June 16th, 2015
June 16th was National Lobster Day!! I could not find a celebration for Sof Shell Crabs….only that the next National Crab Meat Day is going to be March 9, 2016!!
“Softshells” are my absolute favorites. On the menu? You bet I will order them.
With the first full moon in May…the Blue Crab molting season begins. Shedding might take 2 to 3 hours. The conditions have to be right, like the phases of the moon, water temperature, and other factors only known to Mother Nature.
The crabs will beging their molting process, growing larger and then shedding their hard outer shells. The new crab will be 30% larger (point to point) than the old shell.
If you leave them in the water, the new crab will begin to harden. Pulled from the water, the shell remains soft…..a seasonal delicacy and one of the best tasting crabs ever. When you bite into them, they are juicy and sweet with a very delicate flavor
The best part is that unlike the hard shell crabs, when you have to pick and pick….hammer, drink beer, and keep on picking…which I love, by the way, the soft shell crab can be eaten whole once cleaned of gills.
Easy to cook too. Everyone has a preference. Dusted in flour, fried, maybe tempura style, or my favorite way, sauteed.
Summer heat is really here. Perfect lunch or dinner? Soft-shell crab on salad.
The following seafood markets in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach usually have soft shell crabs. They will clean them for you and even give you ideas on how to cook them if you are not sure. They will steam hard crabs to order….plenty of local fresh fish available, as well.
Lewes Fish House Seafood Market is located at 1796 Coastal Highway in Lewes. Tel. 302-644-0708 Website? http://www.lewesfishhouse.com
Copp’s Seafood is located at Mulberry Knoll Rd. in Lewes. Tel. 302-645-9112
Geyer’s Seafood Market, 18226 Coastal Highway in Lewes. Tel. 302-644-9329. The location is where Jimmy Lynn’s used to be.
Rehoboth Seafood Market is located at 20238 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-3551 Website? http://www.rehobothseafoodmarket.com
Big Fish Grill Seafood Market is located at 20298 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-3665 Website? http://www.bigfishgrillmarket.com
Have a good one!! TTYL
June 15th, 2015
I have been caught in the 4th of July Fireworks Mayhem. Not a scene I want to ever repeat again. Visitors would want to avoid that traffic. The solution? Watch the Rehoboth Beach Fireworks aboard The Cape May-Lewes Ferry on Sunday, July 5th. The rain date will the 6th. The cost of the Fireworks Cruise, which by the way, is new this year, is $30 per person and $15 for children age 12 and under.
The setting of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal is just gorgeous. It looks over to the Breakwater and the historic Lighthouses.
To make a reservation, please call 800-643-3779. Below are additional July 5th Fireworks Cruise details:
 Lewes Terminal Check in begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Lewes Terminal, boarding begins at 7:00 p.m. Departure will be at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Return to Ferry Terminal around 11:00 p.m.
Pets are not permitted on the cruise.
Photo ID will be required by the person picking up the tickets.
Entertainment provided on-board: Glass Onion Band on the Lido deck and DJ Mike Warren inside the salon for family entertainment.
Food and beverage available for purchase.
Coolers and carry-on beverages are not permitted aboard the vessel.
Guests may bring chairs as sitting is limited.
 Rehoboth Beach Fireworks The Rehoboth Beach Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. If you would like to help make Rehoboth Beach Main Street’s 2015 Rehoboth Beach Fireworks a BLAST, please visit http://www.downtownrb.com. The website will have the best info. regarding parking. Would like to make a contribution? All there, as well.
Have a great day!!
June 14th, 2015
Miles of beach, up and down the Delaware Coast, the surfmen were the keepers of our shores. They patrolled the desolate and dangerous beaches, looking for shipwrecks and warning vessels of the imminent dangers along the coastline.
The years were 1876 – 1915.
The Indian River Life Saving Station is located south of Dewey Beach, Delaware, and a mile north of the Indian River Inlet.
Built in 1876, it is the only station in Delaware still standing in its original location.
The U.S. Flag flew over the station and this particular flag has 38 stars and was the official Flag of the U.S. from 1877 – 1890.
Today is Flag Day, dedicated to celebrating the adoption of the American Flag by the Second Continental Congress in 1777.
It is believed Flag Day originated in 1885. More info.? Please visit http://www.usflag.org/flag.day.html.
The Indian River Lifesaving Station has many fun and educational programs throughout the year. When visiting us, here, in Southern Delaware, it is definitely a must stop. More info? Please visit http://www.destateparks.org.
Have a great day!!
June 11th, 2015
In search again for fresh Duck Eggs, I arrived late afternoon to Black Hog Farm, located at 16371 New Rd., Lewes, DE 19958. This farm is located about 7 minutes from Lewes Beach and 20 minutes, depending on the traffic from Rehoboth Beach. Website? http://www.blackhogfarmstead.com.
Back to our roots. Farm to table, is one of the biggest trends in the culinary world today. Less processed foods and more environmentally friendly alternatives. It really is a refreshing trend that I hope gets better and better. It was about time.
As I started to drive into the farm, I saw Helen working away. The temperature was pretty nice yesterday. John, her husband, told me that they get up early and work up until 11 a.m., then, lunch. Maybe, if they feel like it, they will come back out at around 3 or so in the afternoon and continue working.
Black Hog Farm has about 4.19 acres with 60 kinds of vegetables and flowers. The farm uses sustainable growing practices. They have hazelnut trees, fig trees, persimmons, apples, pears, a (sour pie) cherry tree, and some paw-paws. Pawpaw trees, are the largest edible fruit trees native to North America. The fruit is greenish-blackish, 3 to 6 inches long The flesh is pale to bright yellow. Very tropical.
John and Helen Feliciano are the owners. They are passionate about what they do. If you are passionate about what you do, you will never work a day in your life. To know about them, please visit the website.
 
