Louisville Impressions – Part 15

As of this writing, Hilary Clinton is the projected winner here in Kentucky. 79% of the votes have been tallied, she is ahead 68% to Obama’s 32%.

I heard earlier that Mrs. Clinton was going to be only a block or two away from where I am residing. I’m not going out celebrity hunting, but it’s cool to think she is so close by. Mr. Obama was in the city very recently as well. And on Sunday last, Ron Paul was at the Palace Theater which is just across the street from where I’ve been working!

Heading home to MA for the weekend; can’t wait for Erin’s graduation and to see the rest of the family and my friends. Next update will most likely be next week, after Memorial Day.

Peace to all, Judi

Louisville Impressions - Part 12

Last night there was a spectacular sunset. This came on the heels of an afternoon of downpours and the running of the Oaks on a very muddy track.

During the night it poured again, around 4:30 AM. Fortunately it stopped before sunrise.

Today was Derby Day. The city was like a ghost town. Almost everything was closed after 2:00 PM. Did find one coffee shop open on Market St., stopped in for an iced tea.

I was home in time to watch the Derby from the time the jockeys mounted through the end of the race. My pick, Denis of Cork, came in third – not bad at all. The winner was Big Brown, one of the favorites. I guess it is rare for a horse that starts in the 20th gate to win, but this is exactly what happened. His trainer or owner, in fact, picked that gate on purpose so he wouldn’t be tangled up in the mess on the inside of the track.

The very sad news was that the second place horse, the only filly – Eight Belles – fell just after the end of the race. They determined she had 2 broken ankles, so had to put her down. This was just the most shocking news. It’s just such accidents as this that make me think about whether we should allow racing of any animals for our entertainment; I’m not sure this is what the universe intended.

Bob Neumeyer(sp), a.k.a. Neumy, was interviewing jockeys and owners after the race – seemed strange to see this Boston sports guy here on TV in Louisville. Wasn’t he on WBZ? You Bostonians please feel free to comment.

So the city will be back to normal tomorrow, now that all the Derby Festival events are over.

Peace to all, Judi

Louisville Impressions

Been here 3 days now, here are some of my first impressions:

- Lots of visual arts items around where I am staying – must take photos!
- Much of downtown closes down after 6:00 PM; even Subway wasn’t open to get a sandwich. Had dinner tonight at a Mediterranean (Middle Eastern really) deli – Vegetable Paradise – tabouleh, feta, and hummus in pita with lettuce, tomato, and pickle – delicious!
- No grocery stores nearby, will have to shop at Walgreen’s. One Kroger, I was told by a nice young woman, is a scary place to go. Suggested another store about 4 minutes away (but need a car to get there, she said not to walk it – again, too scary.)
- So far weather is just like Boston – cold, windy, and below normal. Higher temps predicted for the next few days.
- No smog.
- Lots of medical buildings in the area, plus Jefferson Community College.
- Theater just a couple of blocks away will soon have Celtic Women, The High Kings, and a couple of other interesting shows.
- There are some museums northwest of here – may be able to get there via bus.
- Full-time employees and the other contractors all seem very nice.
- Good cafeteria in building – grill special today was a veggie burger – of course I forgot about it by the time I got inside and ordered lunch! Duh!
- There is a small but well-equipped fitness center in hotel, a slightly smaller one in apartment complex, and a huge on in building where I am working (need to have a fitness assessment before you can use that one. With all my years at Jazzercise ™, should pass with flying colors.)