My only shock was when I rounded the first corner, moving toward the big open pasture where dog agility tests were being run (aside--you have never seen true joy until you've seen an Australian Shepard chasing down tennis balls). "Want a cider?" asked a woman on my left. "Sure," I said thinking it was only apple juice. And so I swigged it down, then noticed it was the hard stuff.

So there I am, drinking hard cider without having to be carded or wristbanded or herded behind a fence. Adults were milling about with alcohol and there weren't fight or children being corrupted or anything all that unusual. Huh, I thought, how nice to be among those who realize that adult beverages are just fine for adults to consume.

The cider was wonderful, by the way, pressed by a local orchard. Also in attendence was Brewery Ommengang (www.ommegang.com), whose Hennepin was a bit to strong for my tastes but whose Rare Vos was just right. On October 4, they are having their birthday celebration. The party is formally known as "Waffles and Puppets," since both will be in ample supply. Yes, we will be going.