the hood

For those wondering about the naps lately, they have gotten better :). We still have a ways to go, but I am so thankful for the progress. More to come on that later....

One week from today I will be pulling away in the Nissan heading towards Nashville with my bambino, my mom, and some essentials. John will follow two days later with the moving truck. I can't believe our time is coming to a close and I definitely can't leave without paying tribute to one of the coolest neighborhoods I've ever lived in, Ednor Gardens Lakeside. I didn't realize this before moving, but Baltimore is actually a bunch of small neighborhoods packed up right next to each other. It's unlike any city I've ever lived in before. SO much diversity and culture and beauty and FRIENDLY people. Yes, Southerners, you heard me. Really friendly people. I am ashamed to admit it, but I thought the only place in America that had really friendly people was the South. I have been proven wrong. over and over again.

Jim and Ellie live just one street over with their dog, Charm. Jim is a 76 year old ex-rugby player and he looks the part. Big dude, white beard, soft heart. Come to find out, he's a social worker like me! No doubt he's found his way into the homes and hearts of countless families throughout his years in practice.



Hannah Lynn lives on Kimble St. with her cat, Charlie. Although Hannah Lynn doesn't know this, she should count herself among the elite few to talk to Beckham without eliciting a crying-fest. Her secret? talking softly. Some people don't realize this, but babies like soft voices. at least mine does. Anyways, back to Hannah Lynn. Her cat, Charlie, is an orange beauty and roams the street like he owns it. According to Hannah Lynn, "he never leaves the block!"



Ms. Rosa is a stellar gardener and just happened to be outside on one of my many walks. Ms. Rosa has lived in Ednor Gardens for 30 years! She now takes care of her husband, who went blind just two years ago. She takes care of him, the house, and all the bills. She loves trees so much that she wrote the city and told them that if they planted a tree in front of her house, she'd water it all the time. And the city government took her up on it. The tree is lookin' mighty fine.



Bob has lived here for over 60 years. Born and raised in, then inherited the house where he now lives. He used to work at Johns Hopkins in the medical records division, but is now retired. He has two dogs, Sam & Skeeter, that he walks often. We occasionally meet up and have a chat. Bob can talk a blue streak, but he loves people and he's an icon of the neighborhood.



Katy lives just a few doors down and has been such a sweet gift to us during our time here. She is friends with the owner of the house where we are staying and when we moved in, she was so welcoming. She sends us restaurant suggestions and email happenings, and on Saturday mornings, we try and make it to the Farmer's market together. She's from New Mexico and has such a great sense of humor.



There are many more, but I'll stop here. I wish I had pictures of them all, but perhaps my words will help you create a mental picture. I've walked these streets many times a day for almost every day that we've lived here. I always look forward to the people I will meet, the conversations I will have. This neighborhood is a true gem. Proof that community can happen, even in the city!