Helen told me that she just had a dozen fresh duck eggs, but she needed to wash them. So, I decided to walk around. There is a refrigerator on the porch…..self service, and honor system. The duck eggs are usually found there, just put your $5/dozen inside the box.
The ducks were out back in the yard at the end of the property.
The moment they saw me they started to get close. Sorry, I was not feeding them. They were pretty vocal.
Helen came out with my eggs. Look how gorgeous they looked.
Casual visits to the farm are preferred on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2 and 5 p.m. You can always call them ahead of time any day and see if you can come by. Tel. 302-236-2437. I, actually, showed up late in the day on Wednesday.
From May to October Black Hog Farmstead offers Open Porch Dinners, from the Farm to the Table. A once a month event. Coming up on Sunday June 28th is the next Sunday dinner. These dinners start at 1 p.m. to stay with the rural tradition of years past.
 
A 4-course Midday Sunday Dinner, featuring everything fresh from the garden. Long table on the porch, family-style. After dinner, tours of the farm will be available so that you can appreciate the veggie beds, fruits and nut orchard….and even visit the ducks. They are already taking reservations for the June dinner. To view the menu please go to the above mentioned website. The dinners are $60/person….BYOB!!
Black Hog Farmstead is also a B & B. In season, rates are 185/night. Once again, please visit the website for more information.
John and Helen are so friendly and always happy and proud to talk about their farm.
In my own house…..the raspberries are ripening, the basil is growing, the mint…a weed, is getting thicker. I was always so proud of my fig tree. After the 2 cold winters we have had, it has been growing from the ground. Miss getting all those 900 plus figs. Oh, well, we will see what it does this year.
It is a beautiful out there…Enjoy it!!
June 9th, 2015
I was waiting for my Venti Cafe Mocha Extra Hot, at Starbucks on Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, when the poster caught my attention. I, usually, do take pictures of posters advertising events here or there. I looked at it for some time, while my daily addiction was being brewed. I posted it on my personal Facebook page….then, one of my friends mentioned about walking it. Another also mentioned the same and added that if we made a team she would join.
As I was walking out of the chiropractor’s office I decided that this would be a good challenge.
June is cancer survivors month. We all have so many people impacted by cancer. The courage of the ones fighting is so impressive. Lifechanging, really.
Cancer Support Community Delaware is located at 18947 John J. Williams Highway (Rt. 24), Suite 312, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Website? http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org. Tel. 302-645-9150.
Their mission is “to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by the community”. It was established in 1982 and all services are provided free of charge. Funds raised in Delaware, stay in Delaware.
I love our team’s name: 16 Miles or BUST
Survivors Across Sussex is a Premier 16 Mile Relay Event. You can decide what you want to do. Either form a team, walk in a relay, walk it yourself or even just donate money to support one of the teams. Hopefully, you will choose ours. This event is open to anyone and everyone who would like to Celebrate Cancer Survivors, Honor someone in the fight, or walk in memory of a loved one.
To register please visit http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org. Click on the Walking Legs. Once the website opens, scroll down to where it says Register Online. There, you can join a team, or register yourself. If joining our team, please type 16 Miles or BUST and the Password is DE Challenge. It is that easy.
On Saturday our team will be early at the Tunnell Cancer Center on Rt. 24 or John J. Williams Highway. The walk begins at 7:30 a.m. but before that, at 7:00 a.m. there will be an Opening Ceremony.
You can walk the whole 16 miles, or just one mile…….remember that 16 Mile Brewery will be waiting for all walkers and visitors for their Cancer Suvivors Rock? Block Party. Live music, food trucks, vendors, and a special and unique beer brewed by 16 Mile!!
The Corvette Club will be in charge of transporting walkers through the 16 miles. Tired at one? Then, meet the rest at the 16 Mile Brewery.
Note: If you have registered for a team you will need to raise a minimum of $500 to stay as a team……please donate to 16 Miles or BUST. You can visit the website above mentioned and go through the steps and halfway down the site there is a way to click and donate to your favorite team…US!!
You can also just click on the website and donate. All you have to do is choose the team. You can call Morgan at 302-645-9150 and she can help you with your donation. Credit cards are accepted.
