I HAVE BEEN REMISS.

Getting back into the groove....not easy!  It's been about 2 weeks since the track has closed and I have gotten my life back.  It isn't easy though.  When you really enjoy what you are doing every day and it ends.....well, i just need time to reconnect with life. 

As I look back and see the 'end,' I am reminded of the good times and have heart because, hopefully, there will be another season.

So we walk in for the last day.

 

 

And then the Winner's Circle is empty.



 

And the bell won't ring again until July, 2013.

 

 

And the last breakfast is served.

 

But the memories will get the team through the winter and we look forward to another unique experience.  

 

 

 

THANKS NYRA!!

 



WHAT WEATHER?

It is often said that "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute."  The Northeast climate can be volatile and many folks think our weather forecasters don't often get it right.  I happen to differ.  I think they're pretty accurate so I pay close attention and operate accordingly.  Today started out with lots of sun but also a lot of wind.  Then came the warning...

 

So the day goes on with the wind blowing and the leaves swirling around. Then more watches and warnings come across the TV and computer screens.

 

Then it really becomes serious.

 

So, the rains came and they came down hard.  The wind blew the rain horizontally and the trees bent down as if bowing to the rain.  The weather men and women were exactly right.....right down to the timing and severity. 

 

Then they cancelled the tornado warning....thank you very much!

 

 

iNWS Alert

inws.wrh.noaa.gov

Event cancelled. Tornado Watch from 9/8/2012 6:11 PM to 10:00 PM EDT for Montgomery County, Saratoga County, Washington County, Greene County, Fulton County, Dutchess County, Herkimer County, Hamilton County, Albany County, Rensselaer County, Columbia County, Warren County, Schenectady County, Ulster County, Schoharie County.

All information courtesy of Paul Caiano, WNYT Weather forecaster

So, we were spared but many other localities were not so fortunate.  Tornado in Queesn, NY.  Power out in surrounding communities ... and trees down on houses and cars. Clean up will take awhile.  My prayers are for their quick recovery.

Hope the non-believers will listen to the local weather folks now.  They got it right this time and will in the future.


Again, thanks for stopping by.....

 

 

 

 

REALLY? IT'S OVER?

It's September and I have to wonder where August went!  Working 6 days a week doesn't leave much time to do the ordinary things.  So, after tomorrow, life should get back to normal.

But, what happened to summer?  I tried to get in a lot of fun days before July 20th (the day the track opened) and I am pleased to say I did have some success.  One day at the lake, one overnight with family, one evening at the ballet, some walks downtown, a couple of meals out, one goodbye and good luck to a college freshman and some time with the youngest granddaughter.  But, I am still wishing for more time to do so many other things.

So, now it really is over!  After 6 weeks, 40 working days, the 2012 meet at the
Saratoga RaceTrack has ended.  My feet hurt, the backs of my legs have the strangest tan (wearing different shoes, etc.) since I stand for close to 4 hours, midday, with the sun at my back, but it really is an enjoyable time. 

So many people cross our paths at the gate. I am fortunate to watch all the jockeys, owners, trainers and dedicated season ticket owners walk past me each day. They are so friendly and down to earth. 

Every day brings another topic of conversation with my work partner, Ruth.  Usually our comments are about the outfits, etc., but I'd rather not get into some of the other observations!!!

Some highlights...Mariano Rivera joined the crowd. Nice!!

 

Equine artist Sharon Crute and her husband, Michael Bray, are the best of friends.  So nice to be able to help each other...sharing tables, keeping our 'stuff' while we continued to work.  Privileged to know them!

 

Of course, the entire Hospitality Team made it all worthwhile.

 

 

 

So, I have been remiss in completing this post, but I'm trying to get back into my life and catch up on so many things that were left untouched since July 20th.  As things return to normal, I hope to add to this.  I also want to keep current with the happenings of life in my city.

 

Stay tuned!!!

