Monday, May 23, 2005

exhausted...running on empty...so much more to say about this past weekend., but no time to do it..however, pulled out of the hat, here is... .Social Column 11


Love. We are all driven by it, we are all looking for it, even when we don't consciously think so. Weddings are the culmination of that search, and bring out love in all it's many and varied forms. This was the weekend of my nephew Christopher and his bride , Melissa's wedding, and what a wedding it was!
The party began at my home on Friday night, in the midst of a mini hurricane. It didn't stop anyone from laughing, dancing, drinking and eating, though. The pies I mentioned baking last week were a hit, but the true star of the evening's culinary delights was the seafood bisque and grilled swordfish prepared by Kerry, a local fisherman. He catered the final cast party for the movie "Runaway Bride," filmed on location in Berlin several years ago, and his seafood bisque was a hit in that production, also. Thanks, Kerry.
Trish and Paul, who orchestrated Open Mic Night at The Waterline Gallery a week ago, stopped by, and soon had a hand-clapping, foot-stomping audience in the living room.
Friday night's party was just the warm up, though. The wedding itself was held at The Merry Sherwood, in Berlin. The Merry Sherwood was built in 1859 by prosperous Philadelphian , Henry Johnson for his bride Elizabeth Henry, a local Berlin girl. He met her on a visit to the eastern shore, and thus the romantic tradition began. The pre-civil war home has been painstakingly restored by Kirk Bambridge into a lovely Inn, and is a wonderful place to host a special occasion, as well as a romantic getaway. The grounds are fragrant with flowers, and laid out with secluded green grottos as well as cobblestone walkways.
The ceremony itself was on the lawn, under a rose studded arbor. As I watched Melissa walk from the house to her husband to be, I couldn't help but think of the romantic tradition the Merry Sherwood has become. And yes, I cried as the vows were spoken. Thanks, cousin Jay, for the green bandana whipped from your pocket. A lace hankie would have been nice, but your bandana saved the day.
A couple of observations about the weekend from our out of town guests.... After the bar at The Atlantic Hotel closes, you can always go to Goober's for a drink. (I thought it was just a breakfast place.) Speaking of the Atlantic Hotel, that intimate, warm abode that dominates downtown Berlin, they sure do have the pulse on who is who in town. When I inquired after one of our out of town guests, the night manager knew their name, knew what other place they were staying, and what time they had left the bar. Wow! It's another small town phenomenon I'm not used to.
Melissa and Chris are now in Greece on their honeymoon. All the guests are gone. Today I am donating the rest of the flowers to the Senior Center in Berlin, and giving my social butterfly wings a chance to rest and regroup.
Planning a wedding here in Delmarva? You can't ask for a more beautiful place to celebrate your love.... See you next week!

Monday, May 16, 2005

omigod...~~ so busy...so much to do....dont want to fail...just have to get it all done, and done perfectly...( how is THAT for a perfectionists dysfunction, bared to the general public? Anyway..here goes LUCKY TEN!
Social Column Ten

