My Town Friday Shoot Out - Street Food

“I doubt whether the world holds for any one a more soul-stirring surprise than the first adventure with ice cream” ~ Heywood C. Broun, American Writer (1888-1939)



OK. So I only have one photo. But once again, I made the deadline.

There is nothing like enjoying an ice cream on a hot afternoon. I captured this lady sitting on the dock after she bought an ice cream from the Ice Cream Gallery around the corner. I have lots of street food photos but they are locked up in my replacement Dell - the fans are not even running now. Another "new" Dell is on the way!

______________________________

And while I was at the docks this afternoon, I captured these people coming in from Smith Island on the Twister. The Twister is docked at Somers Cove Marina. I'm thinking there must be some street food somewhere on there - perhaps a crab cake doggie bag?

Little Helper

I could not resist posting this cute little cowboy dude helping out at the Somerset County Fair where members of the 4-H Club were showing off their animals.

For more photos visit the Daily Times or the Somerset Herald (see side bar).

The following was found in the Ohio 4-H Newsletter from Ashland County "Clover Courier", June 1992 (source anonymous). It was suggested
that this special story be shared with 4-H groups as they do their program evaluations:

4-H Leader's Creed

I BELIEVE:

...The 4-H member is more important than the 4-H project.

...Learning how to do the project is more important then the project itself.

...4-H'ers should be their own best exhibits.

...No award is worth sacrificing the reputation of a member or a leader.

...Competition should be given no more emphasis than other fundamentals of 4-H work.

...Enthusiasm is caught, not taught.

...To learn by doing is fundamental in any sound educational program and is characteristic of the 4-H
program.

...Generally speaking, there is more than one good way to do most things.

...Every 4-H member needs to be noticed, to feel important, to win and be praised (leaders, too).

...Our job as leader is to teach 4-H members How to think, not What to think.

Congratulations to all those who participated, to their parents, and to their leaders. At last year's fair, an older gentleman told me that if more kids got involved in 4-H programs there would be fewer troubled youths today. I agree 100%. Give kids something to be proud about and they will succeed in life.

A Thank You for a Thank You

“Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light.” ~ Albert Schweitzer


I was covering the Miss Somerset County Fair Pageant. Hunched down on the floor so as not to obstruct anyone’s view, they announced they were going to recognize some special people. A few people’s names were called and they went up on stage to receive their roses. Then they called my name. I was completely oblivious as I waited for the person to make their way to the stage so I could take their photo. When I realized everyone was looking at me, I was in a momentary shock. A newspaper photographer being recognized at a non-newspaper event and getting roses? We live with the truth that we have a thankless job. We get small awards and certificates from newspapers, and a few thanks from people who enjoy our work, but mostly, we sit by snapping photos of other people getting awards and thanks for things they do. Hey, that's part of our job!

Luckily my husband was with me, taking names – he does a great job – and ran over from across the aisle to take my photo with the outgoing Little Miss Somerset County Fair Queen, a beautiful little girl I had photographed many times over the past year.

It may seem like a small thing to you, but to me it was like receiving the Academy Award of photography – if there was such a thing. And if there was, here is my speech:

"I don't know what to say. Thank you, Lynne Johnson and Jennifer Clayton, Little Miss Somerset County 2008 Madison Clayton. And I also want to thank the wonderful people of Somerset County and Crisfield. You are all special."

Here I am sans makeup (after a hard day) with the outgoing Little Miss Somerset County Fair Queen Madison Clayton. Normally, I would not post a photo of me looking like this but...
This is a photo I took of Madison Clayton last year when she was performing in the talent competition.
And here are two of the ladies who worked hard on the Little Miss and Mr. Somerset County Fair Queen and King and the Miss Somerset County Fair Queen pageants: Lynne Johnson, left, and Jennifer Clayton.

For photos of both pageant go to the Daily Times web site (see side bar) and look for the photo gallery.

Oh, and those beautiful roses - I would like to share them with newspaper photographers everywhere.

Crisfield "My Town" Shoot Out - Reflections

“Time goes by so fast, people go in and out of your life. You must never miss the opportunity to tell these people how much they mean to you.”

For the past two weeks I have said I would not be able to participate in the shoot outs due to time, or lack of time. Then I start to feel guilty. I also don't want to break my 100% record of participation, not to mention the fact that I miss everyone and don't want to let anyone down. I am kind of funny about being dependable. It can be a cruse.

Last week, I came up with something at the last minute. The same goes for this week. Last minute, but it is still Friday.

Not much. And the first two photos are Deal Island - but still in our county. When you visit, and I hope you will, you need to take some side tours around the area. Little gems are hidden like Easter eggs all over our county. I consider Crisfield the Golden Egg or the Hope diamond, however you wish to look at it.

