Puddles (some small, others quite large) are standing in roads and yards. Water droplets are clinging to leaves and branches. Fences and gravestones on Howard Street are glistening. The sky is gray and the day is quiet --almost somber. People are slow to be out and about. It's the perfect day to stay indoors, curled up on the sofa with a good book.
(A note to Bob -- The answer to your question about William Howard's children is posted with yesterday's journal entry.)
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Sunday, July 31, 2005
Saturday, July 30, 2005
246 Years Ago...
...on this date, William Howard, Sr. bought Ocracoke Island. The year was 1759. There is some uncertainty about exactly what he purchased. Inlets have come and gone over the years, and strong evidence suggests that the area where the village is now located was at that time a separate "inside island" not connected to the "sandy banks." A shallow body of water lay approximately where the Variety Store now stands.
Presumably William Howard, fourth colonial owner of Ocracoke and the first owner to make his home here, was already living on the "inside island" in 1759 (maybe as early as 1730) and may have owned that portion of Ocracoke where the village lies. Some evidence suggests that he had married into the family of Richard Sanderson, Sr. and Richard Sanderson, Jr. (third & fourth colonial owners). He may have inherited or been given his land by his in-laws. Perhaps his purchase in 1759 was of the rest of the "island," the sandy banks between Ocracoke Inlet and the next inlet (which was situated about 8 miles north at that time).
Evidence is mounting to indicate that William Howard of Ocracoke may well have been the same William Howard who served as Blackbeard's quartermaster in 1718. (Ocracoke has quite a colorful history!) At any rate, today is the anniversary of his purchase. Most of the known history of the village begins on this date 246 years ago. If only we could see now what it looked like then.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Presumably William Howard, fourth colonial owner of Ocracoke and the first owner to make his home here, was already living on the "inside island" in 1759 (maybe as early as 1730) and may have owned that portion of Ocracoke where the village lies. Some evidence suggests that he had married into the family of Richard Sanderson, Sr. and Richard Sanderson, Jr. (third & fourth colonial owners). He may have inherited or been given his land by his in-laws. Perhaps his purchase in 1759 was of the rest of the "island," the sandy banks between Ocracoke Inlet and the next inlet (which was situated about 8 miles north at that time).
Evidence is mounting to indicate that William Howard of Ocracoke may well have been the same William Howard who served as Blackbeard's quartermaster in 1718. (Ocracoke has quite a colorful history!) At any rate, today is the anniversary of his purchase. Most of the known history of the village begins on this date 246 years ago. If only we could see now what it looked like then.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Friday, July 29, 2005
Dinner with Friends
Yesterday evening Nina & Cy, park service volunteers, invited Lou Ann and me to their home for dinner. For several months they will be living on the lighthouse grounds in the lightkeeper's quarters.
Built in 1823, the keeper's quarters and the lighthouse are the oldest structures on the island. We marveled at the house's thick brick walls and reflected on the lives of its many residents. We walked outside and compared the structure today to photos from the mid 1800's. (Major additions and renovations were made in 1897 & 1929.)
Originally whale oil was used to fuel 15 lamps in the tower's reflector apparatus. A fourth order Fresnel lens replaced the reflector system in 1854. Lard oil and kerosene were used later. The light was elecrified in 1929. Today the light from a 250 watt halogen bulb (about the size of your little finger) is magnified by the Fresnel lens and is visible fourteen miles to sea.
After a delicious dinner we perused old photos, including one of my great-great-uncle, Enoch Ellis Howard, who was keeper of the lighthouse from 1862 until his death in 1897. We pondered the many facets of his job (tending to the lamp every evening and morning, whitewashing the tower, cleaning the lens and lantern windows, building walkways and fences, and maintaining the grounds and buildings).
Back home Lou Ann and I reflected on the many meals Enoch Ellis Howard and the other keepers and their families had enjoyed together in that house. We wondered what stories they shared and what storms they lived through. We fell asleep feeling privileged to have shared dinner with new friends and with the spirits of others who had discharged their duty in the lighthouse service so many years ago.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Built in 1823, the keeper's quarters and the lighthouse are the oldest structures on the island. We marveled at the house's thick brick walls and reflected on the lives of its many residents. We walked outside and compared the structure today to photos from the mid 1800's. (Major additions and renovations were made in 1897 & 1929.)
