It's a gray old morning typical of winter in Melbourne, you miss the sun but that's just how it is. I'd hate it in some ways if it wasn't like this, the constant sunshine and heat in the tropics isn't my scene, I love having four seasons. With the seasons comes the variety, the change in mood, the change in activities and most importantly, the change in what the ladies wear.
I'm up and about earlier then I normally would be on a Saturday, especially one after a few Friday night drinks to finish off the working week. No hangover, but feeling just a little seedy. I dig the suit out of the cupboard, it's still wrapped in the dry cleaning plastic from the last time it was done. The suit doesn't get much of a workout but every now and then you have to go the extra yard. It's aging a bit now but holding up okay, the navy blue was a good choice, something that will never really go out of style. Iron the shirt to go with it, dig out a tie socks and jocks and the outfit is pretty well ready to go. That's one advantage of being a guy, just a normal guy not a metro sexual one, it doesn't take long to get ready to go out. A little breakfast, a shower and a shave, throw on the suit and I'm ready to roll.
The reason for the suit today is that I'm off to the races to watch one of my horses go around. Sounds impressive when you say it like that, in reality I have a very small interest in two horses, not much more than a hair in their tails but enough for them to mean a lot to me. On top of that, enough for me to be officially recognised as an owner and to receive the recognition and rights that brings. Rights that include entry to the members area at the races today, an area away from the regular hoi polloi, an area where I rarely go but make the most of when I can. No suit, no entry though so it's well worth the effort.
When I arrive at the track I make my way to the Race Day Office to collect my owner's ticket and complimentary race book before making my way past the man in the green jacket who would normally be turning me away. It's a strange feeling in some ways, special areas for special people but I guess in reality it's all about those that can afford the membership and those that can't, or that choose not to. I've had great days on both sides of the divide but in some ways it's almost more me to be on the other side. Not today though, today I'm with the toffs.