Day 13 - "She Crab" Soup & fried Turkey Legs

Wednesday – July 9, 2008

Do you think that when you are getting closer to the end of a vacation that each day you spend at the beach is better than the day before? Well, today was one of those days! I actually was out on the beach for about five hours (with sunscreen), and it was absolutely great. It was cloudy with the sun peeping through occasionally and the wind was blowing to keep you cool. It was actually blowing so hard that the sand was blowing on us more today than it had been.
Bill didn’t stay out as long as I did – he is still a little red from yesterday! When he did come out, we just sat there and watched the ocean and the people! We didn’t see any beach volleyball, but there were several who were passing a football back and forth – some were on the beach while others were in the water. Sandcastles were being erected (and others were being wiped away by the waves). Most of the younger ones had to be actively doing something – others were content to sit and read! It is unbelievable at how many of the younger (12-15 year olds) were readers! Amazing!!!
I need to add some information for yesterday. We saw and did so much it was hard to remember everything – this is the reason we decided to write it all down. I bet you thought we were writing it down because we are getting older and can’t remember things like we could ten years ago!!!! That may be partially true – but we’re not ready to own up to that yet! :):):)
We ate at the ballpark – all I will say it is nothing like eating at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati!!! Neither Bill nor I really liked what we had ordered! Bill’s corn dogs were rubbery, and my hot dog had sauce and cheese that was dispensed from a container as if they were mustard and ketchup! We would have been better off eating popcorn! Here’s what I really want to share with you. They had two items on the menu that might be considered a novelty! One was fried turkey legs – yes they were turkey legs or they caught one of the biggest chickens we could have ever seen. People were actually sitting in their seats eating these legs like we would a chicken leg!! The next item was called the “Elvis” sandwich. You might ask what that might be like. It is nothing more than a hotdog bun with a slice of a banana and peanut butter with a little syrup. Apparently one of Elvis’s favorite sandwiches was a peanut butter and banana sandwich. We figured they used hotdog buns instead of ordering regular light bread! This was very interesting. I just wanted to share this before I totally forgot about it! :):):)
After coming in from the beach and showering we walked over to the Pro-tennis Shop. It was nice and expensive! We walked back across the road to the Straw Market and did a little souvenir shopping – look out to those back home – what we bring you just might be alive, but then again it may never have been alive!!!! We’ve seen pelicans, sea gulls, sting rays, jelly fish, deer, and even some crows! So who knows what we bring back! Look out Mom; you may get a baby alligator!!!!!
Thanks to the deli from the Freshfield’s Village – we had a delicious meal on the deck. We bought a couple of slices of pork loin and I fixed rice, peas, and rolls. We also bought some “She Crab Soup.” Have no idea as to why it was called that – I didn’t like it as well as clam chowder! One thing for sure – they love their spices down here! Sensitive stomachs beware! We were not attacked by the sea gulls this evening, but a couple of crows flew by and landed on the deck right above us!! They were cawing to beat the band. Bill shooed them away, and we were left to eat our meal in peace!
We have two days left, and we are going to make the best of them. I can’t say it enough on how thankful and blessed we have been to be able to take this trip!
10:00
FYI:
Bill did a little search on the web as to what was used when making the” She Crab Soup”. We were curious as to if there was a “she” and a “he” crab and how you would know the difference. Okay – no snickering – we are aware there is a male and female for all species, but how do you tell the difference with a crab????
Apparently there are a lot of blue crabs in the Charleston area. The people in the area started using them to make soups. William Howard Taft – according to legend – was going to pay a visit to the mayor of Charleston, Mayor Rhett – the “Rhetts” asked their cooks to add some color to the pale looking soup in honor of the President! So, the butler went out and got the orange-hue crab eggs to give it some color and possibly more flavor. Therefore, they named the soup “She Crab Soup.” When Bill told me what was in the soup – I almost lost what I ate! :( Also, according to what we have read – it is a very well known delicacy down here, and one of the things Charleston is known for!
Just thought you all might like this little tidbit!!!
Bill just proofread the post and I am to add one more bit of information. The settlers from Scotland were the ones who brought the recipe over during the 1600's. So, if you have Scottish blood flowing through your veins - you should like this soup! :)