Bi-Valves - They are tricky !

Oysters - Holy Cow !!!! Who exactly was the first one to say " Hey >>>> lets open that thing up. At the risk of cutting off a finger. Then slide its slippery, salty, slimy self to the back of our throat and swallow it whole." ( or some may chew a bit) Ever who done did do that the first time…. I must say…. Thank you very much ! It’s a bivalve, it’s a mollusk, it's a gift from God. Its world's filteration unit. As a bartender in many establishments where raw was right, I had the opportunity to see in person the first taste of many a bivalve virgin. The reaction varied from disgust and a quick run to the bathroom to the reflective "Hmmmm… and that was pretty good." Those who did not fight back may very well become eventual fans. Ok lets ID the perp first - a bivalve.The bivalves are marine and freshwater mollusks that have a laterally compressed body enclosed by a shell in two hinged parts. These tasty morsels includes the clams,oysters,mussels,scallopsand numerous other families. All true loves of mine… Like a Beatles song, I love them here there and everywhere. Or is that Doctor Seuss ? I will not expound upon the amazing scientific make up of these creatures. The spawning, the hermaphroditism, the excretory system, the fact that these organisms are the bottom feeding filtration system of the earth's waters. And they taste great ! I just want to talk about eating them. I pen this as I sit in a place called The Half Shell in Memphis Tn. This is the second location for the Half Shell, I have been to both and I go for the oysters. They pride themselves on serving oysters exclusively from the Gulf Coast. Normally I would usually just get a dozen raw ( on the Halfshell ) but here they Grill'Em &Stuff'Em & Bake'Em ! Grilled is simple- Parmesan Cheese & Butter They also serve Oysters Rockefeller flavored usually with an anise liquor (Pernod), Spinach and CheeseAnd Oysters Bienville -topped with shrimp sautéed in a rich reduction also topped with cheese.These fancy productions truly make the most of our calcium rich friends. I have loads more to say on this subject because I feel so obliged. But I will keep it short and sweet ( or briny ). Here is the way to sample your first oyster. Drink….. One or Two…. whatever is your usual. ( maybe 12). Try one….Plain ! if you don’t like it then drink more, and try another. Try these at home…. so if you really can't do it you are safe. Try grilled… raw….. smoked ( yuuuup !). Give the poor lowly filter of the oceans a shot. I heard a story while recently tending bar at a newly opened Raw Bar in the area. The guy says he made a couple of grand as a boat captain in the Chesapeake by relocating and then re-catching some " other than Chesapeake Oysters". He told of some businessmen who paid to have these shelleys flown in and wanted them planted in the bay for a few days. They say 4 days in any sustainable water will give the oyster the flavor and salinity on that specific region. At the time Chesapeake Oysters were the top of the food chain. Wars were fought over the farming of these marvelous little gnarly bundles of wonder. Many a diver has risked and sometimes lost their life while seeking the pearl. The Immortal Shakespeare told of the interaction of Falstaff and Pistol, in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Falstaff: I will not lend thee a penny.Pistol: Why then the world's mine oyster, Which I with sword will open.Falstaff: Not a penny. I am really not sure what is going on… but I bet one of these dudes evertually don't get to slurp some oysters with the Windsor Wives. That is what I am thinking…. I am doing some research on the myths and legend of my affliction. Months with "r's" in them and oysters only grown on the North side of trees and such. Stay posted and we will continue out dialogue. regarding this amazing freak of nature. Thanks LUVPEACE&HAIRGREASE Til' next time No Mad ........................ just happy

They have rolled away the stone.

Well 2940 page views and that’s without any fresh written action in a year. I must say somebody must like me ! I really hope it's not the same lonely dude sitting in a room somewhere with nothing better to do than hit on my blog over and over
again. ( UD is that you ? )
It’s the year 2012. I have to ask where exactly did the years go? Specifically 1987 and 1988? I seem to have
lost some of the details associated with those years. Granted I was single and working full time as a bartender in
lower Manhattan. Living with two quirky roommates a block off the beach in Rockaway. The money was great. The
fringes were better. I will not expound, my children may read this someday.
I have gone through some drastic transitions
this past year. I have grown and morphed, I have loved and learned, hurt and
healed, laughed and cried. I have again changed up on the day job. I have the best job in the world !
Better …. stronger ….. faster …. we can rebuild
him. And we have. Or we soon will.

I have quite recently put my arms around two of the most amazing people I have ever met in my life. These two people have more love to give and more things to share than anyone of us could imagine. The female is a bundle of electricity, determined, stubborn, confident, fast, furious, hungry and ready to pounce at any moment, like a small agile jungle cat.
This tiny human possesses the emotional strength and self-righteousness of Hillary Clinton combined with the studiousness of a young Charles Darwin,multiplied by the whimsy of a tiny Doctor Seuss. She examines and studies, pokes and prods and tastes things like the world depends on it.(and it does) She looks at you like she has all the answers. If God forbid you look away for a second, when you look back you become convinced that she does. (have the answers that is). She has her mother's beauty her father's patience. (sometimes).
She was named after a Saint and a State. She is heavenly and grounded at the same time.
The male is something altogether different. This one reminds me of the uncle. The tall lanky uncle. The people used to talk
about the uncle. They would say he was an "old soul". They would say he knew things innately that was not possible for his age.
This new small male also has these special powers. The power of the ages, the happiness of a thousand laughs, the curiousness of cat pawing at something just out of reach. His physical strength is also something highly unusual. For his age he clutches and grabs like someone twice his size. Left on his own he makes his
way across real estate that would normally require a passport. The eyes reflect an understanding and a recognition that you feel could not be possible from such a young person. Then you catch a sparkle of comprehension that makes you realize…. this boy is blessed.
These two have come to back home to spend some time. it is with great pleasure to have them here under my roof. I will watch them grow. I will love them. I will teach them, and they will teach me.

I Thank You Lord For These Blessings You Have Bestowed Upon Our Home. I ask only that you keep us all safe, healthy and free from harm's way.
Welcome Home to my Son - His Wife and my two beautiful grandchildren. Liam Walter and Clare Dakota.

More about food the next time around.

Thanks for following.... DS AKA TFN