Ok, I've blogged here before about my love of the fall season. And I do, I love fall. It's my favorite time of year. A close second? Spring!
The sun is out...the breeze is warm (and when it's not, don't we all defy it and wear less than we should anyway? Achoo. Excuse me.). Mommies are out pushing their baby strollers, ladies are getting pedicures and showing off their fabulous new open-toed shoes, boys are out throwing the ball around (pick a sport, any sport), and people seem -- happier!
Another reason I love spring? One word. Derby.
I lived and worked in Louisville, KY for three years. I loved every minute of my time there, and I especially loved the first Saturday every May. The entire world turns its attention to the fastest two minutes in sports...the Kentucky Derby. Ladies wear their big beautiful fancy hats, men dress up in seersucker suits, young people get waaaay too drunk in the infield, and tons of celebrities swarm to the coolest place south of the Mason-Dixon line. Thousands buy Mint Juleps at Churchill Downs (only to find out how absolutely sweet and gross they are - blah!), they place their bets, sing the best state song in the world ("My Old Kentucky Home"), shed a tear or two, and then hold their breath... and... they're... off!
I have a Derby Day tradition every year (whether I'm in Louisville or not). I place a $10 bet on one horse to win it. Hey, no one every said I was a big spender. But I only pick the horse based on the name (not very scientific, I know...but even those who've been in the horse racing biz for years say "In the Derby race, anything can happen."). So, this year, I chose "Cowboy Cal." Why? Well, my late father grew up on a farm in rural Ohio. My Grandpa Davidson's name is Calvin, and yes, he goes by Cal. Hi Gramps!
Ok, $10 on Cowboy Cal to win it is!
Now Cowboy Cal's odds going into the race were 37-1. This is not a good thing...unless he wins! That's $370 friends!
So, Sautrday afternoon, I turned on the Kentucky Derby, held my breath...and from the 17th post position (also not a good thing)...Cowboy Cal had a great break from the gate! Wait, what's this? He's actually getting ahead of lots of those other horsies (ahem- including the favorite Big Brown). Wait, what's this now? He's in second place. He's still in second place. Now he's tied for first? He turns the final corner and...uh oh. Hang on here, people. He's in third place. He's in fourth. Where is he now? 6th? 8th? Aw, man! There's goes my 370 bucks...Mister 9th place on Derby Day...and there went the fabulous new open-toed shoes I had my eye on -- and the pedicure to go with them.
Oh well, only 363 days 'til I place my next bet.
Happy Spring everybody!
