years

It has been years since all of my cousins have been together. I *think* I was in high school still (maybe even younger)?? But, there is no photographic evidence of that meeting. Here is a picture of us girls at Christmas, probably in 1990.And here we are yesterday; how we've changed. I am grateful for cousins who have become friends. Love you girls!

Ps 91:5

“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night.”

Down, then, ye dismal forebodings and groundless apprehensions, God has not forgotten to be gracious, nor shut up his tender mercies; it may be night in the soul, but there need be no terror, for the God of love changes not. Children of light may walk in darkness, but they are not therefore cast away, nay, they are now enabled to prove their adoption by trusting in their heavenly Father as hypocrites cannot do.

"Though the night be dark and dreary,
Darkness cannot hide from thee;
Thou art he, who, never weary,
Watchest where they people be."

--C.H. Spurgeon (from Morning and Evening, E4/22)

Restaurant Review

Haven't done one of these in a while!! Life has taken over and left very little room for adventures that don't include sidewalk chalk, bubbles, or wagon rides. However, last night, Miguel and I escaped for dinner to celebrate our anniversary. I always pick the restaurant (he'd be happy with Bonefish Grill over and over...), and I always pick a new place downtown.

We ended up at Momma's on the Half Shell. We waited well over and hour, since they don't take reservations on the weekends. The bar was packed, so we walked and talked. Long wait wasn't a problem, except at 8:30 we were FAMISHED. We ordered drinks (mojito, long island) and the beer muscles. The mussels were incredible, and could've been eaten as my main meal, easily. Huge portion, hearty, and a delicious sauce. On to the main course. "Pasta of the day" for me: linguine w/ jumbo lump crab and huge shrimp all in a slightly spicy tomato cream sauce. uh, yum. Miguel got the Chicken Chesapeake. Both were huge portions and beyond good...and not just because we were starving. Drinks were good, though if we ever go back, I really want to try their famed Orange Crush. I was just too full to take another sip or bite. Also, no dessert for the same reason. Way. too. stuffed.

While the atmosphere was charming with it's dark walls, upholstered seating booths, all reminiscent of an old Victorian house (minus the eclectic "Baltimore" decor on the walls), the place was loud. I'm talking, lean-in-to-your-partner-and-yell-in-their-ear loud. Which, if you're out to have a good time only, is perfect. Just don't expect the drunk girls at the table next to you to quiet down so you can hold a deep conversation. Yet somehow, we managed. Seating was also a bit awkward. In the upstairs dining area, tables are packed in, so it felt as if we should've held hands with the people next to us as we prayed over dinner. Or at least asked them how their days were.

All things considered, I'd go back for a girls' night or brunch or drinks and dessert. Or anything just to order those beer mussels again.