The Race that Stops a Nation

That's right, it's Melbourne Cup time! Technically, the slogan is "The Race that Stops the Nation." But, since it's not my nation...whatever, I still just love this event!

Each year, a few weeks before the Melbourne Cup, ANZA (Australia and New Zealand Association) has a hat party. It's basically a game of chance with wine. Sign me up!

While many of my friends perused the aisles trying on several hats and fascinators to find just the right one, I repeated my strategy from 2010: All the hats are named. If I came across a name that I had a connection to, I put my card in that hat. I allowed myself one "like" card to go toward a hat I thought was pretty.

                       

                         Rebecca!

Sophie!

My "like" hat

Nathan loves Stephanie

He perked up to see which of his ladies got their favorite hats

Nathan even helped some of them accept their hats

Leslie and Nathan having lunch

My name was drawn for the "Alexandra"

As you can see from the pictures, Nathan stayed very busy at the party. I am so fortunate to have friends that want to hold him and feed him to get their "baby fix" while I get my "adult fix."

Fast forward a few weeks to the big event:

The Stage

with Kelli and Susan

On either side of the fedora-man are my friends Bronwyn (L) and Kelly (R). They were up for best hat!

with Natey Wi's girlfriend (aka Stephanie) and Leslie

The finish. Photo All Placings. What a race!

Many of my friends brought their spouses this year. I think next year, for my last Melbourne Cup, I am going to have a date with Kyle. Such fun!

:)sbc