One with the stone.

I have a change of plans tonight, got a sick puppy dog to look after. Few things are more pitiful than a sick pet or a very young child. Hopefully, it’s just a stomach bug, but will be ready to take her to the vet tomorrow if she isn’t on the mend.

Food

So the change in plans leaves me at home. More time to work on a post in between care checks and maybe some carving or photography later. But first some Friday night carryout. Paper Lantern was our choice this evening and a fine choice it was. Shrimp toast and spring rolls were great along with our main course of Honey Sesame Chicken. It’s very close to us at Rt 99 and Marriotsville Road. We have eaten on site and carry out and it’s always very good. It’s becoming my go-to Asian food.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Have a good time doing whatever you’re doing.
• Congrats to the O’s – American League East Champs. Good to see the town alive in excitement again.
• The killing continued with one of our county sheriff’s deputies shot and killed.
• One of my favorite tee shirts has the saying “To those who say it cannot be done Should not interrupt the people doing it.”

I love the sound of my printer. It’s a clunky-sounding thing but it does some nice home prints. It’s a Canon Pro100 and I’ve been very pleased with it. I starting to get a steady use of it again. Had a lull this winter but we have been knocking some out regularly the last few weeks.

It’s another tool I need to take better advantage of. So let me get busy going through that 50-sheet pack I just opened today.

Food

Ah yes, the Cream of Crab soup. I’ve always preferred it this way instead of the traditional Maryland Crab soup. I haven’t had any in a while and am building an appetite for it.

My favorite was at Reflections restaurant in Ocean City which is no longer there. A nice wide bowl, with just lump crabmeat, was sat in front of you. Then the waiter would add the cream, sherry, and a light dusting of Old Bay seasoning, and wow.

But I digress, I’m here to share a few local ones I’ve had. The best recently has been Shannons in Ellicott City. Bare Bones has been good but it’s just a little thick for my taste. LeeLynns was also very good. Oh, I almost forgot about Oscars Ale House in Eldersburg which was excellent.

I’m sure I’ll think of a few more of my favorites just after I post this but those are a few I would suggest.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I love taco Tuesdays.
• The season of fun is soon approaching.
• Try not to lose your confidence. Life is harder without it.
• I like working at my father’s desk.
• Happy Birthday to my Mother in-law. You always made me feel so welcome.

Had a really nice Saturday and finished it off with a nice meal at Fox & Barrel Farm Cafe on Frederick Road (Rt 144) and Triadelphia Road. Very good food. Nice casual atmosphere and some bakery and other menu items I’m going to have to return for. Because fresh, flavorful, and comfortable are always winners in my eyes.

And for me, there was a special thing that caught my eye. They serve breakfast all day. Being that sometimes I rise at 1 or 2 pm and have a hankering for breakfast my choices are usually cook something myself. I’m going to have to try them out for that meal soon.

There is something I love about small businesses that produce quality products. And they certainly seem to be living up to the reviews my better half said they were getting. I hope it continues, I wish them success and I’ll be back to support them.

And while I’m complementing local food establishments I want to thank Facci in Turf Valley for another wonderful meal for my better half’s birthday lunch a few weeks ago.

And instead of talking about food, I’ll start taking pictures before I dig in next time and share a few of these gems. And like the food shows, I’ll let you know what I like about it.

The eve of Stupor Bowl Sunday. Boy, we used to have some parties. Some events would start tonight by putting meats in the smoker. One year we did a brisket, pork shoulder, lamb, and ham. At that same event, we also had rockfish, backfin crabmeat, scallops, shrimp, and lobsters. That was a non-stop feast for hours.

I haven’t gotten together with the boys in years, but I needed something tomorrow to kind of enjoy before the week gets serious with some memorial services to attend early in the week. So I’m starting my workweek 2 hours later than normal and enjoying the company of my best friends.

And a special note to people. Remember they are all “just a game.”

I had the pleasure of listening to a 2-year-old Friday. My favorite 2-year-old in fact who’s my granddaughter. You really have to listen intently because they are in the process of learning words and meanings. So their pronunciation is just forming and just their excitement at communication gets them going faster and faster which is harder to pick up everything they are trying to say.

The experience of being a grandparent is wonderful and I’m blessed to be within driving distance to both my children’s homes so life is great. I so look forward to watching her each week. We aren’t the full-time support but we take a few days. This is going to be a special year at the beach. She was only 1 last year so it was pretty subdued. This year will be different I’m sure. One she has wheels. Those little legs propel her quickly in whatever direction her mind takes her. The water and sand will certainly get a workout.

Grandchildren are also a good reminder of how fast time moves. I hope I have a lot more healthy years to give them. For I have lots to pass on and many more laughs to share. I guess I should get on the treadmill and get some cardio work.

Storage shed sorting trip of parents belongings. I find it discomforting and comforting looking through our parent’s things. But that is the task when they pass. Making the calls on what to keep, what to trash, what various people would like as keepsakes. It’s very personal and raises many feelings. Are we doing it to their satisfaction? What would I want to be done with my own things? Are there special things we didn’t know about that will be lost?

