May 28, 2013 Day 8 — Towson to Baltimore — twice! (14 miles or 28,000 steps)

Today’s Activities in a Nutshell

* Ate a quick breakfast with host, Peter Doo–an excellent start to the day.

* Took a long stroll south on N. Charles Street (4 miles) to my first appointment at Friends School of Baltimore.

* Engaged in a full-morning program at Friends–met the Head, Matt Micciche, toured the school with Greta Rutstein (Director of Academics) and Felicia Wilks (Director of Diversity), and conversed with school counselors and nurse, Mary Ann Niclas, Laurie May, Jessica Monterastelli, Barbara Buck, and Lynne Anonye.

vegetable garden at Friends School Baltimore

* Marveled at the incredibly warm hospitality of this Quaker school.

* Walked back up to Towson (another 4 miles) to Towson University for an appointment with Dr. Greg Chasson, Department of Psychology professor engaged in clinical research in OCD/Autism, studying the overlap between these two families of conditions.

* Introduced to several aspiring graduate students doing clinical research at Towson under Dr. Chasson’s supervision. If they represent the next generation of researchers, then there is great hope for breakthroughs.

* Ate a very late lunch at a Panera’s on York Avenue (still had credit on gift card donation from last year). Sat quietly for an hour in the restaurant gathering my thoughts and reflecting on today’s incredible conversations.

* Walked an outdoor Santa Rosa labyrinth that unexpectedly appeared on my walking route. The circular path of the labyrinth closely resembled the circularity of the path I walked today on the Baltimore sidewalks.

* Met my third host family, Bill, Gena, and Sam O’Keefe, friends of Jon and Melissa Graf Evans from Baltimore and Catholic Relief Services days. What gracious hosts!

* Enjoyed an amazingly delicious vegetarian meal at the O’Keefe’s with many good conversations as we gobbled it down. 5 stars!

* Went to bed early to relax, recoup, and recalibrate body, mind, and spirit.

Good Night!