Snow and Dogwalking in Annapolis

Rain, snow, sun, or shine; my husband Peter and I try to start every day by taking our dog Grace of Naptown for a walk. Grace officially belongs to our daughter Alex, but she likes to sleep in whenever she has the opportunity. Despite the howling winds and blizzard conditions, today was no exception. Grace loves the snow. She jumps and romps through all those snow drifts, smelling all the “good smells” of the dogs who have passed that way before her.
Although there is a ban on driving in the city of Annapolis, there were plenty of SUV’s downtown. Open and serving breakfast was Chick and Ruth’s Deli as well as Hard Bean Cafe and City Dock Cafe. Many of the downtown regulars were there including musician Rob Levitt who walked across the bridge from Eastport. Because the walk from our Murray Hill neighborhood took twice as long due to the volume of snow, I took note of some business openings and closings. Avoca Handweavers, is closing soon, one of my favorite stores for beautiful hand knit sweaters from Ireland. Everything left is 50% off, but of course they are not open today. A new store Wood Artisans selling handcrafted furniture is opening up in the former location of the Sport Memorabilia store on Main Street next to the store specializing in hooked rugs.
Although no bagels were delivered this morning to City Dock Cafe, they did have fresh baked scones and muffins. After drinking some hot coffee to warm us up we took a closer look at the waterfront and Ego Alley. The benches are completely buried.

With the severe weather, it was no surprise that Rob opted for a ride back to Eastport offered by a neighbor, rather than trying to brave his way across the bridge to the Maritime Republic of Eastport. However, Peter, Grace and I did forge our way back up Main Street, down Upper West Street where businesses were attempting to get their sidewalks cleared, and up and over to our neighborhood. To those who have asked me whether our street ever did get plowed, I have to respond, “Not really.” Evidently our street, although it is a connector between two well traveled roads, doesn’t rate according to the City of Annapolis. A neighbor we encountered on our way home who lives on a very small side street told us they finally got their street plowed by sweet talking a contractor working for the city with a shot of booze and some warm vegetable soup.
Grace’s long fur was caked with snow and after getting cleaned off she was happy to curl up under my desk for a long nap until it’s time for her next walk… this evening.