Quack Quack from Crisfield

"Yes, ducks are valiant things
On nests of twigs and straws,
And ducks are soothy things
And lovely on the lake
When that the sunlight draws
Thereon their pictures dim
In colours cool.
And when beneath the pool
They dabble, and when they swim
And make their rippling rings,
0 ducks are beautiful things!
But ducks are comical things:-
As comical as you.
Quack!
They waddle round, they do.
They eat all sorts of things,
And then they quack.
By barn and stable and stack
They wander at their will,
But if you go too near
They look at you through black
Small topaz-tinted eyes
And wish you ill.
Triangular and clear
They leave their curious track
In mud at the water's edge,
And there amid the sedge
And slime they gobble and peer
Saying 'Quack! quack!"
~ FW Harvey

Shop Crisfield!

"Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping." ~ Bo Derek


In a Christmas shopping dizzy? Not to worry. Come on down to Crisfield or shop with us online. We have some great little shops that offer everything from antiques to homemade candy.

The lovely ladies in this photos are offering up some fun gifts for the seafood lover on your list. They also have a variety of books written by local authors. Check out the Tawes Museum site for ordering info.

If you are in the area think about a side trip to Crisfield and take home a little piece of the Eastern Shore.

Dates to remember:

Shop Local Day. MacTavish's Market is returning - December 5.

Breakfast with Santa at the Crisfield Ambulance Squad - December 12.

Christmas Parade - December 12, 6:00pm (the Chamber is looking for a convertible to use in the parade).

Holiday Home Tour - December 13.

"Buying something on sale is a very special feeling. In fact, the less I pay for something, the more it is worth to me. I have a dress that I paid so little for that I am afraid to wear it. I could spill something on it, and then how would I replace it for that amount of money?" ~Rita Rudner

Happy Thanksgiving

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

I was going to go into the whole spill of what I am thankful for this Thanksgiving, but I think, except for the few choice gems we can each add to the list, our lists are pretty much the same. We are all happy for our health, our family, our friends, our pets, and for just being alive. The gem I would like to add to my list to make it special is exemplified in the below photo.

I am sure Butler would agree that we should get a little sentimental at the holidays and Bagman would humbug that. I am kind of in between Butler and Bagman. But I am right on with Kennedy.I think we should live our words. Even more, our hearts.

Over the years, I have been an observer of people and life; I can pretty much tell when people are good from the inside out and not just on the outside. I am not sure if it was a given-gift or a learned gift, but it is nevertheless a gift I am thankful for. I am also thankful that I can use my talents to share happy moments like this with the world.

What is your gem?

I captured this happy couple coming out of a restaurant while I was running errands. Yes, the hat caught my eye, but they both seemed to have songs in their hearts. They made me smile. I had to run back to the car and grab a camera. I hope they make you smile. No, I did not know them.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Watermen on the Crisfield City Dock

“Where there is perhaps a province in which the photograph can tell us nothing more than what we see with our own eyes, there is another in which it proves to us how little our eyes permit us to see.” ~ Dorthea Lange

I am just getting around to posting this photo I took late last week while on the run. I didn't have time to find out what they were doing but they were certainly engaged in something.

Bike Ride

We have a law in Maryland that says you can't text while driving. No one said anything about taking photos while driving. I was coming up on this guy while heading to an assignment and grabbed the first camera I could get my hands on. No time to look at the settings. I just crossed my fingers. It worked.

This biker is enjoying a beautiful spring-like day as he passes by Eddie Heath's Crab Pots. Every crabber in the world must be using his crab pots. He is busy all year long.

Thanks Eddie, for all you give back to the community. Eddie is a big supporter of our town and we all appreciate what he does.

Thanks to the unknown biker and the camera gods who made this photo possible, although I wish I had caught up with the biker a few feet back in order to show more of the colorful wire.

American Education Week in Crisfield

“Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand.” ~ Chinese Proverbs

I would like to share a photo I took today at Woodson Elementary School where I was covering American Education Week. You will have to wait and see the rest of the photos in the newspaper and on their web site - just look for the photo gallery.

Over the past 2 years I have covered many events at schools around the county. I am really proud of our education system, and of the teachers who work so hard to prepare our children to go out into the world. We have some really, really, really wonderful teachers. I know. I know. Some English teacher is probably reading this, wanting to scold me for that last sentence. But I can't emphasize enough how much I appreciate our teachers.

Fern, a teacher at Somerset Intermediate School, took time off from teaching to visit Woodson during grandparent's day, part of American Education Week. In this photo she is shopping at the school's book fair with her granddaughter. This photo reminds me of the wonderful times spent shopping with my grandmother.

