This morning I woke up at 6:30 a.m. and made fried chicken.
After all, my daughter and I needed a kick-ass picnic for the Polo For Heart tournament. Top teams from North and South America compete for a trophy, and all proceeds go to The Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Today, rain threatened and we almost turned back for home. I remember about five years ago, storms flooded the playing field and the event was canceled. That was the year I went to the auction tent afterward and procured a signed Wendel Clark game stick for a hundred bucks. For those who aren't up on their sports trivia, he was a pretty decent 70's hockey player.
We didn't get washed out today. Just a few sprinkles. Usually I get to sit at the Corporate table on the south side of the field, but this time we received regular passes, so my daughter and I went slumming with the regular patrons on the north side. We dragged a couple of folding chairs and a small patio table onto the grass, shielded from any wayward polo balls by a low hedge. We shoved our little cooler under the table and nibbled on fried chicken, veggie sticks and strawberries.
Normally, I put a lot more thought into the picnic fare for these events. For us, the big prize isn't the trophy for the polo players, it's the privilege of being named 'best picnic'. Patrons go all out, giving themed picnics with props and gourmet meals. Last year's winner was an African Safari with stuffed monkeys, fake zebra rugs and all that jazz.
Someday, when I have a few days to prepare, I'll purloin my mom's ornate brass mishwe dish and cook up a fabulous Mediterranean feast. I'll drape brightly coloured striped fabric all over my picnic area. It'll be in all the social pages.
In the meantime, I'm researching an idea for a future novel. Howzabout a little romantic suspense with a charity polo match as the setting? Hmmmm?
BTW, I've been informed that the e-book relase of Bad Ice is on July 1st. Canada Day! Shall we have a little partay?
4 comments:
Par-tay OK.
I used to play water polo, but my horse drowned.
Sounds like a fun day. I've never seen polo in person. In fact, the only time I can ever remember seeing it is in the movie "Pretty Woman," but it sounds interesting.
Is it okay if I show up to the party painted as an enormous Canadian flag?
And drunk, given that it's Canada Day?
Seriously, though--congratulations! It's coming up fast; are you excited?
I've never been to a polo game - might have to check that out if I get the chance.
Until then, you're a better woman than I - cause I don't think I could make fried chicken at 6 am!
grats on the special day release, sandra :)
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