Originally whale oil was used to fuel 15 lamps in the tower's reflector apparatus. A fourth order Fresnel lens replaced the reflector system in 1854. Lard oil and kerosene were used later. The light was elecrified in 1929. Today the light from a 250 watt halogen bulb (about the size of your little finger) is magnified by the Fresnel lens and is visible fourteen miles to sea.
After a delicious dinner we perused old photos, including one of my great-great-uncle, Enoch Ellis Howard, who was keeper of the lighthouse from 1862 until his death in 1897. We pondered the many facets of his job (tending to the lamp every evening and morning, whitewashing the tower, cleaning the lens and lantern windows, building walkways and fences, and maintaining the grounds and buildings).
Back home Lou Ann and I reflected on the many meals Enoch Ellis Howard and the other keepers and their families had enjoyed together in that house. We wondered what stories they shared and what storms they lived through. We fell asleep feeling privileged to have shared dinner with new friends and with the spirits of others who had discharged their duty in the lighthouse service so many years ago.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Thursday, July 28, 2005
Hot Dog Sale
The Methodist Church held a hot dog sale at noon yesterday. It may not sound very exciting, but it's one more opportunity to get out and visit with the neighbors.
This week, like so many others, has been full of fun activities. Sunday evening Lou Ann & I went to the Jolly Roger to listen to local guitarist Martin Garrish & friends. Monday we babysat Lachlan and went out for a stroll and visiting. Visiting is almost a lost art in today's society, but you might want to try it. It is quite rewarding.
Tuesday night Amy & I both had a ghost and history walk. Last night we went with cousin Blanche to the Ocrafolk Opry at Deepwater Theater. The music and storytelling were simply fabulous.
This evening Lou Ann & I have been invited to have dinner with the park volunteers at the lighthouse keeper's quarters. It's been years since I've been in the house (it was built in 1823). Tomorrow night I will have another ghost & history walk, and Lou Ann will be at a rental cottage for an evening of ghost tales.
Maybe we'll stay home on Saturday and play cribbage!
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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This week, like so many others, has been full of fun activities. Sunday evening Lou Ann & I went to the Jolly Roger to listen to local guitarist Martin Garrish & friends. Monday we babysat Lachlan and went out for a stroll and visiting. Visiting is almost a lost art in today's society, but you might want to try it. It is quite rewarding.
Tuesday night Amy & I both had a ghost and history walk. Last night we went with cousin Blanche to the Ocrafolk Opry at Deepwater Theater. The music and storytelling were simply fabulous.
This evening Lou Ann & I have been invited to have dinner with the park volunteers at the lighthouse keeper's quarters. It's been years since I've been in the house (it was built in 1823). Tomorrow night I will have another ghost & history walk, and Lou Ann will be at a rental cottage for an evening of ghost tales.
Maybe we'll stay home on Saturday and play cribbage!
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Wednesday, July 27, 2005
We knew you wanted to know...
The major conversation this week has been the heat. Not politics, not religion, not even skinny dipping in the creek...but the word HOT, HOT, HOT.
I have heard about the heat closing the Denver airport...baked folks in Chicago...and I can't even talk about Phoenix without holding a lemonade.
And yes, it arrived here yesterday. How hot is it? So hot that the water is bath water warm. So hot that folks are shopping just for the air conditioning. (How much would you charge me to stand over this air duct?) So hot that I actually had to put on my flip flops when walking home to lunch because of the heat on the sandy path.
But never fear. there's plenty of beach for all of you, ice cream and cold bear cooling in tubs. If you are desperate though, I'll let you stand over the air duct as a trade for some good conversation. The topic? The heat, of course!
Lou Ann
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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I have heard about the heat closing the Denver airport...baked folks in Chicago...and I can't even talk about Phoenix without holding a lemonade.
And yes, it arrived here yesterday. How hot is it? So hot that the water is bath water warm. So hot that folks are shopping just for the air conditioning. (How much would you charge me to stand over this air duct?) So hot that I actually had to put on my flip flops when walking home to lunch because of the heat on the sandy path.
But never fear. there's plenty of beach for all of you, ice cream and cold bear cooling in tubs. If you are desperate though, I'll let you stand over the air duct as a trade for some good conversation. The topic? The heat, of course!
