because everyone needs a bit of insanity now and then...

During Derby week, our fair city hosts any number of events to get people "in the mood" for fun. We have balloon races, rat races, foot races, waiter races and, of course, horse races.

One of the stranger races occurs this evening at Broadbent arena with the Stockyards Bank Great bed race. The event actually began this morning with a pajama party where the bed-racers could hang out, tailgate and show off their creative bedmobiles. Then tonight they will compete in various levels of bed-racing. In addition to crazy costumes and outlandish bedding, the "fun" division of the race will feature a group of physically challenged hand-cyclists (including world champion and paralympian Greg Hockensmith) whose bed will be bolted to four hand-cycles.

Believe it or not, there is actually a "serious" racing catagory as well. Apparently the competitors in this category can make it around the 600 foot track in less than 30 seconds. In this case (and so many others during Derby week), a picture (or video) is worth a thousand words...

up up and away!

The Derby Festival Great BalloonFest began last night with the balloon "glimmer" and tour. The "rush hour" balloon race should take place this morning if it isn't cancelled by rain. (Each year I find myself questioning the wisdom of flying a herd of balloons over rush hour traffic. I'm fairly certain there will be a few traffic accidents attributed to watching the balloons instead of the road.) Tonight they will have the balloon "glow" down at the fairgrounds. (There is a difference between the "glimmer" and the "glow" but for the life of me, I'm not sure what it is. They both look like hot air balloons glowing in the dark.)

Finally, the balloon fest will end with the "great balloon race" (not to be confused with the "balloon tour" and the "rush hour race.") Last year, 34 "hound" balloons chased the "hare" balloon across the county. The object of the race is to drop a bag of bluegrass seed on a giant "X" chosen by the hare balloon. Last years winner came within 11 feet of the target.

if it were a garden, it would be full of weeds...

I have been most neglectful of my poor little blog. I'm not sure why, other than I'm still trying to find my footing after Jessi's wedding.

Oh, and I guess we can throw in the millions of medical issues past, current and future (would you believe that I am the only one who has not spent some time in a hospital since the first of the year?)

And then there's the little game we are currently playing called, "will he or will he not graduate?"

All of which has left me somewhat at the end of my rope. (never mind pesky little things like one boss leaving, another one coming, inventory and so on.)

All in all, life is good. We are surviving and sometimes even thriving. And I miss writing. So perhaps I'll find my way over here a bit more frequently. Here's hoping!

Once again, if you are a fan of fireworks and crowds, then this was the place to be last night.



Let the Derby festivities begin!