I almost missed my deadline this week. Perhaps it is the 118 raspberry, coconut, and chocolate magic bars I baked. Blame it on the Grasshopper tortes, the Key lime Cream Pies. Yes, you guessed it...the Big Weekend is almost here, with family and friends coming from everywhere for my nephew Christopher and his bride, Melissa's wedding. With my customary nonchalance, I volunteered to cook for the Day before the Wedding party. And so, (deep breath here) I am frantically busy.
Yet, this week writes itself, because I have a secret for you! Are you an undiscovered poet or musician? Would you like to support those that are? Go to The Waterline Gallery, downtown Berlin, 2nd Friday of each month. Orchestrated by gallery manager Pam Showell, sanctioned by owner Karen Prengaman and partner, nephew David Prengaman, the event is a blast. I walked into the historic brick building, with it's lofty ceilings and warped hardwood floors, about 8:pm. A sign outside proclaimed." It's Friday the 13th..Are You Feeling Lucky? " All the action was upstairs, though people milled around downstairs, admiring the local artwork for sale.
"Paul and Trish", local performers with an extraordinary repertoire, were hosts as well as cast for the evening, introducing each artist. Duo Lee Johnson and Joey Cornet indulged in a laid back jam. Elena Pingatore, of the band Seventh Sense was a striking woman dressed in red, with lips to match. Her voice and dance rocked the floors that night as she exlaimed "I feel like I will explode if I don't sing." Rick Kennedy took the stage, (watch for him soon at The Globe Theater), and his beautiful country voice and lyrics touched me deeply. " It's what you have to say, it's true blue that's important, " Said the songwriter/singer about his craft. Rachel, with her flowered skirt, pinned back brown hair, and serious specs, belted out songs to the delight of the crowd, with a style reminiscent of a torchy Joni Mitchell. One of my favorites was Jason Dubow, from the D.C. area. He seemed shy, yet he sang and played guitar well, and had the courage I lack, to face an audience. Charles Calloway blew the top right off the Waterline Gallery that night with his explosive bass chops. Paul Dufendach referred to him as " The Best Bassist of Delmarva." , It was strange watching him; almost as if his fingers and his guitar were the same digit, and his heart shook him to where his rhythm followed. From the theme of Linus to the Battle Hymn of the Republic, he played...to the point where Kate Hastings, owner of The Globe Theater, boogied with Pam Showell, director of The Waterline. Other's followed, artists, musicians and patrons alike, until those old brick walls just about shook with fun.
I asked Karen Prengaman why she held the function each month. After all, I saw that there was no overt attempt to sell art....There was free food and entertainment...Her answer made me fall in love with Delmarva a little bit more. She asserted, "It's all about encouraging the arts." "This is a vital community, an artistic community, and we will do everything we can to promote it."
Pam Showell commented, "Music and Art naturally go together, provided is free entertainment, enjoyment of the arts, and a smoke free environment." In the future, Open Mic night plans to include "Kids Hour", to showcase young talent.
See you after the wedding....all the juice about the Merry Sherwood and Atlantic Hotel to follow...

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Lucky Number 9~~~

Social Column 9

What a weekend! As you know by following my column, I was really looking forward to Springfest in Ocean City this past weekend.
Life happens, though, and the event collided with my full-time day job, and a weekend full of company. You see, my nephew Christopher and his beautiful bride to be, Melissa, are getting married in Berlin on May 21st. They live in the Virginia Beach area, and came this weekend to coordinate their last minute wedding plans. Why am I telling you this? They are getting married at The Merry Sherwood, just outside of Berlin, and I can't wait to let you know what a wedding at the Eastern Shore’s premier civil war era dwelling is like. Alot of our out of town guests are also staying at The Atlantic Hotel in Berlin, so I will be sharing their experiences, also.(And probably a few of their famous martinis).
Back to Springfest. Though I itched to make it earlier, I didn't actually step foot inside the inlet fairgrounds until 3pm Sunday, the closing day. I was nervous about parking, especially since I had heard that parking was very expensive, and hard to come by in Ocean City proper. I drove over the Route 50 bridge anyway, deciding it would be better to see for myself whether it was a hassle.
It kinda was. There was lots of traffic, but, I lucked into the perfect solution. Go have lunch first at The Marina Deck, just off of Dorchester St. They have a great seafood and snack menu, and their parking lot was free, if you ate lunch before going to Springfest. They also presented my sister and I with a gift coupon and carnation for Mother's Day, which was unexpected and a lovely touch. Tip; the fried soft-shelled crab was delicious, as was the tropical salad and crabcake sandwich. As we happily munched and chatted, I couldn't help but sigh with pleasure at the bayside view of the dock and charter boats, just 20 feet from our table. My family headed home, and I walked the 6 blocks or so to Springfest. My breath caught as I first sighted the billowing white tents against the bright blue sky. The beach stretched in front of me, and a boardwalk train ferried people back and fro. Did I die and go to heaven? What a beautiful place to party! No WONDER people visit here.... Hundreds of people milled about, and the center stage was alive with Beach Boy era music, and people swaying to the beat. There was a saucy clown named Lollipop, who made free balloon animals for kids. Tent after tent with food, arts and crafts, and entertainment. Kids got to rock climb a mountain, and there was a giant inflatable slide, too. If that wasn't enough, the nearby boardwalk was kicked up in high gear, full of souvenir shops and even more regional "fast food". If you didn't go this year, you have GOT to go next year. Personally, I will clear my calendar, and make it a point to enjoy the night-time entertainment too. See you next week!

