Sunday, July 24, 2011

Howard Family

It has been busy lately. Stefen and his family have been here for two weeks. It was so much fun to watch them frolicking in the surf...and to join them laughing, jumping, and catching waves (there have been some great body surfing waves lately!).

I was able to get my outboard motor purring like a contented kitten just before they arrived (it needed a new fuel pump), so they spent several days knee-boarding (similar to water skiing) in the sound. Sometimes they just motored out near Teach's Hole to swim or look for a few clams.

They went to shows at Deepwater Theater, laid in wait for Ghost Walks (they built an "air cannon" to startle folks), built sand castles, shopped, listened to island music, played cards, rode bikes, and enjoyed the near-perfect weather. On Thursday evening we took Eakin's homemade rocket to the beach and launched it. Built from two plastic soft drink bottles filled with water, and pressurized with a bicycle pump, it sailed more than 150 feet into the air. Lachlan thought it was "really cool."

Of course, I hated to see them leave!

Here are just a few photos Lou Ann took while they were here (click on any photo to see a larger image):

Tunneling in the sand one evening after supper:



Snee and Stefen:



Eliza, Zoe, & Eakin on the porch of the Black Schooner:



The Howard family on Howard Street:



Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Lou Ann's story of the Night Blooming Cereus Cactus. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072111.htm.

9 comments:

  1. Anonymous6:53 AM

    Philip, your home is a literal hospitality center in the summer! So enjoy seeing the photos of all the families (Lou Ann's and yours) passing through Ocracoke.

    Is this the son who had the bookstore in VC? If so, I realize how much time has passed! Stefen has a lovely family. It's easy to see how much fun everyone had on the island.

    That's the only problem having folks to come....such a delight to have everyone arrive and then a feeling of melancholy to see them go.

    I bet Lachlan had a blast with his cousins!

    Oh, did you and Lou Ann have that birthday dinner you were hoping to have? Hope so!

    Did you sell all your beautiful water color drawings? Please give us an update!

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  2. Did the fuel additive have anything to do with the engine purring like a kitten?

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  3. Anonymous7:39 AM

    I hope the student of rocket science considers a career in aeronautics, honestly that and an understanding of the patent laws will serve he/she in good stead. A mind is a terrible thing to waste and knowing no effort is wasted could possibly ease any self doubt. If in the Zen of Pooh he says "Oh, bother" what does that mean.

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  4. Ron Kostar12:32 PM

    Philip, you have become a veritable oak tree in your "old" age (without getting old at all).

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  5. Anonymous1:22 PM

    Such fun ! Bet they miss their cool grandpop. Hey, did you ever name your boat?

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  6. Sounds like our vacations. Thanks so much

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  7. Whew! Lots of questions about this blog.

    Yes, Stefen did have a bookstore in one section of the Village Craftsmene...years ago!

    Yes, Lou Ann and I did have our birthday dinner at the Back Porch Restaurant. We had a wonderful time.

    I have sold several water color drawings.

    John, I have been using the fuel additive...but replacing the fuel pump was the key to having the motor run reliably.

    No, I have not named my boat. Maybe some day.

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  8. Anonymous3:35 PM

    0 comments = 0 interest --- at least you know you're not boring. Thanks.

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  9. Anonymous7:16 AM

    Name your boat "Hidden Paradise" b/c that's what Ocracoke is... a hidden paradise!!

    Looks like fun was had by all!! Makes me want to load up the car and head back down... we were just there yet if feels like an eternity between visits.

    Enjoy the family - time flies so fast...

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