Our team members are : 3 Debbies, Cindi, Raven, Jamin, Ryan, Gloria (moi), Jessica, and Brenda, so far.
Let’s say you do not want to walk. You just want to party. Very easy. The party is $20 and $10 of your ticket fee will be donated to the Cancer support Community of Sussex County tohelp support family, friends, and neighbors that are going through cancer.
16 Mile Brewery is located at 412 South Bedford St. in Georgetown, Delaware. The party begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. The Cancer Survivors Rock! Block Party will feature live music, food trucks, vendors, and BEER!! There will be Beachcombers Corvette Show, $1 Basketball Shoot Game, $5 Ribbons Pick-em Game, and a Cornhole Tournament that will be taking place at Noon. Shoot….I will be missing that one. I won’t be there until about 1:30 p.m…..walking!
Hope you can join all of us as we challenge ourselves….it will be hot! What better way to celebrate Survivors and those you know who have been touched by cancer?
Note: 2 of our walkers are Survivors!!
June 7th, 2015
There is nothing better than a picnic. Today was a favorite day at Canalfront Park located at 211 Front St. in Historic Lewes, Delaware. It is an annual event. There were over 800 people in attendance. What a fabulous day it was. No humidity, blue skies…just perfect for an outdoor picnic. A time to relax with the community, to forget the news of the day. Picture perfect….not many words are necessary.
When visiting Lewes, please do check the website, http://www.lewescanalfrontpark.org. They are offering so many events and activities; Yoga in the Park, Zumba in the Park, Yoga Summer Solstice on Sunday, 6/21, Cinema by the Canal is starting in July, and Concerts by the Canal are also starting in July. The schedule is on their website. Tel. 302-645-2795.
Lewes is such a picturesque town. The site of the Canalfront Park has been in existence since 1631. It is where long ago the earliest Dutch settlers created their homes and built and launched their ships.
My friend, Cindi, and I were looking forward to this picnic. Last year was the first time we attended and it was just amazing. Lewes’ restaurants were serving their specialties. We were ready.
First things first….stopping at Dogfish Head. They were serving 2 types of beers; one heavier than the other, but both delicious. That’s Cindi!!
A second stop at Agave.
They were serving their Fresh Ceviche which I had and loved…
They also had their Beef Tenderloin Chili….by far this is the best Chili made with beef tenderloin. It was a bit cool today; perfect.
Nectar’s offerings were outstanding. Quinoa Cups, which I had. The super grain was excellent.
 
Chicken Salad Sliders! I think chicken salad is so good for summer, don’t you?
Nectar’s PB & J Meatballs are locals’ favorites.
Nectar is also a Juice Bar….offering, here, at the picnic, Carrot-Apple-Ginger Juice.
From Jerry’s we tried their Shrimp and Crab Deviled Eggs….I liked the shrimp deviled eggs the best.
Visitors coming to the Delaware Beaches love crabcakes….Jerry’s are very popular. For the Picnic in the Park they offered Crabcake Sliders.
From Kindle…Chickpea Salad.
 
And they were also serving Lobster Salad Sandwiches.
Plenty of fun for the Kids…games, balloons, cotton candy.
This llittle boy and this little girl…loved their photos. The girl gave me permission to take her picture. Vey creative balloons!
 
Cotton Candy…..when I was a young child I had a small cotton candy machine. It worked!! So seeing this one at the picnic for the second year in a row…. childhood memories.
 
The Lightship Overvalls always a fixture at Canalfront Park. Lightship Overfalls is one of only 17 remaining Lightships out of 179 built from 1820 – 1952.
In 2011 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. Its birthday is Wednesday, 6/17, and a free event will be taking place. The public is invited from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the ship. Please check http://www.overfalls.org for tours, events and historic fact about this Lightship.
Cindi and I decided to take a spot under one of the tents to enjoy some tastings. I was just telling Cindi that I have been in the area for so many years and for some reason I did not know a single person there…..Oh no…I did, Richard!! He proceeded to take a seat and we continued the conversation.
I almost forgot to mention the DJ. He was so good. He moved around, kept the music and the tempo just right…even announced the raffle winners!!
And something you usually do not see in Lewes…a Blimp!
Not every day is a picnic, but today, celebrating my friend’s birthday…priceless!!
June 7th, 2015
I was only going to Browseabout Books to get a birthday card for my friend, Cindi. I almost did not take my camera, which is unusual, but glad I did. It is an awesome day in Rehoboth Beach. 64 degrees, no humidity, and sunny skies.
 