RANDOM OBSERVATIONS

Here we are with Labor Day less than 2 weeks away, school starting and the 2012 Saratoga Racing meet ending.  Many thoughts are all jumbled in my head, things I've seen (and some I wish I had not) and things I've heard.  In no special order, here are some of them.

~Summer is too short
~People are basically kind
~Sidewalks don't grow (why are they watered?)
~It has been pretty hot standing at Gate B
~The "May I Help You?" sign got heavier this year
~Many people also did the same (see above) and really did get heavier
~I could use a vacation after Labor Day
~Most patrons appreciate our assistance
~Some even say "Thanks!"
~Our Team works hard
~Kelly and Kristen are great and also work hard
~The matron in the ladies room is very pleasant
~Hope that matron (and the others as well) get some fresh air
~Mornings are getting cooler and the evenings darker
~Don, the Fire Marshall, is a thoughtful person
~Car alarms are useless.  Noone pays attention
~There are a lot of limos in town this week
~I love living in Saratoga Springs
~The thoroughbreds are magnificent animals
~The jockeys are amazing athletes
~Love seeing old friends
~Love making new friends
~Some people should look in the mirror before they go out
~Cigar smoke lingers in the air (and on your clothes, Mr. Smoker)
~Please don't walk away as I'm answering your questions
~It's the Paddock, not the Padlock.....insert smile here
~Wish I could find comfortable shoes
~Fresh veggies from Saratoga Farmers' Market are delicious

To be continued...

Thanks for stopping by!

THE SCHOOLERS

Training the thoroughbreds....'schooling' them for racing.  What do you call the children who attend the races?  Are we 'schooling' them for future betting?  Will they fall in love and dream of being jockeys or trainers?  Maybe even own a racehorse? 

Some arrive on their bicycles. Some even on tricycles.

A daily double??

Future owner or trainer?

Where are the horses, Dad?

Walking through the Clubhouse.

Resting after breakfast.


Thanks to all the families that allowed these photos. 

So many children from the newborns to those teens that wish they were there without their parents. The little ones are fun and the future of the industry.

 

Thanks for stopping by..... both at the track and here.

                 

IS IT THE WEATHER?

Heard on the evening news that this summer has been unusually hot;  record-breaking, in fact.  Of course, those folks who work outdoors have known this all along and didn't need the media to tell them that it's hot and humid!! WEATHER.

I will blame the heat for some people's attitude and behavior.  For four hours today, I answered questions at the racetrack.  Odds were that some didn't bother to listen to my answers or were ready with a reason why they think they knew better.  People are funny but they are the 'guests' and we (the Hospitality Team) go along with them. 

So, maybe the heat was the cause of an unsettling situation today with a co-worker.  A team member quickly took a comment to heart and put me on the spot.  I thought the team understood each other but maybe my 'joking' comment was not taken in the vein it was meant.  Surprised?  Guess I don't know them as well as I thought. Also, I have to remember that what others think is important to some people.  Sadly, that person has nothing to worry about.  The entire 'team' knows this person is very important to them and would never jeopardize their position.  A very important member for their expertise and loyalty.  So, can the response be blamed on weather???  Hope so because I don't know what else to use as an excuse.

We are almost half -way throught the 2012 meet.  We all love what we do for these 6 weeks (well, I hope they do.) and I would be sad to think our 'team' has lost it's team spirit, especially over a comment that had no meaning. So, I will be careful what I say and hope all the team members know it just might be the heat!!

NEW FRIENDS AND OLD FRIENDS

Over the last 6 years I have spent (read 'worked') 6 weeks of my summer at the SARATOGA RACE COURSE and I have met some wonderful people.  Some  I work with, some I meet each day. Currently there are 9 others on our Hospitality Team, 6 are part of the original group.  The 10 of us, along with all former team members, get together over the year.  We like to keep in touch and always look forward to catching up....that's what friends do.

Others employed at the track have also become friends.  Thanks to social sites like e-mail and Facebook, we can keep in touch through the year. Other co-workers we only see from year to year.  We look for them and if we don't see them, we wonder how they are and hope we will eventually run into them.

Then there are the patrons.  We are always pleased to see folks return.  It is so heartwarming when they come up to us and tell us they are happy to see us again.  Each day Ted, from New Jersey, comes in and makes sure he says hello.  John likes to 'dance' with me when Reggie's Red Hot Feet Warmers are playing their fun music.  How about Joe?  He usually stops by just to ask how things are going.  "Crazy Eddie" comes by on his birthday and he is happy that we remember that!  It pleases him a lot.  Don't forget Barbara Ann....yes, use both names.  She is a "weather spotter" for a local TV station.  Her Mother told her that she should always use both names and she would be remembered.  Mom is always right!

I would be remiss if I did not tell you about Ann and her daughter, Barbara. Ann is in her 80's, a retired NYC Policewoman.  Her daughter (40's) is not healthy (undergoes dialysis 3 times a week) but they come in most days.  Former horse owners and quite the characters, they are sweethearts.  We even went to Barbara's birthday party this year!  All the jockeys know them and treat Barbara with love and kindness.  She is legally blind and has an incredible memory.  Ask her anything about movies or races and she knows the answer. They are very special.

We look forward to Tony and Carolyn.  They own a restaurant on Long Island (NY) and manage to get away for one weekend.  How fortunate for us that they choose Saratoga Springs to spend that precious time.  Tony and Carolyn seek us (my partner and I at Gate B) out, invite us to their table for a snack, etc.  This year they have invited us for dinner.  Nice of them to send a message with the invitation before they even arrive!

We also have the pleasure of befriending some of the artists and vendors.  It really is like a family.

So it goes...6 days a week for 6 weeks. What an experience.  You just never know what the day will bring and I never knew what this job would bring....many new and old friends! 

SO LITTLE TIME

Oh, I had such good intentions.  I really thought I could update this journal (of sorts) on a daily basis.  Joke's on me.  I will just have to be happy with making entries whenever I can. 

For 6 weeks, our beautiful Saratoga Race Course employs hundreds of folks with a variety of positions.  It provides wonderful opportunities for students, retired people, teachers, etc. to earn some money.  They are the reason the entire venue functions at all.  Some get to sit in air-conditioned offices all day and others are out in the weather.  The mutuel clerks, admission clerks, ushers, maintenance people, security guards, fire marshalls, program sellers, etc., etc.  keep things running smoothly.

But, with that said, it's the horses and the jockeys that put on the show.  Truthfully, until I was one of those employees, I did not have any idea, or respect for, this "Sport of Kings."  I am honored to greet some of these fine athletes each morning as they come through the gate.  It is a dangerous sport that takes more strength than you would think they have.  They may be small in stature but they are huge in ability and heart. 

So tomorrow is my 'Monday' and the next 6 days will bring more adventures.  I hope it also brings more time for additional posts.

Thanks for stopping by.

ARTS DISTRICT IN SARATOGA SPRINGS

Just a few blocks west of Broadway is a wonderful area....

Beekman Street Association

www.saratogaartdistrict.com

On "First Fridays" of the month, the  artists gather both inside and outside their studios.  Come along and experience their artistry. 

Making soap.

 Beautiful decorations.

Oops....

Let's give credit to Michael Bray and Sharon Crute who have been instrumental in promoting this wonderful area of Saratoga Springs.

Be sure to enjoy.....any day of the week!

                     

 

A WHIRLWIND IN SARATOGA SPRINGS

How many times have you said "I can't do it all?"  Well, if you are lucky enough to live in Saratoga Springs, it is true, you cannot do it all.  There is so much going on you have to choose just where to spend your time.  Yes, there are not enough hours in the day......or night!

The set of  Twelfth Night,
Shakespeare in the Park

Shakespeare in the Park

Shakespeare in the Park, followed by Opening Day at the track. Which leads to "Hats Off" on Broadway. Then it's Friday evenings on the rooftop of the Tang Museum on the campus of Skidmore College.  Don't forget there are approximately 6 different community theaters with ongoing productions.  Independent movies at the Film Forum, Saratoga Arts Council, too.  Oh yes, Sunday evening concerts in Congress Park.  Bring your lawn chair and blanket and enjoy the great weather.  And yes, Saratoga Performing Arts just completed 2 weeks of exquisite productions of the New York City Ballet.  And Saratoga Springs is the summer residence of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Check out the concerts!

Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Add to this swimming and boating on the many lakes, playing golf on one of many courses, choose among the many tennis courts, walk through our pretty parks, and enjoy a wonderful downtown shopping area. Check out the Arts Disctrict on Beekman Street.  Did I mention the spas, mineral baths and springs?  What will you do??

I cannot omit our famous thoroughbred race course. You will fall in love!

About Saratoga Race Course

"One of the oldest and most charming horse racing tracks in the country, a day at Saratoga Race Course is not to be missed. The meet kicks off in late July and runs through labor day each year. During the meet, the world focuses on Saratoga for its world-class Thoroughbred horse racing including the Travers Stakes, affectionately known as America's "Mid-Summer Derby". Named one of the "top ten sporting venues in the world" in Sports Illustrated Magazine, Saratoga Race Course is an architectural and cultural treasure."

How can you possibly decide what to do and where to go?  And so many restaurants to choose from because all this builds an appetite.  ENJOY!

Saratoga Springs, NY

UN-EXPECTATIONS

I often say that when you wake up in the morning, you never know what the day will bring.  So, first, be grateful you woke up!

It's a typical Saturday morning.....a Saratoga Saturday!  But we cannot always anticipate what the day will bring.  I take my coffee out to the porch.  Just so happens it turned out to be a 'good' cup too.  (Not sure why some mornings it's better than others.)  There is a prediction for another hot and humid day but it starts out with a pleasant breeze. I did not expect to enjoy such a wonderful day for people watching.

Since our local (and fantastic)  SARATOGA FARMERS' MARKET sets up right across the steet in High Rock Park, my neighbors and I are able to do a lot of observing. The vendors start before 7 AM.  Setting up tents, canopies, unloading their wares and moving the trucks takes a lot of time.  They wait for Anna Mae (who makes and sells delicious jams and jellies) to walk through the market ringing the bell at 9 AM sharp.  Cannot sell anything until the bell rings!

Soon a familiar face is walking up the path.  What a pleasure to find my dear friend and spectacular artist, SHARON CRUTE, taking time for a visit.  Although the fresh veggies and plants are the reasons she walked over from her home, it is my pleasure to have her sit and chat for awhile.  Never expected that today!

Not only did I not expect the visit, but Sharon surprised me with a signed copy of a wonderful book.  Recently published and written by Dale Sue Wade, Sharon's illustrations are so perfect.  Please take the time to check out 101 Whinnying Riddles for Horse Crazy Kids.  All ages will enjoy the drawings along with puns and, in the process, learn a lot about horses and horseracing.  Lots of good stuff in it!  You can find it on Amazon.com. What a great gift idea!

While I was enjoying the scene playing out before me, I get an unexpected phone call.  A dear friend, visiting from another state, will be joining us tomorrow.  We will all be giving thanks for a little girl's recovery from leukemia.  After 2.5 years of chemo, spinal taps, hospitalizations, etc., she is free of this deadly cancer.  Some of you may remember when I did some fundraising for the LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY and then walked a half-marathon in her honor.  Remember this when you have that ache or pain.  She's only 6 years old now and look at what she has experienced in those short years.

And I witnessed an unexpected animal lover berating folks who left their Newfoundland in the car while they shopped.  Yes, the window was open and the dog could put his/her head out which was the case.  With incessant barking, no one could avoid noticing and only one person spoke up when the owners returned.  She was quite adamant trying to explain how hot the car gets, etc.  I don't think the owners appreciated being told what to do but the woman was right.  I do think there might have been a nicer approach but at least she did something.  I'm sure the owners did not expect that tongue-lashing.

So the morning goes and Anna Mae comes through with the bell again at 1 PM signalling the close of the market.  So the day started with no expectations and ended with pleasant memories. 

