Belmont Stakes, The Last Race Of The Triple Crown
Friends I would be remiss if I did not include a table styled for the Belmont Stakes Horse Race, since I have shown you the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes...now it is time for the final race of the Triple Crown. You can click on those links if you missed those table settings and would like to read about them.
First off… the Belmont Stakes Horse Race was run on Saturday, June 6th, in upstate New York at the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York to be exact…..and the winner was ‘Golden Tempo’ who also won the Kentucky Derby! Isn’t hindsight wonderful? I knew I would be participating in this Blog Hop so I decided I would use my Belmont Stakes table setting as my entry…you know the old saying…a day late and a dollar short which I am sure a few of the horse racing enthusiasts are groaning about today….or if they bet on the horse with the woman trainer, they are celebrating all week long.
Table for Two….
This table is not as ‘rustic’ as the other two horse racing tables, as I did not use burlap for a table covering. I wanted this table to be more intimate since it would be for the Captain and me, plus I wanted the table to be simpler….the detailing is there but I would call this a more relaxed table and since it is the last race of the Triple Crown…a sort of a ‘sigh’ after a busy 5 weeks since the Kentucky Derby.
I used a green grass table runner for the bronze equestrian horse centerpiece The white carnations around the base are the flowers of choice for this last leg of the Triple Crown. I tucked in another white carnation onto the brown fringed napkins.
For the plate stack, I used a rattan charger, white dinner plate (our every day dishes) and topped the dinner plate with a Spode Throughbred horse salad plate. Doesn’t Spode have an animal/bird/fowl for every ocassion?
I like the background of these Spode salad plates because it resembles the viewing stands that are filled with spectators and gamblers/betters. Underneath each dinner plate, I placed a hand towel with two race horses and their jockeys.
Sitting atop the napkins are the stainless steel looking rope-on-the-end utensils/flatware. Yes, they are the same flatware I used in the first two legs of the Triple Crown. However, you may notice that the horse’s head is a lot different from the grey one I used for the Kentucky Derby Centerpiece. I debated on making this black horse the centerpiece but the bronze horse and jockey won out in the end. Hey, there is always a winner and a loser. Right?
The two cocktail glasses are from the ‘134th running of the Carnations’…. to use another phrase associated with Belmont Stakes Race. I also added water glasses wrapped in rattan.
The brass bugle which sounds the beginning of the race, is on one side of the bronze horse & jockey centerpiece. Also on the Racing ‘grass’ is a couple copper horseshoes and the silver trophy for the winner of the race. (More on that trophy below) I personally like the use of all the metals on this table.
Side Note: The red spots you see reflected on the shiny pieces are from my red blouse…it just shows I am not a good photographer because an expert would have had a re-shoot. When I noticed the red reflection, I just said….”oh my”. …..🥰. I don’t take things as seriously as I once did.
I have mentioned in other posts that we raised Western Pleasure Horses (American Quarter Horses). They are calmer than a race horse which can be very, very high spirited and very temperamental…after all they are only bred to race, so it is understandable. Western Pleasure are the horses you see in the movies that the cowboys and cowgirls ride. You also see them at rodeos and in the show ring which is something we also did with our horses. I only tell you this to say that I have been up close and personal with these thoroughbred race horses as my brother-in-law raised and raced these special breed of horses. With our horses, I could walk in any stall that held a Western Pleasure Quarter horse (always with respect) as these are 1000 pound animals that could step on you or back you into a corner. (OH HOW THAT HURTS YOUR FOOT WHEN YOU GET STEPPED ON) but I would just shove back. We also had Percheron draft horses, 18 hands high. We used them to pull our covered wagon in parades, etc. I’ve been around horses all my life. However, I would NEVER get in a stall with a high strung Race horse….because you never know what they are going to do. If you watch closely, you may see how unpredictable they can be at the race tracks.
As for the Menu, if you were at the race track, you might find authentic New York style hot dogs (loaded with sauerkraut and mustard), giant soft pretzels served with white cheddar béchamel, and classic New York pastrami or corned beef sandwiches and the Belmont Jewel Cocktail. Our Dinner menu was a New York Themed Turf & Surf:
Waldorf Salad, New York Strip Steaks, Lobster Newburg, Baked Potato, Broccolini Limon, and New York Style Cheesecake.
