Shady Side Hospitality

Despite a drizzly, chilly day, there was a generous turnout at the West River Heritage Oyster Festival. Offered was every conceivable oyster concoction: steamed, frittered, stewed and the ever popular "on the halfshell." (I slid down 6 plump salty delectables myself.) The people of the town of Shady Side were gracious in hearing about the historical novel where the main character, Sean O'Connell, lands in their waterside town and decides it is the "Heaven Below" he's been looking for. Besides oysters, there was barbecued fare and a wide variety of alcoholic beverages including Yuengling beer--what a coincidence? A fitting accompaniment for those slippery little devils. Two dozen books were purchased yesterday afternoon and six more were consigned to the Salem Avery museum for sale. The two page article in the Baltimore Sun helped pave my way for the signing. Most attendees had read it with their morning coffee and were happy to see me at the event. Some Shady Siders have vowed to buy more books at the book signing in Deale, at Cottage Chicks, on Sunday, November 1 from 12-4. This event will be indoors, regardless, I'm hoping for weather that's a little less "ducky."