Irish traditions and roasted pork

I missed the oysters. In Irish custom, it is the tradition to eat oysters on Christmas Eve. I missed the oysters. I had found the seafood section at the new Super-Ultra-Kroger, but they only seemed to have a few in the shell and they cost $5.95 a pound. I asked the seafood boy how many oysters there were in a pound. He guessed about five. That seemed too few. I don't know. I think I was hoping for something more like a dozen for $6.00. But no. He thought they had some that were already shucked. But no such luck.

My grandmother's family, on her father's side (my great-grandfather) came from Dublin. He was a grocer. Apparently, they always had oysters on Christmas Eve. I feel confident that that tradition came from the Irish tradition for oysters on Christmas Eve. I am proud to attempt to continue the tradition. But yesterday the price seemed too dear. Sometimes traditions bow to good sense.

The pork tenderloin and dressing pones and spinach more than covered for any possible disappointment. I was grateful for the contribution of the pig. I thought of the work of the farmer and hoped he found some compensation in the transaction.

Traditions are funny things. Nostalgic and helpful and a tie to times gone by. But not necessary to the process.

We travel to Florida on Saturday. They do have oysters in Florida. I have found that out.