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View Full Version : "I've Come To My Senses."


Teach
02-08-2008, 11:14 AM
"I'm calling the doctor, immediately!" my wife said. "Are you running a fever?" she added. "You must be delusional," she continued. "No," I said, "It's true.
I'm perfectly fine."

I had just told my wife of nearly 40 years that I wasn't going back to the racetrack. No, I wasn't feeling poorly (except for the aches and pains of ageing). I had just finally made up my mind.

At this point, you should realize that this not-going-back-to-the-track decision is coming from a man who has gone to one racetrack or another at least once every week for past 50 years.

Yet, more important than my decision is the question: Why? Why have I decided to "break-up" with my beloved track? Many things.

Where do I start? Shall we begin with $3.00 a gallon gas. Folks, I live a good 30 miles from both Boston’s Suffolk Downs Racetrack and Plainfield, MA’s Plainridge Racecourse. I would estimate that it easily costs me a good $10 to $15 every time I drive to and from the track. That’s not to mention the wear and tear on my car: tires, oil, etc.

Further, it takes my a about forty minutes to get to either Suffolk or Plainridge. Round trip: one hour and twenty minutes.

You can add to that the fact that I’m not getting any younger. I’ll be turning 66-years-old over the summer.
In addition, one of the main reasons I would go to the track were the many friends I’d get-together with there. However, over the years, quite a few of my former cronies have moved away; some to Florida, others to the Southwest. One of my former buddies now lives in Las Vegas. Sadly, a couple of my good friends have passed on.

Another reason I've decided to leave the track behind is that when I'm there, I'm stuck. I'm a captive audience. Where else can I go?

Well, I'm making a fresh start. It was a tough decision. I’ve chosen the alternative. I've opened an account with an off-track betting service.

I can now watch and bet on the races at home -- at my leisure and from the comfort of my own house. I can enjoy my favorite pastime in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. If I need to use the bathroom, it’s across the hall. No need to worry about the cleanliness of the lavatory facilities.

If I want to make a cup of coffee, or have a cold beer; it’s at my fingertips. I can make a sandwich the way I like it.

Further, I’m available to my wife and grown-up children, and grandchildren, if needed. I’m on site. Easily accessible. Take down the laundry for my wife. No sweat. Make my wife a cup of tea. No problem. Do a quick errand at the local convenient store. I can be back in a couple minutes.

Yes, I’ve seen the light. The future is here. The future is now. Old habits die hard. But sometimes, it is time for a change.

As I'd later say to my wife, "No, dear, I'm not losing my mind; I've just come to my senses."

russowen77
02-08-2008, 11:28 AM
I live 7 miles from OP. However, they charge you to get in. It costs to park. I don't even want to think about the tellers somedays. I go to the track if others are in town but I stay by my computer if alone. I also like the instant ability to see exacta odds the track does not have. Sigh.

Light
02-08-2008, 11:53 AM
Teach

Good post. The advantages definetly outweigh the disadvantages.

Javagold
02-08-2008, 12:17 PM
welcome to the 21st century, glad you could join us, now have the bozos in charge do not mess it up for all of us, you made the right choice

ALostTexan
02-08-2008, 12:29 PM
You are one of the lucky ones, Teach. I envy you from my home down here in Arizona, where betting online is the equilivent of trading child porn.

Congrats.

Hosshead
02-08-2008, 06:25 PM
I was just going to say, Teach, just be glad you don't live in Ariz. or one of those other unlucky states. But Texan beat me to it.
Texan, I have an opportunity to someday retire in Tucson, so I'm already scheming on how to get around that "problem".
Where there's a will, there's a way.