Preakness Day is Party Day (Updated 5/23)

Doug and Lisa played host once again to the annual Preakness Party at the Riderwood homestead, site of so many gatherings over the years. Although schedule conflicts kept some of us from joining in (and we're sorry we missed out), plenty of family and friends turned out to enjoy the festivities - and incidentally, a horse race.

Dolores reports she and Hugh "arrived to find a mob under the tree by the Summer House." While she didn't get a head count, she counted 42 cars parked around the property at the height of the festivities. "Of course, we didn't know a quarter of them all!"

"There were games going on - a toss-thingee; crouquet, of course; and some other running stuff. There were a lot of little people this year, too."

The weather was chilly - 60 degrees - but the rain stayed away. "Whatever it did at Pimlico, it never did rain on our party!"

Liz, Rebecca and Lisa in their Preakness Day hats

"I caught Lisa, Beth and Becky in their hats, along with their juleps, and they posed for a photo. They all had a story about where they had acquired the hats. They all cost a lot less than the $300 that I heard that "Preakness hats" cost!"

"Of course, there was enough food to feed the county! The Oval Table was filled with food, and the new table that we just bought to use for some shows was full of desserts, as well as the card table next to it."

Gary Stevens aboard Oxbow wins the 138th running of the
Preakness Stakes at Pimlico race course. (USA Today photo)

As for the race - Liz bet on Oxbow and won the pot, for what Dolores said was "the 5th or 6th time! Next year, we all are going to follow her and see what she decides. She insists that she always loses when she goes elsewhere to gamble, like her trip to Atlantic City recently. However, Dad wants her to choose our next Power Ball numbers!"