Guess which TU Blogger I met at Saratoga’s “Hat Day” event Sunday

Ah, a day at the track.  Sunshine, stallions, the works.

And I had heard through the grapevine that one of the Times Union’s most popular bloggers was scheduled to appear at the track, as part of the “Hat Day” festivities.

This would be interesting.  What would I say if we ran into each other?  How would I react?  Would there be a point of awkward silence?  No matter.  I was bringing a good friend to the track, and having a good time at the track was the most important goal that day.  That, and maybe winning a few dollars on the races.

We arrived at the track, and of course once you’re at the track, you need to place some bets.  My theory on parimutuel betting is as such.  First, I bet on horse #5.  Why?  Well, if you remember T.J. Thompson from the Albany Patroons, he always wore #5 on the court, so #5 is always a good starting point for me.  Then I’ll look to see if there’s any horses whose name has a unique meaning to my life, or reminds me of something pleasant.

Oh yeah, and I always bet $2, win-place show.  It’ll cost me $6, but if the horse wins or places, I’ll make a few extra bucks.

The second race turned out well, thanks to Dehere of the Cat winning (yes, I had that Al Stewart song in my head all day, “On a morning from a Bogart movie / in a country where they turn back time…”).  Then my #5 horse in the third race, a longshot named Hysterical Cat, finished with a win.  Lady luck was on my side that day – well, it was either lady luck or a king orange tabby, based on the names of the horses that won – and  after picking a few more winning horses with this goofy system of mine, I finished with a profit of $130 at the track.  Aces.

My friend and I walked around the track, window-shopping the beautiful paintings and artworks on display and on sale, sipping from the Big Red Spring, and just enjoying a great time on a beautiful summery Sunday.

At one point, after the fourth race, I thought I saw that TU blogger, as clear as day.  I wasn’t sure, but yes indeed it was so.  No sense interrupting her when she was in the middle of doing something important, doing the very thing with which she was scheduled to appear at the track in the first place.  I let things slide.  My friend and I purchased some sandwiches in the shady grandstand, and then later petted some of the escort horses – my friend was even allowed to feed one of the horses some baby carrots.

And then, after the seventh race, we saw the blogger again.  And this time, we were definitely going to approach her and say hello – and whatever happens that day, well let it happen.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained, say a greeting and let the chips fall where they may.

“I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog,” I said.  “It’s fascinating and it gives a great insight into what you do.  I thought I saw you before, but I just wasn’t sure.”

“Thanks,” said Melanie Krahmer, the vocalist and drummer for the band SIRSY. “It’s great to meet you too, I wish we had more time to blog the way you do – how do you find the time to blog every day?”

“It’s not easy,” I replied.  “But then again, you’re also performing every night, so when you do get a chance to blog, it’s a treat, I enjoy reading them.”

My friend also was happy to meet SIRSY, she had seen the band several times, including performances at Freedom Park in Scotia.  “Chuck,” she said, “let’s get a picture of you with the band.”

Melanie and guitarist Rich Libutti kindly obliged.

I gotta tell you.  Sunday was an awesome day.  My friend and I had a fantastic time, we got to meet fellow TU bloggers SIRSY, and I left the track with more money than when I arrived.  Can’t go wrong with that, no way no how.

And you know what?  It’s always great to interact with my fellow blogwriters outside of the Times Union blog portal.  I still say that this is a great blog community, and that we bloggers should support each other whenever we possibly can.

And by the way, if you want to see SIRSY perform this week, they’ll be at Jillian’s in Albany this Friday night.  You should go.  You’ll have a good time.