Taking a Stroll Through the Capitol State Park

Posted on November 12, 2014 by Erin

Taking a Stroll Through the Capitol State Park

By Erin

A few weeks ago I went up to Sacramento for a total steak lovers media trip. More to come on that soon! 😉 On my last morning there, I had a couple of hours to kill before a fancy car was being sent to take us all back to the airport to start our journeys back home. The State Capitol of California was only a short block or two away from the hotel I was staying at, so I decided to explore the grounds surrounding the beautiful Capitol at the Capitol Park, the 40-acre grounds of the Sacramento Capitol, that includes trees and shrubs from around the world. There are approximately 1140 trees in the park, representing over 200 types of trees. Also featured on the grounds is approximately 155 memorials to significant events and people involving California and other points-of-interest.

I always enjoy my time up in Northern California, it’s so beautiful and different than it is down here in Southern California. Take a look for yourself. Isn’t it gorgeous? I could totally go for a morning walk here any day!

The path leading up to the capitol, and my first view of it.

There are all kinds of interesting statues and monuments to be found around the park. Here is a statue honoring those who served in the Spanish-American War and a reproduction of the Liberty Bell.

A Day at the Races: The Breeders’ Cup Classic 2014

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Erin

A Day at the Races: The Breeders Cup Classic 2014

By Erin

This past weekend, was a pretty exciting one with the Breeders’ Cup in town. The gates swung open for the start of the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic late Saturday afternoon at Santa Anita Park, in sunny California. Bayern, bolted out of the seven spot in the gate, took a hard left and bumped into the favorite, Shared Belief, and the 14-horse field quickly became a scene that has caused much chaos and discussion over whether or not Bayern should have been disqualified or not. I personally don’t think he should be DQ’d as these are animals, not machines, one cannot control their first few strides out of the gate. Here are just a few exciting photos from the afternoon at Santa Anita!

Bayern, at 6-1 odds, warming up before the big race.

For Bayern, it was of the upmost importance to break to the front, where he was able to use his speed from the start. When he is able to break to the front, that is when he wins his races.

California Chrome, getting ready for the race.

California Chrome ran his heart out, but it just wasn’t quiet enough. He finished third, by two heads. Bayern’s and Toast of New York’s.

How they ultimately ended up placing, Bayern (red), Toast of New York (blue), & California Chrome (black/purple).

Bayern was able to hold California Chrome and Toast of New York off as they ran down the stretch to give the Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert his first Classic victory. The winning time from Bayern was 1 minute 59.88 seconds.

Bayern, Toast of New York, & California Chrome

Wordless Wednesday: Summer Sunsets in Lake Havasu

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Erin

Wordless Wednesday: Summer Sunsets in Lake Havasu

By Erin

School is back in session, but I’m still in vacation mode. It has me wishing I was back out at the lake enjoying just one more summer sunset! Isn’t it beautiful?