Trip to Lexington, Kentucky to see Shane and Jess

Gary and I just got back from a wonderful visit with Shane and Jess in Lexington, Kentucky. Shane turned 31 on October 7th. We left October 6th, Thursday morning at 5:56 am central standard time. We made it to Lexington 5:40 pm central standard time but it was 6:40 pm in Lexington, eastern standard time. The stats were:  669.4 miles, 32.8 gallons of fuel.

Friday, October 7th, was the birthday but Jess had to work and Shane had school. It was opening day at the races at Keeneland, Lexington. Shane didn't have to be at school until around 12:30 pm and the races didn't start until 1:15 pm. Gary, Shane and I had lunch at Panera Bread. After dropping Shane off at law school Gary and I went to Keeneland.

We weren't prepared for the crowd and the traffic. We had no idea where we were going and Gary thought he saw a sign for $5 parking so he drove in that direction. We ended up at a dead end and it was valet parking! I have never been so happy in my life. All I could see was thousands and thousands of people walking long distances.

We had a great day. Didn't win, didn't lose. That's what you call a successful day at the races! My only disappointment was they were not selling mint juleps! You have no idea how wonderful those are. I guess you can only buy them at the Kentucky Derby. Jess told me that the liquor stores only sell mint juleps during racing season. We went to the liquor store but I didn't see any.

We were back at their townhouse by 5:30 pm. Gary cooked an awesome meal. Gary really wanted to cook the birthday dinner. We had pulled pork and brisket, coleslaw, twice-baked potatoes, corn on the cob, green salad, sourdough bread, and baked beans. All of that was cooked at home in Rogers and we packed it in ice chests to bring to Lexington. It was perfect!

It's the tradition in the family to wear the birthday hat. I think Shane looks pretty good in the birthday hat. He had to wear it most of the night.

We had birthday cake, cheesecake, and THREE chocolate chip cookies. I did have more but somehow most were missing when it was time for the birthday party. Shane did tell me "Oh, I didn't know those were for the party!" Some things never change! 

 Jess is lighting the candles on the cake.

 In this picture Shane is just trying to please me. Nothing more. He was bending down to blow out the candles and I started yelling "No! No! My camera isn't ready. Wait! Wait!" so he's just waiting on me to set up to take pictures!

 Shane blowing the candles on his cake.

 Betsy, Shane and Jess

Race day at Keeneland.

  

 Thank you Gary for insisting on reserved seating! It was hot and I can not imagine standing down by the track in the sun. We were in the shade and it was great! Great seats and we were able to see the races up close. Another very successful day. Didn't win, didn't lose! I blew most of my betting money on t-shirts for Gary, me and the grandkids. Still disappointed that I couldn't have a mint julep.

 I believe Lexington is about one or two weeks ahead of Arkansas for the beautiful fall foliage. Gary took this picture outside of Shane and Jess' apartment. The trees were beautiful.

 Jess holding Kelly with Shane. I believe this is more Shane's kitty than Jess's.

 Family picture of the Shane Orr family. Jess with Coco and Shane holding Kelly.

Sunday morning Jess went to church and worked in the nursery. Shane was editing a law paper most of the weekend so he worked on that. Gary watched football and I graded some papers. Jess is training for a half marathon and she ran almost 11 miles! Gary went to Jimmy John's and brought back lunch. Sunday night we went to Cheddar's for dinner.

Monday morning we dropped Shane off at law school and Gary and I left for home. We left at 7:35 am central standard time (8:35 am eastern standard time) and arrived home at 7:54 pm central standard time. The stats coming home were: 703.2 miles, 10 hours 40 minutes actual driving time, 34.2 gallons used, 20.3 average mpg.