Christmas Eve at the Market

every year since i can remember, AC and UB have taken "the kids" to lexington market christmas eve morning. it probably started as a way to get us out of our parents hair but the tradition continues. the group has changed, grown bigger or gotten smaller over the years but AC and UB have always been there. they would get various items needed for the next couple of days - smoked white fish, oysters, chocolate, candy, etc. - and we would get a crab cake from faidley's.

it's probably not the best crab cake i have ever had, but it's pretty darn good and the memories that this small ball of lumps can evoke are priceless.

UB, Madoff's long lost twin

so today, christmas eve 2009, i had another broiled jumbo lump crab cake and caught up with old friends and relatives. "the kids" are now ranging from 20-35 years old but the act of walking into the market brings me right back to 12 or 13, squished between my older brother and older cousin in the back of AC and UB's jeep for the ride down 83 into the city. the smell of seafood washes over me as soon as i open the doors into faidley's. and i still sneak one or two of the coconut clusters or chocolate covered cherries i buy for mom and dad's stocking.

so here's to lifelong traditions and the blessing of a wonderful family.

cheers to you this christmas eve. may you and your family have a wonderful and joyous christmas!