Happy Thursday, Everyone!
Dottie is totally overwhelmed by all of the kind wishes and birthday greetings she received from all of YOU! She is deeply touched by all of your kindness and asked me to THANK YOU SO MUCH!
The poem by Trina Nagele is forever a keepsake. The countless cards with such memorable messages from all over the country a cherished surprise. Then the facebook wall filled with so many gracious wishes proved to be THE ICING ON HER CAKE! Dottie commented to John last night how all of this truly illustrates the amazing qualities of the ZENYATTA FANS….they really DO CARE ABOUT OTHERS! YOU ARE SO SPECIAL!
On a racing note, I wanted to share a few photos of the barn area at Saratoga. Above is the Phipps barn. Gotta’ love those trees! It looks beautiful!
Then here is the Steve Asmussen barn. Oh, I see David there looking at some horses.
The Oklahoma Training Track also has a turf course for the horses to use. It is really a very nice set-up for training. As I understand it, several trainers do stable horses at Saratoga from April, when it ‘officially’ opens each year…until it closes late fall…about the end of October. At this point, the weather is changing. Several trainers send their babies (2 year olds) there when they come in from the training center…to get them ready…as well as other horses in their divisions. Saratoga is a very important part of the New York Racing program for many reasons.
This weekend is packed with some great races around the country…but a major FOCUS is Arlington Park Race Course in Arlington Heights, Illinois. This venue is hosting the “International Festival” of turf races which includes the Arlington Million-G1 (my pal, Gio Ponti, is pointing for this race), the Beverly D-G1 for fillies and mares, and The Secretariat-G1 for 3 year old colts/geldings. Many top quality horses from our country participate in these races which traditionally draw several major horses from Europe as well. It really becomes an international festival of racing! Good Luck to All!
Enjoy your day…and again, on behalf of Dottie, THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR YOUR THOUGHTFULNESS!
I must say, you are all TOO CUTE!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
WILD HORSES
Hey Big Z
Hope all is well there at LE. I’m looking forward to all the great races this weekend, but especially Harmonious. I love Dynaformer fillies and she is so beautiful. I hope she is rounding back into her form last year!
Have a great weekend Big Beautiful One! Lori
Abigail from Montreal
@ Susan in TN: So sorry for your troubles, but I feel honoured that you would come here to share them. It’s very hard to make decisions like this about family, I know. I’ve just been through this with my ex-husband and former mother-in-law, who was like a mother to me. After my former father-in-law died, at 91 earlier this year, Hilda just seemed to disappear somewhere inside her mind and after much soul-searching, my ex decided to put her in a home. At the present time, Hilda just despises her son, while not really being capable of understanding why she can no longer live on her own. The pain that this has caused Paul (my ex-) is just terrible, made worse by the fact that Hilda can’t really participate in the decision-making process regarding what’s best for her. Susan: I’m certain you made the right decision for your brother. Even a life-saving one. But it is just so hard to take responsibility for another life. I understand exactly how you must feel about that & send you virtual hugs.
@ Diana S. My Dumpling Tag arrived today and I just love it & what it represents. Such a sweet gift you have given us. Many, many thanks!
@ JAG Whoa! I do in fact here the Twilight Zone theme ringing! But it’s also occurred to me that you & Team Z might be “old souls” meeting again. What think ye?
@ Kari B If tomorrow is indeed your b-day, best wishes from me to you. I am a YouTube fan and it was you who inspired me to make my very first iMovie for my late friend, Marjorie, called “Zenyatta’s Dance.” During the final months of her life, it was this that Marjorie watched over and over again. Dottie has already told some of the story in one of her very early posts here, so most of you know it. But Kari was my inspiration to try to make my own “Zen trailer.” Here’s the link in case some of you never saw it: http://www.youtube.com/user/Terlingua1849?feature=mhsn#p/a/u/1/JSw1bhKuSy8
Kimberly Potter
@David~ Welcome! We have alot of fun here. Just a bunch of loving, caring, funny, crazy Dumplingz who are NUTZ about Zenyatta, her Team, horse racing, horses, ALL animals, each other and human kind.
Zenyatta’s #1 fan in Montana!
Brenda S..
@ Jack W – Do you accept visitors? My grand daughter (me too) would love to visit and we’ll be in Saratoga on the 20th and 21st.
Susan Romano
Z, Your Dottie is a remarkable lady. I’d love to meet her sometime. Maybe I’ll see her at Santa Anita one day! Love you both! Susan in SO CAL
Sharon Call
@The Dumplinz Farm. I finally found the article about Kenny Rogers estate in GA. I’m not really serious about this, but think this place is just jaw-dropping. A nice day-dreaming project. Enjoy the pictures of it.
http://www.zillow.com/blog/2011-06-21/kenny-rogers-former-resort-for-sale/
Shari Voltz
Dear Zenyatta I love all the things and places you show us. I feel so much apart of the racing world. I love it. I am so glad Dottie had a wonderful birthday. She so deserves it for all she does for us. We LOVE YOU DOTTIE. Zenny I am going to ask all my Z family to email JockeyMikeSmith@aol.com and ask Mike to put his website back to the way it was. I would go on daily to see where he is racing and what time, horses etc. Now that part is gone and so are all the news stories. I am sure others on this site used his website too. So please Z family email and ask Mike to go back to his old site ways. Thank you Zenny for letting me talk to my family. I love you beautiful Sweet Girl. I am sending you many Kisses and Hugs, Shari XXXOOO
@ Kari Bussell HAPPY BIRTHDAY and Many Many More :)
@ Susan I will email you.
