It’s a fun and special time for us, this three day trip to Louisville. This year we traveled down with our good friends Bill and Nicole. And we’re all ready for the fun.

We left a sunny day in Maryland on a short flight. Pretty smooth one until we approached Louisville. BIG bumps up in the thick gray sky. (I so hate to fly.)  All’s well when we land where Anne and our security, Scott, wait. We load up the luggage and head into the city for lunch.

Mmm, pulled pork and fries, just perfect. Almost as good as being on the ground.

Then it’s off to the hotel to unpack, settle in, chill out. Happy to have that time, not to have to rush before we change for the evening’s festivities. Dress code is Smart Fancy Casual. I figure that leaves a lot of room. I have a very comfortable dress, comfortable shoes with low heels, and because it’s cooler, add the black leather jacket I traveled in. Seems to fit inside that room.

I can’t for the life of me remember the name of the building, a short drive away, just that it’s huge and it’s beautiful. We’re a little early, so we have time to wander. And it’s worth it. Gorgeous rooms, soaring ceilings. As we explore, we inadvertently crash the Sandman party—one of the Derby favorites. Everyone’s friendly, and we’re invited to join. But we take the offered drink and wander some more. Our party’s in The Library, but no one’s there yet—except the bartenders.

So we take a drink into The Reading Room, hang out and enjoy. Before long, familiar faces. Always so good to see members of our Derby family. Special hugs and big thanks to the York Sisters, Tonya and Tammy, who work so hard to make this weekend a big success.

A nice meal in a beautiful place, some laughs and lots of easy. There’s an after-party, but nope. Travel days wipe me out, and the gang’s with me on it. So back we go. I sleep like a rock.

Friday, up early, grab a workout. Bill’s another early riser, and he’s off to get coffee, then gets in his own workout. The guys are going to the Downs for Oaks day. Nicole, Anne and I are heading for mani-pedis, lunch and some shopping.

Gorgeous morning! And we have to appreciate it while it lasts because the rain’s coming. Nails are at Bourbon and Blush, a new to me salon, and just lovely. If you’re ever in the market and in Louisville, there’s your spot.

Lovely light, and the proprietor has the salon full of gorgeous plants. Big, lush, plentiful. There’s a Wandering Jew five times as big as any I’ve seen, and so healthy I’m surprised it didn’t break out in song.

We talk plants awhile, and the proprietor gives Nicole a cutting. Emily gives my very tired, very abused feet soaks and scrubs and rubs until I know there’s a heaven. Even though my shoes aren’t open-toed, I go with my Derby dress colors. Deep, dark blue with my accent toe in a kind of pinky-orange. Fun! A classy French on the fingers, party on the toes!

Everyone was just lovely, and the three of us leave very happy women.

Then it’s lunch at The Mesh. A nice glass of wine, and salads all around. Really good salads in a pretty restaurant with cheerful service. Really can’t ask for more. But we want more, so it’s shopping at Rodes with Beth.

This is another Derby tradition, and it’s good to be back. And we score! Nicole’s brought a fascinator for Derby, but finds a hat that’s too cute to resist. And a perfect match for her dress. I find what Nicole and I agree is just the right birthday gift for a mutual friend, and a wrap that’ll work with my dress for the gala. I’m always cold!

Always fun to shop with girls. Yes, that looks great. No, that doesn’t work.

Rain’s coming! We make it back to the hotel just as it starts to fall. Some down time which includes a nap for Nicole, the master of the 20 minute Power Nap. I have envy.

The rain gets serious, really serious. I have the track on TV, and they’ve paused the races as the wind blew in big time, and so did the lightning. The way the storm’s pounding, I’m glad tonight’s gala’s in the hotel. The guys return, and we start to glam up for the gala.

When they’re able to run the Oaks race, I keep my streak going. I always pick a horse for BW to bet for me, and in all the years we’ve been coming, I’ve yet to pick a winner there. Seriously, what are the odds? But cheer up. When we’re finished with the glam, we all look fabulous! So does Anne when she joins us.

We head down, meet up with Scott, check into the event, walk the Red Carpet. Familiar faces there, too, as we’ve been coming for so many years.  Plenty of hugs and happy greetings. Then it’s libations of choice before I go check out the items in the silent auction. I love this part, and this year I’ve got my eye on a guitar signed by Paul McCartney. After all, when I was thirteen he was supposed to wait until I was old enough and marry me.

He did not.

We see so many friends, and as always the ballroom decor is stunning. There’s amazing live entertainment, including the rocking local band, The Crashers, and a set by J.D. Shelbourne, one by Richie Sanbora. Just a gorgeous full of fun night, music, friends, champagne.

And for me, a guitar signed by my one-time future husband. YES!!

And we only have to walk a ways, get on the elevator to get to bed.

Up early for workout on the very rainy and pretty chilly Derby Day. But we will not let that dampen our spirits. Up and at ‘em, get our pretty on. Since we checked the weather before we left home, I threw in a topper just for this eventuality. I’m adding a scarf. This year, I decided on a BIG hat. Hey, it’ll keep the rain off. Once again, we can’t seem to help it, we all look fabulous.

A conundrum with Nicole’s new hat—which way did it go on again? Try it one way, then another. And mostly get it.

We like to get there for the early races, so Scott’s ready and so are we. More grateful that on this damp chilly day we’re inside. Still, when we get there, I have to step outside and look at the track. Even on this gloomy day, it’s beautiful. Nicole hits the ladies to get the hat right at last.

Time to bet! No luck on the first race, but I hit on the next. On and off like that all day. Before long, pals are filtering in, and the place is full of color, HATS, voices and happy faces. It’s a party mood all around, and just so good to be there. It’s a good day, spending it with people you get to hang out with once a year.

I have a list of horses I’m going to bet for the family. More or less picked at random. There are three grays in the Derby field, so my money goes there. You can feel the excitement, the anticipation everywhere. People lining up at the betting windows as it gets closer and closer to post time.

Even with the weather, everyone crowds outside. As those beauties break out of the gate, the roar goes up and fills everything. I honestly can’t follow, can’t clearly see the silks or numbers, but it doesn’t matter. Rain or shine, this two minutes is just awesome. When you’re right there, for that two minutes, Churchill Downs is the world.

My big bet came in 4th—a little more luck we’d have both been in the money. But it turns out my random picks were lucky for Griffin. I bet Sovereignty for him. Ten across the board. A thirty dollar bet and he wins $201.04. 

We stay for the last race, then Scott drives us the rainy way home. Into sweats for a little wind down time, and there’s the bed.

Forget the morning workout, gotta pack. Gathering up stuff, checking twice. Then one more time. No sunshine, just drizzle. An easy drive to the airport, and we say goodbye to Anne and Scott.

Until next year!

Delay at the airport, but a short flight home. Hardly any bumps. And the sun!!! Plus fifteen degrees warmer. Big hugs bye for Bill and Nicole—though I’ll see Nicole on Tuesday because It’s Girl Spa Time.

The fun never ends.

The dogs are insane to see us, and the gardens look beautiful. Unload, unpack, organize a bit. The weekend flew by, but with lots of new memories.

And back in my own bed, I slept like a rock.

Monday for one day of routine. Then we’re off. Again.

Nora