Unforgettable

I'LL NEVER forget my first trip to the beach and the wonderful time we had, although exactly what year that was escapes me now.We were living in New Hampshire at the time, or maybe New York, and . . . no, I take that back. It was New Jersey. Matter of fact, I'm positive it was New Jersey, because there was a big sign near our house that said: "To Garden State Parkway."Or "Bridge Slippery When Wet." Whatever.Anyway, one day this older woman came into the kitchen and said: "How would you kids like to go to the beach?

Pieces of 1990 too good to forget . . .Most memorable moment? The blessing of the new Victorian fountain on the lawn of the Governor's Mansion last April. The governor was there, of course, and so were First Companion, Hilda Mae Snoops, and many other dignitaries. The clergyman assigned to bless the fountain spoke with British affectation and was quite blustery. He went on and on and on, calling to mind an old Monty Python routine: "Oh, God, thou art so big, thou art so very, very huge." The reverend invoked "ye fowls of the air" and "ye beasts and ye cattle."

You've got to squint your eyes and study it closely, but sure enough, it's all there. Thirty runs, 29 hits and in between the lines, a full decade of frustrations. In the modern era of baseball, there has never been a scorecard quite like this one, and many years will surely pass before there's another one. "It's like an abstract piece of art," says Mark Jacobson, the official scorer who was responsible for recording every hit, run and putout of the Orioles' epic 30-3 loss to the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night.

In the autumn is best, when the cool nights provoke boils of fog from the James River where it runs shallow through the heart of Richmond.Then, just before dawn, he likes to get comfortable with a thermos of coffee, seated on a rock in the river's bed, says Ralph White, manager of the urban James River Park.The sun perfuses the mists with a cold, red glow, and wild ducks strike a cacophony that swells and swells, until the first rays of light appear -- then silence; and then the whirring of waterfowl rocketing into the bright morning air.At such times, he says, "I feel like Mickey Mouse in that classic scene from 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice,' where every direction he turns, his power causes great, grand things to happen."

Summer is just getting started, which means you're likely jonesing for a beach vacation. But before you pack the car and head toward the Bay Bridge, you'll want to make sure you're well informed. No matter where you're heading - Ocean City, Delaware's beaches or Assateague Island - cocktails and the beach don't mix; if you're caught consuming alcohol you could face hefty fines. If your pampered pooch is tagging along, you'll also want to find a pet-friendly hotel and keep pup off the beach; in Ocean City, dogs are not permitted on the beach or Boardwalk from May 1 through Sept.

The 2012-13 Ravens will be well represented Wednesday when the team travels to the White House to be honored by President Barack Obama for its 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII on Feb. 3. Linebacker Ray Lewis , who retired following his 17th season in Baltimore, and safety Ed Reed , who signed a free-agent deal with the Houston Texans in March after playing 11 seasons for the Ravens, are both expected to...

Summer's lease has all too short a date, said Shakespeare, and ain't that the truth. Today is the first day of fall, contrary to those who thought it began on the first day of school. The cicadas are still singing, but they won't be for long. The days are getting shorter; the nights are falling faster. And the garden knows it, too: The last batch of zinnias has shown its colors, and the yellow black-eyed Susans have only their black eyes left. Only the cosmos are still going strong in September.

Haussner's is always special.This venerable Baltimore restaurant is special for its longevity, its legendary art collection, its wide-ranging menu, its slightly crusty waitresses, its picture-perfect bakery case, its brimming baskets of homemade breads on every table and for its ability to bring patrons -- locals and out-of-towners -- back and back and back.Haussner's is virtually unforgettable. Tourists, I would wager, remember it long after they've left the Inner Harbor. And for area residents, it remains essential Baltimore: comfortable, consistent, friendly -- a nice restaurant, but certainly not pretentious or intimate.

Waibel remembered as legend, role model The state of Maryland, city of Baltimore and especially the students and former students at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute have lost a dear friend with the death of Augie Waibel. I want to personally thank your paper for the many wonderful stories that have been written about Poly football under Coach Waibel and especially the recent articles after his death. Augie was a legend, not only in his football coaching career, but also with his relationship with all students and peers.

Ted Frankel and Bill Gilmore It would be difficult for even the smartest holiday decorations to compete with the artwork that fills every corner of Ted Frankel's North Calvert Street four-story brownstone. So he and his partner, Bill Gilmore, don't even try. "This house is so complicated and busy, there really wouldn't be any point," says Frankel, who owns Sideshow, the gift shop at the American Visionary Art Museum . "The guests. That's what we decorate with," he says.