Out from Under the Forest Canopy

My forest canopy has expanded into big city lights, an ocean harbor, fog and rain instead of snow.

Brother Brett and I arrived in Baltimore late Wednesday afternoon to spend Christmas with sister Mel. Thus far we've explored the Inner Harbor near my sister's home. The first night we dined at Bertha's Mussels based on a recommendation from a seatmate on the plane. The clientele was small but the food was fabulous.

On Christmas Eve we walked my sister to work, then shopped for groceries at Whole Foods. The variety and quantity of food there is mind-boggling. Still, Brett and I managed to select delectables for Christmas dinner and beyond. We were tempted--and fell victim to--pomegranate seeds (already removed from the skin), fresh-made guacamole, fresh pineapple/mango/blackberries/raspberries, a chicken stuffed with cashews, and other delights. What fun! Hey, when two people with diabetes are sent on a shopping mission, they will provide!!!

Morning was spent on projects in my sister's apartment before we explored the Inner Harbor with my sister's boyfriend, Frank, as guide. We viewed architecture, sculpture, water, people.... A brief stop at Barnes & Noble bookstore (of course!), then off to the Bond Street Wharf to meet my sister post-work at local bar, DuClaw's. That night we ate at Flemings--more fabulous food--courtesy of Frank.

Christmas was a day of rest and rejuvenation. We stayed in, cooked a large breakfast and dinner--set off the apartment fire alarms at least three times--and enjoyed each other's company. My brother shared pictures from his recent journeys to Portland, OR, along with other travel pics still on his camera (Greece, Egypt, Bangkok). 

Our last experience of the day ... watching Small Town Gay Bar, an intimate, heartrending, and insightful exploration of gay culture in small town America (i.e., Mississippi). It was difficult to see the tremendous discrimination that still pervades American culture when it comes to individual's sexual preferences. Still, it was encouraging to see the ways that gays and lesbians create our own families and support systems. The most powerful scene in the movie was at the very end. Here, individuals from the film stood silently in front of Rumors, one of the bars highlighted in the film. They were white, black, man, woman, drag queen, etc. and ... they were proud.

I'm filled with food and experiences and still have one additional day to spend in Baltimore. What lies before me? Only the day ahead will tell....