Crab and Pinot Grigio

Tonight the Mr. and I joined my cousin and her husband and several of their friends for a Crab Feed in the sleepy valley town of Ripon. Because I love this valley, a simple trip back in time to the small valley town of Ripon is cause for celebration in a quiet smile kind of way. It's known for it's Swiss Club, the cherry trees, the dairies, and the Ripon Community Center and it's major fundraising entity, the Ripon Quarterback Club. You guessed it, the Quarterback Club is made up of alumni from Ripon High School who played football. They raise enough money through their crab feeds, steak and oyster barbeques to fund the city of Ripon's youth sports programs. Just because this is small town America doing the right thing, the Mr. and I drive the extra 45 minutes for the crab feed. It was heavenly. We dined on some absolutely delicious sweet cold crab, french bread, salad, and baked potato. I also had 2 glasses of a wonderful McManus pinot grigio. Now, I didn't win any raffle prizes, but you know, driving to rural Ripon, eating crab, and sipping pinot grigio from a paper cup, is a reminder to me of what is good in my valley. The American Legion served tonight, and there were several Vietnam, and Korean war vets. Believe it or not there were even a very few World War II vets. I loved their caps and pins. It made me proud to be a citizen of this country. I love the fact that this event is so small town, yet such a big deal. We chatted with strangers, shared a platter of bread, a bowl of salad, and BOWLS of fabulous crab. I wish you all could have come. Oh yeah they even had dancing and Bingo! What a great evening. I love my valley.