48 Hours in the Heartland

I've been in Illinois for a little under 8 hours.  Today's highlight:  the Illinois State Fair and, of course, the 2006 ButterCow.  This is the 84th ButterCow of the ISL, and has been a tradition since 1922.  Here, is my first-hand photo :) (click on the photo to enlarge and get a clear, bigger image) Not ONLY is there a ButterCow, but there's a ButterCalf, ButterCat, ButterTree AND ButterBirds (the last is just really fun to say...ButterBird ButterBird ButterBird...).  Of course, it wouldn't be a State Fair without corndogs, fair fries with vinegar, lemon shake-ups and a trip through the stables.  As I trapsed through the stables with my friend Andrea, we overheard the distinctive sounds of hot-rod tractors revvin' it up in the Arena.  Always intrigued by loud motor noises, we decided to wander over-yonder to catch a glimpse of a mid-west favorite: Tractor Pulls :)  As we watched through the chainlink, the smell of the exhaust from the tractors mixing with the smell of the manure from the barns, I couldn't help but think: "Damn, it's good to be home."  That feeling should wear off soon.  If it doesn't, i'm in trouble.