Good Morning,
Yesterday was an especially FUN and REWARDING DAY for ME! I was able to relax, graze, and reconnect with dear friends.
As many of you may know, one charity I have consistently worked to help throughout ALL of my career is OLD FRIENDS. This organization which is based out of Kentucky (and now has a branch, The Frankel Division, in New York by Saratoga) works to enable “OLD” racehorses….no matter what their ages….to live their lives with joy, purpose, and dignity.
Michael Blowen is the founder of OLD FRIENDS. Yesterday, he came out to visit with ME and update ME on the progress, accomplishments, and goals we are meeting….and how I have helped in this quest.
A dear friend of Michael’s, for many years…since he was a writer for the Boston Globe….came along for the visit. I think she was truly as excited to MEET ME as I was to be introduced to her! Her name is Angie Dickinson. Angie has spent her life in the entertainment industry and met so many amazing people…but, I must say, I think she really did GET A KICK out of meeting ME! Every time she touched ME…she giggled. Now this is TOO CUTE!
Additionally, Angie has also done a great deal on so many levels to support OLD FRIENDS.
I truly believe it is FABULOUS that my dear retired racehorse pals have so many wonderful people from so many different walks of life who constantly do SO MUCH behind the scenes to help. For Angie, Michael and myself….it is a gesture guided by passion and love for the HORSE. We are extremely grateful for all of the generosity and LOVE people show to our dear ‘retired’ racehorse friends.
With Love,
Hugs to All~(Great meeting you Angie!)
Z
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, good morning to the most beautiful woman in the world. Have a wonderful day, and watch for Your Sarah, I bet she is caring that camera around for you. I love you…Lisa g.
Donna
Z you look Absolutely Fabulous !!!!!!
I just want to say RIP KENSEI, when I first saw him run I thought he was one of the best looking horses I had seen.
I am heart broken that he broke down he was a magnificent horse, I will miss him.
Brenda S..
Good morning Zenny, How nice of Bernie to let everyone know that he’s enjoying his time down under. Hope they’re giving him some time to enjoy the sights and keeping him up to date on what his children are doing while he’s away.
For all Dumplings who are going to Saratoga for the weekend (wish I was going), a few hints. Water is $4.50 per bottle, and the free water from the Big Red Spring definitely has an unusual taste. On the other hand, beer is as little as $3.00 per glass. Also, I wish I had taken binoculars but you can rent some. Nick Martinez sells prints at modest prices but you can always buy an original if you win big. GOOD LUCK.
Sunny Boyd
Good morning Zetty,
what a nice cool morning greeted us at 6:30 am. Autumn is definitely sending an early messenger. Nice. I hope you and T. T. are getting a whiff of it.
Early morning chuckle:
Death was Nature’s way of telling you to slow down. Terry Pratchett(Strata, 1981)
Have a great day :) :) :)
Sue Fredrick
Hi Mama Z, so good to see you pictured with Michael Blowen and Angie Dickenson, three great celebs in a row. I was fortunate to tour Old Friends this spring and have Michael as our tour guide…..what a treat! He has all the wonderful stories of each horse that make the tour so enjoyable. What a guy! Your generous help to this organization and others is just wonderful.
@LouAnn, Kari and Sharon, gosh it hurts to hear all of you are battling this horrendous disease…..please no more names!! My prayers continue to go out to all of you, I know you can win this fight!
@RIP Kensei, what awful news of this young horse’s breakdown, he was so beautiful.
@Dawn C, your post was again….absolutely lovely, you are a master of words. Amen
Go Thirsty and Mo!!!!
Luv you Z and kisses on your nose
Lisa g
@Gary Moulton, thank you for the info, now I just have to build up the courage to do so. My cousin does not mind spoting me when he goes to Remington, I never ask him..he asks me. I just like to bet the ‘Special Races’, and this weekend is definately special. Thank you! Lisa g
Jeanne O.
I have an idea that I have been thinking about for some time, and I will now post it.
I know that many on Zenyatta’s blog have talked about sending her presents, foal shower, etc. for her and her baby.
I propose that, in honor on Zenyatta, her baby, and all of Barn 55, why don’t we donate money to some of the many horse retirement farms or horse rescues that are doing so many wonderful things for the race horses (my favs are Old Friends and Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue).
Zenyatta could also suggest some of her favorites, and we could all donate in Zenyatta’s and foal’s name. What does everyone think of this idea?
Barbara Wood
@Lisa g–high winds and momentarily cooler temps., but not a drop. 108 today and 110 tomorrow.
janet
Oh my Z..your baby bump is really starting to show now! How are you feeling?
I too, support Old Friends. It’s a very small monthly donation, but it’s a cause that has been way long overdue.
Hope you remain safe and sound with this hurricane bearing down on the east coast.
Jan
Elizabeth
Dear Dawn Conrad –
Your post above is touching and amazing, as always. THANK YOU SO MUCH – I am sure your beautiful, insightful words have touched many thirsty souls and blessed many struggling lives today. I agree with all the other wonderful people on this site who say that even though we have never met you personally, you are a cherished friend to us all. Thank you for all that you DO and ARE.
Love,
Elizabeth
Arlene
Morning Zenny and all,
@ Kathy Kimber, Beautifully said.
@Keri Bussell, I echo Kathy Kimber’s post above. Your videos of Zenyatta with music bring such inspiration and joy! What a beautiful, sweet video of Tempo’s First “Bath” which brings out the joy and beauty of God’s creation. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. Someday there will be a time of no more tears or pain.
