Crab Carnage

This is the part of crabbing I was never taught as a child. Chesapeake Blue Crabs you just throw into a huge kettle and steam them. Picking them yields little meat but lip smackin' spices. Old Bay is a summer Staple.
I have to say that I appreciate Angie and Rick "cleaning" the crabs this way because it makes the pickin so much easier.

Last of the Season Movies, Go Get Popcorn!

I admit it. I hardly ever pull up the pots. It was loads of fun.

Enough Crab Tutorials, Let's Go Crabbin'

Scurvy Seadog takes her turn at pulling the pots in. That kind of work leaves you flushed and smelling a little fishy.
Angie seemed to think this was the funniest shot of the day, but we were hard at work with the little ankle biters.
Take a look at all the crab in this picture. Click on photo and blow it up. It was just so much fun to "play " with all the boys and girls today.

Someone recently asked...

Are Jenny and Joe Twins?  Ahha!  They get along great and look alike, but twins?
Jenny has flown the coup for Spokane.  Last seen traveling highway 20 with an Avocado plant that we grew from seed.  Also on board was a Tom Tom that we affectionately call Dum Dum.

Food, Glorious Food...

Barb, these photos are for you!  This was my unbelievable breakfast at Calico Cupboard in Anacortes. Omelet style scrambled eggs with fruit.
Rick's favorite always is French Toast with extras.
I believe this is biscuits and gravy with a side of potatoes, Oh My!
Jenny's was the most artistic, French Toast stuffed with Raspberries.
Joe had no time for pictures, onto the business of the day.  This was our farewell, summer is over, Jenny's going back to school breakfast.  We were so happy to find this restaurant in Anacortes.  We also went to Joe's surgeon for the last time for xray and check up.  Things look good but his recommendation is no contact sports.  Joe told him he didn't think he would be playing football.  I know this is hard for him, but it is a smart choice for his leg.

Crab Tutorial

So the girls got their heads together to create a tutorial on Crab Sexing. In case you don't realize, Katelyn, this is for you! Seen here is Angie holding crab while Jenny checks their size with the tool for measuring if they're a keeper or not.
The top photo is of a boy crab.  His "pull tab" is long and thin. This boy is a keeper by the way!
This my dear is a girl. See how "rounded" her pull tab is?  I'm sure there is a more difficult way to say it but pull tab fits perfectly to me. She is also more compact and got thrown back in to create more and more babies!
This was a light day on the water. We did get our limit of 10 and threw a couple keepers back, promising to see them soon. There were more girls than we have seen all season, and do you see the sea star?  I guess everyone loves a good turkey drumstick.
Our Captain seems pretty pleased with the haul today. Or was it the crew he was pleased with?

More Summer Fun

We have had an awesome year for crabbing.  Just last week we caught 20 dungeoness.  There is no way we can eat all that so we go around to our friends to share the wealth.  It really is half the fun for us. This particular batch just did not want to steam outside.  We had to bring it inside to get the heat high enough to cook them. This is actual, not staged!
Lovely water lilies at Barb's house. 
Rick and me posing for a picture for the picture wall at church. This is actually the reject and the selected one may be used for christmas!

Summertime is so Full

This is such a common sight for us, and a picture reminds us of the beauty in the  everyday things we take for granted.
This is part of the kitchen counter. Look at that beautiful butcher block! 
This picture cannot begin to show the beauty in the oiled b.block.  It is lovely, but it is step one of many. I will be re-painting since the red paint did not measure up to washability.
Getting out on the water to go crabbing helps keep us all relaxing, and enjoying the beautiful weather.
Some pictures need no explanation.  Or maybe you'd like to fill in the blank? What is Jenny thinking?

Renewal is a Good Thing

Last Sunday was a special day for us.  Our church hosts a picnic/baptism service every summer at one of the sweetest locations on Orcas.  I would guesstimate close to 150 in attendance and the men's ministry team always man the BBQ.  

We thought it the perfect opportunity to renew our Wedding Vows. Rick and I are about to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary.  We know many are way ahead of us in this journey,  but it is worth celebrating and acknowledging that without the presence of God in our lives and marriage we could not have survived this long. Angie, Jenny and Joe were able to be present thanks to Joe's boss Linda giving him an extended lunch break.  Also, we want more than anything to be in God's will and service for the next 25.

Pastor Dick Staub asked us a few questions about when we were married at Grand Canyon, any notable occurances and why were we wanting to renew our vows. Then, just like the first time around we repeated our vows after our pastor.  They were strong vows that make me feel very close to Rick and fortified for the marathon called marriage.  To top it off we sang "I Could Never Promise You"to eachother, just like when we first were married.  It speaks of not being able to make the lifelong promise of love and faithfulness on just our strength alone.  Outlines the Love Chapter in Corinthians and ends with us making a Promise in Jesus' name to eachother to remain faithfull to the end.  

I shared with friends how special we have felt since this "ceremony".  The love and support we feel from above and from our dear church family is very tangible.  These pictures were given to me by Susan Clark. Thank you so much.