I hadn’t planned to go to the horse races on Saturday, but when an opportunity presented itself, I accepted. 
My pal, Tracey, who’s head of the Baltimore Architecture Foundation, and I had been working on the Dollar House Symposium, scheduled for Saturday morning. The event was a huge success, with nearly 100 people attending.
It was held in the historic Otterbein church, which is surrounded by the new urbanism which has grown up around it. It’s the oldest church continually in use at the same location in Baltimore, having served its flock since 1771.
Tracey, her family and I bailed out a little early from the symposium, and headed up-country to Shawan Downs, one of the newer race courses in the area. It’s actually a land trust where they run spring and fall races. 
We met up with some friends, who were conveniently located just beyond the finish line, so we had a great view.
One of the most fun things about attending these races is seeing what everyone’s wearing. 
The day was partly sunny and cool, so the attire ranged from skimpy tops with chilly arms,
to down gilets and elegant tweeds and cashmere.
I really do have to smirk at the women who are too vain to wear flat shoes! It’s a horse-race in the fields, for gawd’s sake!
There were a few outfits that I had to admire. Loved this bit-belt, skirt and blouse combination. It struck the right note… and she was wearing flats.
This gentleman gets high marks for accessorizing with his child’s stuffed toy. I am sure he wanted to keep it safe!
You can see the range of dress selections here, from shorts and sweaters to tweeds and scarves. Lots of Hermès in evidence – including around my own neck! 
All in all, it was a perfect day for the races.
Thanks for including me, Tracey & Anthony!
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I do have to share a Connor picture with you. I was working at my desk in the kitchen and looked down to see this:
Connor sound asleep with his nose in the heel of my shoe!
Love it! Miss you xoxoxox
ReplyDeletewe all miss you too!
DeleteOh, to live on the East Coast!! I think I will always find my heart there (but CA is OK, too). As for Connor--he reminds me of Mini Beast, always close at hand --usually attached to my arm fending off Jones.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week--I can almost smell the Mid-Atlantic autumn from here.
Mary
I really notice the days drawing in when the sun doesn't come over the top of the hill into the valley until after 8:30 a.m. and my car's covered with a heavy dew, soon to be frost!
DeleteSounds like a great day and what a fun picture of Conner. The best part of everyone dressing so casually now is that when I see a well-dressed pedestrian, I look up and take notice. I was at the Georgetown flea market early Sunday morning and saw the most amazing looking gentleman dressed in corduroy, tweed, and a suede vest with a beautiful silk tie. His gray hair was elegant and his well tended leather shoes were the perfect finish. I almost stopped him to tell him what an impression he made on me, but I thought it might sound creepy. He would have been picture perfect at the racetrack on Saturday.
ReplyDeletePatty... I bet he would have been delighted to know that he made a good impression!
DeleteThis makes me want a tweed skirt or two. It looks like a lovely day!
ReplyDeleteI was dressed completely wrong - black pants and a black shirt, with a denim jacket over it. And an hermes scarf thrown about my neck!
Deleteso glad you got to the races + adorable connor! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeletePoor Connor, I think the change in weather really affects him - i had to help him down the stairs this morning.
DeleteMaybe for not the same reasons, both dogs and cats seem to love a snooze with their nose in a shoe. I thought maybe it was the leather, but it could just as easily be the fragrance of foot.
ReplyDeleteConnor's always liked to have his head resting on something.
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