Love from Kentucky

Yesterday is always one of the saddest days of the year because it means it's almost an entire year until the next derby.  That being said, Derby 139 (well four for our group) was as a marvelous time. 

Me at the Oaks

I drove with my friends Lindsey and Patrick.  I took the train to Chicago Thursday afternoon and we left the city around 5:00.  We had a pleasant easy drive and made our traditional dinner stop at Chick-fil-A.  Now, I do not support their politics in any way shape or form so I have seriously questioned whether it is ethical to eat there.  I have decided that my eating there or not is irrelevant so I continue to do so.  Do you think that's wrong and/or self-serving?  For the first time ever I enjoyed their ice dream cone and it was seriously dreamy.  We got to Seymour, Indiana, where we stay for the Derby, around 11:00 and relaxed in our room briefly before going to sleep.  Friday was an absolutely beautiful day.  We left our hotel around 10:30 and had about an hour drive to Louisville.  Per tradition, we again stopped at C-f-A.  We don't really eat anything at the track because the food is not very good so we always stop for a filling meal on our way.  One of the most fun random parts of the Derby is the experience of parking in the neighborhood around Churchill.  Almost everyone rents out parking spots in their yard and tons of people are out selling food and other items.  There are also people all over in rickshaws and golf carts to shuttle you from your parking space to the track.  The day was so beautiful we declined a ride.  We walked the few blocks to Churchill Downs and found our fabulous seat.  We were on the second level right on the rail.  

The group at our seats

Katelyn and I looking cute with the twin spires in the background

We had some winning tickets among the group but no one spent any time at the IRS window.  It was still a great time.  Besides watching and betting on the races, Linds and I participated in a fashion show.  Incredibly neither of us won.  Here we are in our outfits.  I wore a fascinator Linds brought.  

We coordinated very nicely

After the Oaks we stayed for the last race and then headed back to the car stopping on the way to buy ribs. They were delicious.

Girls at the car at day's end

Boys enjoying some ribs

We have a tradition of eating at Chili's on Friday after the Oaks.  This started the first year we went and has continued ever since.  It's not that anyone particularly likes Chili's, it's just what we do.  We went there this year and had such a bad experience we left and instead ordered pizza.  It was a good choice.  Saturday got off to a classy start when we popped a bottle of Dom Pérignon.  

Linds, me, and Dom P

Unfortunately, the weather was not in our favor.  It rained almost the entire day and was pretty chilly on top of that.  We made the best of it though.  I was very glad that I bought my Marc Jacobs heart print raincoat as I wore it all day.  It even matched with my shoes and hat.  

Watching ponies in the rain

The rain did stop just in time for the Derby which was nice.  We wrapped up in blankets and sang My Old Kentucky home and watched Orb run to victory.  Personally, I liked Charming Kitten.                                                                                                                        

We left right after the Derby and enjoyed a surprisingly delicious dinner at Steak and Shake.  We were all tired and went to bed early.  The ride home Sunday wasn't bad at all.  I got home around 6:30 and was able to enjoy the Spinach Shrimp Fettucine my mother made for dinner.  I even got in a run with Cher.  It was nice to sleep in my own bed and not even too bad getting back to work today.  Another successful Derby trip is in the books and now we just have to look forward to next year.  Did you place any winning bets?  How was your weekend?