Lou Ann
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Portsmouth....An After Thought..
It has already been two days since our journey into the Sound for clamming and exploring.
The clamming was just wonderful as we all jumped out of the boat one at a time. The men went first (why was that???) The female cast of the party waited to make sure that was where we were staying for the morning.
The water was warm and calm...perfect for sloshing and pushing. We filled our limit, climbed into the back of the boat, and shared Nabs and bottled water. I think it was Philip who suggested we take a quick trip over to Portsmouth Island. I had never made that journey, although I have heard the stories (beauty and mosquitos all in one!)
The wind was from the Northeast and much to our delight, it was free of flying pests.
The beauty was stunning. We walked from house to church to the lifekeeper's station and then back again. There were moments I just had to stop and think about their lives. I could only imagine the community that held them together. I could see gardens and quilts on lines and chickens in the yards.
Strolling back down the lane towards our boat, I stopped and turned. It was awe-inspiring to step back in time.....at least for an hour or two.
Lou Ann
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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The clamming was just wonderful as we all jumped out of the boat one at a time. The men went first (why was that???) The female cast of the party waited to make sure that was where we were staying for the morning.
The water was warm and calm...perfect for sloshing and pushing. We filled our limit, climbed into the back of the boat, and shared Nabs and bottled water. I think it was Philip who suggested we take a quick trip over to Portsmouth Island. I had never made that journey, although I have heard the stories (beauty and mosquitos all in one!)
The wind was from the Northeast and much to our delight, it was free of flying pests.
The beauty was stunning. We walked from house to church to the lifekeeper's station and then back again. There were moments I just had to stop and think about their lives. I could only imagine the community that held them together. I could see gardens and quilts on lines and chickens in the yards.
Strolling back down the lane towards our boat, I stopped and turned. It was awe-inspiring to step back in time.....at least for an hour or two.
Lou Ann
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Sunday, July 24, 2005
Sunday Morning Boating
What a great day! Lou Ann and I joined friends this morning for an excursion out into Pamlico Sound. We were on a quest for clams. We loaded the rakes & the baskets, along with nabs (peanut butter crackers for you yankees) and cold drinks into the boat and headed out about 9:30.
We found a terrific location near Portsmouth Island and soon had our limit of 200 clams. The day was gorgeous -- a picture postcard sky with puffy white clouds on the horizon, aqua green water, and a light breeze.
We had plenty of time so we motored over to the dock at haulover point and walked into Portsmouth village. The breeze was brisk so we enjoyed the stroll bug-free until we stopped and stood still in the lee of the historic homes. We visited the post office, the Salter home, the Methodist church, and the Coast Guard station. The view from the cupola was simply spectacular. Egrets were wading in the marsh, gulls were gliding on updrafts, fishermen were out in their open skiffs, and the Ocracoke lighthouse was standing tall across the inlet.
The only other soul we saw was a park service volunteer. (Yesterday, she assured us, was a buggy nightmare. Recent rains and no breeze meant full body mosquito netting for any outdoor activity.)
Lou Ann & I ambled down the sandy lane to Henry Pigot's home, a doll-sized yellow cottage with front and side porches, a low white picket fence, and even a screen house in the back yard. (A screen house is a small screened in enclosure on a post that was used to store meat, eggs, and milk before the advent of electricity and refrigeration.)
We walked quietly through this ghost village, often reflecting on life so many years ago on this fragile, isolated island. Lou Ann had never been to Portsmouth before. Maybe she will want to share some of her thoughts, as a first-time visitor, tomorrow.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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We found a terrific location near Portsmouth Island and soon had our limit of 200 clams. The day was gorgeous -- a picture postcard sky with puffy white clouds on the horizon, aqua green water, and a light breeze.
We had plenty of time so we motored over to the dock at haulover point and walked into Portsmouth village. The breeze was brisk so we enjoyed the stroll bug-free until we stopped and stood still in the lee of the historic homes. We visited the post office, the Salter home, the Methodist church, and the Coast Guard station. The view from the cupola was simply spectacular. Egrets were wading in the marsh, gulls were gliding on updrafts, fishermen were out in their open skiffs, and the Ocracoke lighthouse was standing tall across the inlet.
