Fried Fall Goodness at the State Fair

While it's not something the Red Barns do every year, this particular fall they decided to take advantage of Richardson Fair Day and attend the State Fair of Texas. Their mission: Gorge on Fried Goodness. Phillip and Claire rode the DART Rail Line down to Fair Park and started their morning with a Fletcher's Corny Dog and some chicken fried bacon. Fortunately since it was a Monday, the lines were not long, which allowed for more eating opportunities. Next, it was onto roasted corn, a Red Barn favorite.

One of the hottest fried items at the 2009 Fair was fried butter (a wadded ball of frozen butter wrapped in dough and flash fried). Claire was skeptical but Phillip just had to clog his arteries with it. While ordering his garlic fried butter, Phillip noticed the Master of Fried Goodness, Abel Gonzalez, so he made sure to get his picture with his latest creation. It was delicious and even Claire loved it! Before the day was out, the two gobbled down a fried Snickers and a pretzel. It was a nice way to spend the day.



Later in fall, the Red Barns decided to carve their first pumpkins as a married couple. Claire carved her school logo, while Phillip did the more traditional spooky face. The pumpkins looked great for the first couple of days until a rain storm soaked them and caused them to mold and mildew. The "plumpkins" were thrown out a week later.

Friends, Mexicans, Countrymen ... Lend me your Sombreros!

Phillip was fortunate enough to snag tickets to the first football game at the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. Unfortunately, it was European football, but it still gave the head honcho a chance to see the stadium before the real football season kicked off. Phillip joined CJ and a few of his friends at work for the late July soccer doubleheader that featured Costa Rica vs. Guadaloupe and the featured match, Mexico vs. Haiti.

Phillip had great seats and a great view from the lower level, but still chose to watch most of the game on the gigantic, center-hung scoreboard. The thing is ridiculous! Anyway, Phillip had the chance to bust out his broken Spanglish when some real Mexicans, not half like Phillip, sat down next to him. They were fairly impressed with his attempt and formed a bond in rooting for their home team. The Mexi-friends even let Phillip borrow their hat for a few pictures. Everyone had a blast, and Phillip made a few Mexican memories along the way!