Family Traditions

This past Saturday we carried on a family tradition started by our parents a few of decades ago - attending the Saratoga Race Course. Family and friends spend the day under the trees visiting, eating, and doing a bit of gambling on the horses. Most of all we buy a lot of oats for these majestic thoroughbreds who entertain us for a few hours. That's right, we win very few races.

The day begins with the "running of the bulls" as our daughter waits in line for the gates to open then sprints to find a picnic table in our desired location. Within 5 minutes the tables are gone, but she is successful at securing not one but two for the large crowd we are expecting. We follow with tents, cooler, chairs, and picnic basket. By 7:30 we are all set up and ready for some nap time, maybe a walk around the grounds, or a second breakfast. Yes, I did say second breakfast. We've been up since 4:30 and are hungry again.

Our guests stroll in sometime after the gates officially open at 10:30 and then the excitement begins. We purchase our programs,  listen to the handicappers, decide on the day's strategy, and begin selecting our horses based on jockey, color of the horse (some people always bet on the gray horse), the color of the silks, the trainer, or any other myriad of methods. None are especially successful for us although on this particular Saturday we all managed to select the winning horse for a race or two.

What is really so special about this day? I think it's enjoying a beautiful August day in upstate New York. Spending time with family and friends. Sharing thoughts and ideas and experiences. Fondly remembering the betting habits of those who have gone before - my mother would always bet the gray horse and her favorite bet was $1.00 to show. She was never sure the horse was going to win. My father was just as cautious in his betting. Neither, like me, liked to lose their money on something so frivolous.

We've tried the grandstand and some have experienced the clubhouse but nothing is quite as enjoyable as a picnic on the back grounds of Saratoga Race Course! Can't wiat for next year!!!

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Cruisin' Creations necklets are very popular at craft shows. I think this is because they do double duty - a necklace or a bracelet. Who doesn't want something that they can wear in different ways to get more use out of it? Long or short they are sure to make a statement! Stop by one of our shows to purchase yours!

Not local? Visit our website to order - www.cruisincreations,.etsy.com

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We are heading to the Mabee Farm, 1080 Main Street, Rotterdam Junction, NY on Saturday. Show times are 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. This show benefits the Schenectady County Historical Society. Stop by and visit this historic farm, and pick up a few things for yourself or someone special. It is a good time to get some of that holiday shopping out of the way.

Select 18" and 23" rope necklaces will be on sale for 33% off or more at the Mabee Farm show. 18" are reduced to $12.00 and the 23" are reduced to $15.00. This sale is only available at the show at this time.

Until Next Time...

Diane