After the rain event we had this week this is a most welcomed weather. Look how good Downtown Rehoboth Beach looks. Over the years many of the visitors are becoming residents. Low property taxes, no sales tax….you feel like you are on vacation all the time. Pretty nice, right?
The Bandstand is the center of activity during the summer. Plenty of free concerts at the beach.
Even though the town looks a little quiet early in the a.m. that will change quickly. If you get a little thirsty try The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union Fountain, right there at the end of Rehoboth Avenue and facing the Atlantic Ocean. It was constructed in 1929 and in 1977 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
 
Early risers were doing their exercises right on the beach, while others were just marking their places on the sand.
The award winning Boardwalk is looking really good, lined with Rehoboth Beach’s iconic benches.
I hope you have a great day at the DE Beaches. I am planning to. Living at the beach is priceless, and I do not take it for granted.
June 6th, 2015
“The ocean is a central image. It is the symbolism of a great journey.” enya
 
Eleven families, 10 states, 32 children, volunteers…all in all, about 73 people. When they arrived in Bethany Beach, they were complete strangers. In no time they became a united front with a common bond…Breast Cancer.
All women were, presently, being treated for breast cancer. Almost all were in their 40s. One was 60 years old.
Little Pink Houses of Hope provides week long beach retreats for breast cancer families. They have been coming to Bethany Beach for several years, but you can also find them in other parts of the country. Home is North Carolina. The Founder & President is Jeanine Patten-Coble. For more information, please visit http://www.littlepink.org. Find them on Facebook, as well. Once they arrive…everything is free of charge.
Breast cancer does not only affect the person, it impacts the whole family in many ways. To be able to spend a week at the beach, relaxing and rejuvenating is always….priceless!! The outpour of donations from the Delaware Beaches; residents, commercial establishments…awesome!
Organizing it all were Stacy Shepps and Ann Raskauskas.
Every day, they had plenty of activities and also time to chill out. We live at the beach and enjoying the outdoors is always a must. Mother Nature, of course, did not cooperate. Don’t get me wrong, it did not “dampen” anyone’s spirits.
Lunching at Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association, after a morning of sailing….Well…the setting at RBSA is gorgeous. This sailing association has been in existence since 1963. The first photo would have been the ideal situation, but the second shows the reality of how the weather was; windy, rainy, chilly.
 
Debbie Dyer, who is one of my partners in crime “volunteered” to help me organize the lunch at Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association. RBSA is located south of Dewey Beach at 38767 Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association Lane. Tel. 302-227-9008. Website? http://www.rbsa.org. This sailing club is for beginners to racing enthusiasts. In the summer they offer a Junior Sailing School and Adult/Junior Clinics. Those are starting next week. If interested, please give them a call. Those programs are open to the public. Also, please note that the 2015 Sunfish Women’s North American Championships will be September 19th and 20th.
We had food to feed an army. Leftovers were sent with the Little Pinks to enjoy the next day.
And a big thank to Carol Cairo for her delicious cookies….Yum!!
 
Just before serving lunch, prayers of thanks!!
Now they could eat. The Water Cooler Ladies were serving drinks…the rest were serving lunch.
One of the volunteers was telling me that he first went to a Little Pink retreat about 6 years ago. He had lost spirituality when his wife had been diagnosed. It was so good for him that he has been volunteering ever since. His wife is doing well, by the way.
Another volunteer, she is right there on the photo with the stripe sweater….she has been a survivor for 3 years. She had cancer in her family left and right. She said she would have been shocked not to have cancer.
Some started to play games, enjoying the company of new friends.
Last year I spent a day with Little Pink Houses of Hope. Heartwarming and Uplifting? You bet!
It was time to gather the troops. Volunteers were getting their assignments. Each volunteer has a family assigned to him or her. Some of these volunteers have been participants in previous beach retreats.
Regardless of the weather, Debbie and I had a great day. It also brought memories of years past when preparing food for lax games….you take this, I take that. Who brings the water? How about the snacks? Don’t forget the paper towels. And, the many Teacher Appreciation Lunches…Susan Lynch, you were a pro, just as Shelley Martelo was a pro with her electric knife. The good old days, right?
Until next time…have a good one.
 
 
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