Handicapper Blog

What a Weekend

Posted by Brian Skirka on Thursday, July 19, 2012 5:48 PM

I know it’s been a while since we’ve all blogged together, but the last couple days were just too good to not share with everyone.

My extended weekend began on Friday afternoon when I drove to Connecticut for my best friend’s wedding rehearsal and dinner.  The 2 ½-hour drive took nearly five because of that good ‘ol NYC traffic.  (That wasn’t the best).  But the rest of the night went well and a Saturday which combined Frisbee and beanbag games in the AM, a wedding ceremony in early PM, and wedding reception in late PM was tons of fun. 

From Connecticut it was on to Boston where I celebrated my birthday at my first-ever Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park.  While the game was exciting (cool moment for Kevin Youkilis’ return) and the stadium was very nice (I enjoyed my first-ever ‘Sweet Caroline’), the pre-game meal absolutely stole the show.  If you’re ever in Boston, you need to check out Island Creek Oyster Bar.  I don’t do raw, but I sure do seafood and this place totally rocked.  To be honest, I didn’t expect anything less from a high-class seafood joint in Boston, but the clam chowder and lobster roll…let’s just say I’ve craved them ever since.

Following my two days in Beantown, it was time to return home – but not before a stop at Akindale Farm in New York to visit the one-and-only Hotstufanthensome.  For me, spending 45 minutes with Hotstuf was like hanging out with Lebron James or Derek Jeter.  As I was sure to tell him, Hotstufanthensome is probably the reason I’m working at a racetrack today.  (And I was sure to thank him for now having to work weekends and holidays!!)  For a horse that the farm has nicknamed “The Beast” – I was told Hotstuf does what he wants, when he wants, no questions asked – he sure seemed calm and relaxed around me.  I like to think he remembers me from the good ‘ol days and/or maybe could sense the gratitude I had towards him.  Either way, it was a pretty cool day and a nice conclusion to one of the better weekends I’ve had in a while.

Although the 111 emails I had waiting for me when I got back in the office weren’t the most fun I’ve ever had, my 4 ½ days away were definitely worth it. 

And now...Haskell approaches!!

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• Brian Skirka - Blog

Brian
Skirka

Brian Skirka graduated from Rutgers University in 2007 with a degree in journalism. He currently works for Monmouth Park’s marketing and publicity departments and is in his fifth year working at the track. In the past, Brian’s work has also been published on www.thebigm.com and www.ntra.com.

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