I am still having computer problems, so thank goodness for things stored in a laptop. Dell has promised to send me a new computer this time - not a refurbished one like the last one that lasted about 24 hours.

Hope everyone is doing OK. I miss all my blogging friends and think about all of you. I especially pray for Barry and wish him a full recovery.

Thanks for all your emails. And thanks to Gordon, ChefE, and GingerV who are picking up my slack. Between working for the paper and trying to keep the name of our beautiful town out there in the Blogosphere I have been very busy. The next few weeks and the winding down of of summer will leave me with even less time. But fall will give me some relief (won't it, boss?)and I can spend more time on both blogging and friendship. I treasure all of my friends, old and new - the ones I have known a lifetime, the ones I left back in Georgia, the ones I have met in in Maryland, and the ones I have never met.

Each of my blogger friends has a special gift that I cherish. Joanne keeps my mind sharp, Willow always has gourmet mind-treats, Jen and Dan amaze me with their photography, Debby keeps me laughing, Elizabeth makes my mouth water with her mouth-watering foods, Gordon amazes me with his organizational skills and frustrates me with his puzzles, Butler and Bagman - well there is always a surprise waiting there, GingerV makes me want to take up residence in her guest house in Brazil, J9 is one hopping gal, Barry gives me strength, Elaine and Gray know how to entertain (beautiful photography, too Elaine) - I could go on - I have 97 followers, and I wish I could visit each of you every day. From A to Z, that would be Ann to Zaroga, thanks to all of you who have added to my life.

To people who think that blogging is a waste of time, I say, it can be time consuming but it allows us all to reach out to others around the world. And our little Friday shootouts allow us to get a glimpse into those worlds.

Blogging can enrich our lives, educate us, make us laugh (we all need that), and introduce us to new friends. So to all my "in-person" friends and my blogging friends, let me say that you are all special and unique in your own wonderful ways, and you are loved.





The old standby reflection photo. Sorry. It's all I have today. That's me taking a photo on my last "fun" day, which seems like years ago. I need a long vacation.

Terrapin Sands Music Festival at the American Legion Post 16 in Crisfield

You will have to go to the Daily Times site (see side bar) to see the photos I took at the festival. But here is a sneak preview just to show you what you missed. Make your plans now to join us next year!

We are a friendly bunch of folks around here. Ya'll Come anytime!

Nothing like a festival on the bay. The Crisfield American Legion has a million dollar view. And they know how to put on a party for any occasion.

Someone always wants to use my camera to take my photo. Terry, you want my job? Considering the subject, you did a super job.

This guy wants to know why you are not there enjoying the fun. Next year. OK? Be sure and take home a t-shirt.

The American Legion has boat docking facilities. The building behind the pontoon is McCready Hospital. If I ever need a hospital, take me there! The view alone will cheer you up. And see those steel girders going up behind the hospital? That will be our new Alice B. Tawes Nursing Home.

Life doesn't get any better than this, folks.

Bay Cruise on the Steven Thomas, Part 1

There's a party going on right here...

This party was aboard the Steven Thomas. As almost everyone in Maryland knows, we had our big clambake on Wednesday. It was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Some 5,000 people were served all-you-eat seafood with all the trimmings in less than five hours, and it was all done by volunteers who were offered a ride on the Steven Thomas for a price a lot of us could not afford to pass up. Besides, after working that hard, everyone deserved a night out. I, of course, was running around trying to take photos for the newspaper of all those people cooking and eating. But my husband volunteered his time at the gate.

I almost didn't go on the cruise. I was tired. But then I thought I could use a break. Should I take a camera? If I did, I would feel obligated to share them with the newspaper (that would mean I would have to work). No. I would not go. But at the last minute, after rushing an assignment to the newspaper via email, I decided I would go. I took my camera, had a few beers, and enjoyed the evening. I even passed my camera around to a few people who enjoyed playing with it.

Since this was an organized event, there are people on the boat who were not volunteers. Some aren't even from Crisfield. They came for the fun, music, and to enjoy the beauty of the bay. By the time the cruise was over everyone knew each other. That is the way it is in Crisfield. It is easy to meet new friends. After all, Crisfield knows how to throw a party!

In the meantime, if you are headed to Crisfield check out the Steven Thomas web site and book your tour or individual trip.













Above, that's me in the center. It is nice having someone else do all the work.



Above, the handsome dude in the middle is Flea. I have known him for about 2 years and I don't even know his real name. Around here, people have nicknames. Flea keeps the parties kicking with a great mix of music. He also host our annual boat docking contest. Thanks Flea, for a lot of jobs well done. BTW: Nature Boy nicknamed me Hot Lips. Not sure why, but not having a nickname around here is like not belonging.





