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...
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Thursday, August 23, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
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?
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
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!!
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!!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
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!
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!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
ARTS DISTRICT IN SARATOGA SPRINGS
Just a few blocks west of Broadway is a wonderful area....
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!
Sunday, July 22, 2012
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!
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!
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!
 |
| The set of Twelfth Night, Shakespeare in the Park |
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!
"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!
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