Fasching at Liederkranz and MSU Rodeo

I realize that these two things might not sound like they go together, but since they took place during the same weekend, they get to share a post!

On Saturday night, timing, memory, and convincing all lined up, and we were able to go to Fasching (Mardi Gras) at the Lansing Liederkranz.  I called in advance to make sure that we would be able to go and didn't' need to buy our tickets in advance.  We took an uber, so we didn't have to worry about parking, which my contact mentioned is sometimes scarce!  

The flyer said it was family friendly, but we weren't quite sure, so just the two of us went the first time.  The kids in attendance were dancing and having a great time dancing to the polka band, so next time maybe we can go as a family!

Billy was able to get Oktoberfest (in February) and I was able to get Shinerbock, on tap!  The food was quite tasty and so much that I took home a doggy bag and ate on it for two more meals!

It was a really fun night!  We didn't go anywhere afterward, because the next morning, we were going to the MSU Rodeo with the Cornishes!  We originally wanted the Saturday at 2pm time, but it was sold out, and 8pm is much too late of a start time for us old folk, so Sunday at 2 was our time slot!

While we enjoyed the Rodeo last year, it was somehow better this year!  They had a screen that gave a summary of how the contenders would score points, that Natalie and I found very helpful!  They also had a horse rider who did tricks!  She made it look so easy, but I can't even imagine the practice it takes to make the tricks on a moving horse look so seamless!

It was a good showing, and I'm so glad they invited us again!  I'm looking forward to summer, but a little bit of me can now look forward to next February too.

later days

edit 3-27-26: backdated for continuity. 

MSU Rodeo

A year ago, the Cornishes invited us along to their tradition of Valentine's Day at the MSU rodeo.  We had a pleasant lunch beforehand, but were denied access to the rodeo, because they were sold out!!! 

So, this year, at our New Year's get together, Natalie ordered tickets for us!  It was even sweeter after missing out the previous year.  I was also able to borrow a flannel shirt, hat, boots, and seats from Kristy!  I felt very camouflaged. 

Before going, we tried a place, in East Lansing, that they had never been to (neither had we.)  All of us liked Woody's oasis though, and would totally recommend!

It smelled like a stock show for sure!  To be honest, despite being from Texas, I hadn't been to many rodeos, mostly county level ones.  Despite that, it did feel a little like going home.

We managed to get seats in the middle, despite the open seating.

It was a nice outing, and I'm really glad that Natalie and Steve invited us along!  I don't know that we'll make it a new tradition for ourselves. I guess if we do, I'll buy my own clothes. 

later days

edit 4-1-25: backdated for continuity. 

Not the Rodeo

We made plans to go visit the Spartan Stampede with the Cornishes a few weeks ago.  The morning of, Natalie sent me a message that it was bleacher seating, and to bring seats if we have them.  Well, I most certainly did not, but I used some foam and a rag to make myself an ugly one!

We enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the Peanut Barrel, then headed for the rodeo, only to find it sold out. = (

This year must have been very popular, because the entire weekend was booked!   Defeated, we went back to the car to make a plan.

Ultimately, we decided to go to their house and play an escape room game.  Sadly, one of the components wasn't working, so we played a different escape room game.  We won! 

All of this playing inspired us to go to a real escape room with props and a guide!  Natalie found and booked it for us, then off we went!

It was vampire themed, which was pretty cool.  I liked most of the puzzles, it was really well done.  

I felt slightly mislead by the guide at the start, so we avoided a few things that maybe we wouldn't have, but we failed to escape within the hour. = (  Our guide did let us stay on to finish the room, which was much appreciated!

It was a very fun day, and I felt like we salvaged the day, despite not getting into the rodeo. = )

later days

3-1-24 edit: backdated for continuity.