Pretty simple and laid back. The Captain grilled the steaks, The potato and broccolini went into the oven and I used puff pastry shells for the lobster tail chunks. I used yogurt and mayo for the apples, celery, grapes, and walnut salad and bought the cheesecake. I find I take more shortcuts the older I get.
Belmont Stakes Trivia:
Did you know that the winner of the Belmont does not keep the trophy? The winning owner is given the option of keeping the trophy for the year their horse reigns as Belmont champion. Today’s winners are awarded a smaller, sterling silver replica of the August Belmont Cup. While the modern trophy is crafted from high-quality silver, its resale value on the collector’s market generally reflects the weight of the metal rather than the multi-million-dollar prestige of the race itself.
Flower blankets have a history with race horses and Stakes
Flower blankets are a celebrated tradition in horse racing. After the win, the rider and horse enter a winner’s circle and a flower blanket is draped over the horse and jockey. Not just any flower blanket, there are traditions. Each jewel of the Triple Crown features its own unique floral emblem.
The Kentucky Derby drapes the winning horse in a blanket of 500 Red Roses….
The Preakness Stakes drapes the winning horse in a blanket of 3,500 Black-Eyed Susans….
and the Belmont Stakes drapes the winning horse in 700 White Carnations.
Thousands of flowers are hand-wired and attached to a green felt or rubber mesh backing to protect the horse’s skin and evenly distribute weight. A fully assembled floral blanket can weigh anywhere from 20 to 40 pounds. For major regional and stakes races, local florists are often brought in to assemble these blankets overnight so the blooms stay as fresh as possible for race day.
Belmont Stakes Song – New York, New York
Through 1996, the post parade song was “Sidewalks of New York”. From 1997 to 2009, the audience was invited to sing the “Theme from New York, New York” following the call to the post. In 2010, the song was changed to a solo version of Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” before reverting back to “Theme from New York, New York” for 2011 through the present. This tradition is similar to the singing of the state song at the post parades of the first two Triple Crown races: “My Old Kentucky Home” at the Kentucky Derby and “Maryland, My Maryland” at the Preakness Stakes.
Official Drink – The Belmont Jewel
In past years, the official drink has been the Belmont Breeze, but for reasons unknown it was converted to the Jewel in 2011. The two are both bourbon cocktails, though the Breeze features orange and cranberry juices, plus a splash of sherry. 
Everyone knows the official drink of the Kentucky Derby is the Mint Julep
and the Black-Eyed Susan is the Preakness Stakes drink
and the Belmont Stakes has had the Belmont Jewel for the past 15 years.
Perhaps this is more information than you really care to know, and you might be glad that this Belmont Stakes Horse Race will be the last Horse Race Table you will be seeing from Me and My Captain this year. That does not mean that there will not be many more horse races, but the Triple Crown is the last of the highly hyped and televised ‘important’ Saturday races.
Speaking of races;
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” – 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 NIV
Blessings Always
Below are other table settings for inspiration, a big shout out to Rita who is the Queen of Organizing Blog Hops. She makes it look so easy to herd and corral us kitties. If you are coming from Pam at Everyday Living, I know you enjoyed her “America’s 250: Let’s Celebrate!”…so thank you for stopping by Me and My Captain, now, please visit Kim from The Cats Whiskerz….and read her “A Gardener’s Tablescape”
Kari I know this is off-topic, but I LOVE the new picture of you on your website! You are so lovely and even if I didn’t already know what a wonderful person you are, I would want to get to know you from that photo! That said, I love your table for the final Triple Crown race! You’ve taught me so much about horse racing and the history and symbolism – fascinating! The plates are great. So fun to have a plate for every occasion as you say. Great pattern of your everyday plates too – that adds so much texture to your tables. Like the plates, your glassware is perfect. I love everything about this table from the bugle to the baked potato! Thanks for everything my friend!