"Life is largely a matter of expectation."
Horace

SOME NEEDED R & R......

What a luxury!  I treated myself to a couple of hours at Moreau Lake State Park.  Beautiful lake with a beach area that is very popular with families who enjoy swimming. This park also has camping, canoeing, fishing, etc.

Aerial view of the lake

Moreau Lake State Park

Only about 13 +/- miles north, it so convenient. One of the perks of being a 'senior' is I can enter the park at no cost on weekdays.  Do you know which NYS  Governor instituted that generous rule?  Any guesses?

I arrive early wanting to avoid the crowds and the day camp kids. I choose to set up my sand chair away from the swim area. I look to my left and see ... 

I'm not there to swim but to feel the warmth of the sun and recoup some of my energy.  Life has been a whirlwind for some time now and I need to rest up before the track season.

Soon company arrives..

He's on his cell!

Yes, 2 dogs!

She's texting!

Along comes a sweet family...teaching the little one how to fish!

I'm not the only one with a camera.  I swear at least 100 photos were taken by this woman of the girl. Don't think there was much variety either.



Don't think any of them paid any attention to these warnings!

                                                                                                                                                                     

This woman gave up. 

She did return later....to retrieve her chair!

Now more people are arriving. Time to leave.

A view of the beach from the boat launch.

What a pleasant day!  Next time I might even swim! And, yes, there will be next time.  Need the relaxation, the sand between my toes and the sun on my face.


Loving all that Upstate New York has to offer.  Get out and enjoy life!
Thanks for stopping by.

THE BELMONT STAKES, 2012

June 9, 2012

Okay, here are some of my observations from Belmont Race Track. As some of you may know, I was one of many, many employees from Saratoga Race Course that were taken down to Belmont where they expected record crowds to witness the possibility of history in the making. Alas, "I'll Have Another" was scratched (good move because the horse's health should always come first!) My position as a "greeter..." was to help patrons find their way to their seats, atm's, restrooms, etc. As I stood at my post for 9 hours (with breaks, of course) I had the opportunity to check out the crowd. Here are some of the things that I observed:

~People are basically kind. Only a very small percentage were rude.
~"Fascinators" have crossed the pond! However, the love of big straw hats is still there.
~Short, strapless dresses still require the constant tugging up followed by tugging down.
~Ladies, you really cannot walk properly in your wedges and/or stillettos and/or platform shoes. I was concerned for your safety.
~Just like at Saratoga, some women wear dresses (that appear to be their nightgowns) to the track...and some look like they slept in them.
~Cigar smoke really does cling to your clothing, gentlemen.
~In general, people will squeeze through the smallest opening in a crowd....while just going around a couple of patrons (or just me!) would be more appropriate. As an added note: many just bumped into me as they scurried around the bend and only one man apologized.
~When stepping off the escalator, it's best to take a couple of steps away. Those that follow you might cause a pile-up. (DUH!)
~When your ticket says that your reserved seat is on the 2nd floor then, yes, you have to go up one level when you are on the first floor!
~The tallest person will have the front position in front of the TV.
~Women really do dress for other women. As we all (yes, me included) gawked at some of the outfits, most men never even blinked an eye!
~And, oh yeah, girls of all ages: your jello-like bums are not attractive and did you ever hear of petticoats (slips)? And, just wondering...is black underwear under white dresses the newest craze?
~Go back to the first note!

Okay, there is it.....just a few tidbits from Queens, NY. Can't wait for Saratoga!
Side note: met a really nice woman who I will connect with....a Yonkersite and we will be comparing notes with about growing up in the City of Hills.
Thanks for reading! Love my life! I am blessed. ♥

SARATOGA PREPARES

The sign says it all.  Opening day is just 2 short weeks away! 

The entrance to Gate B from East Avenue.  Sometimes referred to as the "Main" gate.  Do you agree?

There are 3 other entrances!!

Still some work to do.  These picnic tables will be placed throughout the 'backyard' and coveted when the gates open at 7 AM !!  A tradition only at Saratoga!

