I just might pack you in the suitcase Sylvester! be careful what you wish for! as I was finishing up my last minute packing at 0dark30 Wednesday morning. Sort of tugs at my heart as I felt like he was saying “oh please, don’t leave me so soon again!” but on the road I must go. I need to earn a little money to buy your cat food and your toys and well whatever.

I arrived in Baltimore earlier than expected and was quickly whisked away from the airport by Judy, the owner of Needles and Threads of Ruxton and her charming husband Val. As we hit the beltway and chatted along getting to know each other, we were trying to decide what I would like to eat this evening. I am very easy to please and enjoy just about everything, but I was thinking something Maryland style, something new and exciting. Well how about Maryland crabcakes? or maybe hard crabs? well the latter really peaked my interest, but I am sure that I would need lessons in the art of eating Maryland style crab.

Part of the crab eating frenzy is enjoying it with a little cold beer. A local brew was in order as Natty Bo….did I say that right Missy? and Dogfish Head were the prefect choice to go with the crab. Off to Conrad’s we went where Judy selected just the right size crab to be steamed for us and we would come back in 30 minutes to pick them up. Off to buy the beer while our dinner was being cooked! Okay everything was ready and we headed back to the house to enjoy our dinner.

It was an experience like none other with the table covered in brown paper, paper towels, knifes, hammer and did I say paper towels? Judy and Val showed me the ins and out of hard crab eating and I enjoyed every single savory moment as we dined out under the stars, licking my fingers and savoring every morself of crab. What a wonderful evening and hope to do it again before we leave! Thank you so much Judy & Val for a very special night on the deck with you and Zoe, the Westie of course.

Last night Team Deeva enjoyed a fine dinner of the most delicous crab cakes, oysters on the half shell and calamari. We came back to the hotel as we planned out our ideas for this weekend as we are here to sell needlepoint! You would almost think that I came here just for the food? No it’s all about the canvases and threads. I still need to tell you about my day at Needles and Threads of Ruxton and our class with a delightful group of ladies…but for now I need to run as Missy is about to take Robin, Sharon G and myself to Miss Shirley’s for breakfast. Another feast that I am looking forward to!

Setup when we get back and a very busy day ahead of us. and until next time…keep on stitching