Of Cow Pies, Pioneer Days and Dying Traditions

Cow Pies were useful to Pioneers.  They were used to start fires and occasionally, they were used for a game - the Cow Pie Toss.  We have access to real Cow Pies, what we're missing is the desire to handle them.  So we made them.  As suggested by a friend, we used foam insulation from an aerosol can:

Brown spray paint finished the fecal illusion.  The results were incredible ... people thought they were real.  

In fact, the Mr. and I are tempted to set them in a neighbor's yard and wait for their reaction, but we won't (at least not right now) ...

Pioneer Day was fun.  It was so hot outside; we decided to embrace our cowardice and set-up the party indoors (real Pioneers used what was available to them and we utilized our resources: AIR CONDITIONING).  Before eating the grilled corn, dutch oven main dishes, cobbler, and pies, we played games:

After a busy morning, B went swimming at a friend's house while the rest of us napped and carried on with our Pioneer Day tradition.  (In Salt Lake City, we used to pick up a dinner of KFC and head to the closest elementary school to watch fireworks and picnic - we've done this every year since 2004.)  After eating a little bit and feeling the affects of gross, greasy food, we decided some traditions don't need to be observed.  Therefore, we're letting this one go and opting for healthier food that won't make us feel like we need a side of defibrillator.  

(Dear KFC, please understand.  Some traditions should be relinquished.)

Maybe next year, we'll adopt a different tradition.  Maybe we already have ... anyone up for a cow pie toss??  We have some.