Baltimore

I have two sister cats who are about 4 years old and full of spunk. They are devoted to each other, very social and very different. One is a buff tabby named Lila who is cuddly in her own time but loves to be petted, except for her tummy. Emma is a multi colored calico who is the cuddle bug of the two and will roll over right in your arms to get her belly rubbed. Emma likes to fetch and will bring little play mice for you to throw. Lila just wants you to know when she has a mouse and get the praise and pets. They are healthy and very active. My main expectation with them is that they get lots of attention and love. Whenever you are around, they'll be with you!

Of course, there is the litter box to be looked after. I scoop it daily and have a receptacle (the Litter Genie) next to the box that keeps the smell in and needs to be emptied once a week. I also change the litter and clean out the box a couple of times a month. They are very tolerant of the box being scooped less often, but I notice sometimes they leave little gifts right outside the box when I haven't been diligent about scooping.

They eat twice a day and have treats a time or two per day, NO people food.

They're not allowed on counters or tables. They know this, but will occasionally get too brazen in their disobedience, in which case they'll get a light touch from a squirt bottle as a reminder. Of course, there is LOTS of evidence that they break the rules all the time when I leave the room. So no food left unattended on the counter or tables so you don't end up with food on the floor or tummy troubles that need to be cleaned up later, yuck.

The cats stay strictly indoors. I'll trim their claws before I leave, so you shouldn't have to worry about that.

There are a few house plants that need watering and I will leave detailed instructions about those. Should not take more than 5-10 minutes once a week. The garbage and recycling go out once a week. Both are in bins in the garage.

If I take my car on vacation you're welcome to use the garage, though there is not space for a large SUV or truck. Though parking can be challenging, you can always park in front of my driveway.

We'll be departing mid-day on Sunday 28 June and returning afternoon on Saturday 4 July. Feel free to arrive on the 27th or morning of the 28th, and depart any time on the 4th, or stay a day or two after.

I hope you will make my home yours during the time you stay here!

I live in a larger, end-of- row (corner) house in Baltimore’s Canton neighborhood. It's a great block with friendly neighbors who look out for one another. There is a large urban park across the street with sledding hills in the winter and ball fields, weekly concerts and many festivals during the summer. Also, a great place to take a long walk any season.

The house is 3 stories with all the latest amenities, including a recently renovate cook’s kitchen that is fully stocked for any cooking adventures you may want to head down. There are bedrooms with full baths upstairs, as well as another full bedroom/bath in the lower level. I prefer only to have the designated house sitter(s) who have been checked out by this site stay in the house (partners and families are welcome!)

The house very comfortable and well equipped: fast internet service; 65" TV with all the streaming channels; A two person jacuzzi tub in the master bath. A gym in the basement with a bench, a couple barbells and several plates, a full set of dumbbells, Peloton bike, treadmill, TV with access to all the Peloton programs as well as Netflix; and a Sonos sound system throughout the house.

Not much maintenance to do besides tidying up before our house cleaners come in, which is every other Monday, and taking the trash and recycling out once a week. You have a full-size washer and dryer.

The location is highly walkable, with multiple supermarkets and many, many bars, restaurants and entertainment venues within walking distance, and a bus route to downtown Baltimore on the corner.

Accessible highlights include:
- 10 minute walk to the waterfront, and "promenade" bike and walking path that stretches for mile along the harbor
- 10 minute walk to Canton Square...a hopping younger crowd on the weekends and many restaurants to dine in or order out from.
- 10 minute walk to the Creative Alliance, a quirky, amazing performance space and gallery with 2-3 inexpensive music/film/spoken word performances and classes per week.
- 15-20 minute walk to Fells Point, another great weekend party area with several restaurants and boutiques, all open throughout the week.
-30 minute walk or a bus ride to the Inner Harbor and one best Aquariums in the country.

Baltimore is a fantastic city!

I’ve lived here for ten years, first arriving with my late partner, living on a boat in the harbor. After the first few months, we decided to come ashore and put down roots, purchasing the house where I continue to live.
The bad rap you might hear about Baltimore is the same as you would about any large city. (“The Wire”, one of the best TV series of all time, unfortunately did us no favors!). There is crime and you need to be aware of your surroundings and need to be diligent about locking the doors. But I feel perfectly safe walking and being out at night.

Baltimore has a highly underrated food and art scene. We have fantastic and diverse restaurants. Major art galleries, multiple intimate and larger music venues. And a uniquely quirky cultural vibe. And as I’ve said above, much of it is walkable or within a short bus or ride-share trip.

For more info, check out this site:
https://baltimore.org/what-to-do/museums-attractions/