The only other soul we saw was a park service volunteer. (Yesterday, she assured us, was a buggy nightmare. Recent rains and no breeze meant full body mosquito netting for any outdoor activity.)
Lou Ann & I ambled down the sandy lane to Henry Pigot's home, a doll-sized yellow cottage with front and side porches, a low white picket fence, and even a screen house in the back yard. (A screen house is a small screened in enclosure on a post that was used to store meat, eggs, and milk before the advent of electricity and refrigeration.)
We walked quietly through this ghost village, often reflecting on life so many years ago on this fragile, isolated island. Lou Ann had never been to Portsmouth before. Maybe she will want to share some of her thoughts, as a first-time visitor, tomorrow.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Saturday, July 23, 2005
Quilts and Stories......
It was a lazy Saturday morning. You know the kind that I mean..... an extra cup of coffee on the pizer, a little reading, and time to watch the sleepy village wake up. I was deep into my book when Dale Mutro came bounding up the front steps carrying a large bag. Dale's smile and stories are contagious...I knew he had something wonderful to show me.
He reached into the bag and drew out a handmade quilt. We took it inside to the front parlor so I could get a better look and keep it from sand and sun.
The quilt was hand-stitched. The material had come from Dale's Granny. She passed away last fall and Dale took all of her "shifts" to Agnes Wren to be made into a quilt.
"I remember every one of these patches," he said, "I washed all of her clothes." Dale cared for his Granny in ways that we only read about in books.
He stood in the front parlor in the early morning shadows...holding his quilt, his treasure.
Dale owns more than a quilt. He owns memories and stories.
Lou Ann
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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He reached into the bag and drew out a handmade quilt. We took it inside to the front parlor so I could get a better look and keep it from sand and sun.
The quilt was hand-stitched. The material had come from Dale's Granny. She passed away last fall and Dale took all of her "shifts" to Agnes Wren to be made into a quilt.
"I remember every one of these patches," he said, "I washed all of her clothes." Dale cared for his Granny in ways that we only read about in books.
He stood in the front parlor in the early morning shadows...holding his quilt, his treasure.
Dale owns more than a quilt. He owns memories and stories.
Lou Ann
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Friday, July 22, 2005
Champagne, Oreos, and Birthdays....
This third week of July I share my birthday with three island women; Marcy Brenner, Karen Lovejoy, and Sundae Horn. The four of us really do love our birthdays. Sundae made us all lovely crowns of roses that we have been wearing all over the island this week.
Each of us has celebrated in wonderful Ocracoke fashion. Karen was treated to a surprise community pot luck supper ( at her own house!) Sundae wanted champagne and oreo cookies on the beach after the Opry this week. It was great fun dunking our cookies into the champagne as we listened to the roar of the ocean and the rising of the full moon. I have yet to hear of Marcy's plans, but it will be as eventful.
I chose the morning sunrise. So this morning at 4:30 Philip and I headed out to the beach. (Yes, we were a bit early!) The full moon was hanging in the Western sky as we walked on the shoreline. We climbed up into the lifeguard's chair to watch daybreak. Both of us lost in our own thoughts. Philip was thinking about ancient sun gods, while I thought of Emily Dickinson, "I'll tell you how the sun rose, a ribbon at a time....."
The sun rose as a suspended tangerine in the sapphire morning sky as the moon set in the West. We just watched East to West...West to East. We were spellbound by the vast beauty. We finally climbed down and headed off to the Pony Island Restaurant for breakfast.
And, yes, I worked all day at the shop with my crown on, of course!
Lou Ann
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Each of us has celebrated in wonderful Ocracoke fashion. Karen was treated to a surprise community pot luck supper ( at her own house!) Sundae wanted champagne and oreo cookies on the beach after the Opry this week. It was great fun dunking our cookies into the champagne as we listened to the roar of the ocean and the rising of the full moon. I have yet to hear of Marcy's plans, but it will be as eventful.
I chose the morning sunrise. So this morning at 4:30 Philip and I headed out to the beach. (Yes, we were a bit early!) The full moon was hanging in the Western sky as we walked on the shoreline. We climbed up into the lifeguard's chair to watch daybreak. Both of us lost in our own thoughts. Philip was thinking about ancient sun gods, while I thought of Emily Dickinson, "I'll tell you how the sun rose, a ribbon at a time....."
