Four of us, with our chairs, coolers, and Royal Farms fried chicken, piled into our friends' new Subaru Outback and headed over to the 73rd running of Mr. Stewart's Cheshire Foxhounds Point-to-Point Races at Plantation Field on Sunday. The day started out cold and rainy, then turned cold and windy, but by the seventh race the sun finally came out.
Usually spectators walk around the parking areas to visit with friends, catch up after the winter and enjoy everyone's tailgate offerings. This year, most of the mingling took place in the warm hospitality tent near the finish line, where hot dogs, subs, Guinness stew, drinks and coffee were being served. (The hot coffee was most welcome.)
The redesigned 2.4-mile course allows spectators to view more of the 14 jumps, which are all on the Route 82 side of the course. The finish line has been moved to the top of the hill, near the tower.
The winner of the Cheshire Bowl was Irvin L. Crawford II's Senior Senator, trained by Joseph Davies, with Eric Poretz up. Senior Senator also won that race in 2016 and 2018 (as well as the formidable Maryland Hunt Cup in 2018).
We were relieved that no one (horse or human) got hurt.
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
UHS: A new track season
My brother and I visited Phoenixville Area High School on Saturday to watch the UHS track team participate in a meet called "The Distance Project" (there were no sprints or field events). It was warm and sunny, a glorious spring day to be a spectator. The UHS boys won the 4 x 1600-meter relay, breaking a school record of 14 years' standing by one second.
And there was a sweet moment after the race: one of the runners presented a teammate with a bouquet and asked her to the prom. She said yes!
And there was a sweet moment after the race: one of the runners presented a teammate with a bouquet and asked her to the prom. She said yes!
TRIVIA: Lots of questions
On Saturday night Dearest Partner and I took part in a fundraising Trivia Night competition, joining a team called (appropriately) The Elders. Our collective ignorance about popular culture, geography and sports was woefully on display. In fact, the only category we aced was "double entendres." Google "Dirty Mind Quiz" for some hilarious but blush-inducing examples.
The final question was about the three most significant discoveries in all of history. The emcee was amused that one team answered, "alcohol."
The final question was about the three most significant discoveries in all of history. The emcee was amused that one team answered, "alcohol."
DESSERT: A spoonful of sugar
A gym friend was describing the luscious-sounding dessert she was making for a family get-together over the weekend: a mint chocolate chip mousse with a chocolate crumb crust.
She pointed out that she has a degree in nutrition and works as a dental hygienist.
"You'd think I would know better," she said.
She pointed out that she has a degree in nutrition and works as a dental hygienist.
"You'd think I would know better," she said.
Friday, March 29, 2019
USPS: Janet retires
Friday, March 29, was a milestone: it was Kennett Square Letter Carrier Janet's last day on the job after more than 40 years of service. Ann, one of the customers on her route, wrote to me:
"Janet is a familiar face on her delivery route in Kennett Square. She always has a dog treat ready and is loved by family dogs. Her careful and thoughtful delivery is appreciated across her route: she tucks packages inside storm doors to protect them from weather and checks up on neighbors that have “been a little too quiet.” She’s great fun to chat with and is a fountain of information about news in the community. She will be missed but we look forward to seeing her around Kennett!"
I am sure everyone on your route joins me in wishing you a happy retirement, Janet!
"Janet is a familiar face on her delivery route in Kennett Square. She always has a dog treat ready and is loved by family dogs. Her careful and thoughtful delivery is appreciated across her route: she tucks packages inside storm doors to protect them from weather and checks up on neighbors that have “been a little too quiet.” She’s great fun to chat with and is a fountain of information about news in the community. She will be missed but we look forward to seeing her around Kennett!"
I am sure everyone on your route joins me in wishing you a happy retirement, Janet!
 |
| Now-retired postal employee Janet. |
Pocopson: Brandywine Hills
The Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point, the second race in the spring season, will be held Sunday, April 7, on the grounds of the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance (formerly known as the BVA) at 1760 Unionville-Wawaset Road. This will be the 77th running. Proceeds benefit the Alliance's environmental education and watershed conservation programs.
Gates open at 11 a.m., with the first race, the "field master's chase," at noon, followed by pony races, lead-line pony races, stick pony races, and then five races for the grown-ups. Radnor Hunt, the presenting sponsor, will lead a parade of their foxhounds just before the 1:45 p.m. Ladies' Race.
Gates open at 11 a.m., with the first race, the "field master's chase," at noon, followed by pony races, lead-line pony races, stick pony races, and then five races for the grown-ups. Radnor Hunt, the presenting sponsor, will lead a parade of their foxhounds just before the 1:45 p.m. Ladies' Race.
Thursday, March 28, 2019
KENNETT SQUARE: New Thai restaurant
The opening of Chef Jar Primo's Café de Thai (420 W. Cypress St., Kennett Square) has created much excitement among (1) people who like Thai food, (2) people who like to try new restaurants and (3) curious people who want to see what all the buzz is about.
Tilda, who belongs to all three categories, and her Dearest Partner stopped in for dinner on Wednesday, March 27. We got there at 6:15 and a half-hour later, every table was filled. I'm told the owners had no idea so many people would show up during the first few weeks.
As is perfectly normal at a brand-new establishment, things were a little hectic. It took a while for our food to arrive -- again, totally expected -- but when it did it was memorable. The won ton soup was delicious and full of garlic and the yellow curry with seafood, onions, and peppers had an astonishing mixture of complex flavors.
The restaurant is BYOB (we saw several people with wine and beer), and our fellow diners included everyone from little kids to young couples to grandparents.
On our way out we thanked the staff, wished them well and assured them we would be back soon!
By the way, don't park at the Wawa next door. The poor Wawa delivery guy had to come over to the restaurant and ask the driver of a black GMC pickup to move because he couldn't maneuver his tractor-trailer into the lot. And along Garfield Street, every on-street parking space was taken almost south to Mulberry Street. The neighbors must wonder what's going on.
Tilda, who belongs to all three categories, and her Dearest Partner stopped in for dinner on Wednesday, March 27. We got there at 6:15 and a half-hour later, every table was filled. I'm told the owners had no idea so many people would show up during the first few weeks.
As is perfectly normal at a brand-new establishment, things were a little hectic. It took a while for our food to arrive -- again, totally expected -- but when it did it was memorable. The won ton soup was delicious and full of garlic and the yellow curry with seafood, onions, and peppers had an astonishing mixture of complex flavors.
The restaurant is BYOB (we saw several people with wine and beer), and our fellow diners included everyone from little kids to young couples to grandparents.
On our way out we thanked the staff, wished them well and assured them we would be back soon!
By the way, don't park at the Wawa next door. The poor Wawa delivery guy had to come over to the restaurant and ask the driver of a black GMC pickup to move because he couldn't maneuver his tractor-trailer into the lot. And along Garfield Street, every on-street parking space was taken almost south to Mulberry Street. The neighbors must wonder what's going on.
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