WakeMed hosts an annual family day out at the State Fairgrounds complex and Mommy got to go for the first time. But as it’s a bit of a bore for just one person, Grammy, Daddy, and Nicholas were added to the raiding party…errr…guest list!
They set the party up on the western end of the fairgrounds which is a good location as it’s shaded and away from the Flea Market traffic for the most part. We found a parking spot fairly close to the gates (in spite of the guys directing traffic!) and we were off!
Once through the gates, it became apparent that this is a little kid’s paradise. All sorts of inflatable slides, jumping castles, and other play attractions were available to capture a little one’s attention. (And a big kid’s for that matter…they had a pitching booth which Daddy just had to try…even though he had some control problems (hey, I didn’t mean to hit the batsman and the umpire in the head), he registered 51 mph on a hard slider on the inside portion of the plate. Guess I shouldn’t worry about the Braves or the Royals calling for my services, eh?)
We found our way through the maze of inflatable attractions to ones a little better suited to Nicholas. And he really liked the play area until he got a feel for an inflatable wall that collapsed under his weight. Whooops! But he enjoyed playing Crocodile Hunter in an inflatable Range Rover and after a bit, enjoyed some time in a small ball pit. The next station (an inflated slide) wasn’t quite his cup of tea.
Unfortunately, he is a bit young for the really cool inflatable tunnels. Imagine a crocodile where you enter through the rather toothy smile (as people who go through crocodiles tend to do) and make your way to…let just say the usual end for someone taking that trip! But it looks so way cool nonetheless. They had a couple of those sorts of tunnels set up…but sadly, Daddy is just a wee bit out of the weight and size limits. Darn.
But the highlight of his day was the pony ride. We were so proud of our little one…a couple of kids chickened out right before him and there he was riding tall in that saddle like he was born there. He loved petting the pony even though their mane has a bit of a weird feel.
I have no doubt that next year, Nicholas will be taking the inflatable confidence course by storm. I think the trick will be getting him to share a turn with others…
After a rather decent catered lunch featuring chicken, eastern North Carolina-style BBQ (vinegar based sauce), and hot dogs, it was time to head on home. But before we left, Nicholas felt the need to put on his dancing shoes with Grammy at the DJ’s platform.
But it was time for Mass so off to Wendell via a cool house in Zebulon we went. It was rather hot out at the fairgrounds…I can only imagine what it would have been like without the shade of the trees. After service, it was time to make a special delivery to Father Charles that had started its journey in Florida.
There is a portion of a typical Catholic Mass called the Liturgy of the Eucharist…it calls to mind and re-enacts in spirit the Last Supper. At the point where Father Charles is blessing the wine as fruit of the vine and work of human hands, I knew how I planned to present the gift from Gramps.
You see, in the bag were oranges and grapefruit: fruit of the citrus tree and work of Grady Pell’s hands which came all of the way from Osteen (Florida) and I have no doubts Father Charles will share them with Father Mel, Brother Giovanni, and Deacon Willie. From Father Charles’ reaction, you would have thought I had given him the crown jewels…he was so happy and thankful (and I think looking forward to a bit of citrus) and that’s one of the reasons I really like him. As we were waiting for the rest of the parishioners to file out, he was showing time and time again the other reason I really like him…he’s so down- to-earth and truly cares about his parishoners. And he knows all of them and what’s been going on with them. From blessings for a little girl to welcoming a visitor from Florida in transit to West Virginia (who really loved the way he conducted Mass) and those who weren’t feeling all that hot…he had a kind word or blessing for all of them. He was surprised that Nicholas had just turned one…the baptism seemed like it was just yesterday! (We understand Father Charles…it seems that way to us as well…)
That’s why I really won’t mind the drive to St. Eugene’s in Wendell as long as the current crew is working there even after we move to Garner (where Saint Mary, Mother of the Church is much closer just up Vandora Springs Road). Father Charles and Father Mel are really amazing…and an excellent counterpoint to all of the bad news you hear about priests nowadays.
I think it’s safe to say he made one heck of an impression on Gramps…he doesn’t earmark citrus deliveries for just anyone! 🙂
