Small-time Circus, Big-time Fun, Etc.

Yes, my grandsons (the kid in the red shirt and the one behind him) are among the children squished onto the back of that elephant, which, by the way, "danced" later in the show. The photo was taken during intermission when for $8 a pop/kid, one could ride the elephant - two laps around the ring - the small ring.

This circus was the kind that travels the small-town circuit. The ringmaster, after his initial spiel in the center ring, spent the rest of the evening in the concession stand where he pulled double duty, doing his announcing thing while selling popcorn and cotton candy. The acts included trained dogs, several balancing and aerial acts, a clown, a clown and a pony that could add and subtract, the overworked elephant (not), and probably more that I've forgotten.

While it was a far cry from "Circus with the Stars," it brought big smiles and squeals of delight from a couple of little boys - well worth the effort it took to attend and the $20 bills that flew out of Grandpa's wallet faster than anyone around here earns them. On a side note, while no one puked, the baby wipes were invaluable. Cotton candy is some sticky stuff.

And now for my second act ... I made these "Peeps in a Jar" AKA "Easter S'Mores" for a benefit that's taking place this evening. They are my "bake sale" contribution, because there was no way, after the circus last night, I was going to fire up the oven. A tutorial that lists the ingredients and shows some cute decorated jars can be found on the Paper Craft Planet site. I also found the recipe by doing a Google search for "Peeps in a Jar."

Had I had more time, I might have been elaborate when decorating the jars. As it was I just kind of grabbed for stuff and threw them together. I think they turned out OK. The only disadvantage with this kind of "kitchen craft" is that, in my haste, I trashed both the kitchen (which DH cleaned up this morning) and my corner (which DH knows better than to touch).

As for the details of the benefit, it's a sad story, part of which is revealed here. Jason is a beautiful young man, who, along with a friend, partied too hard during spring break a couple of weeks ago. They both became ill. Jason passed out and aspirated on vomit, which left him without oxygen long enough so that he's suffered what appears to be severe brain damage. Of course, there are some who pass judgement. No, these young men should not have done what they did, but we read about good kids who do dumb things and suffer the consequences every day. I work with his sister and have met his parents. Today is Jason's 24th birthday. The decisions his parents are more than likely going to have to make are decisions no parent should ever have to make. My heart breaks for them. Hopefully, they will take comfort in the support shown by a caring community.

OK. This has been a long one ... When this posts later, I'll be bowling. The little guys are staying with us tonight, and I have the big card order I mentioned Friday to finish up when I get home. Another late night. I'm going to need that day off on Friday just to rest up! Thanks for stopping by. Until tomorrow (when I should be in a more relaxed mood), take care!