May everyone have a safe, joyful day. LOL,Arlene
Sharon in Seattle
RIP dear Kensei – so sad
The Kennedys in San Diego
http://www.nctimes.com/sports/equestrian/racing/article_5e94fde7-564c-5340-927f-5ac311f59421.html
More on Blind Luck from The North County Times. Glad to hear that Hollendorfer wants to race her next year. Interesting — “I don’t think my filly is really liking the Del Mar racetrack.” I recall that Zenyatta stopped at the gap and refused to go on to the Del Mar track for a morning gallop.
Maureen B
@ Linda in NJ – Made another trip back to the Spa for yesterday’s races. Saw Mike Repole and Bab Baffert; everyone is in for the Travers. I hope the weather holds out for the race and especially for the horses. I would love to take you up on your ticket offer but have already made plans to watch the race at Foxwoods. Have a great time at the Travers and say hello to Mo and Thirsty for me; Go boys; go!!
The Kennedys in San Diego
Ron McAnally article from North (San Diego) County Times.
http://www.nctimes.com/sports/equestrian/racing/article_d26fab71-1e34-5093-ac15-fec934436174.html
DJ
For “Z” Friends who would like to share a Morning Prayer:
………………………………….
From all that dwell below the skies
Let the Creator’s praise arise:
Let the Almighty’s name be sung
Through every land, by every tongue.
Eternal are thy mercies Lord;
Eternal truth attends thy word:
Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore,
Till suns shall rise and set no more.
…………………….Isaac Watts 1719
Lisa g
@DJ, Thank you…Lisa g
Terry Crow
@Barbara Wood-I am very impressed by Eli Manning. Not for what he has done on the football field, which is considerable, but for an incident a few years ago after the Giants won the Super Bowl. Mr. Manning was scheduled to be the guest of honor for a parade to be held at Disneyland here in California the day after the Super Bowl. Many scout troop groups were scheduled to be there to see their hero. Well, it turned out that the weather was frightful in the east, as it can be at that time of the year, and all flights were cancelled. The kids were disappointed, but understood. This is the story that made the local papers. What didn’t make the papers was that Mr. Manning personally contacted all of the scout troops involved and flew in about a week later and arranged for all of the kids to be at Disneyland at his expense. Another parade was held, and the kids all got to meet him and get his autograph. Sports stories don’t get any better than this but it received no publicity. Go figure. @JAG-Thanks for the link to the list of top horses in training. The list did not gake into consideration the length of races and the surfaces involved and, regardless of the point system involved, is subjective. However, it is a good starting point for arguments. However, listing Life At Ten as number 50 is way out of line. She will never be a top handicap horse again and should be retired. @Lisa g-I have seen these performers only because I have had more time to do so. In other words, I’m just old. @Brenda S-If I don’t go down there, I will not see a lot of my friends again. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I think I have already cinched my spot. @Arlene, Judy Berube and Lisa g-Glad you enjoyed the joke. Here is today’s joke. I will post later if a new thread is started.–An elderly woman had just returned to her home from an evening of religious service when she was startled by an intruder. As she caught the man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables, she yelled “Stop-Acts 2:38!” (turn from your sin…) The burglar stopped dead in his tracks. The woman calmly called the police and explained what she had done. As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar “Why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture to you.” “Scripture?” replied the burglar. “She said she had an axe and two 38’s!”
Lisa g
@The Kennedy’s in SD, Thank you for the link to our Lady Blind Luck, I am disappointed she won’t run in the Pacific, but after reading the article “I am doing what I thnk is right for Blind Luck”, nuff said…Thanks, Lisa g.
Lisa g
@Barbara Wood, did not last long here…105 this afternoon…Lisa g
DJ
To Lisa g: You are welcome! Have a blessed day!
………………………………..
To TC: That’s a cute one!! I like it.
Kimberly Potter
I found this great article on YOUR John. Enjoy
http://www.nctimes.com/sports/equestrian/racing/article_38f00ace-5787-5c03-a159-a42e5de963a5.html
Kimberly Potter
@Kennedy’s in San Diego~ Thanks for the link on Blind Luck. Thankful to hear they are doing what is best for her!
Zenyatta’s #1 fan in Montana
Barbara Wood
@Terry Crow–thanks for the background on Eli Manning. Great story. COuld you sort of keep an eye on Life at Ten for us? The joke was TOO CUTE, as Z. would say.
Pat Beck
You look incredibly fit, as an active mom-to-be should, Z. Wonder what’s got your attention in the pix?
Love you always, precious one.
jean
Dear Beautiful Zenyatta, I am so happy to hear of the wonderful work that OLD FRIENDS is doing. As I’ve told you before, I’ve been supporting a number of these worthwhile organizations that rescue unwanted horses-this is a cause that is very close to my heart. VIVA Angie Dickenson!!! Love you, forever, Zenny! Jean.
Pattie
I Love “Old Friends” as well. Whenever I visit Lexington, I make it a point to stop by & see Michael & Diane Blowen, plus all of the retired thoroughbreds that reside at “Old Friends”. They are my charity of choice and “New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program” is my other favorite charity. After 45+ years of enjoying racing, it is the least I can do for helping the athletes that have captured my heart.
Doreen
Rest in Peace, dear Kensei. You will not be forgotten. To all of your connections –my condolences. May you run free with ALL the other magnificent horses that left this earth before you.
judy berube
Dear Terry Crow:
Too funny. Thank you. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear DJ:
Thank you for the lovely Morning Prayer. Hugs, J.B.