The sun rose as a suspended tangerine in the sapphire morning sky as the moon set in the West. We just watched East to West...West to East. We were spellbound by the vast beauty. We finally climbed down and headed off to the Pony Island Restaurant for breakfast.
And, yes, I worked all day at the shop with my crown on, of course!
Lou Ann
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Fourth Grade Writing Assignment
Michael Good is a rising fifth grader who lives in southern Virginia, and Ocracoke is one of his favorite places to visit. In May he wrote the following essay for his writing class. The simple pleasures Ocracoke has to offer obviously continue to appeal to people of all ages.
"Ocracoke Island is a special place. My family goes there every summer.
I smell the fresh salty air mixed with smelly fish. I can also smell awesome seafood being grilled, smoked, fried, and broiled.
I can see many things like huge waves, tan sand, colorful umbrellas and chairs, and brown trees. I also see gray dolphins jumping, bright colored shells, and white sand dollars.
I can hear waves crashing, bees buzzing, birds calling and people talking.
What I can taste is creamy clam chowder, tasty pizza, hot shrimp, great crab legs, and salty fish.
What I can touch is warm water, rough sand, pointy grass, and splintery trees. I can also feel smooth shells and cold sand dollars.
This is why I like Ocracoke Island."
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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"Ocracoke Island is a special place. My family goes there every summer.
I smell the fresh salty air mixed with smelly fish. I can also smell awesome seafood being grilled, smoked, fried, and broiled.
I can see many things like huge waves, tan sand, colorful umbrellas and chairs, and brown trees. I also see gray dolphins jumping, bright colored shells, and white sand dollars.
I can hear waves crashing, bees buzzing, birds calling and people talking.
What I can taste is creamy clam chowder, tasty pizza, hot shrimp, great crab legs, and salty fish.
What I can touch is warm water, rough sand, pointy grass, and splintery trees. I can also feel smooth shells and cold sand dollars.
This is why I like Ocracoke Island."
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Tuesday, July 19, 2005
A Frog in the Teacher's Desk Drawer
Standing in line at the bank this morning several of us were talking about Ocracokers and the pranks they like to play on each other. Kay said she couldn't remember if it was Ronnie Van or James Barrie (it happened about 50 years ago), but one of them hid a frog in Mrs. Rondthaler's desk drawer. It frightened her so bad when it jumped out of the drawer that she lost her composure and ran home. Kay was still laughing about it after all these years.
Mr. Rondthaler (he was the principal) made the entire class walk down to their home and apologize.
"Mrs. Rondthaler forgave y'all, didn't she?" I asked Kay.
"Of course," she said. "She even treated us with candy."
Perhaps schoolchildren (even on Ocracoke) no longer hide frogs in teachers' desks, but at least here the stories still live on and the perpetrators are remembered & can be called by name. Let's hope that innocent play continues and that teachers & students know each other well enough that practical jokes can be forgiven and long-term friendships can develop across generations.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
Mr. Rondthaler (he was the principal) made the entire class walk down to their home and apologize.
"Mrs. Rondthaler forgave y'all, didn't she?" I asked Kay.
"Of course," she said. "She even treated us with candy."
Perhaps schoolchildren (even on Ocracoke) no longer hide frogs in teachers' desks, but at least here the stories still live on and the perpetrators are remembered & can be called by name. Let's hope that innocent play continues and that teachers & students know each other well enough that practical jokes can be forgiven and long-term friendships can develop across generations.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
Monday, July 18, 2005
Scarlet Sunset over Pamlico Sound
Sometimes you just want time to stand still...sigh. Last night we met friends at the Jolly Roger for fresh fish sandwiches (the catch of the day) and cold beer. Martin and friends entertained us with bluegrass, folk, and some old time tunes. As the evening progressed, our group grew larger spilling our chairs into the aisles and walkway.
The Windfall made her appearance on the horizon as the scarlet sun sank into the evening sky.
When the guitars were packed away, we meandered back home down Howard Street. It was, indeed, a perfect island day.
Lou Ann
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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The Windfall made her appearance on the horizon as the scarlet sun sank into the evening sky.
When the guitars were packed away, we meandered back home down Howard Street. It was, indeed, a perfect island day.
