Slower Lower

It's the 4th of July. Chris and Crystal talk about the summer of 2025; the recent heat wave; whether there are more lightning bugs this year; lightning bug vs. firefly; getting 30 yards of mulch for free; a garden update; and July 4th memories and traditions.

Steve Wootteon is the current drummer for the Baltimore-based indie rock band Have Mercy as well as the hardcore punk band Meth Rats. He is a past drummer of the world-touring metalcore act Across Five Aprils, in addition to several other bands including A Perfect Kiss, Leland Palmer, and Future Thrills. Steve is a passionate music enthusiast, a skilled cabinetmaker, a dad, and a good friend. On t...

Chris and Crystal recount a family crab feast and discuss how to pick, eat, and enjoy steamed blue crabs. Topics discussed include: A quick shoutout to the friendly folks at Trident Seafood Market in Hebron, Maryland. Old Bay Seasoning vs. J.O. Spice. Many people think they're eating Old Bay when it's actually J.O. Crystal's strong opinions about how to pick a crab properly. It's just a blue crab,...

Chris and Crystal sit down with award-winning photographer Russell A. Taylor III of Delmar and Laurel for a deep dive into his story. The conversation runs the gamut from laugh-out-loud hilarious to deeply sobering. Topics discussed (to name a few of many): How a childhood interest evolved first into a passion, and then a mission. Russell's mentor, Delmar High School teacher and photographer S...

Chris and Crystal chat about their backyard Delaware chicken flock and the recent hatching of five baby chicks. The Delaware chicken breed (not to be confused with the Blue Hen) was developed in Ocean View in the 1930s-1940s, and was once the favored bird of the broiler industry. It is an excellent choice for backyard flocksters in Delaware and elsewhere, good for both meat and eggs, and comfortab...

In the fourth episode of the Slower Lower podcast, Chris and Crystal sip Orange Crushes and react to the news that Maryland has finally named the wildly popular summertime drink its state cocktail after Delaware, in a puzzling breach of etiquette and sense, did the same last year. Topics discussed: What is an Orange Crush? (Fresh-squeezed orange juice, triple sec, vodka, and Sprite or Sierra Mist...

While Crystal battles allergies and a stubborn cough, Chris does a solo "quickie" episode about Delmarva's ancient caste system of locals, tourons, and come-heres. What are the differences between these groups? How did they evolve? Can a touron or a come-here become a local? This episode of the Slower Lower podcast is brought to you by Bald Cypress Books, independent publisher of new and old books...

On the second episode of the Slower Lower podcast, Chris and Crystal chat about their Memorial Day weekend road trip away from Slower Lower Delaware and into the mountains of western Pennsylvania, discussing topics such as: AirBnB etiquette, including what to do if you spill wine on the host's Oriental rug; historic Fort Bedford and the modern town of Bedford; visiting the Whiskey River Pub (shout...

In the inaugural episode of the Slower Lower podcast, Chris & Crystal chat about the highlights of their weekend, including the Vernacular Architecture Forum's visit to Laurel's Old Christ Church; lunch at the Groove; Chris's presentation at a Sussex County Genealogical Society meeting; lunch at the Lewes Oyster House and why it's their favorite restaurant on the Delmarva Peninsula; and the un...