Arkansas Derby Day 2009 & Some Other Stuff.

Wow.

Has it really been TWO WEEKS since I last posted?

I don't think I've ever gone this long without writing SOMEthing.

I wish I had some big excuse to explain my absence, like I've been on a fabulous beach vacation for 2 weeks or I won a million dollars & I've been decorating my brand new mansion for 2 weeks.

But, alas.

None of that would be true.

So, moving on...

It was Derby Day at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs on Saturday. Matt & I went with several of our friends: Greg, Avie & Scooter & some of their friends.

The weather couldn't have been better...sunny & warm, but not too warm, thanks to a breeze.

We had a total blast.

(Although towards the end of the day, my legs were KILLING me...too much walking around).

Anyway, I bet on some races, but I think my total winnings only added up to $7.00. That's fine because I only bet $2 per race. Big spender, I know. Ha.

The BIG winner of the day was Scooter.

The 11th race was the 73rd running of the Arkansas Derby.

Horse Number 8, Old Fashion, was the favorite. So, naturally, I bet on him to win.

And, naturally, he didn't win.

He came in 2nd.

Papa Clem won...which means he has the option of running in the Kentucky Derby.

Matt says Old Fashion will also race in the Kentucky Derby. I guess because he got 2nd? I don't know...I didn't ask.

A big crowd.

Scooter with his winning ticket.

Avie & me. If you read my blog, you know Avie has also suffered loss like I have. I just have to thank her for listening to me yesterday. I am so thankful that God put her in my life. Our stories of loss linked us in the beginning, but as our friendship has grown, it's now not the only thing that connects us.

The horses are nearing the starting gate.

The horses are in the starting gate.

And, they're off!

Greg & Matt. How cute is Matt's hat? I love it.



Did we win anything? Greg did. We didn't.

The favorite horse. You know, the one that DIDN'T win.

When we were leaving Oaklawn, the guy was already painting over last year's Derby winner.

This Rolls was parked in the car wash parking lot where we parked. Matt wanted his picture by it.

*********

Last Saturday, one of my very, very good friends that I've known since 4th grade had a baby shower for baby Anabelle.

Lauren is due on June 21st. And, I am so excited for her. She's going to be an excellent mom.

It was great to see her, as I don't get to see her very often since she lives in Texas. But, that's where cell phones & e-mail come in handy.

**********

Earlier this week, an old co-worker of ours, Mark D., came into town for a night.

He used to do the weather at our tv station, but now does it for a station in the northeast.

A bunch of us went out to dinner. The weather was perfect, so we sat outside. It was great seeing Mark again.

Laurie, Mark & me.

Me & Alice. We also used to work with Alice. But, then she got a really cool job working on Mike Huckabee's presidential campaign.

Me, Mark & Greg.

Greg, Mark & Matt.

*********

Last weekend, a bunch of us from work went out to celebrate our new producer's 21st birthday.

Yes, I know. How freaking OLD does that make me feel? Pretty darn old.

Here's Josh handing over his driver's license for his first LEGAL drink.

Mallory made cupcakes!

This is one of our meteorologist's, Greg D. He is crazy, y'all. But, good crazy. And, an awesome dancer. Here he is multi-tasking: dancing, taking pictures & texting.

Matt, Greg, Greg & Casey just getting warmed up.

Party people, put your hands up.

Josh's 3rd shot of the night.

Me & Josh. Producers rule.

A group shot of the girls: Lauren, Lauren, Melissa & me.