Then there is just the discomfort going through someone’s things let alone a parent or loved one. Then there are the emotional pitstops. Those items that stop you in your tracks. Notes from the past, a rosery thought lost, a journal, a favorite hat, or fill in your own treasure here. But there are a great number of them in most cases that will bring tears.

I’m of the belief, that I can change things. That is a rather recent revelation to me. I’ve talked myself out of so many things over my lifetime. I just wished I had these thoughts and confidence earlier in life. I guess it’s just the confidence that comes with time, experiences, and wisdom. I won’t spend time worrying about what could have been different. I’m just trying to do something each day now and it feels great.

I don’t have to fix the world to make it better, most of the time it’s one person or thing at a time, which I hope in turn spreads to others. So take the time to talk to someone or pick up that trash.

TME

Treats from Stella Notte last night were a welcome sight and very tasty. Some stuffed portabella mushrooms with spinach/artichoke and cheese in a wonderful sauce. Some fresh moterzella cheese and tomatos with balsomic vinegrette. Scallops and spinach and the diet killer Seafood Mac and Cheese. This is one of our go-to Italian places along with Facci, Pasta Plus, Anthony’s, and Maggianos. And a shout to a past favorite no longer with us Luna Bella.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Roots that have been dead for 5 years are still tough to extract from the ground.
• It’s amazing what you can make fit through a doorway.
• Panara flatbreads are good.
• The rain didn’t do its job in helping me sleep last night.
• Any day you can spend with your grown children is a blessing.
• First time I’ve used some photos I’ve taken from an iPhone. My brain still hasn’t connected the phone and camera combination because I’m so used to picking up a camera.

It was a soup and sandwich type day today. Steady persistent rain, all day it seemed. So a grilled cheese and tomato soup were served today by my better half at lunch. That about took me out for the afternoon. It’s easy to relax when you know you don’t have to rush back to work this week.

But tonight we had some long-overdue homemade crabcakes. I was going to eat both of mine but I managed to save one for later on tonight. It’s been a great year and I’ve eaten a good number of crabcakes. I still think the best I had was from Pappas in Parkville.

But there were several good ones in Ocean City this year and about a dozen other towns in Maryland. I could eat seafood every day. And Maryland crabs would be at the top of the list.

Tonight I used the main Old Bay recipe but I used some Frenches spicy brown mustard instead of the standard mustard. I also added a touch of Worcestershire sauce. Instead of the 2 teaspoons of Old Bay, I used 2 1/2. Also, a touch of ground mustard and just a little more mayo than called for. And maybe a little less parsley than called for.

Usually, I pan fry them but today I broiled them. I might have to go this route more often. All I know is I can’t wait for the season to begin again and the fresh Maryland crabs to be plentiful.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Not having to step foot outside on a sloppy day is key to a good attitude.
• Well, I’m only human, I can’t totally ignore that tin of cookies.
• I’ve got to spend some time this evening writing a few notes and catching up with some friends.
• I’ll do better Monday because I’m getting outside a good bit. Which reminds me to go charge the camera batteries again.

The Best Crabcakes – All of them. No really, I setting out this year (2019) on the hunt for best crabcakes. For I’m blessed to live in the great state of Maryland and if this state gets anything right, its crabs. The tastiest critters and the best spices in the WORLD. OK I might be biased a bit there, but I’d run it up the flagpole against anything, if food orgasms are the measure.

Crabacake
Photo by Mike Hartley

I love those tasty crustaceans, prepared in many ways, but the crabcake is something that’s special. Yeah I like to pick crabs. Yeah I like stuffed shrimp and crab imperial. I love crushed crabcake over rockfish.

Actually in all truth, this is a post I started last year and found in my drafts folder. We will call that background effort to this years event. I did do some extensive research and it paid off handsomely. THEY TASTED GREAT. I learned of some new and serious contenders. I sampled some old favorites. I just got lost in eating them. My apologies. This year I’ll do better.

Really few things will get Marylander’s riled up like arguing about the best crabcake. Hell just look at the confusion the word itself creates. Is it spelled “Crabcake” or “Crab Cake” or Crab-Cake”. Or maybe with the Eastern shore drawl  “CwabcAke”. Or if you’re at a fancy restaurant where eating a crabcake isn’t as comfortable because you’re in cloths you wear once or twice a year. And the waiter says you can get one crabcake if preferred in for the crabcake dinner and it takes all your strength not to get up and slap him silly and say “do I look like someone who eats only one crabcake, do I?”

The Wonderful thing about THE Best Crabcake is that they can be found in so many places. Part of that is personal preferences of the consumer. Some like fried, others broiled. Some like a little moist and some a bit dry. Some get mad at any filler to speak of, some prefer a plumper cake like. Some have to have a HUGE crabcake and others the more traditional size.

