Day 37, Level 1: Racehorse Owners, Midsomer Murders, and Joan Phipps
Just to confirm - I'm in Auckland at the mo, not up in Omaha! In fact, I've had a whole week at home in Auckland - the longest stint at home since lockdown! I've spent more nights at Omaha since Christmas than I have at home, thanks to lockdown. I am not complaining! But at the same time, it's nice to be home as I really like our place. We've been here 23 years and there is work that needs doing, especially re the kitchen which has seen much better days. So a short stint is good - get me back to the lovely Omaha kitchen ...!
A miserable day outside. A productive one inside.
Tied up some loose ends, finalised some big items, fiddled about with some small ones and generally made good progress on a number of projects. But not lot of time spent on my own business! It's hard to focus when you have other [important] things distracting you.
Today was mostly focussed on work for the Racehorse Owners Association, the new website and other stuff I'm working on. Had a Skype with the web designer today - nearly there, I have some more content to finalise and it will be going "live" early September. It's looking really good and will make a huge difference. Racing is a passion and I enjoy anything to do with racing, even work. And as it's such a dynamic industry, there is always something to be addressing!
The website is for members - to share the thrills, address the issues, and encourage sharing and connection. This is our "hero" image - show the joys of the win!
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| Dee and Gee wins, Riccarton Nov 2018 |
Tomorrow is going to be a FULL DAY on MY OWN business! No distractions! I have promised that to myself.
Michael came for dinner tonight - corned beef hash that Brett made last night, with a big roast vege salad I made tonight. Good to catch up with him. He enjoyed seeing Indi (and vice versa).
I realise I've given up itemising brunch/lunch/dinner fodder in my posts, like I did during lockdown ... it's not such a big deal of the day as it was back then, and it's definitely more rushed. Have also been out so much at one thing or another that I'm often not even eating at home.
Today's brunch was crumpets with avocado, balsamic glaze and just the right amount of salt! I love crumpets. I tried to make my own once. I think it was not long before lockdown and it wasn't too successful. When you can buy great crumpets, there's no point in making your own unless you must!
Had a long chat to Sam (in London) tonight. He's in
good spirits. In fact he was walking to the local supermarket as we
spoke and by the time we finished, he'd bought what he needed and was
back at home! About 30 mins of us talking - and him walking and shopping.
Sam and Anna and some friends spent last weekend in the Cotswolds. In Bourton on the Water to be
precise. He was very enamoured with the place and they had a great time.
Enjoyed the garden bars of local pubs and the quintessential English
village vibe. Sam said it was like Midsomer Murders territory. Oh yes.
Interestingly,
a friend/ex-colleague from my London days lives in a real-life Midsomer
Murders filming location - the village of Hurley in Berkshire (located
on the braided part of the Thames between Marlow and Henley).
The
Midsomer mysteries are one thing on TV, and always alluring, but the scenery
and location is what really draws me in to watch - I love those villages, the
pubs, the village atmosphere etc. I've been in many similar villages - but never encountered murders or untoward characters that might undertake skullduggery.
Well,
actually, there is a story ... maybe another time ...
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| Old hotel, location in Midsomer Murders |
NZ politics has taken a few turns recently which is keeping everyone on their toes (most of all the politicians). OMG what a shambles it has all been. Everyone shaking their heads and none the wiser despite all the political reporting. I just continue to shake my head and sigh.
SHARE-NOTE OF THE DAY:
Female jockeys making history ...
Sticking with the racing theme, I just want to highlight a little about female jockeys.
In NZ Linda Jones was the game-changer, forging a place for women in the NZ riding ranks. She rode her first winner against men in 1978 on Big Bickies at Te Rapa (Hamilton). I remember it. I was 16yo. And it was a big and fabulous deal. Previously there had been so many stipulations as to why women could not be jockeys - being married being one of them. WTF? It's shocking stuff.
Go Linda!
But even earlier than that, on Melbourne Cup day in 1977, another female jockey rode against the men in a totalisator for the first time - here in NZ at Te Awamutu. She was Canadian female jockey Joan Phipps, who had been invited to ride in NZ - and she made world history that day. It changed the world for women jockeys.
Joan had been riding winners in Canada and America for five years at that point and, at the age of 23, she was the first female to ride on race day in New Zealand. Her ride - and win - paved the way for NZ female apprentice riders to be granted licences. No looking back. Now most races in NZ have as many female riders as males. And they do equally as well. If not better!
Joan was from Saskatchewan and had a rather tumultuous life. There's a website that documents her life and achievements. She gave women jockeys a voice and the ability to ride, run and win!
Go Joan!
And then Linda!
And now - all those fabulous female jockeys that get out there and compete in a tough world where stamina is everything, physical and mental.
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