Sweet Tucson Moments
One of our favorite places for fun and excitement is El Rillito racetrack. Horse races are known for whoop-em-up thrills, but sweet moments of kindness? Let me tell you. I have dumped vanity for a helping hand. In the push and swirl of the horse folk mob – some stomping to the corral to glimpse favorites, some fighting for passage to a betting booth, more bunched up in lines for the outdoor stairway to the overview, I had to find my way inside – and then what?
I spied a dark, tough-looking teen and leaned to him – “how do I get upstairs?” The strapping kid beamed, took my arm, and with an “I’ll show you!” escorted me along my way. So much for millennials with lousy manners. I’ll take one like this any day.
Once settled into my spot, I hailed a table-server I’d seen before – memorable for her flashy outfits and big lashes, up there batting over her welcoming grin. She hustled over. Dang, she remembered me! How kind, how warm-fuzzy is that? She swung the menu to me, offering a beverage first, and swished off to get it.
Meantime, I cornered the trumpeter – he allowed me a picture – another bit of kindness, no?
Best!
– Michelee
P.S. For more about El Rillito Racetrack as well as other Tucson tales, read my book Dust Devils, Cosy Corners and Javelinas – available in bookstores and Amazon.
The Race Park at Rillito Downs is a great venue not just for horse racing but o gather outdoors and celebrate spring in Tucson.
Fantastic! Feels like I’m there and certainly wish I were….oooohhh, what fun!! Lubs!!😍
Well come on over during the spring race season! The light is in the window for you💕
Sweet story.
Yes, the Southwest is good for us, though we do miss our old Princeton crowd. But they’ve scattered, no? Come see us!
Sounds like you had several warm and kind experiences.
Things are good here. Groves moved to Maine. Robin and Wally are building a new house next to their old one.
We’re staying put for now.
xoxox, Sarah