Oh, a little on American Education Week: the first one took place in 1921, the brainchild of the National Education Association and the American Legion. A census found that 25% of World War 1 soldiers were illiterate and 9% were physically unfit. We've come a long way, baby.

“The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.” ~ Kahlil Gibran

Peek-A-Boo...

“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” ~ Albert Einstein

I don't think Einstein ever worked for a newspaper.

Thanks again for all your emails and your continued support. Yes. I am still alive. I have been posting on the blog using the scheduler, but it is becoming increasingly hard for me to find time to even think about tomorrow.

I chose this photo from my files because I wish I were like these pigeons, having nothing to do put perch, eat, and coo.



As many of you know, my main purpose for starting and keeping this blog is to show off Crisfield. Since I have dropped out of the "My Town" shootout, at least for now, I don't get as many comments, but my site meter shows that I have many dedicated followers from all over Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and D.C. - even New York and New Jersey. I don't know who you are, but I appreciate your returning each day to see what is happening in our little town. Evidently, a lot of people like to follow the good things about Crisfield. With so much negativity in the world, I think people come here for a little peace of mind.

I hope to keep providing you with Crisfield photos. If I miss a day or two, don't worry. I will be back.

Captain Daddy Art Daniels

The caption was a little difficult for me to write. Around here, we call him Daddy Art.

Daddy Art lives on Deal Island where he was born and raised. Actually, he lives in Wenona, but I seem to have a habit of calling both Chance and Wenona Deal Island.

I recently took these photos of Daddy Art getting his skipjack ready for oyster season. This is his 58th year on one of the most famous skipjacks around (and there are only a handful left).

The City of Crisfield skipjack, so named because Daddy Art bought it 58 years ago in Crisfield, is a amazing boat captained by an equally amazing man. Daddy Art, who has been working the waters for most of his eighty-something years has won the Deal Island Skipjack race on numerous occasions.

In the photos, Daddy Art is making repairs on the skipjack. By now, I am sure he has brought in loads of oysters. Depending on where you live, you might have already had some of Daddy Art's oysters.

Daddy Art is up everyday getting ready to work the waters before most of us go to bed. I wish I had his energy.

Walking the Dog

“Adventure is worthwhile.” ~ Aristotle




So many visitors to our little town. I know why they love it.

I snapped this photo from a moving car. No, officer, I was not driving.

I did not have time to stop to chat but I know they were headed back to the cruise boat that had docked for the day. I hope they had a good time and that they come back soon.

How about you? Have you planned your next adventure? Think Crisfield!

A Walk on the Crisfield City Dock

I recently captured this happy couple taking a stroll on the Crisfield city dock. Imagine my surprise when I found out they were from Georgia, living about 40 minutes from where we lived before we moved to Maryland.

They were just passing through, on their way to some place I don't remember.

I have met a lot of nice people on the dock who were passing through. They love to take in the beauty of the bay even on rainy and cold days.

Why don't you plan a stop in Crisfield?

BTW, plans are in the works for a new dock with a new look. Stay tuned.

Thanks to the Students at Somerset Intermediate School and Crisfield High School JROTC

“In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.” ~ Flora Edwards


Yesterday, 6th and 7th grade students from Somerset Intermediate School served breakfast to veterans at the Crisfield Elks Lodge. Students were chosen from essays they had written.

After serving breakfast, students got to eat breakfast and chat with veterans who served from D-Day to the present day war. What an honor.

Thank you, students. You did a wonderful job. And thanks to teacher Cindy Taylor, shown right in the photo.

Also taking part in the veteran's breakfast, the Crisfield JROTC: Thank you. You did a great job on the presentation of the colors.

And while I am on this honored day, here is a photo I took of the volunteers who drive the DAV passenger van, helping vets get to appointments as far away as Baltimore. If you live in the area and would like to help, send me an email and I will put you in touch with them.



Oh, a big thanks to the Crisfield Elks Lodge for providing the food and to the volunteers who did the cooking. It takes a village...

"I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live." ~ George Bernard Shaw

From the young to the old, I think the people of Crisfield understand the above quote perfectly.



Remember to thank a vet whenever you see one. Don't wait for Veteran's Day.

Thank You, Veterans.

“We can't all be heroes, because somebody has to sit on the curb and applaud when they go by.” ~ Will Rogers

My husband is a Vietnam veteran. He served as a USMC helicopter door gunner 1966-67, stationed at Marble Mountain and Dong Ha. He flew over 98 combat missions in Vietnam. He received the Purple Heart and is a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He is my number one hero.




