“Picture-perfect families wanted at Kilbeggan races on Sunday.” That’s the headline of an article that appeared in Saturday’s Westmeath Independent. Here’s the second paragraph: A stylish event with a twist, there will be a 500 euro prize for Kilbeggan’s Picture Perfect family. As style is not just about fashion, judges will be looking for a family who are the perfect ambassadors for Family Days at Kilbeggan – dressed appropriately and most importantly enjoying quality family time with a great day out.
Dressed appropriately! I was so ready for that. Jackie Gorman of the Atlantic Corridor invited my colleagues and me to the June 5th races at Kilbeggan several weeks ago. I knew that ladies wear hats to the races and having just watched the royal wedding I was intent upon a fascinator. So, when Mark and I were in Galway before he left we stumbled into a ladies dress shop, Nestor’s on Eglinton Street, with a lovely display of hats in the window and many more inside. I tried on a generous selection hats – so many that the clerk finally brought a chair for Mark – and finally settled on one which he purchased for me and I wore around the apartment quite a bit before he left. I’ve since spent the last several days figuring just exactly what I would wear with the hat and wondering if I didn’t look a little ridiculous in it. Ok, the truth is I’ve been coming to terms with the fact that I do look ridiculous and deciding to go for it anyway. (Note to self: makes more sense to buy hat and outfit at same time.)
But all that has been resolved now since Sunday, the 5th of June, is here and it is pouring rain! Even though I feel quite ambivalent about the hat now, I’m not willing to ruin the old-girl with her little silk flowers, feathers, and fluffy, dangly bits. So, for now she'll be here perched upon her only fan.
Looks like it’s going to be jeans, boots, multiple layers and a coat with a hood. Do they really run races in this weather – and do people really stand out there to watch them? I’ll keep you posted.
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