Hi Barb, thank you for the compliments on my photo. If I was savvy in using photo filters, etc. (like my grand daughter is), I would have touched up that photo because I see so many things not flattering at all. 🥴LOL I have said I am not photogenic at all and I used to say I thought my photos should look like Ann Margaret, Jill St. John or Lucille Ball, but folks these days don’t normally know who those pretty actresses are/were….so my joke falls flat.🥰 AND now that my hair is no longer red and is silver, I guess I should say my photo should look like Meryl Streep in the movie “The Devil Wears Prada” but for some reason my photos always looks just like me. 🥴 Thanks for stopping by my friend. 🥰🇺🇸❤️🤍💙
Kari, I was entranced by your Belmont Stakes tablescape (I like the other two as well), because I love to watch horse races. My family spent many a Saturday at River Downs — they sat in the grandstands while I invariably stood at the finish line. Nothing quite beats that heart-pounding excitement as they run past. So your table brought back many happy memories for which I’m thankful. Your table itself is elegant yet sporty, with the wood tones reminding me of stalls and the grass runner recalling paddocks (at least the ones in the Bluegrass area of KY). The metal choices are perfect and the Spode salad plates are wonderful. Thanks for the vicarious celebration! Enjoy your summer!
Thank you Sandra, it was a lot of fun putting all three of the Triple Crown tables together. I love watching the whole day as it progresses to the fastest 2 minutes in sports. The other races are fun to watch too. I hoped I captured the essence of these horse races on each tablescape and Yes, I always wear a hat…even if I have blue jeans on. LOL. Thanks for stopping by and I am glad it brought sweet memories for you. Happy June!
Wow! I love this post so much! Your tablescapes are so much fun, and I have learned a lot from reading about the races, too. The Spode plates are my very favorite. I didn’t realize that y’all are horse people and raised Western Pleasure horses. My girls would love them. Both showed horses growing up (they were literally reared in a barn!) Our eldest showed American Saddlebreds, and the youngest competed as a hunter/jumper. She rode on her college’s equestrian team. I am going to send them both a link to your post. They will get a kick out of it! Happy Summer!
Yay! another horse person Ricki Jill…In my teenage years, I thought I wanted to be a Barrel Racer as we were always around horses whether it was State and County Fairs, Horse Shows, Halter Class, Rodeos, etc but it didn’t take me long to realize Barrel Racing was not for me. As you know raising and caring for horses is not for the feint of heart. My husband and I also bred horses and we had a huge Standing at Stud Palomino that I had to ‘hold’ while a mare was being presented. My husband would work the mare while I worked the stud and “you AIN”T done NOTHIN'” til you have been in the middle of something like that. LOL. We also raised Santa Gertrudis Cattle (a cross between Brahman and Short Horns) on our ranch in New Mexico. I only say that to tell you that I have also helped birth cattle as well as horses. I miss all of that now that we are ‘citified’, but not all the hard work. Thanks for stopping by.
Kari, you have done a fantastic job on all three of your Triple Crown tables and this one is as beautiful as the previous two! I’m not a horse race follower or anything, but I can appreciate the excitement of the races and all the lovely equestrian details on the table. Love the relative simplicity and intimacy of this one – the place settings are so elegant and I chuckled at “doesn’t Spode have an animal/bird/fowl for every occasion?” – so does Royal Stafford lol. I love the champion cup, bugle, horse and rider, and the horse shoes, and of course, that magnificent horse head at the end of the table. And yes, the Spode salad plates are perfect. I learned lots of race details and thanks for sharing that. I hope you and the Captain have a wonderful meal at your lovely table. Happy Summer! P.S. I love the new profile picture – bright eyes and happy smile!
Hey Kim….you are too kind and I do appreciate you. Isn’t it fun we like to play with our dishes? I know I have said that before, but it is true… but my daughter (who is a minimalist) tells me I have too many themed pieces.🥴 LOL. She does it in such a sweet way but Needless to say, I don’t think she will want to take anything in particular when the time comes.🥺 She is the only girl and each of the boys say they want one of my cookbooks.(Their wives agree) Isn’t that a hoot? She, however says she can look at my blog and online for recipes and so she gave all her cookbooks to Goodwill about 5 years ago. She is a great cook, her husband and kids can attest to that… so guess she did get SOME of my genes…just not a love of themed tables and all the elements that make it a theme. I say all that to say this…thank you for appreciating the horse’s head, horse shoes, bronze jockey and horse, bugle, trophy and the grass table runner.LOL.
