Monday, January 2, 2012

The Saga of the Slimy Oysters

(Before I get to today’s post, I’d like to take a minute to wish my most wonderful husband a happy thirtieth anniversary.  No one knows me better, understands me better, or loves me better. I’m so thankful for the past three decades of marriage to this truly amazing man.)

When we went to Charlotte for Christmas, Steve got the handy dandy idea of taking along some fresh scallops and oysters. I mean what’s the sense of residing by the sea if you can’t share its bounty with those you love?

I was fine with the scallops.  They’re actually pretty good wrapped in bacon and cooked on the grill.  But oozy oysters in a shell?  Ick.  I figured as long as those nasty creatures stayed at least one hundred feet from my person at all times, we could coexist in a fairly peaceable manner.

And so we arrived in Charlotte and the Oyster/Scallop Hors D’oeuvres Extravaganza Preceding the Christmas Feast began.

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Nathan absolutely loved the scallops but wasn’t too keen about the thought of eating a steamed oyster.  However, when I offered to give him $5 to try one, he didn’t even blink.  Cash-strapped newlyweds are all about earning a little extra moola.

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Vernie required no bribe at all; she just sat right down, got the oyster arranged on a cracker and munched it on down.  (And may I just say that she has the most beautiful skin.  Can you believe she’s a great grandma?)

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Steve’s younger brother, Jeff, was in fine form during the extravaganza, doing the Heeby Jeeby Dance as a way of poking fun at those of us who were sitting on the sidelines, shuddering with horror at the very thought of eating oily oysters.  (If you didn’t know, the Heeby Jeeby Dance involves sticking both arms out and waving them around while turning in a circle.  Jeff got lots of practice at it.)

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The Smith Men (Steve’s dad, two brothers, and Nathan) continued to enjoy their seafood mini buffet.christmas in charlotte 059

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Everyone was having a great time and everything was going along just swimmingly when suddenly, inexplicably, the mood changed.

Things turned ugly. 

Eyes turned toward . . . me. 

“Me?” I squeaked pitifully?  “You want me to eat an oyster?  I think NOT!” 

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I took a few steps back  from the proceedings so that the alien nasty oysters couldn’t crawl out of their slippery shells and start stalking me around the deck.  I was absolutely appalled at the thought of putting any slimy gray creature from the sea into my mouth.

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However.  Some arm twisting proceeded to commence and after trying to say no seventeen different ways, the situation eventually degenerated to the horrific point where a little oyster fella perched himself on a cracker and headed my way.

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I cannot believe I am smiling at the oyster; I should have been screaming and gagging.

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From that point on, it was not a happy sight.  I am sparing you the worst of the faces I made, but I’m sure you can tell by the ones I’ve included that the whole experience was ranked right up there with childbirth in the Enjoyment Department. (That white thing is a napkin that Steve gallantly applied to my person before the trauma began.)

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In closing, I would love to say that a good time was had by all; however, the oysters and I would have to respectfully disagree.

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(All photos by Meagan Smith)

Comments

Rachel said, “Just love these pictures...  I can't help but wonder what the temperature is in your house. It seems like Nathan is usually wearing shorts and a t-shirt when he is home...yet Meagan is in a sweat shirt and the rest of you are somewhere in between. lol”

Rachel, that is a very good question.  I truly think that if Nathan lived on an iceberg in the arctic, he would still choose to put on his t-shirt and basketball shorts.   So I guess you should get your hints as to our house’s temp from our clothes—NOT his!  (And we keep it at about 71 degrees.)

Lizz wrote, “Sue G, your post (comment) brought tears to my eyes! Favorite parts "and especially for the miracle of the Life about Whom we celebrate this season" and "What I like about LOVE is that it can't be bought...but it sure can be returned!!!!" I love the last one so so much! I'm going to use it as much as possible! Wishing you many more Christmases!”

Lizz, I just love it when people use this forum to build other people up.  And if anyone deserves a compliment on writing, it would be our friend, Sue.  Thanks for drawing attention to yet another one of her wonderfully penned comments.

BloggerKaren said,  “Off topic: I would like to share Sarah's story with this family (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Prayers-for-Adler-Shelbourne/333068460055780), but wanted to check with you first. I would love to give them some hope for their little Adler.”

Karen, we would love for you to share Sarah’s story. Giving hope is what it’s all about!  

31 Had Something To Say (Just click here!):

Anonymous said...

I totally understand your aversion to oysters. The thought of eating those slimy things...blech! It looks like everyone had a really good time watching you try to eat it, though. Good for you for bringing out such joy in everyone! Oh, the sacrifices mothers/wives make. Haha!

Gayle in AL

lesley said...

Steve's expressions while you were sampling the oyster are the best part!
I admire your bravery. That would be the day I'd put one of those slippery suckers in my mouth :) I was all I could do to try a steamed clam!

Anonymous said...

Oysters are awful!!! I love scallops though. When I was much younger I used to babysit an elderly lady. She made oyster stew from canned oysters. I had to choke down every single bite I ate. Must have been the worst thing I ever tasted. Have not touch once since and doubt I ever will again.

The faces you made were priceless.

Cindy from Sonoma

Anonymous said...

Oooh, you folks are crazy! Good, fresh oysters have a fresh brine taste; "perched" on a saltine with a splash of Tabasco, they are divine! LOVE good scallops, too.. yum, yum, yum! And Happy Anniversary, Becky and Steve... don't forget to do the Spring Chicken dance!

Jessica Kramasz said...

Happy Anniversary!
I hope Steve sees how lucky he is to have a wife who still loves him after the whole oyster thing :-)

Ann Martin said...

Meagan did a great job with the pictures. I do not like slimy oysters--only fried hard. I can eat them in oyster stew if they are cut up in little pieces.

Anonymous said...

1. Happy Anniversary, Steve and Becky! What a great example of marriage your children have to look to as they make their own ways through life.

2. The oyster debacle was hysterical.. I love oysters (particularly raw ones) so I can't relate to your horror but the pictures were highly entertaining!

3. The word 'Arctic' should be capitalized, particularly when being used as a noun although convention is changing and it is now usually capitalized at all times. I generally don't point such things out because it makes people mad, but I know your affinity for language and writing and thought you might be one of the few humans who prefers to be told!

Lizz said...

This post was so funny! I'm sorry but it was! Of course if I was the one being forced against my ever loving will to eat one of those nasty things I. WOULD. NOT. DO. IT!!!! EVER! Of maybe for a lot of money but it would be over $100 for sure! GROSS!!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AGAIN!

Anonymous said...

Aww I just love all kind of sea food :)
But this post was so funny. Now you have tried a new thing.

Guerrina said...

I tried an oyster-on-the-half-shell...once....they taste just as bad when raw, Becky. I'm with you 100%! Now steamers, shrimp and scallops are a different story!

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