Something Every Belle Should Know!

First, I want to say hello to the increased number of readers that have been to the swing in the last few days. The Bumpkin wants to intrigue each of you with the ins and outs of life, both mine and yours, and any small part of those which may intertwine. I love that we all share our hopes, fears, weddings, babies, life, death, disappointments, and what an amazing team we all make to heal a baby with prayer, soothe a broken heart of a Girl Raised In The South, or grieve with a Mermaid. In the coming future friends, I'm going to share something with you all, my Katrina story. I want tell you of the amazing power of ordinary people. People just like me and you. I know you have heard a 1000 of those stories in the last 4 years, but I think mine is special, and I want to share it with all of you. Some things happen in life, that just change the way you think, some positive, some negative. I wouldn't share my story with just any one, but I'm looking forward to telling all of you. It sparks gratitude. What are you grateful for in your life? Now delurk dad gummit, I can't wait to meet you!

So all you southern belles know what this weekend is right?
Here's a hint for you...............



Note: If you are a Kentucky Beau or Belle, you aren't going to be entertained, go ahead and slip away to your bourbon toasts, and preparations.

I was 4 it's 1973, my grandmother Mammy, says to me, "Come sit with Mammy in front of the [huge ancient box] television, and I'm going to tell you about 3 races." She tells me of The Derby, The Preakness, and The Belmont Stakes. This started a spark in me for horse racing that just never faded away. I have found that staying abreast of the specifics of these 3 races can lead to some very interesting conversations.


Back in 1973 the first race I ever watched was the Belmont Stakes where this beauty Secretariat won the Triple Crown. The Triple Crown requires the same horse to win all 3 races. Triple Crown winners are rare, and Mammy just didn't want me to miss this historical event. I watched Seattle Slew win it in 1977, and Affirmed in 1978. I have been let down every year since. Since 1900 21 horses have won the first 2 races but only to lose the last. This was the case last year, and several other years in the recent past. You get to the Big Day, thinking this is it, this year this is it. Nope 8th place!


Last year was a heartbreaker. A Philly was in The Derby. Very rare for a female horse. Of course she was my pick, and I rooted her on. Eight Belles gave it everything she had. She finished 2nd, but broke both of her ankles and had to be euthanized right on the track. You know how devastated I was. I barely even watched the potential Triple Crown, and investigated horse racing, to insure that it was humane to the animals.

This year's big contender is I Want Revenge. I'm picking Friesan Fire the fourth choice, but he's trained by Larry Jones the same who trained Eight Belles. He needs a little life, dontcha think?
Break out your best hat, fix you a Mint Julep, and join in the fun. Watch the hats, but take a gander at the purses and dresses too! I have seen some great clutches at The Derby. Anyone else have the fever?

Love,
The Bumpkin