First Annual Crae Bon Rye

As Ryan thought about what memories we all hold near and dear, he realized that experiencing something fun together tops the list. As a result, he decided to buy Dungeness crab for everyone.

The name came about via plays on words that built on one another, finalizing in what's pronounced in a Frenchish or Cajunish manner, originating from "Crab on Ry" to what is now "Crae Bon Rye." He rounded out the meal with clams, shrimp, and lobster tails. I made homemade rice-a-roni and salad, and Jamara made Heath cookies and brought loads of sparkling cider.

Ryan and Zeb ran the show from the deck with the turkey fryer brimming with seafood (in water, not oil). We had ramekins of butter, Lydia made her special shrimp sauce, and Kev set us up with hammers, nutcrackers, and cutting boards. Lydia was smart enough to cover the table with newspaper first. All nine of us claimed a crab, and there were still leftovers of everything but clams and cider.










When you look at these pictures, hear nonstop conversation, laughter certainly, hammering, cracking, tapping, clinking, the deck door opening and closing, muffled side convos--and then picture my heart seams at their most grateful. elastic. edge...