While Oysters R In Season

‘While Oysters R in Season’, Pearl is going on a little hiatus.

Most coastal dwellers know to only eat oysters in months that end in R.  Some think this is an old wives tale having only to do with the lack of refrigeration in days gone by.  But, as with most ‘old wives tales’ there is an element of wisdom.  People around here still live by the R rule.

Here are four highly debated points.  I believe they are true.

1.       Spawning

     May thru August, oysters are spawning and growing.   The Oyster population using their energy to spawn, typically has less flesh than when they are just relaxing and not being frisky. 

2.    Spats

The newly created ‘spats’ (baby oysters) have milky, bitter flesh.  It typically takes 4 months for spats to reach maturity.  So, if you do the math, spats spawned in May will be mature in September.

3.    Vibrio parahaemolyticus

     The warmer months of summer promote growth of a bacteria called vibrio parahaemolyticus.  Vibrio likes to house itself in oysters.  In cooler months, there is less chance of getting vibrio poisoning.  Skeptics say all you have to do is cook the oysters to kill the vibrio.  But, who wants to take chances?

4.  Rise in birth rate in months ending E, Y, and T.  Yep, Oysters are an aphrodisiac.  Check out Oysters and Sauerkraut for the science.  

This brings us to the hiatus part.  It's only for 1/4 of the oyster season, though.

As the rest of the Christian Marriage Bloggers Association takes on a blogging marathon challenge, I need to take a step back.

It’s only a HIATUS, nothing permanent.  The past week has taken me to my hometown to help care for my invalid father.  The next week is taking us out of the country.  The week after that is taking us to a week long family reunion at the beach.  I don’t know how much internet access will be available.  But, truly my family needs my sole attention during the month of October.

I know my energy limits.  I want to give you the best of my thoughts and writing.  Juggling jet lag and family dynamics may just take all I’ve got to survive.  J

This has been a prayerful decision.  I will try to check in through facebook and twitter from time to time.

I will be back going strong in November.  Look forward to a small travelogue, family satire and an interview with my favorite doctor, Tabetha Smith, menopause hormone specialist.

THANK YOU dear sweet friends and compatriots, for following the OysterBed.  You have strengthened and encouraged me more than you know.    I can't wait to come back invigorated and with renewed wit (or my delusional wish of having wit).

As you travel your way this October, I leave you with:

Tefillat HaDerech

www.hebrew4christians.com

(a Hebrew Traveler’s Blessing)

May it be your will, Adonai, My God, to guide me in peace

and direct me in peace and keep me from all dangers along the way,

and bring blessing to the work of my hands and return me home in peace.

The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in,

from this time forth and forevermore.

I would LOVE to hear your topical suggestions for Pearl to cover when hiatus is over.  Please email your thoughts to Pearlmail3 at gmail dot com.

Please check out www.upliftingmarriage.com to check out the bloggers who have accepted the challenge to write for 13 days in their unique perspectives of how to encourage Christian marriage.