The photo was in response to a friend who said I was not smiling in my last pic and she justified it by saying I am always smiling and that the pic did not look like me.🤗 (I took that pic when in my car late last year…the Captain took this current one. thanks)
Kari, I really enjoyed this post and all of your history with horses. My sister had a horse and I would ride occasionally so I have a great respect for these animals. I think I like this table the best out of the three race tables! I enjoy the kind of rustic feel to it with all the wood, rattan and grass runner. The Spode plates are perfect for your theme! And I love your flatware. You did a fantastic ode to all the races!! I hope you have a beautiful summer☀️❤️
Thanks Ann…yes, horses are so big and can do a lot of damage, usually unintentionally, but one must always be alert to their moods…I guess pretty much like us humans.🥴 LOL🥰 It has been very hot here in Florida so that means more pool time and that means less table setting time and that led to a quiet rustic dinner for two for the Captain and me. Thank you for your comments they are always appreciated. Have a great day.🇺🇸❤️🤍💙
Kari, your tablescape brings back such wonderful memories of attending the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness years ago. They are such wonderful and exciting events. Your love of horses comes through so clearly in your writing. I enjoyed seeing the beautiful plates depicting horses. It really sets the theme nicely.
I loved all the information you shared about the races and how they celebrate. I enjoyed learning about the drinks that are served at each race. thanks so much for this insight into the world of racing.
Lynne, Thrifting Wonderland
Lynne I didn’t realize so many knew so little about these races. I guess I assume everyone loves horses as much as I do. LOL So I was happy to enlighten a few. It is probably TMI, but as long as I have an audience, I will talk! One could never say I was shy.🥰 I do love setting tables too and collecting more ‘stuff’ then I need, but I still thank you for your kind comments and for stoping by. Have a great and wonderful Summer.
Oh my goodness, Kari, another beautiful race horse tablescape!! Those Spode salad plates are so special, and the towel for the napkin is perfect I love the intimate setting and the menu for you and your Captain. I find I want things easier as I get older, too. Great job on all your gorgeous tables.
Thanks Kitty…I love those Spode horse plates too. I don’t think they are around anymore…maybe on EBAY or Replacements but I do love them. The Captain and I decided we would have a nice quiet dinner as we watched the horse race and I found I really enjoyed our alone time. Sometimes one needs to slow down. I know I don’t have as much energy as I once did and I am sure it relates to my past illness. My mind and heart still think go, go, go….but my body says ‘slowly, slowly, slowly! Thanks sweet friend for stopping by. 🥰
I know so little about horse racing other than that for the brief moment it happens, it is terribly exciting. So I learn so much from your posts. And of course, your table settings are always so thoughtful — so taking into consideration the details of your theme (right down to the silverware, which reminds me of horse reins!) The Spode china is perfection! And by the way, I noted you had changed your photo and it is simply lovely. Happy week, my friend!
As they say in horse racing Jeanie…it is the fastest 2 minutes in sports. LOL. If you blink, you miss the race! Thanks for your sweet comments on my photo. As I told Rita..one of my friends said I wasn’t smiling in my last photo which I took myself when going to an appointment as I was in the car. I always take bad pics (I’m not photogenic) but the Captain insisted I post this one he took last week…so I did. I don’t think it looks much different then the last pic except I am smiling more. Oh well.🥰. hugs always
Dear Kari,
I love history and this blog was full of it and I read all of it and enjoyed learning new things about horse races.
Thank again for a wonderful informative blog.
Love,
Sandy
Thanks Sandy…Did you and Ron watch the three races this year? I am always hoping for a Triple Crown winner but that five week period is really not enough time for the horses to recoup. The race takes a lot out of them and these days I can relate to that. Hugs dear one and take care of yourself.🥰🇺🇸❤️🤍💙🇺🇸
What a fun read this was! I enjoy horse racing, and the Belmont is another of my favorites. I was so happy Golden Tempo came from last place and won again! Hooray! I so enjoyed all the information you shared today, as well as your association with horses and your love for them.
Your tablescape shows that you enjoy horse racing and want to share your beautiful treasures from horse racing. The Belmont Stakes cocktail glasses are treasures. ❤️ My sister and brother-in-law have a whole collection of Kentucky Derby Glasses. And a few Belmonts. They used to go to Saratoga Springs every year for a summer getaway.
Your grass runner down the middle is perfect! You have thought of everything. Oh, how I would love that bronze horse head! Gorgeous!
The best part of coming for a visit to your place is that you always have amazing commentary! Thank you! Happy Tuesday sweet friend!
