So, it's been a while ...

since I've been blogging. In the interim I have turned 43 (man, that sounds old). And my lovely wife gave me a great surprise: a trip to Maryland's Eastern shore, where we had some of the best crab cakes in the world.

We stayed at a place called the Five Gables Inn and Spa. The room was very comfortable, with a gas fireplace and a whirlpool tub, although the jets in the tub we not as powerful as the one we have at home. But it was warm, and large, and the food was great(mostly continental breakfast stuff, but also fruit, bagels, muffins,hard-boiled eggs, and some fantastic raisin bread).

It was about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Manassas, but when we got there, I had a massage scheduled. It was very relaxing. Then we went to dinner at a place called 208 Talbot where I had the grilled Salmon and Cornelia had the sea scallops. Both were fantastic. The waiter was very knowledgeable about what the Chef was cooking that day, and he sounded like he had eaten there, which to me was a great endorsement.

He wasn't just sucking up; he really seemed to know his stuff. The restaurant was dark inside, but each table had a candle and there were plenty of antiques and historic art. There windows in the front were large, with the kind of antique glass that has the ripples in it. Our meal was delicious and I would definitely go back. It would have to be a special occasion because things were a little pricey, but hey, it was my birthday.

Sunday we went for lunch at The Crab Claw and that was where we had the great crabcakes. These things were crabby in the best kind of way, lots of crab and very little filler, not stuffed with a lot of crud, but really full of crabmeat. A baked potato and some veggies (I had coleslaw while Cornelia had broiled veggies with Old Bay) made everything delicious.

We were supposed to go out on the Rebecca T. Ruark a skipjack, which the watermen use for oysters and other sea creatures. But the Captain would not take us out because the wind was contrary and the seas were too rough. He should know: this particular skipjack sank several years back in heavy weather. Maybe some other time.

So that's wazzup. I'll be seeing you.