A Weekend Away

This weekend we visited DD#2 in Baltimore. Couldn't have picked a better weekend, weather-wise. After the mandatory shopping marathon (food, supplies, new shoes, etc.) and the necessary inspection of her new apartment, sightseeing in my old hometown was in order.
First stop: Federal Hill for the coffee at Spoons and the view from the hill itself:

You can see the National Aquarium (glass pyramid) and the University of Maryland research station (funny white tents across from the aquarium) quite well.
We came across this doorscape (if that's the proper term), which we found amusing:

It's amusing because the owners put up a mezuzah (meaning, like us they are Jewish) yet they have a crab-shaped door-knocker (definitely not kosher). But hey! it's Maryland, and Maryland is for crabs. We approve.
If you've any doubt that Baltimore is Birdland, check out this entrance to the Museum of Visionary Art (next to Federal Hill Park):

Last, a visit to Fort McHenry. Thought Columbus Day is an official Federal holiday (hence my day off), National Park Service folk have to work.

This is the modern-day view of the scene of the Battle of Baltimore (September 13-14, 1814):

Pretty peaceful. We spotted a cargo ship bearing new autos coming up the shipping lane on its way to one of the terminals.

DD#2 spotted this; the soldier bore her initials. That gave her a thrill.

Of course no trip to this fort is complete without paying homage to the flag that still waves; this is a replica, as the original now resides in the Smithsonian.

No knitting on this trip, though I brought a sweater and vest down to DD#2 to keep her warm when the chill comes next month.