The Preakness Race is being held today but with my car not working lately-fuel pump-it is a close to home day for me. We live close enough to the track to hear the helicopters and remind me that I wouldn't be so keen on attending, anyway. With impeccable timing, the hoity toity grocers around the corner held a festival of free samples this afternoon. I helped myself to grilled vegetables, salmon, pound cake and a heavenly walnut-fig spread on French bread bits. The marinated portebellas were terrific. Wine, beef and italian sausages were also on offer but I couldn't fit them in.