Just for You

Zinnias from the garden.

Summer Snack

The French have long promoted the use of melon and figs and prosciutto. And now I know why. It's genius, really, combining the saltiness of the meat with the sweetness of the fruit.

Three ingredients is all you need: fresh figs, a melon (I used a type of muskmelon, but a store-bought cantaloupe would work just as well) and some prosciutto. You could add some cheese or sliced baguette if you wanted to round this out into a more substantial appetizer or a light evening meal. This would also provide enough variation to accommodate vegans, vegetarians and carnivores, making it a very versatile plate.

I bought the figs and melon at Chino's over the weekend, but then last night a neighbor brought over some home-grown figs and lemons in exchange for some of the vegetables from my garden. I have to say, I really enjoy this bartering system.

I like the idea of using a knife to hold the prosciutto, as this way people can just tear off how much they want, and it's much easier than having long, thin strips out. Plus, I just think the presentation looks a little more edgy.

One-Two-Three

I can hear the horses long before I (or my camera) can see them. The sound that predominates on the track is a gentle noise that defies description; it sounds as though you were to put your lips together and breathe out hard, and then repeat in a rhythmic in a phhhhhph-phhhhhph-phhhhhph-phhhhhph. And that sound is followed by a slow crescendo in 4 beat, as the horses gallop toward you.

It's a sound (and a feeling) that is both comforting and exciting. It's the sound of horses on the track.

Stride for stride, these horses seem to be in sync (not to be confused with the boy band).

Ready, set, go baby go.

Don't Look Now

But it's a celebrity, a racetrack sensation, by the name of Colonel John. You pretty much know that you've made it when you get a Wikipedia entry.

You might remember him from last year's Kentucky Derby, where he got some favorable betting, and ultimately finished sixth. Boy, he's a handsome fella. But I may be biased towards bay horses with a star. Especially when they stick their tongues out.

When Matchy-Matchy Doesn't Actually Bother Me

I caught this horse and rider in repose before a Sunday morning workout, quietly taking in the sounds of the track. I have to wonder how much of this coordination was intentional.