Another Saratoga visit is history! For the first time I can remember since my initial trip to the 'Spa' in 2003, we had perfect weather. For me, rain and humidity in Saratoga is just a given, but this time around, after being overcast and muggy on Wednesday afternoon when I arrived (complete with a few token drops of rain, just to say it did) the weather was unbelievably beautiful.
One of the highlights of this trip was being joined by fellow equine artist and racing fan Sharon Passmore. Sharon and I were both Equine Art Guild members, and often correspond back and forth about racing, comparing our experiences and stories of the business. She was able to share connections that got us signed into the backstretch in the morning for amazing photo ops, as well as box seats for the races on Thursday afternoon. Add to that our paddock passes courtesy of the Beresford Gallery, which represents my work at their gallery across from the racetrack, and we were set! Juliet Harrison joined us Thursday, and after sending Sharon on her way home to Tennessee early Friday, Juliet and I took advantage of that backstretch contact for more photos. We also visited the yearling sales barns, and saw the recently renovated pavilion.
The joy of being able to rent a house for our short stay inevitably means ice cream. I can't help but take advantage of the US's greater selection of flavours (not to mention better prices!) of my favourites, Haagen Dazs and Ben & Jerry's, and fortunately my friends indulged with me! It is, however, tradition for Juliet and me to buy an overpriced serving at the racetrack at least once, which we did on our way out Friday afternoon. And of course no trip to Saratoga is complete without at least one stop at Mrs. London's for amazing pastries. We did a lot of walking, but I'm not sure it was enough to balance out the intake of calories!
I'm home again, and did make it back to the easel today. Each year I order some art supplies and have them sent to Juliet so that I can save some of the shipping costs. I'm anxious to try out some of the paints I ordered - decided to try some Vasari oils and see how they compare to my faithful Old Hollands. So far I've only tried one tube - the colour is brilliant, but they're a lot oilier than the rich OHs. We'll see how it goes.
One more thing that made the transition back to reality a bit easier - Ben & Jerry's on sale at Fortinos! Now if we could just get some of those flavours....
5 comments:
Linda - Reading this made me smile all over again. Can't believe it is over for another year. But PLEASE make sure to let me know if you decide to go back this year. I will come up just for the day!!! Juliet
Linda,
Welcome home! Looks like you had a great trip. As good as the images are that you posted, I can only imagine what you must be saving for paintings!
Carrie L. Lewis
Linda,
What a thrill to go to Saratoga. I went to the races there when I spent a summer in upstate New York.
Enjoyed watching the Haskell over the weekend. Afleet Again is an amazing grey, although he did not fire the way I feel he can during the race. At least we have a 3-year-old that looks to be more than mediocre.
I think I overcompensated on the B&J here at home, Juliet...it disappeared far too quickly! And even without having my favourite flavor available!
Thanks Carrie - I hope one day you can come join us! If you ever think you can, let me know! It's become the unofficial EAG (even though there is no EAG anymore) reunion spot!
It was nice to see Lookin At Lucky win the Haskell so commandingly, Nancy. We met Icebox at Saratoga but he didn't run too well either!
Ah, Linda, you're reading my mind! I was thinking the same thing as I was writing my comments. One of these years, boy! One of these years!
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