Memories of people, places and things
continue to spring up on our vacation to Maryland. Annapolis’ changes are even
more obvious in the warm weather than they were at Christmas. *
When our son and his family came for a visit,
we walked around downtown Annapolis, re-visiting spots where we once strolled,
often during the “children’s hour.”
Around four o’clock, back then, if
things got dicey on the home-front, we bundled up and headed out for a quick
visit to the State House lawn; we hopped aboard the cannon and rode out the craziness.
Or, we walked up and down Main Street, popping into Rookie's
for a few groceries to carry home for dinner.
In the 1980’s, when we lived here, Annapolis
was still a small town with shops and businesses that served families first,
and then tourists who liked architecture, sailing, and quaintness. Now, sidewalk vendors, bars and outdoor
restaurants abound, spilling over onto sidewalks – aimed at tourists, impeding
those who want to meander with a small child and while away
a few moments, enjoying the views.
Now, as we jostled our way along West Street
– experiencing all the changes that come with upscale retail, I will stipulate the
little mom & pop stores never
looked as good back then, as they do in my memories. We pressed on. Wending our way to the left on Church Circle,
we discovered the campus at St. John's College
was empty of weekend revelers and its students. It has enjoyed a decidedly
elegant renovation since our son scampered up and down its brick walks. Watching him and his wife now stroll
with his son, it was a happy flashback to some walks with him and his
sister.
Heading back to our vacation apartment, I
could see how formerly modest homes have been renovated, catering to the tastes
of those who can afford all the new restaurants, bars and boutiques. Our old home now hidden among lush
foliage overhanging a deep-water pier, looks very high-rent.
 |
| Our Old Home |
And what was once a rough row of old
houses by a hospital-parking garage had been transformed into a tidy waterfront park for children and parents who might no longer enjoy wandering
about downtown Annapolis.
The more things change, the more they change. :0)
o
Let
us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who
make our souls blossom. ~Marcel Proust
o Don't
let yesterday use up too much of today. ~Cherokee Indian Proverb
o What
you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all
worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you
can choose to make everything new. Right now. ~Author Unknown
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