Feasting with Fireworks and a Formidable Fence

With my back still suffering I resigned myself to a lazy weekend. This was frustrating since for the first time in ages we were expecting perfect outdoor weather conditions. Sunny and bright, with no humidity, and a gentle breeze keeping the days cool, it was a weekend ideal for hiking, cycling or kayaking. But I had to be sensible, especially after last weekend's endeavors to be active, and so stayed at home for the most part, throwing open all windows and doors, enabling the cool breeze to waft throughout the house, and inevitably also allowing small sneaky squatters to march in and take up residence, whether my back was turned or not. I couldn't believe the brazenness of large hornets, spiders and even a mouse who thought my home was an open house in need of some additional occupants. I spent quite a bit of time evicting these illegal tenants and eventually ended up with a glass jar and sheet of paper permanently next to me, ready to expel any sneaky trespassers. Rosie Lee was of no assistance whatsoever, preferring to stretch out next to me or snooze just outside the patio door, from where she'd hear any rustling of treat bags, which she expected at any moment, judging by her ears constantly twitching towards me, but most definitely couldn't hear or see any critter that crossed the threshold in front of her.
Watching England win their quarter final match against Sweden in the Football world Cup was a perfect way to spend part of the day, and I'm sure all my neighbors shared in my joy as my squeals and screams no doubt carried on that lovely breeze across the hill top and into their open windows. But I cared not,  the boys from Blighty deserved a few joyous howls from across the pond. Besides I needed to expend some energy, these days of restrictive back pain were taking a toll. I so badly wanted to go kayaking but dragging and lifting a 60lb boat from the barn and up onto Stanley would have been asking for trouble, so I regretfully declined. It's really bothering me, this aging lark. I often shock and berate myself on the now too regular 'common sense' decisions I'm making. My youthful recklessness is sadly slowly slinking away and I lament its departure.
But I did have something to look forward to this weekend. My friend Bill and his partner Jen had invited me to a 4th July Fireworks party on Saturday evening. It was the usual 'bring a dish and beer' party and I was looking forward to seeing the guests I'd met at the last party, they had been a great crowd.

 Their house was once again looking gorgeous, decorated with patriotic bunting and the porch trimmed with pretty lights that Jen's dad had installed. Mr Snuggles, their very friendly and elderly black cat waited in the kitchen for head strokes and cuddles. He's black and made me think of Trixie, a big black female cat that I applied to adopt on Friday night through Fancy Cats. A local resident had been trying to find new homes for a few of her cats after a house fire but after getting an FIV positive result on the cat I'd chosen, I decided to go through the proper channels rather than put Rosie Liscious Lee at risk. So after stopping and chatting with my vet on the way home from work, I'd looked on the website and seen Trixie, with URGENT next to her name.

After opening a beer I went round to the side of the house where Bill was busing at the BBQ, cooking up great grub as always and sporting... a shower cap? He carried it off well while Jen hid behind his back. I looked around at the guests and only recognized two of them but was very soon acquainted with the others, always very friendly people here. It was a small group and I soon got to know them. Then I suddenly became aware of the hugely massive fencing around the vegetable garden; this had not been here last time. It was like a POW camp, my eyes traveled along its perimeter expecting to see flood lights and sentry towers, or barbed electrified wire. It was impressive and would certainly protect the veggie plants from all those little bunnies and ground hogs. Jen said that she'd seen a deer run straight into it, surprised at its sudden appearance,  it had been completed in a day. It was the coolest fencing I'd ever seen for a vegetable plot, it was amazing. We got Bill to pose in his plant prison for a laugh.
We sat and chatted, eating burgers and hot dogs from the grill. The weather was incredible, the lack of humidity with a slow breeze buffeting us was a joy. Perfect conditions for a BBQ. As dusk began to slide down the sky we grouped together, grabbing fold up chairs, blankets and flashlights, then walked the short distance to Bill and Jen's neighbors, who were providing the fireworks. Their house sat atop a hill, looking down onto grassy slopes with a large pond at the bottom. At the back of the house was a huge stone courtyard, filled with guests, a fire pit blazing brightly, and more food on tables with ice buckets holding wine and beers. We were greeted with a huge hug from our hostess and then, after grabbing a drink, set up our chairs on the grass.

