Del Mar in the morning

I strolled past the walker ring taking in the beauty of the flowers.It was a foggy morning,the kind I truly love. The fog creates a mystique enveloping the track. Sounds are magnified and you become intensely aware of your surroundings. The horses thudding from sight enveloped by the mist, leaving behind the creak of leather and the sound of their breathing---- blowing back through the mist. Huh!! Huh!! You wait and anticipate their return as they gallop around the track.The sounding of their breath Huh!! Huh!! Huh!! explosive sounds, the clucking of the rider, and the creaking of leather are what you are listening for. Suddenly!!! they are there, seconds before horse and rider burst through the fog. Passing with a whooosh !!! back into the fog

Later I sat on a bench and opened my computer, smiling from the memory, now begins the work. I looked up attracted by the sound of something dragging on the cobblestone walk. There stood a tall,slim,grey haired gentleman leaning on his cane. He flashed a wide toothy smile,one tooth of gold announcing prosperity in days gone by--- Maybe not. "You dat computer boy I been hearing about. Got all da answers." He grinned and chuckled, I loved him instantly! "I wouldn't say that, but I do win my share" I replied."  "That's the hard work, these glorious fun mornings are what keep me coming back" He chuckled again"Me too." "I been seeing you for awhile. I'm here every morning. You always so serious I never speak. This morning I see you a smilin". I said " Chuckles talk to that boy for awhile." "You mind I sit down." He sat with a heavey sigh. " I haven't won in a long while you got any tips?"  I gave him what I thought could be a likely winner, expecting him to move on. Instead he stayed and shared treasures I could have never known except through his eyes. Tales of the track in years gone by, known by just a few.

Later that day as I turned from the betting window, I saw him standing talking and chuckling leaning on his cane. I turned back to the window and bought another ticket,walked over and placed it in his hand."Computer boy." He smiled. "Thank you."I said.

The race was run and the ticket it did win. I saw him heading for the pay off window, holding his ticket to the sky, grinning ear to ear, hurrying fast as he could, with a hop and a limp. I saw his mouth drop when the teller told him he had to sign up for IRS. Watched him shake his old grey head from side to side, as the teller counted hundred dollar bills into his old cupped hand. He scratched his head starring in disbelief. Suddenly he spun around flashing his toothy smile, headed with a hop and a limp looking for someone to tell!!

I don't remember what I won that day. It doesn't really matter. The value is in the memory of that old man. I still grin today, picturing Chuckles with flailing arms, telling anyone who will listen about "COMPUTER BOY" and his luck that day.