I'm certain I have been by it, near it, and maybe peeing on it with a load on sometime during the past 40 years during my days at the Saratoga races but I have never done a Board Meeting up there next to it with my friends from this chat joint. The tree is old but so am I compared to what I used to be up there.

Getting there was a cake job in my 20s & 30s & 40s and as a racetrack employee years ago for the entire meet but at the age of 61 things become a tad more difficult. I can't do fences anymore, hanging out in the can after they throw the breakfast crowd out for re-admission is out, and running from security or being with Woody Stephens are not options for 2009.

Thirty-nine years ago I drove up to the Spa with a Marine buddy, did the races, drank all day while making a few bucks, and drove home the same night. In a '61 Rambler (3 on the column). I was 22.

I'd like to get up there this meet. Just to railrat with a beer and have some laughs with friends. And maybe grope a girl under the age of 75.

I'd better stick with the beers and the laughs. Old Marines are fragile.

I would like to have you up here too!!

Plan a time

How about friday?

Colleen is pondering about buying a round-trip or a one-way train ticket for me.

The piss-off for her is that the round-trip ticket means that I'm coming back.

It would be a hoot to see you......if not this weekend, maybe Alabama weekend would be a good choice.

I am planing a trip from the 21st to 22nd I think. Should be Alabama weekend if I am correct.

I'll never make it. They put me off trains when I get rowdy. Landing in Poughkeepsie with a load on would really break my heart.

I might get up there if OG and Grits are there and I have a few bucks in my pocket. If TheFlagIsUp is around I could be encouraged even more. I'll pack the spooker with Irish whiskey.

I understand and hope that the girls I might meet under the tree are older than 18.

This is good news for an old reprobrate.

Take the train, amtrak has a lot of discounts if you ask. AAA etc.