Ugly Fish

Justin came down to MD and discovered that we live in a fishing haven. I know we're near the Chesapeake Bay and also knew that there are several large creeks and ponds nearby, some in our backyard. He had done some research, found that MD has an interesting pricing structure for an out-of-state license (charging what the reciprocal state would charge someone from MD), and went in search of snakeheads. 

They are an invasive freshwater species of fish, native to Asia, and highly predatory. Once they get into a waterway they can decimate native species of fish. And they can get into waterways because they breathe air with their gills, migrate up to 1/4 mile over land by wriggling with their bodies and fins, and can survive on land up to four days. They have been established in MD since 2002, and the DNR seems to have accepted that they are here to stay. You are not required to kill them if you catch them, but it is illegal to transport live snakeheads.

Justin is usually a catch-and-release fisherman, but he had heard that snakeheads are quite good to eat, so we got to find out for ourselves. 

He caught two of them only a mile away from our house! Justin is not easily excited but I could hear the excitement in his voice when he called and said "I have very good news!" I went to pick him up as he had just fished his way up the creek from the house but didn't want to carry ten pounds of fish back. 

He fileted them and I fixed them two ways, baked and fried. They were both delicious and among the favorite things I have eaten.

Thanks to Justin for taking care of two invasive fish, and introducing us to the delicious taste of snakeheads. For such ugly fish they sure were good eating.

On My Way ...

... to becoming a regular at C3ntral Tavern in Elkton! Ryan helped me find this place when he was here visiting, and after we went three times in four days, I vowed that I would continue to frequent it. I haven't been here in two weeks because I was in NJ, but since I got all my mowing/weeding/garden tasks completed this week, I decided that I deserved a treat yesterday. We only bring one car down here when we come to Elkton and since John uses it to go to work, and I rarely plan ahead, I walked. It was 93 degrees and humid, but I knew I would recover nicely in the air conditioning with a cold drink.

And I did, with a vodka and tonic with lots of limes, just like I like them. While I cooled off, I decided what I wanted to eat. I was tempted to try something new, but decided to go with my favorite (so far) buffalo chicken egg rolls.

They were perfect and I was in heaven for the next hour. Good food, good drink, reading a good book, the only thing missing was good company in the form of Ryan (but I texted him to let him know he was missed).

 Eventually my glass was empty, my leftover egg rolls were boxed up, and it was time to walk back.

The sky looked a little threatening, but I decided to start the 20 minute walk home. About five minutes in, it started to sprinkle, but the rain just dropped the temperature a few degrees and it wasn't unpleasant at all.

After about ten minutes, the sprinkle turned into a full-fledged thunderstorm. I didn't have much choice, so I just kept walking. I did see an interesting sight along the way, and wondered about the other shoe and the story behind this.

By the time I got back, it was a deluge and I was soaked.

I changed my clothes, threw them in the washer, mopped the kitchen floor and everywhere else I had dripped, and was soon back to normal. Note to self: bring an umbrella to Elkton and check the weather before my visit next week. I enjoyed myself, didn't melt in the rain, and maybe someday the waitress/owner will recognize me and say "Welcome back" or "Good to see you again". Then I'll really count myself as a regular!

Three on Thursday

Joining Carole and friends for Three on Thursday, today with things seen around Elkton. I've been making a concerted effort to take a walk every day, and to make sure I have my phone so I can take pictures. I've seen some interesting/sad/dilapidated/beautiful sights and here are three of them. 

Downtown is a real mix of businesses trying to make a go of it - a coffee shop, two restaurants, a brand new brewery, along with lots of empty storefronts. It looks like Elkton also offers convenience if you need a bail bondsman with two places right next to each other and a shared entrance. Cut 'Em Loose is cleverly named, but you can call Angelucci collect. 

This sign is in the window of what I think is a liquor store. The main sign says "package goods" but the fireman's hat and balsa wood models seem out of place. I was tempted to go in and investigate, but the sign made me a bit fearful. After stating NO extra anything, at least they thank you for your cooperation.

I'm not sure if the AAAA Driving School is actually in business, but I'm betting they're first in the phone book. They do have a 5-star Google review from two months ago that states "Buissness [sic] was very clean and welcoming." Something tells me this may not be a real review. Most remarkable is the pay phone on the front, and it even has a dial tone!

After three fairly depressing things, I want to leave you with a happier bonus fourth thing. Elkton Florist is lovely, well-kept, and even has a painted elk. There is one other plain blue one in town, but this one looks more cheerful. John wants one for our yard, but that probably won't happen. 

Head on over to Carole's for more Three on Thursday.

Three on Thursday

 

Joining Carole for Three on Thursday, and today it's with three things I found in Elkton. 

I walked to the post office a couple days ago, and decided to explore downtown a bit. Like many other small towns, Elkton has a combination of empty storefronts, a few established businesses, and some new ones just starting up (including two breweries!). The little one in the middle had a cart of books outside, so I had to go in and check it out.

The Palette and the Page is a delightful little gallery where local artists display all kinds of arts and crafts - calligraphy, ceramics, glass, jewelry, paintings, photography, textiles, and more. They carry books from local authors, along with gently used books, and hold local wine and beer tastings and workshops. I hope to attend the wire knitting and chain maille workshops some day if they are held when I'm here. 

Here are three things I admired during my visit.

Beautiful woodworking. All of these pieces are lovely, and I'm wondering if I might need one (or both) of those small tables for plant stands.

Lots of ceramics, 

including the two little trays I purchased. 

And lastly, I was fascinated by these paintings on feathers. The images were tiny, precise, and quite beautiful. I'm wondering if someone in the family might need the cardinals for Christmas.

It's a lovely, peaceful place that I thoroughly enjoyed. Their front window says "enriching lives through art & beauty" and I certainly found that to be true. 

Head on over here to read more Three on Thursday posts.