And They're Off - And It's Over

Derby Day!


It's finally here. It seems like we have been getting ready for it for months. To make a long story short, none of our horses won. The winner came from behind and no one saw him coming. The horses name was Animal Kingdom and really that's about all I know about him. The local TV coverage started at 5:30 this morning and is still going on. We got up early, not 5:30 early and went to the zoo for our walk. On the way we saw the GoodYear Blimp, but we did not see Martha Stewart's plane landing, which was a bummer. Once home we pretty much spent the rest of the day watching races and getting ready for the BIG ONE. We celebrated with special Derby Day snacks and of course Mint Juleps(which we thaught were awful so we dumped them out and made mojitos. Please don't tell on us). For dinner we enjoyed another derby tradition - Kentucky Fried Chicken. Doesn't get much better than that. Hope you had a special Derby Day too.

Sally

1 Day to Go Continued...

I told you that I'd be back. After watching the races all day, we continued with tradition and had Kentucky Hot Brown for dinner. Click on I love the taste of... at the top of this page for pictures and a recipe. I also share my secret for Derby Pie, I'm sure you don't want to miss it.

After dinner we drove over to our local Kroger, because that is where they are making the rose blanket garland that tomorrows winning horse will wear.

We got to see the actual work being done and they even gave us some of the "real" rose petals. Talk about feeling like a part of the process.

The lady jockey that I talked about yesterday, came in second place today during the Oaks Race. I think I will put all of my money on her horse for tomorrow-Pants On Fire.

Bad News- Uncle Mo has been scratched. He seemed to be making a come back earlier in the week, but his trainer says that he's not 100% so he's not running.

Sally

Count Down to Derby

1 more day to go!

Today is Oaks Day and for most locals, it is THE DAY. Since "real" folks can't afford to actually go to the Derby, the day before is the race day for them. It's just like a holiday. The kids get out of school, many businesses are closed and people are getting their party on in a big way. the local TV channel has been broadcasting live from Churchill Downs since 10:00 AM. I wish I understood the whole "favorites" thing and exactly how you choose a horse. Pink is the color for the Oaks. The Stargazer Lilly is the event flower and the race supports breast cancer awareness and various cancer related charities.

I just watched the second race of the day and I think I'm kind of getting into it. The race was too close to call so I'm sitting here waiting for the results of the photo finish. This is exciting stuff I tell you. I was going to try and get a few things done today, but I can see now that I will most likely spend the day at the track. (the track on my TV that is). It was just announced that the number 10 horse named Chalice was the winner. Oh my, the third race is about to begin, so I'm going to sign off for now. I might be back with another update before the day is over.

Sally

Count Down to Derby

2 Days to Go! Also, happy Cinco De Mayo!

Today is the Pegasus Parade. I guess it's a pretty big deal, not your little rinky-dink small town affair. The parade route actually goes right past Alan's building. He says he probably won't watch it, but I bet he will take a peek.

Exciting Derby News: There is going to be a female jockey riding this year. Her name is Rosie Napravnik and the horse she will be riding is named Pants on Fire which I think is kind of cute. Only 5 woman have ever ridden in the derby and none have ever made it into the top 10. The last lady rider in the Derby was back in 2003. So if you haven't placed your bets yet, and you don't care about "favorites", you might want to consider Rosie.

Other Exciting News: Grace is home! She has successfully completed her first year of college and we are so proud of her. She is ready for a break from all of the studying. Her summer plans include looking for and hopefully finding a job. She's gonna need some cash for Spain. I plan on just enjoying her company.

Sally

Count Down to Derby

4 Days to Go!

Today's main event is the Run for the Rose'. A bunch of waiters from local restaurants compete in relay races carrying silver trays filled with full wine glasses. this event takes place on the waterfront rain or shine and today it's going to be lots and lots of rain. Very diluted Rose'.



I think that I might have to miss this event. But don't worry, I'm sure that they will broadcast the whole thing live on the Kentucky Derby channel. Alan and I watched the bed races last night and I have to admit that it was pretty funny. Since that one is inside I think we might have to go to it next year.

Have a great day!

Sally

Count Down to Derby

5 Days to Go!

The big event happening today/tonight is the Great Derby Bed Race. That's right, bed race. Click here to see pictures from last year. It is getting ready to take place right now at the new Yum Center, which is a good thing because it continues to rain and rain and rain some more here in Louisville. What I understand is that groups of people, mainly businesses get together, decorate beds on wheels and then they push the beds around a designated course. I know there are prizes for different categories and I'm hoping there is some kind of found raising involved. Other than that I think this might be one of the silliest Derby events I've heard of so far. Oh, I forgot to tell you that starting at 11:30 today people were allowed to tailgate for the bed races. Seriously.

Totally changing the subject... I feel I should just mention the Osama Bin Laden situation.

When did you hear the news? We went to bed early last night, so we didn't find out until this morning. Grace sent me a text message at 11:30 Pm telling me to turn on the news. Too bad that my phone was downstairs. I would have liked to have watched the coverage as the story was unfolding, but then I probably would have been awake all night. It's still hard to believe that he's actually dead and that no more Americans were killed getting the job done. I know there are a lot of people feeling that justice has been done. I hope that this is a closer step to peace and that we can all feel a little bit more safe.

Derby Detour

Sorry for the Derby detour, but the sun came out yesterday and we just had to take advantage of it.
We got up early, packed a breakfast and headed over to Bowman Field to watch the Great Balloon Race. this race is part of the Derby Festival and a sight to see. 31 balloons were supposed to take off a 7:00 AM and race to a designated spot somewhere over the river in Indiana. it wasn't until we arrived at the airport that I realized that I'd forgotten my camera. Silly me. These pictures are "borrowed" from the local newspaper.










After watching until all of the balloons were just distant specks in the sky, we headed over to the zoo for our early Saturday morning walk. The NEW bear exhibit opened last week, but the bears were not out to greet us. Hopefully we will get to see them next time and I'll be sure to have my camera with me.


Once home, we got to work on the garden.
The raised bed came with the house. We added some dirt a few weeks ago and then yesterday put in all of the veggies. There is not as much sun at that end of the yard as I'd like, but it is what it is and we are keeping our fingers crossed. I do enjoy visiting the farmers market, but tomatoes and peppers right off the vine can't be beat.

When all of the work was finally done, we relaxed on the deck with a mojito and some grilled burgers. We are due to get more rain starting Sunday.

Hope you enjoyed your weekend too.

Sally