"Obesessed: with Baltimore...

 Monday morning---instead of going for early morning (cheap) coffee, remained in the apartment. Summoned up google maps from Baltimore, specifically a section called Mount Washington-a well off neighborhood, that seems to be insulated from much of the poverty Baltimore experiences. Actually closer to Roland Park then I realized, but its western border is close to a high crime neighborhood. How do the denizens of the neighborhood deal with that---or do they..? Memories of my four years at Hopkins go deep--would love to spend a few days in that city---talking to people who live there--hanging out in neighborhood bars, etc. Not sure if it possible in my current health (and economic) state.

Speaking of visiting Baltimore, I would love to go to alumni weekend at Hopkins, coming up in almost 2 months--kind of early, but what can you do. No planned events, simply hang out on the campus while events are going on and talking to people. Sounds like fun---but can I handle the cost because if I do this, I must have a place to sleep near the campus--and the two hotels that I know of there are very expensive that weekend. Other issues--health and tutoring scheduling---still toying with the idea, but no real committment to plans yet,

Yesterday some warmth in the city-allowed me to travel to Brooklyn---destination the Brooklyn Heights library---like that place--turned out to be fruitful---found two books that my really involve me--a biography of Al Jolson and Invisible--a novel by Paul Auster--I really love that book---started reading it---my third time--I remain completely involved. Also watched a bit of football at Fulton bar and grill, then got coffee at Center for Fiction where I did my reading. Now definitely the oldest person in that reading room-----but it doesn't really matter--the place stimulates me. Must return soon---no movie of extending voyage after that but returned to Manhattan and finished the day there.

that is all-should report soon.

"Trapped!"

 Or so it seems. Monday evening---the beginning of the true frightening cold for the next two days. What does that mean. Will I have students---will I be forced to "remain" in the apartment---if so, do I have enough reading material to sustain me..? Visiting unchartered" territory Will certainly have to go out at some point...lots of unknowns.

This morning, even with snow on the ground---the city was pretty easy to move around in. Finally decided that this was the best day to visit the Whitney, to see the exhibit that honors Alvin Ailey. Visiting the Whitney means traveling on the far, far west side of Manhattan---near 12th or 13th Street. Not a world that I normally hang out in. Before museum visit found a restaurant-coffee shop about a block away---had a really good portion of Tomato Soup---but $12.00 before the tax...my God, where will it end? The  shop must have had eight or nine tables--each one taken--mostly 20 or 30 somethings who seemed very at home with the ambience---and the prices. My impression---they show a real sense of entitlement---very comfortable paying for the world around them. Then on to the Museum.

The Ailey tribute occupied a whole floor of the Whitney---truly vast. On a large screen with ever changing images, one could see moments from his major dances. Also interesting part of the exhibit that shows the visitor his life in the early sixties. Believe it or not, I saw him in a play in May of 61, The play's name was Call Me By My Rightful Name---written by Michael Shurtleff, about a love triangle---two roommates, one black and one white, and the woman who had affairs with both of them. Pete Masterson and Joan Hackett played the other two members of this triangle. I remember it well--had a real sense of power, but has since faded into obscurity---sad, because the play is well written and has three great roles. But it has definitely slipped through the cracks.

There---I have said it all--now all the remains is to wait, and see how my life in the cold plays out.

Been a long time...

 between posts---why? Lots of conflicting feelings, I guess. But today is different. Went to my favorite coffee place near the apartment---the barista, who I think is also the owner---treated me to a cup of coffee-I guess he is really greatful that I, one of his earliest customers, was very complimentary. Anyway, the gesture was really special---I felt wanted, connected, in a way that I had not felt when I awoke this morning. 

A nice warm day outside---definitely the "calm before the storm"--snow is coming followed by brutal arctic air--yet outside, it might even be an early spring day. Makes no sense---bought some food for the future, if needed---I wonder how the cold will effecomt my students and their families---will they want the children to stay home---will the schools be open---and the libraires---do they remain open? Could effect my finances--meanwhile I hope to have enough reading material to get me through if I am isolated in the apartment.

City ballet begins on Tuesday---I promised myself I would go to at least one of the first two programs--both with ballets I saw many times in the 70's when I was a regular at their performances. A strong feeling of remenbrance--possibly a bit too much---but if the first performance is Tuesday evening, will anybody even be there?

Today--will try to see the first movie on the Jewish film festival program--a silent about assimilation around the early 1900's. Sort of the time my parents were growing up--trying to understand the "essence" f that experience---the dislocation. confusion, self hatred that came along with trying to assimilate. Some other movies as well--- but everything depends on the snow and my ability to move around the city and neighborhod.

Needed this committment to the blog today---feel a little bit more focused---should report soon.