It was a typical Type E day for Caleb and me. It started with an early trip to the gym for a workout where Tamara who greeted us, checked us in, and said with a beautiful smile, "Enjoy your workout." Then I introduced him to my personal trainer, John Vargo, who makes my workout fun (well, maybe not so fun), challenging and never boring. He changes the routine every day. I never know what machine or exercise I will be doing next - the variety keeps me focused and holds my interest. Caleb said it was kind of tough lifting those weights with a drink in one hand, especially so early in the morning. Not to worry, it was a healthy yogurt smoothie.
From there we headed for Pimlico Race Track where the Preakness Stakes will be held in just a couple of weeks. Whatever horse wins the Kentucky Derby will try for the "second jewel in the triple crown" here. There weren't any horses around yet, but the preparations for the big day have already begun – those overgrown birdhouses will be a perch for TV cameras high above the crowds.
Then it was on to historic Hampden, a neighborhood of Baltimore that once was home to textile workers who staffed the mills along the Jones Falls. For decades up to and through the first World War, Hampden was the leading manufacturer of cotton dock used for tents, mailbags, and sails. The mills are long gone, and today the old mill buildings are home to artists, architects, and high tech companies. But the neighborhood celebrates its working class heritage, and shops along "The Avenue" (West 36th Street) retain the small town feel. In Hampden, you can expect to be greeted with the local standard, "How ya doin', Hon?"
Caleb and I stopped in at Soup's On where Cynthia Shea gave him special attention, and he also met Rose Lansing, owner of Rose's Cookies in the same building. Strolling The Avenue, we peeked in Café Hon where big hair and kitschy pink flamingoes are in vogue, and then stopped for a classic Baltimore sno ball, being careful to cross at the crosswalk, of course.
Then there was one final stop for the day – a quick trip to the Coldwell Banker office in Owings Mills. We had to drop off a contract and hurry on, but did have a chance for Caleb to meet Katie Grove, past president of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors, and Ed Hunt, president of the Maryland Chapter of WCR. Then we were out the door and gone again.
As one of the Famous Flats of Active Rain, Caleb's holding up well after all his adventures in Baltimore, but he does like to have that glass filled at the end of the day. Ya know what I mean, Hon?
Check out these other Flat Caleb Adventures
Tiptoe Through .... with Caleb
Why Do You Have Caleb In Your Pants?
Flat Caleb Arrived in Baltimore
Flat Caleb Found the Mother Lode of Active Rain Fruits
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