So much to share, but so little energy available.  I’m not sure if I’m fighting something new or just suffering lasting effects from the bug I had week before last, but I’ve been so exhausted this week!    Hopefully, I can pull it all together soon.

In the meantime, a few impromptu photographs of Sami and her BFF, Sally.  We’re going back out there again- armed with reflectors and off camera flash.    And for fun, we’re bringing wardrobe.  Anyone else game?   Let me know.

I have a real weakness for old-school country fairs.    The Benton County Fair fits that bill, with small animal exhibits, a bustling (albeit small) amusement area, and (my favorite)- the best little rodeo around.   The fair runs from today, July 29th through Saturday,  August 1st.

Benton County Fair 2007

You couldn’t have paid me to be out there today in that insane heat, but with cooler temperatures on the way, I’ll certainly be there for the Friday night Bull Riding event and to check out The Edgar Winter Band, who will be performing that night.

Benton County Fair 2007

Fair admission runs $8.00 (amusement rides tickets and reserved seating at shows may be purchased at an additional cost.)  More info at the Benton County Fair website.

Spent today home, sick. I was supposed to have today off work (vacation day), so at least I didn’t have that guilt hanging over me. But still, I hate wasting away like that- curled up on the sofa, with a pillow over my face, and suffering from migraine headache. Crud.

I’ve been going through old photos lately and found this one from March. Poor Sami had mononucleosis when this was taken. It was shot during one of the two days in late March when she felt better. She faded again shortly after.   Locking myself in the car with her for 36 hours at that point wasn’t my brightest idea, but we both needed out of the house so very badly.  It’d been a long, rough month.

About the image:
While on our (extraordinarily brief) spring break trip to Olympic National Park, we stopped in St. Helens, OR to stretch our legs. St. Helens is a small community along the Columbia River and features a quaint little downtown area.

This shot of Sami was made in the same alleyway where Kristen Stewart’s “Bella” was being chased in the movie “Twilight”. In fact, much of the film was made here.