A few mornings ago, I was sitting eating my breakfast, and I hear singing upstairs. Being that my step-mom is not given to singing in the morning, I asked my dad why. He refused to answer, and instead, called up to her to bring down what had arrived in the mail the previous day. I expected jewelry or some such thing.
It was a small box, and when I opened it, there was a horseshoe nestled inside an invitation. An invitation to the Kentucky Derby. I shook my head slowly, handing the box back to her.
"Drop dead," I believe were my first words to her. She just grinned and did a little dance. She is not given to dancing in the morning either. In a matter of hours, she had already done the shopping for the required attire, including hat.
Over the next few days, she comforted me with the knowledge that she is rather older than I am, and someday I might get to go to the Kentucky Derby. (Privately, I'm determined to make it to all three of the Triple Crown races, preferably the year that a horse actually wins). But, all of that could not soothe my aching heart, for there is something special about this year's Kentucky Derby.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II will be there. And, therefore, they are hosting a tea. With Earl Grey (my favorite scented black tea.) And crumpets. And tea sandwiches. And shortbread. And the Queen of England.
"Someday, you'll get to see royalty," my mother comforts, barely hiding a triumphant smile. But I probably will never be in the vicinity of the queen having tea. For one thing, we're looking at a succession of kings for awhile. And she has been quite an impressive monarch. Nothing could be better than a horse race, a monarch, and a cup of Earl Grey. (Judging from the intensive searching, it should be just about the best cup of Earl Grey around, and I have to admit to great curiosity about which is chosen for Her Majesty.)
