I am really starting to hate today and it is only 4:40 in the morning. It is the Sunday morning of Labor Day weekend; the next to the last day of the Fair. As always, it is the day of sadness and for being morose.

For me, the Fair ends tonight. Yes, there is actually one more official day … tomorrow, Labor Day. That day however is annually pledged to the Mrs. and spawn where I play their pack horse and do nothing more than follow them around. “My” Fair ends tonight.

I do not yet know how to feel. This year has felt incomplete for me. Either the Fair is losing its luster; or I am. Actually, I think the Fair has simply run out of gas; or I have.

It would be nice to be able to share an exhaustive litany and explosion of synonyms of how wonderful was the Fair. My words fail me.

As always I had great moments; and low ones. I learned new secrets about the Fair and engaged in new and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It was fun, relatively inexpensive (avg less than $20 a day), and I grew as a human being.

Fate tempted me to bitterness and anger when I was ignored by Jeff Kramer. I should have been one of his interns or at least got an honorable mention. But he repeatedly stood me up and ignored me. I was hurt but I let my greater angels guide me and accepted my fate. Jeff is still a bud; at least I hope so. This same mixed experience happened many a time when a colleague or ‘hizzoner’ would walk by and be overwhelmed by my sudden appearance and in Fair costume. Ignored by those you admire, respect, and love the most sends a message. Yet, the evil is not them; but tis I. I know I have not earned their respect or friendship. That failing is my own. I, however, am at peace and have no shame in anything I do. Shameful may be my thoughts, but lust in the heart is not yet a crime.

At 4:00 p.m. today, I intend to be at the Foreigner concert. Obviously, should my heart stop or an artery explode or I pass out cold or am napping … I may be a bit late. Still, I hope actually to be on scene far earlier to stake out a good spot … and perhaps, I will be joined by every fan and groupie on the grounds. I will not be difficult to spot. All are welcome; even Jeff Kramer.

The goal tonight may be to remain on the grounds until the last moments of Sunday tick by. At my age, that may not be possible. For as long as I am there however, it will and always shall be to me the Great New York State Fair and I will be back.

Laterz