Lou Ann
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Sunday, July 17, 2005
Perfect Water
The beach today was simply gorgeous. Blue-green water; warm sun; large, gentle waves. Lou Ann & I took Lachlan this morning, but he was too tired to really enjoy himself. He walked into the shallows and a wave knocked him off balance. Mostly he just wanted to be held.
So we took turns swimming out beyond the breakers, where the water was chest to chin deep. We floated, swam, dove under a few waves, and let the salt water relax our sore muscles.
Friends are visiting the island this week, so we'll invite them over to sit on our front porch this afternoon, and then we'll walk or bike down to the harbor to listen to island guitarist Martin Garrish & friends.
Not a bad way to spend a hot July Sunday.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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So we took turns swimming out beyond the breakers, where the water was chest to chin deep. We floated, swam, dove under a few waves, and let the salt water relax our sore muscles.
Friends are visiting the island this week, so we'll invite them over to sit on our front porch this afternoon, and then we'll walk or bike down to the harbor to listen to island guitarist Martin Garrish & friends.
Not a bad way to spend a hot July Sunday.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Saturday, July 16, 2005
Clam Rakes & Email
As you might expect, readers send us emails now and then about our journal entries. We always respond if the email includes a question or request -- unless we can't, and that happens sometimes. For some reason the occasional email message we receive does not include a "from" email address when it gets forwarded to my personal account. I had such an email recently. It read:
"Enjoy reading your daily journal and especially enjoyed the article on clamming and clam rakes. Do you sell clam rakes and baskets at your store? If not, where can I purchase this equipment? Thank you. John"
Because I don't have his email address I can't reply directly to John. So I am responding here in our daily journal:
John, thanks for the kind words. Clamming is a great island summertime activity. It's wonderful to be out on the water much of the day, and you come home with dinner! But we do not sell clam rakes and baskets. My cousin made my rakes (he's a welder). But he doesn't have a business or email. I suspect that you can purchase rakes and baskets (actually, for a basket all you really need is a wire or plastic basket with a couple of floats tied to the rim) at one of the island tackle shops. Just check around on your next visit to the island.
Oh yeah....John, it would be nice if you would add a comment here if you've read my on-line reply. We really do want to know that you've received your answer. And thanks for writing.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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"Enjoy reading your daily journal and especially enjoyed the article on clamming and clam rakes. Do you sell clam rakes and baskets at your store? If not, where can I purchase this equipment? Thank you. John"
Because I don't have his email address I can't reply directly to John. So I am responding here in our daily journal:
John, thanks for the kind words. Clamming is a great island summertime activity. It's wonderful to be out on the water much of the day, and you come home with dinner! But we do not sell clam rakes and baskets. My cousin made my rakes (he's a welder). But he doesn't have a business or email. I suspect that you can purchase rakes and baskets (actually, for a basket all you really need is a wire or plastic basket with a couple of floats tied to the rim) at one of the island tackle shops. Just check around on your next visit to the island.
Oh yeah....John, it would be nice if you would add a comment here if you've read my on-line reply. We really do want to know that you've received your answer. And thanks for writing.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Friday, July 15, 2005
Sam Jones
Sam Jones was a wealthy industrialist from Swan Quarter, NC who married Ocracoke native Ruth Kelly. Sam always had a warm spot in his heart for the island. He made major contributions to the island churches, to the fire & rescue squad, to help care for the Ocracoke ponies, and to various families and individuals in need.
Sam was eccentric however. The large homes he built (including what are now known as the Castle Bed & Breakfast and Berkeley Manor) were constructed with local labor and without formal blueprints. Sam often stood by and ordered changes as the carpenters worked. Today, the buildings have had some remodeling, but they still retain evidence of Sam's character. Dormer windows look directly into adjacent dormer windows, the roof line is oddly asymetrical, and the step risers are, for most people, uncomfortably short.
I was honored yesterday to be invited to an afternoon get-together at the Flying Melon Cafe hosted by Sam's son, Charlie (Charlie and I are 3rd cousins). Charlie commented that his father was such a colorful character that someone really should write his story. He was known to have his pilot fly him to the island in the middle of the night just for a haircut. He might unexpectedly pay a neighbor's grocery bill at the Community Store. One time he flew to the island with brand new dresses for all the women in the church choirs. He even chose time in jail rather than pay taxes he felt were unjust.
