Some of the NxNW prom attendees
NxNW ladies, hats, and horses
Cherlyn Conway
NxNW friends and neighbors on Osprey, Brandt, Cinnamon, and Willet wasted no time in kicking off 2023. February found seven couples joining the Road Runners’ annual cruise to the Caribbean on Celebrity’s newest ship, Beyond. Many shared moments were had with meals, shows, and, of course, the many adventures at or around the Martini Bar. We all agreed to borrow Vegas’ motto: “What happens in the Caribbean stays in the Caribbean.”
Spring bocce season started in March, and we arrived at the courts to endure the unpredictable Texas spring weather and get our team strategy in play. The Sunny Bocces didn’t make the playoffs, but we always shined, relishing in the wins and not deflating over the losses. The team will assemble in the fall, which will provide another opportunity for NxNW to enjoy each other in fun and fellowship.
The Talk Derby To Me watch party found 17 of us having our own Run for the Roses race. We used stick horses, dice, and dots to make it around the track to the finish line and to crown the winner of the first NxNW Talk Derby To Me party. Most of the NxNW horses came from the same breeder, with the owners decorating their horses in their own style and flair.
There was no running, jumping, or skipping allowed on the way to the six starting lines. The dice rolled, and each horse moved closer to the finish line. The winner in each heat then had the Run for the Roses heat, which found Roger Spratt taking away the trophy. The ladies came dressed to the nines with fancy hats and attire, and the men came sporting their best tie and Derby garb. Sherri Brown and Larry Brown were awarded best ladies’ hat and best men’s tie/costume.
The betting window opened for a little wagering of the actual horses that ran in the derby. The anticipation hung in the air waiting for that famous “And they’re off!” announcement in Louisville, Ky. As we watched the live run at Churchill Downs, the room was not void of loud cheering for the horse you drew from the betting envelope. The payout window paid win, place, and show! Thanks to the Sherrods for managing the betting window and payouts. There was plenty of food and drink to share, complete with Derby Pies and our own NxNW Derby Sour. It was great fun for those who were able to attend. A shout-out to the East Quarry friends for sharing their time and experience with us about their past Derby party.
May found many of us from the neighborhood dancing the night away in their prom dress clothing, complete with wrist corsages and boutonnieres. It appeared that reliving those old memories was something special, just as it was enjoying the time with new friends we didn’t know back in the day.
NxNW still has events planned for the remainder of 2023 so, until then, see you around the Ranch!