We chuckled at how straight our seating line was, perfectly lined up. It was pure bliss to sit there, with a blanket wrapped around my legs to ward off the mosquitoes, a hint of crispness in the air, while sipping on a glass of rosé and waiting for the show to start. And we didn't have to wait long. The sky darkened quickly, soft orange and pink hues blending into the indigo twilight and then the headlights of a golf cart bumped along the water's edge, stopping by a tall tree. A single light moved back and forth and then with a loud fizz and an orange spark the fireworks erupted.

I only had my little G7Xii to take photos. No tripod, and I didn't keep the shutter open. I just clicked and clicked, hoping some good shots would emerge. And although they were not the standard that my Sony would have produced, these were better than expected. Oohs and aahs, claps and yells and hollers filled the air along with the bright colors. At some points the whole sky was filled with rainbow hues and flashes, just as good as any professional show, and here we were, in comfy chairs with a big glass of wine and only a 5 minute walk to get here. We were pretty sure that it was just one guy down there setting these off on his own and he did pretty well. Better than some towns' efforts we declared. In between bursts of bangs and flashes, the sky grew dark again and we could make out a small cloud of smoke suspended over the water, the wonderful aroma of gunpowder slowly drifting up the hill towards us. Our host continued with his show, the end apparent when the headlights of his golf cart lit up and then bumped and bounced back towards us. We all cheered and yelled and clapped, hoping he could hear us above the engine noise of his cart, and then we folded up our chairs, our little crowd walking back to Bill and Jenn's house while others disappeared around the back of our host's house to continue partying.

Back at the house, Bill made Bellinis, a champagne and peach purée drink, fizzy, sharp and sweet, delicious. We waved sparklers and enjoyed a bowl of homemade strawberry ice cream. The evening had cooled so the fire pit felt divine, a treat to enjoy the flames' warmth in July. The day had been absolutely perfect for Bill and Jen's party, no dark clouds sullying the horizon or sticky dampness in the air. It was only a day later that my arms and legs developed the huge itchy welts, trophy sites of those damn mosquitoes, so craftily elusive that I hadn't been aware of even one bite. But it had been worth it and for the next few days I would be smelling of lavender oil, the latest 'de-itcher' solution I'm trying out!

Blistering Biking and Beers in Baltimore

I'd spent nearly all week off work and flat on my back, swallowing heavy duty painkillers as avidly as an addict and trying, when able, to work from home. I have no idea how I put my back out but it's been agony and very foolishly I thought a bike ride would solve the problem. I was meeting up with Richard and Emily to cycle Gwynns Falls Trail in Baltimore, and not having seen them for a while, and also knowing beer would be consumed at some point, I had no intention of letting a few bruised vertebrae stop my fun. I was in desperate need of some enjoyment after 4 days of sleeping, watching rubbish TV and having Rosie Lee lay on me at every possible moment. It took me a while to pump up the bike tires and load it into the back of Stanley the night before and I fretted if I was really doing the right thing. But the next morning I could walk almost upright to the kitchen and excitedly drove to our meeting point.

 All the bikes were loaded on to the back of Richard's car and I was glad to have the back seat to myself so I could fidget about as my back started twinging and even lay down if absolutely necessary, but I didn't want to do this and advertise my discomfort. I was glad when we finally got on the bikes. I loved that my jewelry and nails matched the Green Genie but I was even more ecstatic when I stretched out to hold my handlebars, noting immediately how good my back felt in the riding position. I hoped this would last the ride. The total mileage would be 28 miles and I was feeling optimistic. Richard put a white handkerchief on his head under his helmet to avoid sunburn through the latticed openings, making me giggle as I mentally pictured the pretty pattern it would have made on his noggin.

We started alongside the Patapsco River, passing a lady painting on the grass while a guy with headphones was strumming an electric guitar. Then we were cruising along Baltimore roads, following train tracks and enabling me to take a photo of the Baltimore chimney. I've passed this so many times over the years when driving on I95, but never had the opportunity to grab a photo, so it was fabulous to get up close and personal today. It felt great to stretch my back, the aches and pains disappeared as I leaned over the frame, the first time in days that I was pain free, but whenever we stopped it hurt to dismount so I tried to stay mobile.

