Breeders Cup LA style

Obviously we are still behind in the blogging, but in the interest of telling the whole story, we will continue chronologically.

We rolled in LA, dirty, dusty, and stinky with only a few hours to prepare for the big chindig. While Curt unloaded and cleaned the car, I made my way to Colorado Blvd. to pick up some necessities to finish off my outfits. I was overwhelmed by all of the things I could buy. Suddenly, I became aware of all of the things that I could have - cupcakes, gelato, lotions, clothes, etc etc etc. Things that I had no desire for when they weren't presented before me in attractive store windows. I resisted (for the most part) and stuck to the necessities. Susie had a fabulous dress to meet Maroon 5. Check it out in its fringey action!

The party was a perfect display of LA's excesses. The young socialites attempting to work their way into the VIP areas, looking way older than their attire suggested. The band never really connected with the audience and the party never really connected to horse racing. However, a good time was had by all as we got to know some of Susie's favorite people who would become recurring characters for the weekend.

Friday was ladies day at Santa Anita, so we donned our dresses and talked about the fortunes to be made. Curt made some $$ on day1, and hope abounds for the 'life changing' bets that will surely come in on Saturday. Susie and I honored our outfits and started a show parlay based on polka dotted silks. This is not a sound betting strategy, but it would have been fun if it had worked.

We had a lovely evening of paella, sangria, and live music until the screaming chick took the stage. This was enough for us to retreat for some rest beofre the big day. After all, Curt still has studying to do.

Saturday morning came early and we were back at the race track.

We enjoyed the day of championship horse racing. We actually took this picture. After wandering around the infield during the heat of Saturday, we headed back to main grand stand and decided to watch the next race from the rail. While waiting, the starting gate pulled up, and we were in perfect position to watch the horses load and start for the Dirt Mile.

Susie worked it, and before we knew it we were all in a VIP area. We were graciously welcomed by many of the 'fans of Susie' and enjoyed their anecdotes. I was as intrigued by the celebrities within my midst. There was Pierce Brosnan, Dennis Hopper, Bobby Flay, and Turtle from Entourage was holding hands with Meadow Soprano, Jamie Lyn Seigler. (Now that we have caught up on our Entourage episodes, we see how they must have met. It was also cool to see the 'joshua tree' episode.)

At the end of the day, the only winning ticket Wilson had was at In and Out where his number was called ahead of the others around him. Nontheless we had a great time.

The next morning, two of our favorite things . . . coin op laundry and packing the car. With the chores done, we pointed the FJ south on the 5 for San Diego. Wilson hoped to surf, but the afternoon winds picked up, so we settled for cold beers on a roof top deck at Pacific Beach. At this locale, we overheard a fairly drunk guy proclaim . . . "If only we knew someone in the TV business who knows how to get a show on the air and also has time on their hands" No kidding, this group of people was sitting right next to us and wanted to pitch a fashion show, but didn't really know the who's and where's of how to get this done. I exchanged numbers with them and we agreed to chit chat when they were sober and I was ready to focus on something other than my walkabout.

We met up with Greg when he finished work. It was awesome to spend the evening with him at a few of his favorite local establishments. We crashed his apartment and I marveled at his teal stove.

On Monday morning, we had to make a decision . . . head south for Baja, stay in Dan Diego, or head north. We chose the latter, and about 6 hours later, a very strange thing happened in the northbound lanes of I-15 . . .

We drove through Las Vegas and never once considered stopping. Between Lake Tahoe and the Breeder's Cup, I think we were both gambled out. After three solid days of gambling, we had broken even. That felt like a victory, so we let Las Vegas slowly slip away in the rear view window.