September 10, 2020: Bobby Russ
When I was a kid, I would often want to go to Plant City as a kid to the Strawberry Festival. There is just
something about "fair" food. When I was talking with Renee one day about it, she told me how much she loved
fair food. Things like cheese curds, elephant ears, etc. We have gone to various places over the years trying
to find a close match to fair food that wasn't the fair, but it was never quite the same.
So, back about 3 years ago, I suggested we go to the Strawberry Festival. Being Florida, it was a very warm day, but it was a clear day which was good. We traveled down from our home and arrived. I remember us having to park a few blocks away and be shuttled to the Festival. Once there, the first thing we looked for was fair food.
There is a picture that I took of her with the Elephant ear that she ate that day. We also got cheese curds. They were so yummy. I remember how happy she was to be there and eating a shared goal. And it didn't stop with just those items...
We walked around and looked at the various shops throughout the festival. We got ourselves some frozen lemonaide (which is great in the Florida sun). We also went to a tent that claimed to have a device you could soak in water that you wrapped around your neck that would cool you off as you walked around or sat in the heat. In the one picture, you'll see that device as the blue thing around her neck. It was actually pretty awesome and the one she got for me was special ordered as a Dolphins one which would come to me in the mail later.
We had a lot of fun eating, talking, and walking. I still remember some of the various shops... like the shop that sold a bunch of hand made wooden items. There was a soy candle shop that I went into and Renee was shocked that they didn't even try to sell us anything or even acknowledge us. After all, almost everyone knows I'm an easy sell on candles.
There were plenty of knick knack shops and obviously, she looked for dolphin ones. Most of our budget at the fair was blown on food and we ate well. It was a very good day and I remember how happy she was. We talked and pointed out things to each other in the shops... sometimes to laugh at, sometimes to see if there was any interest in it.
This type of memory is what I will miss making with her the most. Just being us and living in that moment.
Honestly, I didn't want that to be a one time only deal. I had thought I'd have more time to take her, but at
least I know that the chance I had we took and she enjoyed it. She has an amazing smile.
I miss you sis!❤️