Friday, January 20, 2006 is a very special day.

It’s opening day at Oaklawn Park. And I’ll be there. As I have been for the past 5 years.

I’ve been in Oxford for six years now. Since 2001, I’ve been meeting my girlfriends at the horse races on opening day; then in March we go back again for my birthday.

I love the horse races. The animals are magnificant. Big, breathy beasts straining to finish first. Even the plow horses I wind up betting on half the time, finish with pride. (their jockeys? eh. not so much when they finish last)

Last year, the husband of one of my best girlfriends, rented us a car and driver so that we could all drink as much as we wanted. I asked DeeDee if we got lucky again this year, and she said, “Sadly, no. Not this year.” Well, apparently, Chris changed his mind…and he’s giving me my birthday early!Here’s our picture from last year. Aren’t we babes?