We began this journey in Goldsboro, MD, visiting Lolly, our sister-in-law, and returning to a house filled with shared history and familiar comforts. It was our first time there since my brother-in-law passed, and the day carried a quiet weight. He and my husband had only recently begun to reconnect, which made his absence all the more tender.

Spending time with Lolly was truly lovely—easy, heartfelt, and grounding. As we settled into familiar chairs, the two brothers came alive in stories—childhood adventures, stubborn debates, old jokes that still made us laugh. We felt the missing piece in the pauses, like something we’d hoped to hear again but couldn’t. Still, the memories held us close. It was a gentle visit, stitched together with warmth and melancholy. We didn’t try to steer away from the grief—we let it settle beside us, quietly honoring the man they both knew so well.

While visiting with Lolly, we also shared one of those simple, joy-filled afternoons—a blue crab feast with Betty, Mike, and Janice that felt like summer distilled onto a plate. We met the new “puppy,” Jake, who’s full of energy and curiosity, but it’s still clear Charlie runs the show—even if he’s half the size and twice the sass. Lolly’s garden was in full bloom, vibrant and welcoming, and the chickens added their own chatter to the day. It was one of those moments stitched with celebration and continuity—a gentle reminder of the life that carries on. We had so much crab left that Jay and I were able to enjoy a crab meal everyday, turning one memorable afternoon into a weeklong delight.

The Yellow Rose of Talbot: Where Kindness Blooms

No visit to Maryland ever feels complete without a stay at The Yellow Rose of Talbot, where Tammy and Ken greet us not just as guests, but as cherished friends. Their quiet generosity runs deep—whether it’s the comforting rhythm of their daily breakfasts or the simple grace with which they share their lives and laughter. Tammy, thoughtful to the core, sent us off with a crab casserole for the train to New York—a gesture that wrapped up our visit with both nourishment and love. In a world that too often rushes past kindness, these two remind us that hospitality, at its best, is truly an art.