July 25: And, They're Off

Today's post is dedicated to youth. I spent the day with Kayla and John, two very smart young people. Getting to know them and listen to them makes me feel very hopeful. They have a thirst to know and understand new things. They have endless energy, creativity, a great work ethic, and a positive attitude.

Sophia Loren said that our fountain of youth is in our minds. I hope to tap my creativity and love of others to stay young at heart.

"To be old and wise you must first be young and stupid." - Laurie Dieppa

"Horses are smarter than people. You never see horses betting on people races." - Will Rogers

Today Terry and I went to Saratoga Springs to see the famous Saratoga Roace Track and bet on some horses. Saratoga Springs is about an hour or so from the farm in Granville. Kayla and John picked us up at 11:30 and we were off to Saratoga. What a beautiful little city. Kayla used to live there. So many little shoips and really nice restaurants. I was treated to lunch at The Mercantile. Grilled cheese and tomato bisque - excellent. We stopped at Starbucks, then we went to park for the race track. Race Track parking was pretty full, but it was free and there was a bus to take you to the entrance.

Here we are at Saratoga, which I've only ever seen on T.V. It was pretty exciting standing at the rail as the horses go by. I brought a hundred dollars to bet, but ended up only betting fifty. I won some and I lost some. Overall, I lost $10.25 total. None of us did well betting today. The track was muddy - maybe slowed everything down. The people were just as interesting to watch - some ladies come with hats, high heels, and fancy dresses, others look like they just got out of bed, and most just dressed casual like for a day out for a picnic. You can pay to sit in the stands, or pay general admission to sit near the track or in the shaded picnic area where the horses parade through when their race is over. There were 10 races that day. I always thought it would be fun to work at a race track with the horses of course - I wouldn't want to take bets or serve food. But I love horses and I think it would be so fun to be one of the handlers who walks them out and off the track. I really appreciate that Kayla and John chose to spend the day with me and take me to lunch and the track. It was very special. Soo many lawn jockeys in Saratoga Springs.