1. Go listen to some cowboy music today because it’s my dad’s birthday! He’s lived by The Cowboy Code his whole life and taught me to do the same. To celebrate today, he’s probably going to ride his bike 100 miles or something, because he’s tough like that. Happy Birthday, Dad! (Edited to add: Yes, he is actually doing a century ride today, and it’s Ray Bradbury’s birthday today, too.)

2. Mark your calendars–if you want to exhibit anything in the State Fair, the Home Arts division is accepting entries next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. (Other dates to keep in mind: The State Fair’s demolition derby is September 14th, and Blue Moon Ranch is having their Open Farm Day September 27th and 28th.)

3. Speaking of State Fair, I watched the musical in its entirety Wednesday night and oh, the costumes. And oh, the flimsy plot. And oh, how musicals have their happy endings. Up next: Meet Me In St. Louis.