Nancy did you have a racing party this year? We wore hats to the first two but this final leg of the Triple Crown was just for the Captain and me so it was more laid back. I collect way too many ‘things’ and horse racing memorabilia is of course a favorite. I have glasses from all three races so I can relate to your sister and BIL’s Derby and Belmont glass collections. I keep telling myself that I am done with acquiring more of anything table related but I don’t listen very well.Thanks for stopping by, my friend.
I say the same thing to myself, and I don’t seem to listen very well. We went to a Derby Party with hats included. It’s always so fun. Happy Day to you!
Kari, I have enjoyed all three tables representing the Triple Crown, but this might be my favorite. I always love a table for two! You know my fondness for Spode Woodland and seeing the horse made my heart skip a beat! The grass runner is the perfect foundation for the bronze equestrian horse centerpiece with the white carnations. The texture of the rattan charger and the simplicity of the white dinner plate provide an excellent foundation for the Spode Thoroughbred horse plate and how wonderful are the viewing stands! Each element on your table is perfect for your theme.
I have enjoyed reading the history of the Triple Crown and your background in raising horses. You are an accomplished lady, my friend!
Pam I do love horses and I do miss having them around. Of course I would not be able to care for them at this stage of my life but I enjoyed riding and showing them. As we both know, anything worth having takes a lot of work. I think I enjoyed this table a little bit more because it was simpler, since I set it for the Captain and me. We lingered long after the horse race was over…just reminiscing about the good ole days. LOL. I think that must be a trait we all get as we get a bit older, don’t ya think? I remember my Mom and Dad doing the same thing. Thanks for stopping by and stay cool.hugs always❤️🤍💙🇺🇸
Yes, we spend a lot of time reminiscing❤️
Kari, your tables are so lovely and really celebrate history’s horse races. Love the horse statues. The green grass runner is perfect with your sweet jockey and horse. You have some awesome pieces to celebrate horse racing. Love the horse plates, along with the rattan chargers and cup holders. Love how the horses that win get those fabulous flowers coverings. Happy summer. Always a pleasure joining you.💕
Isn’t it fun Linda to have theme tables, especially if it is something one has a great interest in. Thank you for your input on the elements of my race horse table. I will be posting a patriotic table very soon. Stay cool out there…it s very hot here in Florida. Aren’t you glad we both have pools?
Kari, what a wonderful post! Year of the Horse! I enjoyed reading all the details about the races. I’ve been to very few horse races, but remember them as exciting. I enjoy equestrian pieces, having grown up around horses, and the details of your table delight my senses. Fantastic job of setting this special table. It’s a favorite for me!
Sarah, I believe the love of horses gets into your blood as I can still smell them if I think back to my riding and training days. And I am not talking about the back end smell but the general smell of horses. I don’t miss all the work on the ranch but I do miss all my animals….especially my horses. Thanks for stopping by and for your kind comments.
Kari, Thanks for sharing about the Triple Crown–I learned something new today. 😉 Your pretty table styling becomes more meaningful when you share your connection to the races. Also, I second Rita’s thoughts about your new profile picture and now we are Silver Sisters! Blessings, Cecilia – My Thrift Store Addiction
Cecilia I have to confess that at one of my BIL’s horse races, he gave each of us $2.00 to bet on his horse. Yes, we were all adults but he still gave our whole group in his suite, money. I went down to the betting booth and since I always favored grey horses, I didn’t place my $2.00 on his horse but on a grey horse. And the grey ‘placed’…you know win, place or show terms? 1st, 2nd and 3rd. and my BIL’s horse did nothing. I guess my face gave away the fact that I won a few bucks because he looked at me and smiling said…you didn’t bet on my horse did you? We had a good laugh over that race.
Yes, I am silver…after all my chemo and radiation, I lost my hair and when it did grow back, it was silver. I posted about it about a year ago. I don’t do anything to it now…except get it cut.
Kari, I was on you home website a couple days ago wondering if I had missed a post since you said you would be doing a Belmont Race tablescape. I saw your profile picture then and agree with Rita that it is fabulous just like you. Loving this table for you and the Captain. My favorites include the vibrant green grass runner with the bronze horse, the bugle, and the Spode Woodland salad plates featuring the majestic horse.
It’s always nice to hear about your own life experiences and in particular with horses. Your additional details and explanations on the Triple Crown races were so interesting. Great entry for this blog hop.
