In a Lone Star State.

Happy Monday and happy Memorial Day to all of you. As we wind this day down, the reality hits that a three day weekend comes to an end. Five months of 2010 are now in the books. It has been an interesting run. Like it or not in Texas, when June arrives you can prepare for the likelihood of triple-digit heat, poor air quality, and a desire to be near someplace cold. Preferably a pool...

Even for me this has been quite the month for outdoor events. A case of being in the right place at the right time. Being lucky for that matter, I accept. On the heels of a concert and a golf tournament was a Trifecta in my future to top off the three day weekend? Yes!

Many encomiums to those who served this weekend. The theme being freedom and how it isn't free. Somehow the thought of watching horses race in the wind seemed a great parable for freedom. To be outdoors and enjoy some races while making a small wager amongst other people seemed like a great way to end the weekend of events. Off to Grand Prairie I went for an afternoon of fun at Lone Star Park!

This day had an added incentive as a Harley-Davidson was being given away via a drawing. At 1pm the lines were 4 deep at registration. It was the busiest I had seen Lone Star Park in three years. 

Cool River rotational band Incognito was performing. They do a great job with 80's music. As hot as the weather, which reached 97 degrees-way above normal.

In case you wonder, there were 11 races. I'm an exacta bettor. Real Republican in my betting. In 11 races I lost a total of 36 dollars. Ultra-conservative at it's best. The bets are a small part of the experience. I get a bigger rush seeing the horses churn their way to the finish line as my camera clicks away. To hear a throng of fans crow about having the winning ticket until the race ends. 

You better believe there is a whole lot of people-watching that goes on as well. There was a veritable bevy of Texas talent adorning the hats, dresses, and shoes. I also noticed quite a few people wearing Air Hog attire. People after my own heart. 

Despite the heat, and despite failing to pick a winner (so close!) it was a fun afternoon at the race track. So many personalities, so many walks of life. So many stories of dreams and wishes on a day where we celebrate the freedom to do exactly that while honoring those who did so. 

If you haven't heard it already, Happy Memorial Day!

Over and out in Big D

Mr. Will