So what does everyone have planned for Cup Day?

As it's a public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne I'm going to be home by myself so I've bought myself a bottle of pink champagne and a punnet of strawberries (ya gotta eat if you're gonna drink right?). I'm going to laze in front of the TV watching the races. I doubt I'll even put a bet on but I'll be watching that's for sure.

Well ... I was supposed to visit DH. Unfortunately, the gods are against me. I've thrown my back out at work and have another 8 days straight starting tomorrow. So I won't be able to go. He's relieved (he called me for a few minutes this morning) - he knew I was already pushing it.

I'll nurse my wounds and probably have a watch. I figure I've got a few bucks extra - I'm putting a bet down on Yeats, On A Jeune, and Zipping (whose jockey was Makybe Diva's Glenn Boss). A friend of mine has suggested (without knowing too much) to bet on Geordieland (whose odds on Sportsbet are $12. I'll be sorry if I don't, so I'll throw a couple there also.

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I must tell you what we did last year for Cup Day. I had a couple of beers in the fridge, but we ran out. We were living in St Kilda, so we went down the street for more. This is all about 2 months after we realised Honey was going to jail - the mood in the house was usually very sober, and we didn't go out much. As DH was in the bottle shop, I was outside talking to some guy on Fitzroy Street about the races.

When Hubby came out, we kept talking and drank the beer there, in the street with the guy. Smoked my cigarettes, had a great time - his friend was quite entertaining. Ends up they lived across the street at the Gatwick Hotel (which basically serves as a hostel/half-way house). They invited us "to their side of the street" where we met the other residents. Me, barefoot (as I learned to do in St Kilda), drinking and smoking with people who were this close to be homeless.

One memorable fellow, Toby (about 65), was a real larrikin. He was permanently drunk, and had some 1970's handmade ceramic thingy that he called The Melbourne Cup. And there was some kind of booze in there (no doubt close to what they can concoct in jail). He was generous enough to share and told everyone to take a sip. Of course, I didn't.

Their drink of choice was Jim Beam. And, as poor as we were, we were really having fun so I sent DH to the bottle shop for some of that and an extra pack of smokes. (When I would light a cigarette, at least 5 would flock to me asking for one).

We gave out booze, sat down and chilled with them, drank, smoked, laughed. One of the funnest days I've ever had. I reminded DH of that this morning when he called. He agreed, he remembered the day fondly.

And of course, we both remember me giving Toby shit when some girls in fascinators passed by and he yelled, "Show us your tits!" I don't think Toby's ever been given shit like that in his life. But he laughed. And told me I could hold his Melbourne Cup for a few minutes, as an apology.

Sorry to hear you've done your back. It must be so disappointing that you can't visit. I was kinda hoping they would allow visits today but no such luck.

Your Cup day last year sounds a load of fun and it must have lifted your spirits for a while.

I haven't even opened my champagne yet. In fact I've just made myself a coffee LOL but the champers will be given a chance a bit later.

Alright I am home about to go to the family home to wathc the race. Placea few bets Tawqett,Yeats and pop rock. Here is thinking one will come in. Odds on Damien!

Hope your back gets better soon JB. I had mine go out from a massage on the weekend oh and by the way yeah I have been told about the lady who got one from work!! Every keeps telling me about her.

Here is to the champers - going to poping that soon. Wissy who do you think will get a place?

Em I was fancying Railings, Geordieland, On a Jeune, Glistening and, for sentiment sake, Dolphin Jo all of which are still running. Just my luck LOL

Great luck there Wissy, I got second place good old Damien! One a few dollars YYIIPPEE! JB you got a place with Zipping good place dollars there.

Well, I worked today. All day. How exciting. Didn't put a bet on. Didn't drink champers. Hope you guys had a glass for me!

Well done Em and JB! Anyone else pick a winner???

I had Delta Blues for a win and a place and Pop Rock for a win and a place so I was very very happy girl cup day afternoon.

OH Robby you are lucky!!!! What made you pick them??

I really liked their names and jockey uniforms (pretty girly reason but who cares)
also Delta Blues number 2 its my lucky number
Pop Rock had Damien riding so i was wishing him luck for another winning melbourne cup ride

Nice work rooby!!! Well done!