Baltimore

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Beer and TVs at a Sports Bar in the Can Company

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It’s nearing the end of the calendar year, and I have money in my FSA that I just haven’t had time to spend. That means it’s time for another trip to the spectacles shop, and none too soon, seeing as how the right temple of my current pair of glasses is held together by first aid tape. S. and I picked out my frames last week, so today I bundled up and hopped on the bike to the Can Company for the one hour eyeglass shoppe to put lenses in for me. But then my prescription was out of date, so I waited fo an appointment. And then I waited some more and some more, and finally, four hours later, I am looking sharp, as are things in a distance, and a whole bunch of grading is in the bag, and now it’s time to visit this weird sports bar for a well-earned beer and a sandwich. All these kinds of sports bars are the same, and tonight this predictable sameness is just what I want before I hop back on the bike and shiver home. The day was lost in a single errand, but I mostly did the errand so I could take a bike ride, so I say, success! Rides of five miles or less? Take your bike. But note to self: it is time to cover those ears, for real.

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Blurry Lights at The Patterson at SE & Eastern Avenue

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K. moved to Baltimore several months before I did, and we were going to be best friends, but you know how it is when you’re both starting new jobs and she’s taking on a life project and I’m learning to ride uphill, so when she asked me to join her for a show at the Creative Alliance where she works, I jumped at the chance to finally hook up. But the 5 mile bike ride in the cold at night when I’m already tired? Sure thing! Because as it turns out, getting a nice ride in is the best way to get your energy up. I cobbled together a frankenoutfit of layers, turned on my lights, and rode down the hill. As I pedaled east along Baltimore Street, I kept my eyes on the cars and signaled every time I moved even a little bit into the lane. There’s a whole lot of trust going on when you ride in traffic, and there’s not necessarily evidence that the trust is well-placed. All you can do is be as predictable as possible and communicate as best you can. Folks think riding a bike, especially at night, is incredibly dangerous, but if you follow basic safety rules, it’s actually a pleasure, and no car came even close to knocking me down. The sidewalk along Patterson Park where they suggested I ride? That’s an entirely different story. In fact, every fall I have had–and if you ride, you will fall, and you will learn that it’s ok because you just get back up–has been caused by road surfaces. Well, except for that one. Anyway, I took my turn on SE and followed the shiny lights of the Patterson Theatre. They are all a blur here; you will just have to come for a visit. What a cool place. Let’s hope I’m as chipper for the colder ride home.

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Christmas Lights on a Row House on Hollins & Pulaski

It was cold out and I’ve got a little cold, but sometimes you just need to ride your bike, so I decided to put on my fancy wool top (thanks, Pops!), tights, long sleeved socks, and some gloves (thanks, S.!) and pedaled over to campus. The sun was out and I traced my regular route, thinking about my first visit to Baltimore. Continue reading →

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Sun Over The Bay From Canton Waterfront Park

Today’s ride took me down and around the Inner Harbor with a quick stop at the Maryland Science Center to read about solar energy (the cells on its roof produce enough per hour to power three houses!) and then over to Canton Waterfront Park and the Korean War Memorial for a little learning. When they call the Korean War “the forgetten war,” they are not kidding. (I wonder if we’ll ever have a memorial to those lost to the War on Drugs–that would be one huge wall.) Continue reading →

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Sun Setting Over Druid Hill Park From the Reservoir Path

It’s the end of the semester, and I’ve been burning the candle at about fifteen ends, so by the time this Friday rolled around I was tired, tired, tired. Nope, I didn’t feel like getting on my bike. I felt like getting in bed with cats and starting a new book, but I also knew that once I started pedaling, I’d be glad to be spinning around. And, of course, I was right. Continue reading →

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Books & Cookies at the AK Press Holiday Party at Parkdale & Clipper Park Road

Today’s bike ride took me, walking the bike with K., up to Johns Hopkins for a seminar on the future of women’s and gender studies, and after we got all that sorted out, I rode over through Hampden for AK Press‘s annual holiday party and happy hour. Continue reading →

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Blighted Houses on Druid Hill Park Drive and Linden

I just haven’t been getting my bike rides in lately, what with trips and visitors and hard rains, and it is starting to grate on me. I mean, I need to ride my bicycle, and I need rides to stop these terrible dreams about losing my bike from waking me up like one did this morning. The weather report promised rain, as did the sky, but after a lovely and lazy morning, I managed to get on the bike and pedal over to Druid Hill Park for a trip around the reservoir. Continue reading →

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Ronald McDonald at the Mayor’s Annual Holiday Parade in Hampden

Oh, I know I don’t live in New Orleans anymore, but I am still game for any and every parade, so when S. texted about the Mayor’s Annual Holiday Parade in Hampden, I was all over it. We hopped on our bikes and pedaled that way, locked up, and headed into the crowd. Ok, it’s not New Orleans, and it’s not Mardi Gras, but there were still people in their saved spots with their plastic cups of whatever poured from thermoses waiting for the police van to go by and signal the start of the parade. Continue reading →

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Holiday Lights at Keswick & 34th

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I had a long and tiring day, but I was happy to hop on my bike for a quick jaunt to Hampden after work to meet B. and G. and friends for drinks and dinner. The conversation was good, as was the food and the beer, and it was an excellent reminder to take myself out more often with more people. By the time I left, it was downright cold, and my exhaustion was catching up with me, so I decided to just take myself home for a nightcap and a movie. I rode along Hampeden’s Miracle on 34th Street. This neighborhood is seriously committed to its lights and decorations, for sure. There were tons of folks out tonight, and snacks were being sold, Santas were taking pictures, and art was on display. Naturally, I preferred this snowman of bicycle wheels, but tonight I was just happy to be in a place where people dress themselves up like this. That feels a little bit like home, and sometimes, I’m homesick. I pedaled the short ride home, looking forward to sleep and another day.

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Blighted Building at Gilmor & Lafayette

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It was a beautiful day and the sky was the color of what you think a blue sky should be, and I wrote my words, listened to my songs, got to meet withthe folks who I think think like me, and had plans for my evening, so all that was left was a bike ride. I happily pedaled to campus, feeling good, through West Baltimore. And then there are scenes like this, everywhere, the burnt-out abandoned houses of a city in decay. It’s complicated, to live in a city and pay attention.