This is the first time in 10 years that I'm not living in Kentucky during the annual running of the Derby. I can't say I'll miss the race itself, but what I do miss are the little clues that the season-defining event is approaching.
There's a noticeable uptick in the amount of fresh mint available on shelves. You can spot women walking around with bags of rickrack trim and feathers, which are eventually meant to be applied to a hat. It's also well-established that you shouldn't expect a response to emails sent in the two weeks prior to Derby Day.
