Annual Events...

Two things happen every year around this time . 

 

First things first, it was Maryland Day weekend, celebrated at Historic St. Mary’s City on Saturday and then on the “actual” day (the 25^th) at Colton’s point, near St. Clements Island, the actual landing point of the colonists in 1634.  MFO and I went down to the City on Saturday morning, she to hand out programs and I to help if needed.  We did escape (that day) at least half of the normal Maryland Day weather: rain and cold.  We had the latter, but not the former.  A brisk wind kept the chill in the air however, abetted by the venturi effect of the tent where the ceremonies were to take place.  While MFO handed out the programs I took the familiar walk out to the Chapel to see if any help were needed there.  I think I mentioned in my heads up about Maryland Day there was to be concerts in the Chapel, and I arrived at noon, just about the time the first one was to start.  Larry Vote led the a cappella choir in singing some period music, which, as I have stated many times is just wonderful in the chapel.  Between the acoustics and setting, you can kind of transport yourself back to the 17^th Century.  How neat is this?

Since the ceremonies were to start at one, I left before the conclusion and went back to the tent for the ceremonies.  As usual, they started with a flourish of the Calvert Family flag, as would be done in battle by the Militia to locate and rally the troops.

All this was explained by Governor Leonard Calvert himself, who bears a strong resemblance to Aaron Meisinger

After that, the program descended (my term) into the usual speeches by dignitaries, local politicos, and officials of St. Mary’s City. There was a keynote speaker, but I won’t say much about that (the “Thumper” rule applies – personal opinion).  The Cross Bottony was bestowed upon Dr. Larry Leak, a wonderful choice (as was MFO last year…. Ahem).  The ceremony concluded with the Parade of Flags, wherein the kids from various elementary schools present the flags of all the counties in Maryland.  They go in reverse chronological order, so St. Mary’s is last and the little person is always dressed in period clothing.  Would be nice if they all… but it is always cute and they just beam.  I refrain from taking shots of kids, leaving that to professionals with release forms and parents.

Monday we journeyed down to the “Seventh”, and Colton’s Point for the second observance of Maryland Day, near the site of the real deal.   This day, as you might recall, Maryland Day showed her teeth with driving rain and snow, numbing windchills and generally crummy conditions.  Although usually held outdoors (no tents) they mercifully moved it inside the little museum there.  That kind of lent an air of coziness to the proceedings, and the attendees were not nearly as numerous as the City version.  More politicians, commissioners, and the Lt. Governor were in attendance.  While waiting for the honored guest to arrive, we were treated to “remarks” by Jack Russell, who always presents an “interesting” account of history.  Given the audience it was kind of a gutsy move, but I don’t think he made any major gaffes.  I think I mentioned that the keynote speaker here was Dr. Julie King, who made an excellent little talk about Thomas Gerard, a colorful character in the colony and occasional thorn in the side of the proprietor.  Was a nice little ceremony, and MFO met many of her local “history buddies” there.  Nice local stuff. 

So, that was it for Maryland day.

The Second Thing

And, as always happens after being outside, I contracted my annual Maryland Day Cold, which seems to follow those days as surely as the sun rises.  So today I am sitting here, coughing and hacking, feeling generally lousy.  Maybe it’s part of the “seasoning”, the meaning of which is left to the reader as a homework assignment from history class.

R’sters

So with no enthusiasm for anything actually helpful to the household enterprise, I picked up a book I got at the book sale: “Oysters, A Culinary Celebration”, by Reardon and Ebling.  While I am only started, I found it to be a delightful volume.  Its intention is a cookbook, but the authors have sprinkled a great deal of knowledge, history, and anecdotes around oysters.  Basically an East Coast setting, they talk about oysters from Cotuit bay.  I’m only slightly into “appetizers” but it contains a wonderful collection of cold and hot preparation.  Starts out with recipes for nine or ten sauces for raw oysters (all in one place not strewn among the various dishes).  There are 5 variations on Oysters Rockefeller (Oysters Florentine) plus a little history of the dish, which they claim began as a New Orleans substitute for Snails Bourguignon,  then many others for Oysters Bienville, Rofignac, and so on.  Lovely.  They include several quotes from here and there, such as from Seneca: “Oyster dear to the gourmet, beneficent Oyster, exciting rather than sating, all stomachs digest you, all stomachs bless you!”.   And to end with, here’s a dear one following a recipe for Oysters Casino (yes, adapted from clams) by Johathan Swift:

“Who can Believe with Common Sense,

A Bacon Slice Gives God Offense”

Even in the 16^th Century, pork fat rules!  More reports to come.  Nice book, makes me want to
DFD

Except I feel like crap