Last Days, from the Watt's notes.

"So hallow'd and so gracious is the time."  -William Shakespeare
The Shore's own Stonehenge takes form across the Assawoman Bay. North Ocean City at sunrise, 12/2019.

   Winter Solstice is upon us. The shortest day/longest night of the year. Although the Crew's last meeting of 2019 was Thursday, the 19th, Saturday was the actual timing of the event. So, what was the big deal? 1) It was cold. Target argued that it was really the beginning of summer. He was not too far off. As it was the shortest day of the year, from that point forward the days would only get longer. Indeed, the Solstice celebrates the rebirth of the sun and renewal. Regardless, much to Target's chagrin, more cold days lie ahead. 2) It was windy...and cold. LWatt was certainly not a fan. Especially with our Chicago trip coming up over the weekend. We could've used a fire. On the islands of the North Atlantic and northern Europe, a Yule Log was burned to celebrate this time of year. As a matter of fact, in most cases it was an entire tree. What ever was left was burned the next night and so on through the Twelve Days of Christmas. Any remains after that were used to light the next year's holiday campfire. Cool...cold actually. Lastly 3) According to Stonehenge legend,

the Solstice also supposedly holds the energy for regeneration and self-reflection. The Crew will need that energy. Mainly because it's still cold. But, I'm also gonna have to find more unexplored dives and taverns in need of our appraisal as we move into the new year. That may require some spreading out of our territory, which in turn will require more energy from Target, LWatt, and myself. And, we have the year in review (that has relied heavily upon Target's infamous "scoring spreadsheet"). Even more energy needed. Can it be done? Can we continue? Are there yet establishments out there that could escape our stringent assessment? How long will the cold temps last? Only 2020 will bring the answers to these, and other Crew questions to light.
   Whew! With all of the above to tangle with, we settled into the last establishment of the year for the Crew review...the Restaurant at Lighthouse Sound. Part of the Lighthouse Sound Golf & Country Club in Bishopville, Md., the location provided a comfortable bar and dining room overlooking the Assawoman, well decorated for the holidays, to discuss our Christmas plans over warming drinks and a hot meal.

At this point I will pay my apologies to the T-Man. Our last meal, the Crew Christmas dinner (more or less) at a country club, and Target was dressed for the occasion with combed hair, slacks, and a button-down shirt. LWatt was dressed nice as always. Myself however...t-shirt, ball cap, and jeans. Bad form I must say, but you can bet it will not happen again. It may be up to a year, but next time I will be more presentable! Upon entrance, a nine foot tree that was lit up and adorned to the nines. Making our way into the lounge area, the small bar was already loaded by several local couples, the only other patrons in the joint, so we sat down at one of the rustic tables near the fireplace.

Our barkeep-waitress was a "Jenny on-the-spot" quickly taking the orders and getting our drinks as we perused the menu; Christmas music playing in the background. Our spread consisted of Old Bay Wings, Blackened Fish Tacos, and the House Cheeseburger.

The food was served up hot. The wings were juicy and meaty and not overly seasoned, but only a six pack. The fish tacos had plenty of fish, but very fishy tasting fish (i.e. frozen not fresh). A very disappointing dish. The cheeseburger was good, not great. Juicy and well cooked, it had the usual accouterments of lettuce and tomato. We dined...discussing family plans, Christmas traditions, and possible New Year resolutions. Great friends enjoying a hot meal in a holiday atmosphere with a nice view of the O.C. skyline at night. Did I mention Christmas music in the background? Yes, an excellent close to the last days of our season.

Lighthouse Sound, 12/19/2019
THE RATINGS-
Old Bay Wings: B

Blackened Fish Tacos: D

House Cheeseburger: C+

Beer (only basics): C

Atmosphere: B+

Value:B-

Overall Score = 2.38