Some crabcakes just taste better looking out over the waters of the bay. Some are best with that lump backfin you brought home from the beach to make your “SPECIAL” crabcakes for your better half. Some are best while sitting on wooden tables and benches at some local joint that is a hidden secret. Some of course can be found in your finer dining establishments but are never as fun to eat there because I don’t feel comfortable uttering even in a low voice “this is the best F’ing crabcake in the world” so those places will never get my number one vote.

I’m going to enlist a few friends also in this adventure. I will make note at the time of year and as much positive things I can find to say about them. I’ll also be adding evaluations of Cream of Crab soup which is a long time favorite of mine and anything else they throw in. Please NOTE. these friends are “Professionals” Lifelong Maryland residents and some raised crabbing on the bay at their parents home. The kind of place you walked into that had multiple steamer pots, BIG ones. Multiple cages for caught crabs tied to their docs. They know Crabs. Ah the old days.

For those of you not from the Maryland/Virginia area, Old Bay is a seasoning that we love to put on crabs and other seafood dishes.
Photo by Mike Hartley

So I’ll provide a review as I eat through the state this year and do a wrap in the end. Don’t hesitate to suggest a spot.

Random Thoughts of the Day 

There are few better feelings, then when the weekend starts. Except all the feelings your having going through the weekend.

A lot of things seem to be missing heart.

Some decisions make sense over time.

Go Terps – back on track after last nights victory.

I was just regaling some friends with my strange diet. I can eat anything at anytime day or night and I usually do. Comes from decades of fluctuating schedules and shifts. So to me, there is no too early or too late for any meal. There are no boundaries. If you can imagine it, I’ve had it at any meal. That is what happens with shift work. And by shift work I mean anything other that the Monday-Friday 9-5 with a few hours either way.

Just Deserts
Photo by Mike Hartley

Shift work is brutal. You have to develop a mindset that it doesn’t matter and do your best to participate with the 9-5 world. I’ve worked about every shift there is in addition to that normal day gig. I’ve worked shifts with weekends, I’ve worked shifts that include any holiday that lands on your work day. I’ve worked shifts from mid afternoon to midnight. I’ve worked shifts from late afternoon to late evening. That is the worst one for the drive home. Yeah the streets at 2 – 4 am are nice and clear. Of everything but drunks that is, or people looking for easy targets. Not just animals are dangerous at night.

Key Lime Pie
Photo by Mike Hartley

I think those who have to do the rotating shifts of a few weeks or months at days, then mid evenings and then overnight must take a horrible toll. Those are the ones I suspect cause the most damage. Then it’s that late night overnight shift that is probably a close second to damage to body and mind. The kind where the sun is coming up as your shift ends. And then on the days off you flip back to a day scheduled because that is when all your friends and family are up normally.

I’ve been on shifts that are 10 hrs scheduled. A few of those have been lucky enough to be 4 night weeks. That is actually like working part-time because most of my life its been 10-12 hr days 5-7 days a week. I guess that is a curse of working around inspired and dedicated people, it has its perks and penalties.

But back to food. Unless you worked those weird shifts you wouldn’t think about getting up and grilling a steak at 3am or a pepperoni and sausage pizza at 6am or a seafood pasta at 9am. Or maybe waffles at 4pm. Doesn’t matter. I still love it all. But its hard to eat correctly. It really takes some discipline. And if I’m honest I lack in that area so I end up not eating right. Ah, to hell with it, bring me another slice of PIE.

I liked the passion that Chester Bennington sang with. Reminded me of the first time I heard Roger Daltrey scream. May Chester rest in peace. It troubles me that so many don’t have friends or family that can step in, during times of crisis. Yes I’m sure there are cases when everyone has done everything and more that could be done, that end tragically, but a majority I think could be stopped.

Its incumbent on all of us to try to make this a better place for all of us. Do something simple each day for someone. Maybe a complete stranger. An act of kindness or friendship. Depression and suicidal thoughts can be turned around. I’m living proof of that. But there are so many, that those thoughts win out. It’s not like people think like that all the time. Sometimes its a series of events leading to a downward spiral, that can be reset by a good action or interaction in between. Try to be that person or friend or loved one.

I’m far from perfect in this effort. At times in my life I’ve been told how important it has been for my help along the way. At other times I know I should have said or done more.

Never underestimate the power of a smile or simple greeting.  Call someone who is alone. Write friends you can’t see. Say hello to a homeless person. Just be compassionate.

Well we have another month or so that the grills will be active. Or group has been known to grill year round but not as often as we age gracefully. Now while this meal might not look that healthy, we always have veggies and salads with these slabs of meat. Think I’ll do some chicken later today. These steaks below were done by my best friends, both grill masters.

Nice 1 1/2 ” steaks from the Laurel Meat Market.
Photo by Mike Hartley

So let’s get this coming week off to a smoke’n start. I’m ready mentally. Feeling better physically also. The last few days were a struggle at times but I’ll take a fresh start.

The Weber is an all season appliance.
Photo by Mike Hartley

• Now I know why they put the election so close to the holidays. So we can get back to practicing getting along together again.
• This weeks weather is like a shot of positive mental health.
• So is the weekend here yet?
• I miss watching my grand dog.
• I have the best better half in the world.