July 24-July 30                             Baltimore, Maryland

The oppressive heat wave covered the East Coast south of Maine.  Fortunately, our five AC units kept us cool and comfortable.  We kept occupied with reading, needlepoint, and completing tasks on computers.  Lots of napping also was part of the program!

Tuesday was much cooler and we ventured outside again.  Our expensive freezer (bought by the previous owner) began to show signs of warming.  One more challenge!  The wise decision was replacement not repair.  We began a search on the internet for one to meet our needs and specifications.  We were not successful. 

I needed fabric for my needlepoint project.  We found a Jo Ann’s Fabric store near Towson.  The nine mile trip gave us an opportunity to see more of the surrounding area.  After my purchase, we found a recommended restaurant for lunch.  Pappa’s Restaurant and Sports Bar had a dated brown exterior.  We were greeted inside by worn carpet, plastic flowers, and more brown.  The dining room was very pleasant and the wait staff was friendly and efficient.  Crab cake is the specialty of the establishment.  It was outstanding and easily the best I had ever eaten (Apparently, Oprah agreed and named it as one of her favorite things!)  David raved over his soft shell crab and the accompanying chunky applesauce.  We recommend Pappas’s for an exceptional food experience.  Ignore the plastic flowers that greet you at the door.

Before departing Baltimore, we had to go to the Baltimore Museum of Art.  A previous visit was abbreviated by ongoing construction.  We were eager to see the newly renovated galleries.  They exceeded our expectations.  Entering from the majestic columned portico, one steps into a grand foyer with galleries exiting from either side. The BMA has benefited from the generosity and largess of considerable donors who have donated their wealth and collections that have greatly enriched the museum’s holdings.   The Cone Collection of exceptional art by Matisse, Van Gogh, Picasso, and many others is outstanding.  The breathtaking mosaics from excavations in an ancient Roman city near Antioch are unique and worthy of more time than we allotted.

 Our lengthy visit to the BMA warranted a respite and we found an unexpected treasure in Gertrude’s, the museum’s restaurant.   Almost as elegant as the renowned restaurant at MOMA, we were delighted to dine al fresco overlooking the sculpture garden.  I enjoyed a great spinach salad, lightly dressed with warm bacon, and later cornmeal crusted oysters.  David had a fresh berry salad and duck spring rolls.  We agreed it was a fantastic experience!