The city is putting on it's Sunday's best!  Flowers are planted.

Homeowners are spiffing up!

Hope you will visit and enjoy the race course and so much more! 

www.saratogasprings.com

Primary Day, June 26, 2012

Cast your ballot

in private.

                                                                                                   
While waiting for voters to arrive, election inspectors pass the time doing some unusual and not so unusual things.  Working at a site where 6 districts set-up means 24 inspectors are busy chatting, reading, playing games on their iPads, etc.  Add to that the echo of a marble floor, open to a second story with iron rails on the same marble steps.....well, I think you get the idea.  It's LOUD.
The most commonly spoken words were, "What did you say?"

AT 4:30 PM - Only 6 votes had been cast.

With the polls open for 9 hours and only 11 voters showing up in our district, we really had to find something to do. 

Can't bring the day's newspapers....might have some candidate information that would sway a voter.  Really?  Yes, one of the many rules from the Board of Elections.  No rule about older editions, though.  That meant one inspector could bring a stack (yes, a stack!) of newspapers that she hadn't had a chance to read over the last few weeks or months.  One by one, she peruses the pages, cuts out articles, highlights others.  By the end of the day the stack was whittled down to little pile of things to bring home and the remainder gets recycled.

At another district, 2 of the inspectors played a word game on their iPhones or iPad or some other device.  Back and forth the words were played while a 3rd person chatted non-stop.  Not sure how they concentrated!

And so it went.  But the thing that kept us the most occupied during those hours was eating!!  Yes, lots of food provided by everyone.  Aside from what each person brings for their own enjoyment, there are a lot of goodies passed around. The one thing not shared was the sushi that a friend brought in for one of the wordsmiths. Don't really blame her! We have doughnuts, peanuts, candy....not much with nutritional value!  But it is enjoyed by all.  Someone even came in with a box of coffee in the afternoon.  Thought that it would be a good thing to get me through the rest of the evening.  Maybe it wasn't such a good idea and that's why I've been awake since 4 AM????

You get the picture.  It's a day to ensure that our citizens are able to exercise their civic duty, to enjoy the company of others and, of course, eat!!

Beginnings and Endings

Okay, here I am again.  Worked at school today and it will probably be the last day until the new school year.  So nice when the employee chooses the sub instead of the school's sub service! Although, in fairness, that person (sub service person) has been very good to me and has called me quite regularly.  I thought I was fooling her some mornings when she called at 6:30 AM but she knew when she was waking me!  Getting the early morning call is one of the downsides of being a sub.  The 'upsides' are that you have a chance to work or you can turn it down.  If you have your day already planned or don't like the position being offered, you have that option.  I tried to say 'yes' as much as my schedule allowed and the sub service person that called me the most is one of the nicest people around.

So, another ending!  Looking forward to another beginning.......Saratoga RaceCourse and opening day!

The Team Meets Before the Meet

Our NYRA Hospitality Team is a hard-working, fun-loving group of folks.  Started by Joe Dalton, then president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, we are ambassadors for our lovely city as well as our RaceCourse.   We are employees and work the full 6 weeks of the meet. Since our first gathering 6 years ago, we have enjoyed each other's company on and off the racetrack. During the year we meet for lunch or dinner, organized by Ruth S., one of the original team members.  Going into our 7th year, there are 6 of the original group still loving what we do every summer.

This past Saturday morning, some of the team met at the Oklahoma Training track.  Early on this beautiful late Spring morning we had a personal tour of the barns and was educated by 2 of the group---Bobby G. and Bill C.  Thank you to these knowledgeable men.


We learned how the trainers set up their barns and one of my favorites was Nick Zito's.  Loved the blue buckets all lined up and ready for the grooms.

Some of these beautiful animals are 'breezed', which is racing around the track simulating an actual race.  Some are exercised and some are 'schooled' to get into the starting gate. 

There is so much going on and so much to learn.  Hope to learn more as we approach our 7th year at the track.