Eye Candy

Hershey, PA is the land of chocolate or something. Well, not really since nothing seemed to be built with cocoa anywhere within the city limits. I expected something a bit more like this.  Still, it was founded on and continues to subsist on the tasty, tasty slopes of chocolate kisses (among other diversified products).

As you can see I’m trying to hide that this post involves more pictures of automobiles by first tempting you with sweets. In fact I attended the very, very large AACA Eastern Division auto show in Hershey. It’s probably the biggest show I’ve ever been to with a dizzying array of autos displayed, for sale, and vendors of automobilia, Of course I got there just late enough to see the procession of cars driving past me on their way home. Still, my tardiness at least allowed me to buck the crowds as I ran about trying to see it all before it vaporized in a plume of blue exhaust.

From brass era to the mediocre cars of the 80s it was all there. You will not be surprised I took some pictures.

Baltanical

When I think of Baltimore television shows like Homicide: Life On The Street and Hot L Baltimore or the movies of John Waters mold my vision of that coastal city. All stellar works that stick in my mind but not a rounded representation of the place. Now I find myself living about an hour from there and occasionally I visit that area of Maryland.

With a long history and varied social landscape there is a lot to see and experience in Baltimore. I went a few weeks ago there to see some roller derby semi-finals near the inner harbor. The visit I just completed isn’t quite as colorful sounding but was more colorful in actuality. The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens has a very long name and a rather modest size. I’m not complaining since seeing the whole deal in one short trip is a lot better then my usual fractional intake of a big institution’s treasures after the same amount of time. So here’s a vote for modesty in scope and time suck.

The first thing you notice is the lovely 1888 Palm House in front. Like an overgrown doll house it has a small footprint that enhances the sense of verticality. Sprinkled about it is just the right amount of Victorian ornament to finish it off like a finely done pastry. Inside are varied plants with variations on tall, leafy, smooth, and spiny. I especially loved the orchid house which nicely displays the dazzling range of that largest family of flowering plants.

So, take a look at a few snaps I did. I hope you enjoy this rather random tour.