SARATOGA...AND THEY'RE OFF AND RUNNING!
Located on the west bank of the Hudson River- the name reflects the presence of a mineral spring in the area. Saratoga was originally settled for the springs medicinal properties. The horse racing opened in 1863 to go along with the "illegal" gambling going on. We missed the season and a Florida friend who races her horses here (known as the Summer Derby with a 6 week season) it was fun to poke around the track and town.Very cool to watch them working out the horses and running the track. This $15 BILLION DOLLAR industry has it's own lingo that Pleep so enjoyed shouting out- EXACTA, QUINELLA, TRIFECTA, SUPERFECTA and Handicapping. What is handicapping anyway?
The Pleepster explained it's all about someones opinion although unlike random casino games, picking winners and knowing when and how to bet them is more like poker, a learned skill based on an "analysis" of predictive data. He went on to tell us the handicappers look at breeding, track surface, weather conditions, trainer and the most recognizable horsemen- THE JOCKEY. And who's your favorite Jockey?
They told Pleep that successful riders are more PILOT than PASSENGER and the architects of the victory. Pleep managed to hitch a ride and now wants his own Jockey Suit in his very own colors- lots of Red! WIN PLACE OR SHOW Mom!
Of course the local art is all about the horse. Sis had more fun in town looking at the artsy horses....isn't that some brilliant marketing and pr? In so many towns they have the cow, the steer, the dolphin and on and on. A little lame but on the other hand a little cute. Of course Sis tried to convince Bubba that one of these colorful horses would look so nice on the patio in Boca Raton. And Boca responded, "Does it look like we live in Davie? Pleep couldn't resist, "Neeeeeeigh". Oh well she said I can hardly wait to see the soon to be released movie about the famed Secretariat for which I will need new boots. Oy.NEW SKETE MONASTERY
Nestled in the hills of New York close to the Vermont border (an hour northeast of Albany) we found New Skete. This community of men and woman dedicated to living the monastic life together within the tradition of the Orthodox Catholic Church. Founded in 1966, numbering 8 Brothers Skete is a part of OCA (Orthodox Church in America). The community consists of the Monks of New Skete, the nuns of New Skete and the Companions of New Skete. The community is self-supporting, relying on a farm, gift shop and German Shepard dog breeding and training. Yes the sign telling us "Animal Blessing at 4:00" got our attention. Brother Micheal gave us a tour of their picturesque property.
The new church was built in 1983 with the twin peaks of Two Top mountain in the background. The Basilica style church has a u shaped iconostasis typical of the eastern rite. Bubs loved the bell tower reminding him of St. Hermans on Kodiak Island.
Different from the iconostasis we are used to in the Greek Orthodox or Serb Orthodox style. The open area is there for all to see throughout the liturgy. Boca really liked this concept as she never understood what was going on behind the closed curtains and door? No Alter Girl experience for her...will there every be Alter Girls?There are several relics housed in the church. One of our very favorites', St. Herman of Alaska, was right there with us again!
Over the years New Skete has become world renowned for its work with dogs and have produced a number of highly respect books which include: How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend, The Art of Raising a Puppy and more. These beautiful Shepard pups coming out of the New Skete Shepards are highly sought after. The breeding stock all come in from Europe. I bet you've seen the Monks and pooches on TV. Quite the "stars"-Woof Woof!
OUR LADY OF THE SIGN MONASTERY-the Nuns of New Skete
"The Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanauel" Isaiah 7:14
BOCA enjoyed visiting the nuns and learning about their CHEESECAKE making operation. MMMMMMMMMMMMMM.
She tried to convince them that a "satellite" shop in Boca would be a big hit. The Sister's gift shop had Icons, Books and homemade Dog Beds and Biscuits. Bubba even bougt himself a walking stick. Sis bought Lulu some of the Holy Dog Biscuits hoping they would make it home without Pleep eating them up.
She tried to convince them that a "satellite" shop in Boca would be a big hit. The Sister's gift shop had Icons, Books and homemade Dog Beds and Biscuits. Bubba even bougt himself a walking stick. Sis bought Lulu some of the Holy Dog Biscuits hoping they would make it home without Pleep eating them up.
THE COMPANIONS OF NEW SKEET
This is the third component of New Skeet. These married folks offer prayer and retreat for married couples. Feel free to check out the web site as the retreat facilities at New Skeet are delightful. We can't wait to come back! Do you think they can help Bubba and Boca? Nah, me either.
Check out their website for some great gifts and Dog Treats too!
