august2009
August 2009
Final Summer Fun
National Hobo Convention (I am totally serious)
August 7-8
We decided to go to the National Hobo Convention in Britt, Iowa just for fun. We were very curious to see what exactly one would do at a Hobo Convention.
To start things out right we went camping in Clarion and had Hobo dinners. And since we are camping in Iowa we were lucky enough to get caught in a lightning storm, forced to wait it out in our car, and ended up having to make due with some soggy camping equipment. No, we did not get much sleep.
We had a late start in the morning (and a rained-on breakfast) and missed the parade but made it in time to get some cool drinks (it was very hot and humid) and wait for the coronation of Hobo Queen and King. We decided against the free Mulligan stew in the park- we forgot our bucket to put it in.
Yum! Ice Cream!
(I think the gun is to keep robbers away?)
This is Ryan and his reaction to all the Hobos.
The Hobos go around with cardboard signs asking you to vote for them for King or Queen. We even got a handwritten note. This picture is of the Tramps who want a shot at royalty; there is a difference between Tramps and Hobos- Hobos will travel for work, tramps will not work. Tramps are the lowest in the vagabond hierarchy. They also like to wear holey clothes with holes in not so great areas.
So the ceremony begins with the National Anthem and then Hobos speak- Hobos like Lofty, Shortie, Blackie, Grandpa, etc (you need a name like a horse to be a Hobo). Some just got up and said "Hi" and that was it. While others promoted their books or said how grateful they were to be Hobo Queen. These people LOVE being Hobos. There are even Hobo families with children rummaging through the trash for cans. I could NEVER imagine living like that.
This here Hobo is singing the National Anthem- but only the 3rd verse. Next year we'll bring a walking stick for the other Hobos to sign like everyone else did.
Unfortunately the kids were too restless and tired and hot so we left before the Hobo debates began, but as we got to the car we could here lots of cheers. It would've been very nice to hear some Hobo philosophies.
Here is the Hobo jungle where we could have camped. Could have. It is on the corner of Train and Vagabond streets. Bytheway- I am never moving to Britt.
First Day of School
August 24
My baby is in school!!! I have been on the verge of tears for about a week now. I was pretty choked up making his lunch last night. Adam was really excited and best of all his best friend Pharaoh is in his class. Adam wanted to take an apple to his teacher (?) so he did that and seemed pretty confident his first day. He didn't even bat an eye when I left :(
We only live 1/2 a block away from school- so much nicer than having to drive across town! Of course the way the kids walk it still take a bit to get there.
This is a lot harder than I thought it would be! I am very excited for him though and also to be able to spend some quality time with Ryan.