Sunday, May 08, 2005

Sunday Night, Mother's Day
This is always the most rotten day of the year for me....I have been divorced, i have been....well, lots of unpleasant memories...but, the worst is losing my mother. I dare Dr. Phil, Jesus Christ, Yogananda, to heal me from the wound I carry from losing her at 13.
It's not like i haven't tried every avenue that flies down the pike to heal...But, regardless, Mother's Day has me crying....riding down the road with my mascara dripping, ghoulishly stopping at cemetaries, weeping into the mother's day section at RiteAid. I have found women to "mother" me, through the years...but, always, deep in my heart, i knew that they weren't "mine".
I have tried to be a good mother myself...but, i don't really think I have...so poor...so full of excuses about "maybe" I have taught my children ????? As they grow up, they look at me like i am a nutcase, because i am not practical in their eyes anymore...just a dreamer, a believer in miracles....They berate me for not having money, i think.
Yet, I would rather have a house full of rickety chairs and good food, and i stand by that. I would rather have a house full of chaos, and a blessed circle of laughter, then a perfect plan, and i stand by that. I would rather love someone from afar, and cherish him, then make do with who is available, and i stand by that.
My mother taught me these things. She didn't leave me money, or gold, or all the things that are "right" to leave your children. She left me love. And i will love who i love, with all i have, till the day i die.
Thanks, Mom. I love you.
Well~~ here we go again......i forgot to publish this one, and my sister reminded me to...and, tomorrow at 5am, time to create number 9....
Social Column 8

Last Sunday was a beautiful spring day, and I found a GREAT place to enjoy it! Have you ever been to Furnace Town? I’ve seen brochures for it before, but truthfully, the thought of spending the day looking at an old furnace didn't seem too thrilling. Was I wrong!
My original mission was to cover the archeological dig they had scheduled, but I was so charmed by all of the other attractions, that I knew I had to share my entire trip with you. You enter Furnace Town via the visitor center/gift shop. Instead of going directly to the dig, I wandered the entire complex of early 19th century buildings. The grounds are beautiful, dotted by flowering trees and plants, and low benches scattered around. ( It would be a wonderful place to picnic. )
I visited the tiny church, with it's butter yellow pews, and wood-burning stove. The raised pulpit is made of carved oak, and the oil lamps in wall sconces provide light.
Anyone that enjoys tinkering around the house would love The Ernest Glaser Woodworking Shop, with it's display of antique tools.
There is a working smithy, displaying anvils and bellows and a huge fireplace to heat iron.
The Harrison House, a painstakingly restored cottage home, now houses antique dresses and hats from the period. Also on exhibit are taxidermied woodland animals, and old recipes like "Invalid Squirrel Broth" and "Black Bear Stew". My two favorite places were the broom-making shop and the weaver's shop. I asked Broom-maker Sandra Milito how she had become a craftswoman. "I came from a stressful background of hotel management ." she said. "I find this a peaceful, wonderful place to work." I ended up buying a kitchen broom and a little "crumb-catcher" for the table. The weaver's shop is really neat, too. Marian Adkins sat at her 175 year old loom, and I watched her weave a placemat from scraps of colorful cloth. She explained the looming process to me, and pointed out the flax and cotton used to make thread.
The furnace itself looked like something out of a spooky fairytale to me. It is the original 1830 iron furnace, and as you walk up the ramp you get a panoramic view as a bonus. There are other buildings and a kitchen garden to explore, also, but I just don’t have the space to share them all. I finally made it to the archeological dig, overseen by volunteers Patty Parkinson and Sandy Fondren. Patty said she volunteers because "it allows me to touch part of history." Sandy, who has been a Furnace Town volunteer for 10 years, simply said, "I just love it." I asked the littlest digger, Tatem Russell, age 5, if she was having fun. Her answer was to hop back into the site, and take up her trowel with a smile. She was there for a "day with daddy". Some of the finds include a domino, buttons, crockery, and spoons.
Furnace Town's director of 19 years, Kathy Fisher, told me that Furnace Town is available for corporate functions, family reunions, group outings, and even weddings in the antique church. There is a large covered Pavilion with picnic tables, and box lunches are available with advance notice. Many workshops, including weaving, basket making, blacksmithing, and painting are offered as well. For more information, call (410) 632-2032. I know that I will be back, because Furnace Town is a slice of living history, nestled in a serene, natural setting. See you next week!