@ Dawn thank you for listening last night. I love you Z sister :)
Delrene
I’m so please as we all are, that Dottie had a great birthday! I hate confessing that I tried the facebook Happy Birthday Dottie to post something but was unable to do it! Challenging – so I used the Z website. Hope to see some photos of Zenyatta soon carrying her baby so regally. Thanks for all the beautiful pictures of Saratoga.
Take care all.
Kathy Kimber
@At Susan in TN: Saying prayers for all of you this is really rough but I’m so glad you felt you could share with us. Hugs
DJ
To diastu in Bubble Bath: Are you tempting me? It is working! Alright..Happy hour with Belinis for those who still have left over bubbly! We can serve with a cold artichoke salad..I am a vegetarian too :) Tomatoes, Parmesan Cheese and fresh Tarragon. Grilled toast points drizzled with a touch of garlic and olive oil.
…………………………….
Kc: Hope to see you uncluttered and on the “Z-GREEN!” Wishful thinking?! If only for a clink-clink!
……………………………….
To Deborah & Arlene: Thanks, I think it just attached to me..don’t know if I made it up or found it here!
………………………………
TC: I really need to start lying about my age…and raising it!!
judy berube
Dear Diana S:
That was some Powerball Jackpot somebody won last night. Wish it was one of us. We could have definitely had a horse farm and filled it with some wonderful yearlings (and some of Bernie’s, of course). Hugs, J.B.
DJ
Forgot: JAG!: That is just TOO MUCH!! Next, we will hear that you have met Kevin Bacon (six degrees of separation), and so has Ann! Tee Hee! Sorry, but it is Happy Hour after all!!
Sharon Call
@Everyone. Toronto Flashmob for Cancer. I was just sent this link by a very dear friend of mine and I wanted to share it with my Z family. There are all ages, sizes and races in this flash mob. It’s such a good example of what people can accomplish when they put differences aside. I truly hope you enjoy this as much as I have.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfcKvevod3k
Hope this works.
DmamaKlock
Your Dottie is ZBEST!
judy berube
Dear Sharon Call:
Yes, “Just The Way You Are” by Billy Joel. Hugs, J.B.
Snoprinz
You’re welcome Dottie and Zenyatta. Thanks for sharing some info and pics of the Phipps stable, Asmussen barn and the Oklahoma training track. I’d love to see one of these someday.
judy berube
Dear Susan in Tn.:
So sorry for all you are going through right now. I will keep you and your brother in my prayers. Please take care of yourself. Hugs, J.B.
DJ
R7..California Nectar is a great horse! Wish I were bet bet bet bet betting..but I’m not not not! :)
judy berube
To Ingrid Arnone:
Dear Ingrid:
Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Jeanie:
I hope we can all meet at the 2012 BC. Hugs, J.B.
DJ
To Susan in TN: A candle and a prayer for you today!
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
What lovely photos of Saratoga. Almost fall up there. The landscape and the tracks are beautiful. Is David eyeing one of
his “children” (bought or sold). Hope you are doing well and staying under a tree, eating for two lots of carrots, pears and plenty of water. Can’t wait to see Gio Ponti win the Arlington Million !!!!! Go Go Go Gio Ponti !!!!! I do believe. Great Secretariat Stakes, too. Can’t decide on a favorite. Have a great evening.
Sweet Dreams XXXXXOOOOO
signofthetimes
HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KARI BISSELL !!!
Hope you have a wonderful, fun filled day tomorrow, with friends, family, dumplings and equines.
signofthetimes
@Diane S
Love the BD gift recommended to Powerball winner. Kari would definately be a force to reckon with in the video world with that present.
Debbie G
@Susan in TN – I’m so sorry about your brother. I can relate – my brother has the same problem and had to go to rehab last year. I think that you made the right decision. It sounds like he really needs the help. I’ll keep you and your brother in my prayers.
signofthetimes
@ Susan in TN
It is hard to be in your place, but the best will be done by your thoughtfulness and caring with your family. Thoughts and prayers with you.
Debbie G
@Kari Bussell – Happy Birthday! :-)
@Trina Nagele – Thank you for the kind words about Vivian and Winston. You’re right – pound puppies are the best!
signofthetimes
@ JAG
Love your connections post
Also went and viewed the 1981 Arlington Million John Henry, at that time I was steeped in academia getting my masters, so horses were not even on my mind. I sure did miss a great champion. So glad they have video. Even the greatest of greats win by a nose. JUST LIKE OUR ZENNY.
signofthetimes
@ Terry Crow
Another great joke!!!! Really enjoy the humor to lighten things up.
signofthetimes
@Abigail
Thanks for posting the latest blog article. You are sooo very right Bernie has a majestic head that all of his off spring seem to inherit. It is so very evident in “E”. She has a body very similar to her dam, but the head is definatley Bernie and it is gorgeous.