Whether you're a fan of horse racing or not, The Kentucky Derby is the one horse race everyone bets on.~ Alex Czajkowski
I had decided weeks ago to cancel our (almost) annual Kentucky Derby Party. Having been gone from work for two weeks and knowing Mark would be working around 70 hours this last week left me little excitement for preparing for a houseful of people. Not that I don't love each and every one of you, I'm just getting old. Little did I know what would happen when I answered the phone late Thursday afternoon.
"Don't you ever check your phone? We've been calling you all day, do you want to go to the Kentucky Derby?"my friend asked. "You mean the one in two days!?!" Of course I wanted to go, but how on earth was I ever supposed to be ready to go in approximately 40 hours? Preparing for the Derby takes weeks, if not months! It was about this time I cursed under my breath for not sticking to my diet...I knew my existing fashion options were going to be limited, and I really didn't relish the idea of spending money on a dress in a size I'd rather not be. The only thing I knew for sure was that I already had the perfect Derby purse. So...the mission began.
I found out that we were incrediby lucky and were getting tickets in the Skye Terrace on Millionaire's Row. Mark was expected to wear a suit and tie (no problem, men have it easy) and I was only expected to "dress to impress" ( a little more daunting). So for the next two days when I wasn't working, I was shopping...and shopping...and more shopping. After much debate I decided on a classic black dress hanging in my closet and a pale, buttercup yellow organza hat. But wait, the weather forecast said cold and rainy, I had to buy shoes and some type of cover up as the dress only had small straps and no sleeves. So I came home both nights looking like I was packing for a vacation. Three pair of shoes, a shrug, a wrap, two hats, a short jacket and earrings. Then the tough part, deciding which of it to wear and what to return.
So Saturday morning we were off. In the back of my mind I had nagging concerns that I would be the only one in black. This turned out to be nothing to worry about, I'd estimate that close to 50% of the women there had on black. The weather co-operated with us, there was only a light mist as we walked from parking to the entrance (thank goodness for that big hat!). And once we inside the track we were scanned, wrist banded and put on a private elevator to the Sky Terrace. From our table next to the window we could see the entire track, and I'm forced to admit that had I been in the grandstand I would have given up as the rain came down harder. But from where we were the weather wasn't a concern. Neither were food and drinks; both were flowing freely. Buffets with prime rib, roast turkey, asian chicken, breads, salads, steamed asparagus, succotash, and a variety of appetizers and yummy desserts.
To follow tradition I drank a mint julep and even though it was better than ones I'd had before it still won't ever be something I'll order outside of Derby Day. We placed some bets, because after all, we had our own betting windows right in our box. We also had celebrities. Author Norah Roberts, the guys from the world series of poker, Rueben Stoddard from Idol, Bob from The Bachelor, golfer Corey Pavin, multitudes of pro football players, actress Jamie Presley, former LV coach Denny Crum and couple of other actors from Bones and the old WKRP in Cincinnati. Lots of big time betting going on (not at our table) but I heard bets ranging from $8,000 to $60,000.
It was a fabulous day! One thing that had always been on our bucket list, and we are so thankful to the friends who were generous enough to offer us this opportunity. I'm sure we will never forget it. THANK YOU!
One other very important thing happened yesterday. I just wish I could have been with her to enjoy it...Baby Lela turned one month old! Grandma loves you and misses you!
No comments:
Post a Comment