Sunday, May 1, 2011

First of the Month - Kentucky Derby Skies

Five months into 2011 I'm still scanning Kentucky skies, camera in hand in order to participate in a great photography meme that attracts aspiring photographers from all over. The idea is that we look at our surroundings and record the changes from month to month. The host for this meme is Jan at Murrieta 365 . Here's how it works: Jan is calling her new meme First of the Month. Here are her directions: "The goal is to capture one thing repeatedly on the first day of each month. It can be a landscape, a person, an animal, a project; whatever your focus is fine. It can be a record of where you are each first day of the month." I decided to photograph Kentucky skies.

May is a grand month to be in Kentucky because on the first Saturday in May thoroughbred racing enthusiasts from all over the world either attend or watch live broadcasts of the greatest two minutes in horse racing, the Kentucky Derby right here in Louisville. While the high point of the Derby is of course the race, we Louisvillians party for a couple of weeks leading up to the Derby. One spectacular event is the Great Balloon Race. Yesterday morning the sky was filled with hot air balloons. It looked like this:


Then on the first Saturday in May, you can see the twin spires of Churchill Downs silhouetted against a, hopefully, bright blue sky while all eyes are on their favorite horses as they make that whirlwind trip around the track. It looks like this:


I needed to hedge a bit this month with Jan's "first of the month" rules for the featured photographs, but couldn't resist showing you these two great events for Kentucky. If you're interested in the Derby--and many people are based on my blog stats--come back later in the week for some inside scoop. For example, I'll show you some photos of florists actually constructing the Blanket of Roses that adorns the winner of the Derby. It's put together at our local Kroger supermarket and people are welcome to come by and observe.

(Photo credits: Getty Images)
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14 comments:

  1. Deborah Carr (Debs)May 1, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    My pictures would probably be the inside of my shed, though sometimes with the door open and sometimes with it closed.

    I can't believe it's 1st May already, this year is passing incredibly quickly.

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  2. Jan n JerMay 1, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    Once again..I forgot about this meme...maybe because I participate in so many of them. This is an exciting time in your neck of the woods Faye. I watch the triple crown races every year. The preakness takes place very close to my hometown so I know the anticipation. Its always more exciting when it happens close to where you live!!! Great pics...getting good with your camera! Looking forward to seeing more!!!

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  3. PamelaMay 1, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    I'm glad you hedged. Love the balloon photo. There is a balloon weekend close to mother's day in our valley every year. It is always so fun to watch them fly silently through the sky. I just hope he warm up by then and leave the wind behind us.

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  4. JoaniMay 1, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    I always wait for may and the Kentucky Derby....to watch the horses and see if I am going to bet. I love all the flowers. Can't wait 2 C those pictures. Have a great day.

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  5. Living LifeMay 1, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    It's an exciting time of year in Kentucky. I would so love to see the balloons. It has always been my dream to take a ride in a hot air balloon. How cool is that to be able to see the rose blanket being made! Can't wait to see the pics.

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  6. Kim, USAMay 2, 2011 at 12:38 AM

    Oh my these is so lovely shots! Thanks for sharing. Happy Monday!
    1st of the Month

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  7. kayerjMay 2, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    I'm there with you in spirit, I'll be watching the race on Saturday :) great pictures this month. Kaye—the road goes ever ever on

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  8. Good CompanyMay 2, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    I love the balloon picture. As I was backing out of my garage to go to the gym today, I saw several air baloons off in the distance, but it was the opposite direction. I hesitated trying to decide whether to go the gym or go take a picture. Decided I needed to work off the weekend pie *sigh*
    I'll be back for the other pictures.

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  9. Jan AKA WammyMay 2, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    OUTSTANDING!!!! Our daughter and her family are moving to Lexintgon, KY...we will be seeing lots of your KY in the near future.

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  10. LeoraMay 2, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    What action - balloons and horse racing. I would love to see either.

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  11. UnknownMay 3, 2011 at 12:38 AM

    Lovely captures of the hot air balloons... They look incredible...

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  12. Judy May 4, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    I would love to see the Great Balloon Race. Wonderful photos!

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  13. Beyond the Dog DishMay 4, 2011 at 10:46 PM

    The balloon filled sky is amazing! Great action shot of the race horses!

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  14. EG CameraGirlMay 6, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    That would be sooo cool to see and photograph the Great Balloon Race! WoW!

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