Another beautiful day in the USA!
We can get v v v v v v used to this weather. It’s pretty much perfect at 72 degrees at the weekend. It’s a little bit like being on our holibobs!
Lake Elkhorn
This is a glorious lake – a two mile walk round here in perfect temperatures!
Bumping into people I know!
Apartments over look the lake – it felt a little European
28 turtles sitting on a log!
Look closely – it’s a snake!
Cinquo de Mayo!
I thought I would do my part in celebrating Mexican freedom and have a few margaritas and some quesadillas, seeing as the 5th of May is what it’s all about here in American-land.
It’s all about the costume
What I learned:
Tacos are for eating in the privacy of your own home, because they are very messy buggers.
People really just love having an excuse to eat and drink, whatever nationality.
Re-fried beans need to be followed by Zantac (Gaviscon).
Margaritas are addictive.
Authentic Mexicana!
Us gals!
These jolly chaps played some lovely tunes
Margarita-ta-ta-ta
Fish tacos
Get the indigestion tablets
Disabled vs Handicap
So, in the UK I don’t think we have used the word ‘handicap’ since the 90s, maybe, when referring to someone with disabilities.
So that’s why the USA parking sign below particularly struck me. In the UK you just wouldn’t see the word ‘handicap’ anywhere.
And I guess I’m not sure what the politically correct term is in the USA. I don’t know what’s right and what’s wrong, but I just know that the parking signs for those who are disabled are different in the UK from the USA.
USA sign
UK sign
The Kentucky Derby
This little piece of American-ness passed us by a little.
However, what I was really interested in, as I am back in the UK, is the wholly shallow end of the spectrum……what on earth are people wearing for such events?
So, it’s time for a USA vs UK fashion / style stand off for the most outrageous/awful/incredible outfit of this bunch…….
Admittedly, the Kentucky Derby fashions are donned by celebrities, and the ones from Aintree, UK, are worn by….well, I don’t know who, but it’s worth a look regardless! 🙂
The celebrity Kentucky Derby fashions
The general public fashions at Aintree…..
ukdesperatehousewifeusa 
It was a gorgeous day at the lake, and you found the turtles! I’m glad we ran into each other.
What a smashing walk!
Ha, I don’t get to say this very often but in your examples the American versions of horse racing dress are smarter than the English ones. Yes, using the word handicap is still acceptable here.
The USA ones actually have some class. Honestly, some of those Northern birds are verging on the Big Fat Gypsy Wedding style…
Actually, were you really being fair to the UK race goers? I am sure there were some less “Walmart-y” people at Aintree. Maybe comparing to Ascot would have been fairer? (I’ll bet there were some pretty awful outfits at the Kentucky Derby (DER-by, not DAR-by in USA) as well.)
I’m not being vey fair! Only I look at the Daily Mail list every year and am greatly amused 🙂
I think the Brits won that racing wear contest by a hair …or rather a horrendous meringue dress. God knows I am no fashion plate but in my work in the Fashion Police some of the worst offenders in the Baltimore area are the christmas sweater set (you know reindeers, flashing lights etc) http://mommyhasaheadache.blogspot.com/2010/09/tribal-wives-christmas-sweater-set.html
I think I might need to do a while blog on fashions on both sides of the pond!
The only group missing from the fashion photos were the Ooompa Loompas! (The original ones from the Gene Wilder movie!)
Isn’t all marvellously hideous!!!!!They’ve bought untold joy to readers of this blog today! Claire Bolden McGill http://www.ukdesperatehousewifeusa.wordpress.comA blog that acts an observational commentary on the amusing, confusing and cultural differences between Brits and Americans. http://www.fortyshadesoffitness.wordpress.com A blog all about my fitness fails, disappointments, achievements and amusing anecdotes as I march towards hitting ultimate fitness at 40. Tweet me: ukhousewifeusa
> Date: Mon, 6 May 2013 20:35:33 +0000 > To: clairebolden@hotmail.com >
I love the picture of the turtles on a log! I went to the University of Maryland, and the school mascot is a turtle (diamondback terrapin, to be specific).
They were a delight to see!