h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Dear Paul,
That is exactly what I mean when I say that I hate to lose contact with friends. But when one has to chase around looking for threads I find it takes ages. Hopesfully with my "restored" Fan club which dear pheloxi had so kindly started for me and the new one which Lovely Lady Scott has started this will be be possible. I wonder what you are going to do today. We had a lovely day yesterday at Whitstable a seaside fishing village just at the estuary of the Thames. It is a fascinating little place and the oysters were excellent - even though there was no "r" in the month!!.
Much affectiona
AR1 <schooloffish)

Dear Paul,
That is exactly what I mean when I say that I hate to lose contact with friends. But when one has to chase around looking for threads I find it takes ages. Hopesfully with my "restored" Fan club which dear pheloxi had so kindly started for me and the new one which Lovely Lady Scott has started this will be be possible. I wonder what you are going to do today. We had a lovely day yesterday at Whitstable a seaside fishing village just at the estuary of the Thames. It is a fascinating little place and the oysters were excellent - even though there was no "r" in the month!!.
Much affectiona
AR1 <schooloffish)

Oysters are only excellent in months with "r" in them?

I hearby re-name this month Jrune and backdate it to Mray 31st.

Dearest Shea. Are you another oyster lover?
You are totally correct when you say that one should not eat oysters when there is no "r" in the month.. But at Whitstable they have oyster beds which they cultivate. I think that it is only the wild oysters that one cannot eat if there is no r in the month. I rather think it is because the oysters are busy having little oysters about then!!

I am finding it increasingly difficult to open oysters myself now with my poor fingers. I have a very good oyster shucker but even so it seems to be too difficult to prise the shells open. I only put lemon juice on the oyster and then I have a little chat with it. I inform him/her how incredibly lucky they are to be eaten by me.!! I tell them that they are so delicious that I have no need to put Tabasco. chili or any other seasoning on them. Only a dash of lemon juice. then I give them a good friendly bite before I swallow them. It is quite wonderful because I have never had a bad oyster. I can always taste them and rapidly in as ladylike manner I can, dispose of them onto a side plaste!!.

the very thought of them makes my mouth water. Oysters and either ice-cold or a dry white wine. I remember sitting on the Knysna Heads in the Cape Province, when I was 50 years younger and eating oysters with a very special friend. Ohh I have such wonderful memories and am still busily trying to create new ones.!
Much

AR1

I hope you wake the oysters gently before
taking them from their beds, AR1.

Don't use a noisy noise to wake them, because
a noisy noise annoys an oyster.

My dear Also Ran! I never did quite make it here for your birthday, but I can see you had a wonderful time.

I was just reading about your day in Whitstable, which is a lovely place although I have not been there since Sunshine and Moonlight were young children. We used to walk along the beach, even in winter, just for the fresh air. I have heard it is very much the *in* place to visit these days.

Then how is it no one brought me there before?

There's an Oyster Festival every year in ... you guessed it! Oyster Bay, and there are just bushels and bushels of fresh oysters! They even open them for you! I love eating them with just a dash of lemon, too ... if that! I also love clams (cherrystone) on the half shell, but my absolute favorite of all are steamers (long neck clams)! Nothing beats those!

Mmmmmmm......
Oysters.......
I had some just today, and even though they were tinned smoked oysters, they were WONDERFUL on crackers!
~k~

How right you are Paul

I never make a noisy noise before I wake an oyster!. I try and do it as gently as possible, because they do so appreciate soft handling!!.

Do you like oysters?
AR1

Hi dear

I missed you at the party. Have you got a home yet.

I have never been able to walk along the beach but I do love both Whitstable and Tankerton.

I did not realise that Whitstable was now an "in" place. All I can say is that the prices have risen sky high and the fish mongers are now very elegant with wood and brass etc. etc.

I had to pay a fortune for the lunch I offered my brother in law.!! But I brought back some marvellous salmon head plus the backbones and made some jolly good fish soup.

Next time you fly over Paul I shall take you there!!

Much affection coelecanth,
AR1

I like most seafood, but oysters don't
excite me very much. I don't dislike them,
but I'd much rather have swordfish or
crab or salmon or fried clams.

Dearest Shea,

I am so pleased you also like oysters a la squeeze of lemon!!.

I have had clam chowder soup at Grand Central Station when I came to States yoinks ago!!. with my darling Dick.
However I have never had long-necked clams. I trust it will be a date for us to share if and when I can come over!!.
Have a good weekend with our very dear TJ. I hope he is sleeping better!1
Much
AR1

Clam chowder can be quite good, actually.
I have a super recipe for it, from one
of chef Paul Prudhomme's books.

Well then, dear Paul, I shall have to take you to a wonderful restaurant in Beira, Mocambique, where they serve the best sword fish I have ever tasked. It is out of the world. Grilled with a marvellous butter and piri-piri sauce. I hope you can suggest where I can try clams.
This is almost like talking to you.
Great!
Have a great weekend.
AR1

Very dear Lady Karen,
big

Next to fresh oysters, smoked oysters are my next favourite. I really them. I am so glad that you enjoyed yours today. What are you doing for the weekend? I hope you are keeping well.

With much
AR1

Will you please make me some clam chowder then Paul. I am sure that I shall enjoy it as much as the one I ate in Grand entral Station.

With affection
AR1

And now my very dear friends.

I am off to tickle up the fish soup and to give K. some supper. Then to watch some golf.
Go well and have a good evening.

My to you all

AR1

AR1,
I'd be happy to post that clam chowder
recipe here at H2G2 tonight, after
I get home from work.