  There was a beer festival setting up as we pedaled past tents and kegs. I stopped at seeing what looked like the Liberty Bell, but was in fact a bell to commemorate the 52 Marylanders who'd lost their lives in Afghanistan. I wasn't quite sure why it was here but was glad I'd seen it. We also admired a huge mural on a building by the site. It was getting incredibly hot so pausing for too long wasn't an option. At least while we were moving we could feel a breeze but staying stationery the sun's heat felt like my skin was going to crisp up and start peeling. It was intense with the humidity so thick it was like standing in a cloud of water vapor when we were still.

 We passed through quiet streets after the Ravens stadium, old buildings, some derelict, that warranted a detour up streets to see if any could be accessed. I wasn't too enthusiastic about urbexing today, the less walking I did the better, but it's always good to scout for future trips. Montgomery Park is an impressive building. Now redeveloped we had tried to enter it unsuccessfully many years ago while it was abandoned. An iconic art deco warehouse, it's been beautifully restored.

We left the busy streets and started riding on a trail following a creek. Initially, it was ugly, the previous flood damage apparent with every tree on the banks littered with torn plastic bags hanging from their branches, tattered and torn ugly pennants displaying Baltimore's pollution problem. Bottles and cans were caught up in the lower branches with broken twigs and grasses. I often got whiffs of the rotting trash that made me wrinkle my nose, so sad to see nature desecrated like this. Somebody had been fly tipping, leaving a pile of mattresses and chairs. The only time I smelled something pleasant was when another cyclist puffed past me, leaving a cloud of aftershave in his wake, he'd likely only just started his ride. He too seemed to be lacking in power as he weaved up a small hill. Emily spotted a great blue heron which astounded us, it seemed little could live in the putrid water. We kept pedaling but about 4 miles from the end of the trail, my energy was waning. I suppose after 4 days of pain and heavy pain meds my body wasn't performing well. I started feeling chilled and dizzy so had to stop under a shady tree where I dropped to the cool grass and laid out to ease my back. I had no energy, which really annoyed me, but I had to admit defeat. I told Richard and Emily to continue without me and I would start my on way back to the car. I even thought that I might have to call an Uber car to take me and the bike back to the parking lot but I started off on the return trip, hoping to make it on my own steam.

I hadn't realized until making my way back that we had actually been riding up a gradual incline most of the way so the return trip was much easier. I stopped for water breaks and strangely felt a lot better, wondering if maybe I could have made it to the end with them after all. Flocks of robins fluttered across the trail, squawking under the trees, likely new adult birds who were still expecting to be fed by their parents. There were very few people using the trail, but I was glad to be outdoors instead of cooped up inside, despite my surroundings not being the usual beautiful scenery I'm accustomed too on my rides and hikes, and for the probably millionth time I counted my blessings at living in the countryside.

As I once again entered the city streets I passed few pedestrians,hardly anyone was out. There was an Orioles game playing at the nearby stadium and I wondered if the locals were indoors with their cool AC blasting, chugging down icy beers while watching TV sets. I was tempted to knock on the door of the Ravens house just to see, they were obviously die hard Baltimore sports fans.

This used to be Bayard Street Station. It's now an architectural salvage store, so wonderful to see that its current owners have restored it to its full glory, looking just as it used to when it was a gas works.

I did lose my way for a bit, not concentrating on the green markers below me on curbs and the road, and had to backtrack when I found myself passing signs for the interstate. I stopped while a train passed, pulling at least a thousand empty carriages, or at least that was what it seemed like as I baked and sweated under the relentless sun, and then slogged my way through almost empty streets. There are so many railroad tracks crossing the streets of Baltimore that I lost count of how many I passed over. The sun beating down felt hotter than the heat from an oven and I was a very happy camper when I finally arrived back at the parking lot. I had cycled about 18 miles while Richard and Emily clocked up about 26.

