Kentucky Derby Time

As you've probably heard, this weekend is the 135th running of The Kentucky Derby.

If you know me in real life, you know that Hubby and I actually lived in Louisville, Ky for a while right after we were married (years ago).

This time of year is always special to me. I have fond memories of all of the week long celebrations that go on in this wonderful city during the week preceeding the Derby.

One of my favorite parts of horse racing is finding out the horse names.

Seriously, I think they have the coolest names.

Here are a few from this year's race:

Nowhere To Hide

Mr. Hot Stuff

Advice

Hold Me Back

Join The Dance

Chocolate Candy (may be my favorite)

Summer Bird

Pioneer of the Nile

West Side Bernie

Musket Man

Firesan Fire

Papa Clem

Aren't they fun?

It gets me thinking - what you name your horse?

I like Carolina Dreamin' for mine.

Are any of you having a Derby party to celebrate even though you can't be in Louisville for the big event?

In case you are, I thought I'd include a mint julep recipe for you to enjoy.

Mint Julep Recipe

4 fresh mint sprigs

2 1/2 oz. bourbon whiskey

1 tsp. powdered sugar

2 tsp. water

Muddle mint leaves, powdered sugar and water in a collins glass.

Fill the glass with crushed ice and add bourbon.

Top with more ice and garnish with mint sprig.

Serve with a straw.

Hope you have a great weekend - hopefully it won't get rained out and remember to catch the Derby on TV Saturday afternoon.

Derby Day!

(ok - so it's not a Derby picture but it will have to do.)

Well, ladies (and gentlemen), it's time to don your favorite hat, grab a mint julep and sing My Old Kentucky Home. That's right - it's Derby Day. As someone who lived in Louisville for a while when we were first married, I just love the first Saturday in May. The whole week leading up to the Derby is filled with fun. From hot air balloons to concerts to the best fireworks show I've ever seen. It's this day in particular that makes me miss that wonderful town. Since this year we're not having a Derby party, I guess I'll have to settle for watching in HD on TV and just pretend that I'm sitting there on Millionaire's Row (right!). Maybe if I turn the volume up really loud and drink enough mint juleps it might feel real.

So, don't forget to take sometime this afternoon and enjoy watching the Run for the Roses.