After our meal yesterday Roy Parsons entertained us with his music (Roy had worked for Sam for many years), and we shared stories of Sam and Ocracoke. Charlie remembered with a smile the time his daddy rode his palamino horse into their living room. (Charlie's mama was not always so pleased with Sam's antics.)
Many thanks to Charlie and his family for including us in a celebration of his family's connection with Ocracoke.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
Sam was eccentric however. The large homes he built (including what are now known as the Castle Bed & Breakfast and Berkeley Manor) were constructed with local labor and without formal blueprints. Sam often stood by and ordered changes as the carpenters worked. Today, the buildings have had some remodeling, but they still retain evidence of Sam's character. Dormer windows look directly into adjacent dormer windows, the roof line is oddly asymetrical, and the step risers are, for most people, uncomfortably short.
I was honored yesterday to be invited to an afternoon get-together at the Flying Melon Cafe hosted by Sam's son, Charlie (Charlie and I are 3rd cousins). Charlie commented that his father was such a colorful character that someone really should write his story. He was known to have his pilot fly him to the island in the middle of the night just for a haircut. He might unexpectedly pay a neighbor's grocery bill at the Community Store. One time he flew to the island with brand new dresses for all the women in the church choirs. He even chose time in jail rather than pay taxes he felt were unjust.
After our meal yesterday Roy Parsons entertained us with his music (Roy had worked for Sam for many years), and we shared stories of Sam and Ocracoke. Charlie remembered with a smile the time his daddy rode his palamino horse into their living room. (Charlie's mama was not always so pleased with Sam's antics.)
Many thanks to Charlie and his family for including us in a celebration of his family's connection with Ocracoke.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Lush Green
I suppose it's the outer fringes of tropical storm Dennis. Today the sky is gray and somber. The trees are heavy with condensation and rain. Walking down Howard Street it feels like some remote village in a distant tropical rain forest. Birds call gently from trees nearby. The world around us is mostly quiet, but lush and alive, just waiting to spring forth with the first rays of sunshine.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Raining Clam & Oyster Shells
Rain
Dark rain
Heavy dark rain
Ghost story dark rain
Ominous ghost story dark rain
Turbulent, ominous ghost story dark rain
Slashing, turbulent, ominous ghost story dark rain
We knew it was coming, the air was heavy and sultry. By early morning the power had gone out (forget the hot showers and coffee)……We do need the rain, however. My garden was wilting under the hot summer heat, and the sand was hot even to seasoned bare feet.
With the power restored, we made coffee, opened up the shop and made this quick note to all of you to let you know we are still alive and well.. (The internet has been fragile the past couple of days so no blog!)
So here I sit in the Village Craftsmen, peering through windows that are as dark as night, listening to the rain on the rootop, waiting for a sopping wet tourist to come through the door so we can chat about the weather, of course.
If the power goes out again (which it will)...we'll light a candle just for you!
Lou Ann
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Dark rain
Heavy dark rain
Ghost story dark rain
Ominous ghost story dark rain
Turbulent, ominous ghost story dark rain
Slashing, turbulent, ominous ghost story dark rain
We knew it was coming, the air was heavy and sultry. By early morning the power had gone out (forget the hot showers and coffee)……We do need the rain, however. My garden was wilting under the hot summer heat, and the sand was hot even to seasoned bare feet.
With the power restored, we made coffee, opened up the shop and made this quick note to all of you to let you know we are still alive and well.. (The internet has been fragile the past couple of days so no blog!)
So here I sit in the Village Craftsmen, peering through windows that are as dark as night, listening to the rain on the rootop, waiting for a sopping wet tourist to come through the door so we can chat about the weather, of course.
If the power goes out again (which it will)...we'll light a candle just for you!
Lou Ann
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Sunday, July 10, 2005
Clam Rakes
Al came to borrow the clam rakes this morning. He could only find two rakes. Dave had borrowed the other three a few days ago. I guess he didn't bring them back. But Al knows where to go find them.
In case you've never been clamming, the rakes are similar to garden rakes -- but different. The handles are long and light (mine are hollow aluminum tubes). The last foot and a half is wood (so the end of the handle floats if you let go of the rake). Years ago the tines were fashioned from round stock, curved and pointed. Today the best rakes (like mine) are made with stainless steel kitchen knife blades instead of round metal tines. Where the tines attach to the handle there is metal mesh, sort of a shallow "basket."