But all vets are my heroes. I go out of my way to thank any vet who I see wearing a cap or jacket that identifies him/her as one of the brave who fought for our freedoms. We can never thank them enough.

I know that more vets than usual will be wearing their hats today so please thank them. And take a moment to welcome Vietnam vets home. You would be surprised at how many Vietnam vets have still never heard those words.

We should applaud our vets whenever and wherever we see them, not just on Veteran's Day.

And here are few local veterans who served for our freedoms.


















This is just a scattering of those who have served in our area. We have many locals in Iraq and Afghanistan at this very moment. Our thoughts are with you and all who serve with you.

Thank you, everyone. The words sound so small for all that you do and all that you have done. Know this. You are not, nor will you ever be, forgotten.

_________________________________

I would like to take this opportunity to say Happy Veteran's Day to Col. Ben Purcell USA (Ret.), our good friend in Georgia. He was the highest ranking Army officer to be held as a POW in Vietnam; being held for more than five years (he was released in 1973). In his five years (1874 days) of captivity, he was moved through three camps, escaped twice, was held in solitary for 58 months, and endured starvation and torture.

Ben has been speaking to organizations about his experiences for many years. He has made several trips back to Vietnam over the years and continues to be active with veteran's groups. He and his wife own a Christmas tree farm. Ben never misses watching the sun set.

Col. Purcell taking his first ride on a Huey since he was shot down in Vietnam. I took this photo during the filming of the documentary "In The Shadow of the Blade"; this part being filmed at our home in Georgia (my husband is on the other side ready for liftoff).

During the filming, Col. Purcell moved us all with his speech and a showing of the things he had brought out of the last camp. If you want some amazing reading check out "Love & Duty", by Ben and Anne Purcell at Amazon. Anne is a wonderful person. For five years, she never knew if Ben was alive or dead, but she fought the fight everyday, never giving up. With five small children at home, Anne was a founding member of the National League of Families, traveling later to Paris to meet with the
North Vietnamese.

Also, check out the DVD and watch it with your family. This educational film has been shown at many schools, universities, churches, and organizations around the country. If anyone would like to show it in this area please send me an email. I highly recommend it, not because my husband is in it, but because it is something that everyone needs to see.

BTW, the Huey used in the video (everyone calls her Huey 091 for her tail number) can be seen at the Price of Freedom Exhibit at the National Museum of American History in D.C.

Welcome Home and Thank You. No. I can't say it enough.

"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude." ~ Cynthia Ozick

Oysters, Anyone?

I know. I know. I am always tempting you with crabs. But now it is oyster season. These freshly plucked jewels might just be heading your way.

In Memory of a Dixie Outlaws Band Member

“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”



I received an email from Randi of the Dixie Outlaws Band. Randi was born and raised in Crisfield. This summer, I took photos of the band playing at an event.

I have photographed the band at other events around the area. They are very good; and they remind me of of my home-state of Georgia.

In Randi's email, he wanted a photo I had taken of a member who had passed away so it could placed next to the casket at the funeral held at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield.

Jesse Brittingham will be missed. But our loss is Heaven's gain.

"Yippi Kay Yay" - Crisfield People are tons of Fun!

"The more fun you have, the greater your value to yourself and to your society. The more fun you share with others, the more fun you have."

Took photos at the Hoedown ThrowDown at the Crisfield Elks Lodge. The event was sponsored by Crisfield Events.

















We do know how to have fun, and all for good causes. Proceeds from this event went back into our community. The little lady in the last photo is our event coordinator. The handsome guy is her Prince Charming.

If you live in a boring community, why not move to Crisfield? "Fun is where it's at. That's why you have to be there."

Crisfield, Maryland Crabs...

"There is a saying in Baltimore that crabs may be prepared in fifty ways and that all of them are good." ~ H. L. Mencken








Oh, and just to make you even more envious, it was all you could eat and drink.

Thanks, again, Bob. This is Bob.

A big thanks to all those who volunteered their time waiting tables and distributing crabs. We have some wonderful people in Crisfield. In two days, I covered three events where people pitched in to raise funds for good causes. I love Crisfield!

"So if anybody wants to get me something, get me 60 crabs - one for each year. I don't want no diamonds, I don't want no shoes, I don't want no party. I want some crabs." ~ Patti LaBelle

I will be 62 in March. Hint, hint.

Fall Leaves in Crisfield

"Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile."
~ William Cullen Bryant

November 1, already? Gosh, time flies when you are busy. But these two little darlings know nothing about time. They are just enjoying the spirit of the season and getting a head start on learning the value of hard work.



“Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future” ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy