In April '25, I arrived in Western Maryland to an overall scary weather pattern of dreary rain, snow flurries, and night temps in the '20s. Hence, my decision to take the Auto Train in late April this year, with needs and wants bringing me to the Eastern Shore through May. The requirement to connect in person with my healthcare provider launched this location visit, while the decision to travel after Memorial Day weekend was keeping me in place for nearly 6 weeks. 

Easton has fallen into the same pattern I've seen up and down the East Coast these past few years -- losing its personality to overdevelopment, high-speed traffic 7 days per week, and an almost laughable cost of living. Yet, my knowledge of the area brought me to a lovely, comfortable place to stay just 8 miles east of town. I've been enjoying waking at sunrise on the Honeybee Flower Farm in Cordova and sleeping quite well in what is still a farm community. Biking and walking are cautious activities now but "this side of route 50" stills feels like the Eastern Shore that captured me 20 years ago. 

There were a few memorable stops I had to make, but mostly memorable people I wanted to spend time with face-to-face. With the exception of a friend in surgical recovery, it's been a great reunion with each and every gal. I'm always so surprised when people find the time to get together after months or years apart, and we step right back into our usual social mode. 

My health report is good. Car maintenance is done. Storage unit is still there. Mail has been picked up. Social connections are great. It's time to roll. At least I planned to, but now, I'm finding myself immobilized. That's Part II of this story coming later in the week.  

     Not really, though I’ve returned to Ormond Beach where John D. Rockefeller wintered for more than 20 years.
     I so enjoyed living here with Kim and her two sweet pups last season that I was disappointed when her room listing was nowhere to be found. So, while there were other options, I picked up the phone and she opened her comfy home to me. Her sweet 1955 cottage is in the Ormond by the Sea community that stretches over 7 miles across a barrier island. It definitely feels like the beach life as I can walk just a few blocks to see the sunrise over the Atlantic or the sunset over the Intracoastal.
     During last year’s visit, I assumed it was a one-time thing, so I ran about enjoying most of what the town has to offer – art, history, bookshops, lectures, the 4-corner parks, and of course, beach time. While I’ve been trying to sit myself down to write the infamous book, this year was busy, too, with two or more items still on my list. I’m thankful for the photos to jog my memory and share.
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My final two weeks were tainted by the Element choosing to randomnly not start and finding a trustworthy mechanic who would fit me in. All seems good now, but between mechanical surprises and fuel prices, I'm pleased I opted to take the auto train. Next stop: It’s time to see friends, check my health status, and shake my head at the storage unit on the Maryland Eastern Shore. 

Living indoors in Sebastian wasn't the plan, but since it was the only option this season, I spent time revisiting my favorite spots in town and on the inlet.  While I can't say that I'll never return, it was heartbreaking to see the culturicide of this area. So, suppressing my woes and tales, I'm still holding on to the kind people and sweet places I had the privilege of experiencing for more than a decade.