Hot Lips and Shag. Who took that photo? Pretty good job. As everyone knows, I never eat or drink  when I am on an assignment. It was nice to be able to be a regular person for a change.





Captain Steven Thomas keeping an eye out for crab pots and sea monsters.





















Looks like the sun is going down on both this little cruise and my day. I may post some night cruise photos tomorrow if I have time. In the meantime, if you don't see your photo here and would like a copy just shoot me an email and I will be happy to email you a copy. Stayed tuned for "Bay Crusie Part 2." Or not.

Crisfield knows how to celebrate!


Celebrate good times
come on ! - Let's celebrate
-
Celebrate good times
come on ! - Let's celebrate
-
There's a party going on right here

a celebration to last throughout the years.
So bring your good times and your laughter
too

we're gonna celebrate your party with you !

Come on now
- celebration
-
let's all celebrate and have a good time

- celebration
- we go celebrate and have a good time.

It's time to come together
it's up to you
watch your pleasure

everyone around the world
come on
it's a celebration.
Celebrate good times
come on
it's a celebration

celebrate good times
come on
let's celebrate !

We're gonna have a good time tonight
let's celebrate
it's alright

we're gonna have a good time tonight
let's celebrate
it's alright

baby
we're gonna have a good time tonight

let's celebrate
it's alright

we're gonna have a good time tonight
let's celebrate
it's alright.

Celebrate good times
come on
let's celebrate

celebrate good times
come on
it's a celebration.
Celebrate good times
come on
let's celebrate

celebrate good times
come on
it's a celebration.

Come on and celebrate - tonight
'cause everything's gonna be
alright.
Let's celebrate
celebrate good times
come on

let's celebrate
celebrate good times
come on!

Olde Crisfield Crab & Steakhouse Update

Click here for 2010 photos.

I have a lot of people visit this blog looking for info about the Olde Crisfield Crab & Steakhouse. I also hear a few grumblings about why it is taking so long to transform the old Side Street crab restaurant and tiki bar into the Olde Crisfield Crab & Steakhouse. Because good things take time.

Let's put it this way: if you were baking a cake from a box you could have it done in less than hour. However, if you were baking an 8 layer wedding cake from scratch, and adding all the fancy decorations, well...you get the idea.

Is there a time line? Yes. When it is ready. And that is good enough for me.

I got a peak at some of the work going on today and the owner was nice enough to let me photograph some of the tables. Wow! Take a peak. And remember, each table is being hand done by an artist flown all the way in from Florida. He is also painting walls and stools, and probably anything else that can't run away from him - this is not going to be a restaurant - it is going to be another Universe. And soon, you will be invited. So be patient, and keep your little faces scrubbed and your hair combed and be ready to be awed.

And the food? It is going to be out of this world. The owner knows how to please both your eyes and your stomachs. Oh, and I saw a lobster tank today.



Click this photo to be "wowed!"

These bar stools were made by hand and will all be hand painted like the ones you see.

And here is a photo of artist Johnny Castleseed. Johnny, if you have any extra paint left over, I could use a mural on my wall before you head back to Florida.

Friday "My Town" Shoot Out - Yard Art

As many of you know, I had planned on skipping this week's shoot out because of my schedule. As I was headed to an assignment this morning, and feeling bad about not participating (since I was one of the founders), I stopped in front of neighbor's yard and shot his cool collection of rock art and his Uncle Sam.

Crisfield is full of wonderful yard art. I mean, how hard can it be to drive around and few a shoot photos of people's yards? If you only knew my schedule.

Sorry I dropped the ball on this one - but I did participate! And our shoot outs are more about participation than putting up a bunch of photos. So I am still a "100 Percenter", meaning I have never missed a shoot out, and I have always posted on Fridays!






Thanks to Tommy Shore for his "Yard Art." BTW, Tommy always decorates his house for every holiday, be it St. Patty's Day, Easter, or Christmas. It is always a pleasure to drive by his house.

Below is Tommy volunteering his time at our recent J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake. Tommy is one of the many people who volunteer their time at events throughout the year. He also plays the organ at his church.

Tommy, why aren't you smiling? I only had time for one shot. Oh, I see. You are are trying to get to that bag of clams. Never interrupt a man trying to eat, especially when he is eating Eastern Shore food.




Oh, anyone looking for clambake photos needs to go to the Daily Times web site and look in the photo gallery.

It was a hoot! Kudos to the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce and to everyone who helped make the clambake a roaring success. Over 5,000 people were served all-you-can-eat seafood with all the trimmings and all the beer you could drink - in 4 1/2 hours! That has to be some kind of world record. And I promise, no one went home hungry.

Call the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce (see sidebar) to make your plans for next year. And maybe I will take your photograph!