Giddy up!

I went to the horse races yesterday. A friend of mine was offered a group of tickets for Emerald Downs "City of Kent" day and kindly asked us to accompany him. Though we didn't have a lot of time to spend there, we thought "Hey, why not?" and went a long to watch the jockeys ride.

I wasn't quite prepared for what the day would entail. I was wearing my fave jeans, which also happen to be thick jeans, and in the heat wave that we pacific northwesterners have been experiencing it wasn't the best choice for sitting outside on aluminum bench waiting for 35-40 minute periods to watch horses rush around a track for about thirty seconds. Luckily, due to the savvy of my amazing Pops, we found an unoccupied bench that was at the time exposed to the sweltering sun, but moments after we sat, found itself in the shade. Shade, free Dr. Pepper , and race program turned fan saved me from passing out from heat exhaustion.

Now it was time to try and understand why people find these equestrian races so entertaining. Three races later... the hubby had bet and soon after lost $5 bucks. I had unsuccessfully attempted to learn the new language being broadcast over the speaker, and sadly discovered that the horses become so muscular due to steroids. I couldn't find the fun. Maybe those tiny little humans also known as jockeys were hiding it under their helmets waiting for me to disappear before they would unleash the good stuff. I guess discovering "Onepuffsenuff" is a sufficient name for a horse was an interesting tidbit to add to my knowledge tank, but overall the experience was meager at best. I watched a "photo finish", witnessed a horse, I swear was limping, come in at second place and ate some delicious kettle corn. There was no spectacular moment. Though the races were as invigorating as a round of sleeping lions, spending time with my hubby, one of our best friends and my dad all in one afternoon, was a great moment in life.