Our trip to the US Open was another memorable experience. Last year
I commented that traveling around West Palm Beach and Wellington
with Mary is like attending the Academy Awards with Julia Roberts
and certainly it was no different this year. We really had a
fantastic time. I'm still exhausted. We enjoyed the semi finals on
Wednesday and then attended a traditional asado at the Gracida's on
Thursday night. It's a delight to be in the company of so many
world-class players and I'm always impressed with the utmost respect
that they have for Mary's polo expertise and playing skill. Not
once but several times did I hear 16 time US Open champion Memo
Gracida remark about Mary's impressive knowledge of the game. It
was satisfying to hear him describe her as one of the most talented
and graceful riders he has even seen. He told me that if Mary had
been born a man she surely would have achieved 10 goals; not just
because of her playing skill but also her understanding of the
game. Quite a compliment indeed from arguably the world's greatest
living polo player. Of course all the Gracidas were fun to be with
and we met so many other great players: Mariano Agurre, Mike
Azzaro, Del Walton, Red Armour, Owen Reinhart, Sunny Hale, Vicki
Armour and so many others. The polo ball was a superb party, made
all the better with Mary's pull in getting us table no. 1. How she
does it is a wonder but with upwards of 40 tables we managed to be
right at the front and the Potomac Polo table was full and included
one of my groomsmen and one of Mary's bridesmaids in addition to
their guests, former Potomac Polo member Frank Stallone (Sly's dad)
and our friends from Wellington the Fischers. Of course our core
group from the wedding was pretty much the last to leave the place
and somehow we managed to pile four people into a two seated sports
car on the trip home. Saturday's consolation game and tailgate
competition was another good time and we partied into the night at
the clubs on the Atlantic Avenue strip in Del Rey Beach. Sunday's
finals were really impressive. We witnessed some extraordinary polo
with a crowd of over 7,000 fans, celebrated poolside at the Polo
Club and danced into the evening to live music. We even had time to
check out some horses. Looks like we may have a line on some very
nice additions to our fast growing Red Eagle string for 2005.

Don't forget, school is open on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6
PM. Please be sure that your USPA membership is up to date and that
you arrive for your lessons with your checkbook. Remember, payment
is required in advance.

The first clinic of the year is scheduled for this weekend. We'll
have a solid two days of polo for our attendees (unless rain forces
a postponement). The clinic tournament is set for Sunday
afternoon. We welcome anyone to come out and watch. Please call
for the starting time of the tournament if you'd like to watch.

Also, the USPA Eastern Circuit Delegates meeting will be held at the
Madison Hotel on Thursday night. Cocktails and light fare will be
provided.