The Real World

 

I came very close to writing a post this morning based on things I had read on social media. And then something inside me objected. It’s all too easy to get sucked into looking at the world through that narrow lens. What about some real life experiences? It isn’t like I’m trapped in the house these days.

Well, alrighty then.

I found myself off the beaten path in Long Reach the other day. Every time this happens I am struck by the variety of gorgeous, Columbia-vintagey houses there. I’d gladly sign up for a house tour in Long Reach alone. And yet I never hear people talk about Long Reach this way. What’s up with that?

Do you live in Long Reach, or do you have friends or family who do? Everyone knows what a cheerleader I am for my own village, Oakland Mills, but, after driving around in Long Reach over the years I find myself drawn somehow to its personality. I’d love to learn more.

Totally off topic: restaurants with outdoor heating. I recently had a wonderful meal at a local establishment where we were able to eat outside. Strangely enough, through they had plenty of heaters, they didn’t seem to give off any noticeable heat. Someone in our party who works in the restaurant industry told me that only the “mushroom-shaped” heaters are truly effective. He described other styles as being more of a “fire feature” than a heat source. 

From Wayfair:

From Home Depot:

What has been your experience with restaurants providing outdoor seating with heaters? I’m curious to see if our friend’s Mushroom Theory can be borne out by a wider source of reporting. 

One more thing: an update on soup. I did catch a post from Ellicott City’s Little Market Café which looks promising.

Any recommendations from Little Market Café fans? Also, I thought it was called the Little French Market. I must be behind the times. At any rate, this is an opportunity to get off of social media and go over to Old Ellicott City and try them out.