When post time arrived at Northville Downs Saturday, March 6, twenty TBirds and guests had just completed a scrumptious buffet dinner and probably had one common thought in mind:  Will a winning $2.00 show ticket bring me a payoff large enough to cover a down payment on that condo in Key West!!

As Bob Hope often said, "but seriously folks", it had been several years since the TBirds had gathered for an evening at "the track." Many of us found the clubhouse pretty much the same as we remembered it: a salute to the 1960s! Now, that may sound a little snarky but, with so many changes occurring in our lives these days, and some of our old favorite haunts closed or torn down, I found it nice to see the surroundings at Northville Downs still cozy and relaxing, just like we remembered it.

The fifth race that evening was dedicated to the TBirds. It was OUR race! But, based on the silence when the trotters crossed the finish line, I don't think many of us were lining up at the ticket window to collect a big payoff.

By the time the tenth race arrived, and there were fourteen races that night, most of us had decided to call it a night. A few of us hung around for another race or two, just to see if we could find "lady luck". I can't speak for the few that remained but this gambler did not find success with his last $5.00 place bet. Dang it!

In the movie GUYS and DOLLS, several Damon Runyon characters sing about having " the horse right here" and that it "can do." "Can do" in racing jargon means the horse can come in first. I don't know how many TBirds and guests that night had a "can do" horse but the entire evening was a winning ticket for all who attended.