while I was in Gillette, Wyoming.  Amazing.

minuteman missile silo

Learn about the cold war era and the weapons of destruction at the minuteman missile silo site.  The missiles have long since been decommissioned but during the 1950's-60's they were always "at the ready" to protect our country.  Although the missiles were capable of mass destruction they were primarily used as a deterrent to other governments challenging our peace.  There were many underground missile silos located throughout the US during the era that the public may have never known about and for this reason the silos earned the distinction of being  "hidden in plain sight".

The Minuteman Missile Historic Site is operated by the National Park Service and is open free to the public.  It is located along I-90 near Philip, South Dakota.  Come, see the history and enjoy.

chapel by the wayside

I drove across South Dakota recently along I-90.  There are a couple of rest areas

along the route where a church group has built a chapel for travelers to stop and refresh themselves spiritually while on their journey.  What a beautiful thing to do.  I thank you.

the old mill

On my way out of Minnesota I stopped by the Faribault Woolen Mills.  They have been producing woolen blankets and other woolen goods since the 1890's.  Made in the USA!!!!!  There is a very nice mill store on the premises and I was able to find some interesting woolen remnants for a special project I'm working on.  The mill sits next to the dam on the Cannon River in Faribault, Minnesota.

MN state fair

In late summer we went to the state fair (also known as the Great Minnesota Get Together) in St. Paul.  It was beautiful day and the crowds of people were having a good time.  Plus eating.

Smokey the Bear rode in the big parade down the main street.  We were in one of the pavilions when the parade headed our way.  We just had to run outside and see what all the noise was about!

The Creative Arts pavilion is my favorite place to visit.  I stand amazed at the hand crafted items that are on display.  The sewing and needle crafts are always interesting to me.  I especially like to see what the young 4-H members are presenting.  Start 'em young, I say.  The quilts are so beautiful and this wooden cathedral is astounding.  The intricate detailing amazes me.

No trip to the fair would be complete without a bag of Tom Thumb donuts.  Part of the fun is watching the miniature donuts being made in the donut machine.  

The Hamline Dining Hall offers the only sit down/dine in food palace at the fair.  Still going strong after all these years!!  A lot of walking, a lot of tasting, a lot of fun.  That about sums it up.  A grand time was had by all.