It's All About That Crab, No Sides

 Almost 50 years ago we lived on Jekyll Island. I remember marveling at the beauty of the island as we approached on the causeway. A paradise and I was going to actually live there. We rented a duplex for a mere $150 a month. The twins were still babies a little over one. Jill could walk; Jeff was trying. All beside the point.

On weekends the restaurants in the luxurious hotels would offer a feast of seafood. All you can eat. Shrimp, crabs, scallops and some other stuff serving as sides. I love crab and I would routinely eat nothing but the crab and drawn butter. The Man implied that pile of shells by my platter were downright embarrassing. Hey, they advertised "all you can eat" and it did not say you had to eat any of the other dishes.

So, when I saw an all-you-can-eat snow crab close by, I was more than ready to experience a love from my past. We made early reservations and drove to the diner. I should say tiny diner, as it could only seat 22 patrons. Back in the day we paid something like $12 to eat until our stomachs ached. It was $62 a plate. Even at that price I don't know how they managed to make a profit with limited seating and there were more empty seats than seats with people.

There was a group seated in the booth behind us, and I indulged in my favorite pastime of eavesdropping. Can I help it if I have superior hearing? They were discussing the evils of vaccines, one man bragging that his grandchild was two and still eating only breast milk and had never had a vaccine. I predict pandemics of diseases we once conquered running rampant when all these babies start going to school and are exposed, only to expose everyone they come into contact with. I longed to share my input with these folks but stayed silent.

When we go out to eat, we rarely have a conversation while we eat. He can't hear me and I would want to shout to be understood. So, I just listen to other conversations. As we were seated the group got another round of crab legs, then another when we were served. Two more times they got more. I was so disappointed that I could not eat more! I gave The Man my potato salad and hushpuppies in order to stuff myself with crab. I got full before the first refill of crab was gone. I could have eaten more but knew I would be up all night.

I was intending to shut the place down!! My older digestive system would not allow me to indulge. Woke feeling pretty good this morning. I have walked up the drive and back down twice. I have the first wall ready to receive insulation and wall board, then peg board. I planted a flat of pansies and then tried to hook up the hose to water all of them. The Man had gone to pick up the necessary supplies. I could not unscrew the hose that was on the spigot to get the one I needed hooked up. I have absolutely no strength in my right hand, cannot make a fist or flatten my hand out.

I went on to get some screws out of the wall and could not change out my drill bit. I hiked back down in utter disgust and frustration. Kevin looked down the hall from my bed as he lounged there, and the canines barely acknowledged my presence. So, I did what any sane person would do and took a nap!