My back was very sore, screaming out to be in a horizontal position. A couple of trees offered shade on a grassy bank. Under one was a flock of about 12 ducks, resting and quacking quietly among themselves. I pushed my bike slowly and carefully past them, to claim the second tree. They looked at me but realized I was no threat and so carried on dozing. I collapsed on to my back, relishing the cool, hard ground through my shirt. But my pleasure was short lived. After only a minute or so I became a smorgasbord for biting flies who persistently nipped at my arms and legs. Smothering my skin with a thick greasy layer of sunscreen only kept them away for a few more minutes, and then they were biting me through my clothes. I was so pleased to see the others when they showed up.

We drove to a brewery nearby which was celebrating its opening that day. Unfortunately the beer was unimpressive. But the brewery did have a lovely monarch butterfly on its wall, like the one I'd painted on Friday evening.

Unfortunately I soon became restless. The taproom was packed with people, loud voices drowning out any chance of conversation between us and no seats available. My back was screaming in pain but I said nothing, just swaying from foot to foot until we finally escaped back to the car. We drove to nearby Ellicott City to inspect the recent flood damage but the town was closed off.

We peered through the chain link fencing, noting the FEMA markings on the buildings where they'd inspected each house and store for damage and possible bodies. I have never visited this town before but wondered if now I'd ever get the chance to see it properly. The poor inhabitants have had too many floodings and I'm sure there's many who don't have the resources or incentive to rebuild once again what they had only just recently restored after the 2016 floods. Some say that because there has been so much development since 1984 the increase of paved roads and buildings has deterred natural drainage, but others are adamant that because of the towns geographical location and climate change the floods are unavoidable.
We left the town, having to drive back into Baltimore to hopefully pick up Richard's bike wheel. He'd taken it off to load our bikes on to his bike frame but had then driven off, leaving the wheel in the parking lot. We were ecstatic to see it still laying there when we returned a good hour later, in perfect condition. Our final stop was the new Guinness Brewery in Baltimore, the first in the United States since the 50's.

We tried samples of most of the beers they offered but again I wasn't overly impressed, preferring the original recipe. Maybe my enthusiasm was waning due to my poor back. At least this time I had a seat but I was itching to lay down on the floor and stretch out my compressed vertebrae. The cold concrete floor looked so inviting. I kept silent, not wanting to sully the others' enjoyment, and soldiered on for the sake of beer! My favorite photo of the day was of a black vulture we spotted in the window of an abandoned house we stopped at. Richard, to my relief, decided we shouldn't enter in case she had eggs she was protecting. I'm sure the burning sun and humidity played a large part in his lack of enthusiasm to explore but Emily and I didn't complain, and she was left in peace. It was late at night when I eventually got home and my memory foam mattress with the AC blowing over me never felt so good. Despite the aches I'd enjoyed the day, the pain definitely taking a back seat as far as enjoying the company of friends was concerned. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, but maybe a little sojourn at Meadow House first...

Love and Pride in Winchester

On Saturday rain was threatening us with an appearance so I decided to save my bike ride for another day and instead visit Winchester for their inaugural Pride Celebration. I was hoping to get some great photos without huge crowds, I've always avoided the DC event for that reason. With the sky a gun metal grey, draped with heavy clouds I walked down to the Mall. I'd also be using my new G7Xii for the first time so was anxious to see how it performed.

I arrived just before the start time but the crowds were thin. Vendors had set up, selling rainbow colored popcorn and displaying messages of love. But there weren't many people. I wasn't overly surprised, Winchester is a conservative town. I wasn't expecting any trouble but would take photos, whatever transpired. But I had thought the streets would be alive with vibrant costumes and placards rather than just a few balloons. I'd tried to find information on line before I came, a schedule for the day, but that had also proved to be a fruitless search. There was apparently going to be drag acts, speeches and a parade, as well as competitions.

Groups started appearing, rainbow and spectrum colors in wigs, t-shirts or accessories. One girl wore a t-shirt with a Harry Potter font declaring, 'I should live in a closet.' It should have said cupboard to be correct, but the meaning was clear. Then it seemed the show was about to start. An announcer introduced the emcee for the afternoon, a drag queen called Alexis Chantelle. I can only hope I have the names right since I've found nothing online since about the guests, or saw anything printed about who was appearing.