Jan, I will tell you what I told Rita…one of my friends said she thought I needed a new picture because my last photo (which I took late last year in my car) didn’t have me smiling! I mean ‘come on’…I was in my car and most likely on my way to or from a doctors appointment. Who smiles at that? 🥰🥴 LOL Anyway, the Captain snapped this one last week and when he showed it to me…I said ‘See I do smile’ and he suggested I use it on my blog….so there it is! Of course I can pick it apart as I am NOT photogenic but it is what it is…Thank you for searching my blog for the Belmont post…I told you there would be one and thank you for believing in me. As I’ve said, you have been with me a long time and You give me the encouragement I need. Hugs always!
Wow Kari! I don’t know much about horse racing, or really, about the beautiful animals themselves…but learned so much from your charming posts with wonderful tablescapes! Your explanations were a welcomed education, thank you!!
Sue I do love horses and I’m glad I was able to express that. I was riding horses when I was about 5 years old as my grandfather put me on a horse and said…’go’ LOL. It makes me think of an instance when we lived in New Mexico … when one of my grand daughters decided she wanted to ride. I saddled and bridled the horse (which took about 15-20 minutes adjusting the stirrups for her etc) and then I sat her on the horse and she promptly said “No, I want down.” LOL. I don’t think my grandfather would have let me down, but those were different times. Thanks for stopping by!
What a wonderful table! I tend to gravitate toward tables with horse themes, so this really caught my eye. The bronze statue in the center is fantastic! Oh boy, do I love him. I also love the horse head as well as those Spode plates. Everything is just perfect here.
Pattie I do enjoy setting a themed table and I so appreciate you and my fellow bloggers noticing the details. Have a great and wonderful Summer…and keep cool. 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙
Kari, what a fun and creative way to celebrate the Belmont Stakes and the final race of the Triple Crown! 🏇 Your table is filled with charming equestrian details, and I loved all the nods to racing tradition. The festive atmosphere makes me feel as if I’m right at the track enjoying the excitement of race day. I loved that Golden Tempo won too! As always, your attention to detail and storytelling shine through every element of your table. Thank you for sharing such a unique and entertaining tablescape, and as always, it’s treat to hop with you. Wishing you a wonderful summer and many more winning tables ahead. ❤️
Thanks Mary for stopping by and for your kind comments. I really thought to post a Patriotic table but several friends had asked if I would post the last of the Triple Crown Race and I said of course, there is plenty of time to post the red, white and blue. Several of those posts will be forth coming before the 4th of July, in fact I dismantled the Belmont table and started sorting through what elements I would use for my Patriotic table before the July milestone celebration. We are very Military oriented as my late husband was Navy as were our twins, my Dad was Army, my Uncle was a Marine and my BIL was Air Force… and then of course the Captain was Navy too. Happy June to you and yours.🇺🇸❤️🤍💙
Interesting facts about the three races! I learned some new things and never noticed the different floral drapes before! Your table is filled with interesting items and a lot to see and discuss during dinner. Your flatware is to die for… I adore it. Enjoy the summer!
Patti I love that flatware too and in person it is heavy which I love. You are not alone because many don’t realize that there are three different floral drapes for each race. Thanks for stopping by and have a great summer.
Kari,
I loved all the history (including your personal association to horses) of these races. This is my favorite tablescape of your triple crown! I love the elements in the central grass runner (always a loser and winner, funny comment as to which landed as centerpiece). The plates are so classy, as is the flatware used for all three. The fact that Golden Tempo won this one makes it that much sweeter. Speaking of sweet, your new profile picture is fabulous, as are YOU!
Thank you so much for participating, always with class and charm. And I wouldnt be mad if there was another race to document on a tablescape!
Thank you Rita, it was fun putting this one together since it was going to be just the two of us. We had friends over for the other two races (we always do) and I guess I was just selfish as we wanted to have a quiet celebration of the final in the Triple Crown. Guess I was winding down too.
Thanks for your sweet comment on my photo…one of my friends said she thought I needed a new picture because my last photo (which I took late last year in my car) didn’t have me smiling! I mean ‘come on’…I was in my car and most likely on my way to or from a doctors appointment. Who smiles at that? 🥰🥴 LOL Anyway, the Captain snapped this one last week and when he showed it to me…I said ‘See I do smile’ and he suggested I use it on my blog….so there it is! Of course I can pick it apart as I am NOT photogenic but it is what it is. Thanks for putting this hop together….you are amazing.