She was huge, absolutely colossal. Naturally 6'1" but with the boots added her height was a good 6'5". Yet even though well proportioned, she was massive. I consider myself to be reasonably tall at 5'8" and a little on the heavy side, but I felt positively diminutive against her. She paraded up and down in front of us, miming to Uptown Funk and collecting money from her fans, stuffing notes down her bra or just throwing it down on the steps to pick up later. She was later that evening going to be crowned Winchester's first Pride Queen.

The crowd loved Alexis, cheering wildly, and then she introduced two females whose names I didn't catch, although I think the first one was called Shade the Grade. They were dressed as male rappers, but in my mind made nowhere near as much effort as the drag queens. These were drag kings but I didn't find them worthy of the title. They too mimed and strutted up and down acting like rock stars, with some very feeble dance moves which were awarded a few dollar bills from their admirers.

I was glad when Stephanie Michaels made a very dramatic and impressive appearance, she had a very professional air about her. In a deep tenor voice she greeted everyone in a Southern accent, yelling,"How the hell are ya?" I liked her immediately.

She too flirted and flaunted her amazing outfit, also miming to a song which I don't recall. I was disappointed that they did this and didn't perform live, but nobody else was complaining so I kept my mouth shut. She came over to my side and removed her enormous flag cape, handing it to me,which I very carefully and gently laid on top of the stone wall that I was standing behind. Alexis was standing next to me and I saw her expression soften as I did that. She had previously been regarding me grimly. I suppose my closed expression and lack of exuberant enthusiasm had been sending off negative vibes. She now smiled at me, her huge outlined lips and thick black eyelashes, the size of small bird wings, scaring me a little, and I have to confess that I immediately thought of WitchiePoo from HR Pufnstuf.

This little guy had no idea what all the fuss was about or simply didn't care, but he evidently wasn't enjoying the day, and I hope his dad took him for a huge ice cream afterwards.

The last drag queen was also impressive. Alicia Love was a 70's disco queen and reminded me of Donna Summer. She pranced back and forth miming her song, and even performed an acrobatic roll which had the crowds screaming. I did snap a photo once I realized what she was doing but caught it a little late, so didn't post it, since it looked like she was tumbling down. As she towered over me in her high heels, I had to admit that the sheer size of these 'girls' was overwhelming. Legs, chests, bums and waists, everything was massively huge, I felt like a little person next to them. But I do have to admit that I fought an urge to give her a hefty slap on her arse as she flounced by!

There were plenty of smiles among the crowd. Even though there wasn't the huge masses that I'd been anticipating, those that had turned up were determined to make this a special event, they were really enjoying themselves. Everyone I asked was more than eager to pose for a photo. I didn't always understand the outfits, like the mask above, but a lot of effort had gone into their appearances. It certainly made a change to feel this happiness rather than the hate on so many of today's political marches and social media.

People started dispersing as interest in the speaker waned. I walked back and spotted the inscription on this statue, pondering over the irony of the situation. It was dedicated to all the Confederate soldiers who had fought in the Civil War. I hung around waiting for a parade but was told there weren't any floats as I'd been hoping for. The drag queens would simply walk the supporters up the mall and then back again. So I started to head out, looking for more colorful outfits as I left.

More great outfits, especially the rainbow lipstick. That must have taken ages to apply so precisely. The guy with a flower crown made me chuckle as from my perspective he was also wearing a flower basket which was actually hanging in the background.

I spent an amusing half hour watching this Christian speaker preaching of the wrongs in homosexuality. He was quoting from the bible but had to contend with many arguments that came from the crowd who, very peacefully and gently, argued against him, mainly saying that God loves everyone regardless. I'm a Christian myself but had to side with these guys and actually got a kick from seeing him struggle as they argued so quietly with him. It was their day and I saw no reason why they shouldn't be allowed to enjoy it and get their message across without objection. There were no angry or violent protests from them, they were just happy to be with others like themselves and celebrate their diversity. As I walked away I saw one more t-shirt with a message which really summed up the event. 'Try a little kindness'.