Clamming is best done in shallow water, just ankle to knee deep. In cold weather clams burrow deep into the sandy bottom. In the warmer summer months they move closer to the sea floor. By pushing the rake across the bottom you can feel a gentle "clunk" when the tines scrape across a clam. Then it's just a simple matter to dig the points into the sand and pull back. This will snag the clam and capture it in the "basket." Rakes with knife blades are so much easier to push across the sandy bottom because the thin blades offer so little resistance.
Usually the clammer will pull a floating basket behind him. After an hour or so the basket will be full. The best part of clamming is feasting on the bounty gathered. Clam chowder, clams casino, steamed clams, or just plain raw clams. They're all delectable and a fitting reward for a day's labor.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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In case you've never been clamming, the rakes are similar to garden rakes -- but different. The handles are long and light (mine are hollow aluminum tubes). The last foot and a half is wood (so the end of the handle floats if you let go of the rake). Years ago the tines were fashioned from round stock, curved and pointed. Today the best rakes (like mine) are made with stainless steel kitchen knife blades instead of round metal tines. Where the tines attach to the handle there is metal mesh, sort of a shallow "basket."
Clamming is best done in shallow water, just ankle to knee deep. In cold weather clams burrow deep into the sandy bottom. In the warmer summer months they move closer to the sea floor. By pushing the rake across the bottom you can feel a gentle "clunk" when the tines scrape across a clam. Then it's just a simple matter to dig the points into the sand and pull back. This will snag the clam and capture it in the "basket." Rakes with knife blades are so much easier to push across the sandy bottom because the thin blades offer so little resistance.
Usually the clammer will pull a floating basket behind him. After an hour or so the basket will be full. The best part of clamming is feasting on the bounty gathered. Clam chowder, clams casino, steamed clams, or just plain raw clams. They're all delectable and a fitting reward for a day's labor.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Saturday, July 09, 2005
Cream Puffs & Stories
My daughter Amy called last night. She & two off-island friends wanted to come by about 9:30 with cream puffs they had made. We sat around the dining room table, our fingers sticky with chocolate and cream filling, sharing island stories.
I think the one that captivated them most was about the tragic death some years back of an Ocracoke resident, Dave, who loved a good story. In an unfortunate accident he drowned at the South Point. His girlfriend/partner had planned for a flotilla of boats to go out into the sound after the funeral to scatter his ashes.
Sometime during the post-funeral meal one or both of Dave's two ex-wives (I can't remember all of the details), who had come to the island to bid him farewell, decided to "take matters into their own hands," literally. They surreptitiously gathered up Dave's ashes and absconded with them. To my knowledge, the ashes were never recovered.
Perhaps Dave didn't get to mingle with his beloved salt water, but at least Ocracokers got one more story to share, and Dave is definitely a part of that.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
I think the one that captivated them most was about the tragic death some years back of an Ocracoke resident, Dave, who loved a good story. In an unfortunate accident he drowned at the South Point. His girlfriend/partner had planned for a flotilla of boats to go out into the sound after the funeral to scatter his ashes.
Sometime during the post-funeral meal one or both of Dave's two ex-wives (I can't remember all of the details), who had come to the island to bid him farewell, decided to "take matters into their own hands," literally. They surreptitiously gathered up Dave's ashes and absconded with them. To my knowledge, the ashes were never recovered.
Perhaps Dave didn't get to mingle with his beloved salt water, but at least Ocracokers got one more story to share, and Dave is definitely a part of that.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
Friday, July 08, 2005
Annie Moore's House
Thursday is our babysitting day. We take Lachlan at 3:30 in the afternoon and keep him until his mama comes for him after her evening waitressing shift at the Back Porch Restaurant.
We like to take him for a late afternoon stroll to visit friends and neighbors. Yesterday we stopped by the Secret Garden Gallery to say hello to owners Barbara Hardy & Bob Ray. Watercolor artist Ed Starnes and his wife Rae were on hand to greet visitors who were there to view a selection of Ed's wonderful scenes of Howard Street, Silver Lake, & the Ocracoke Lighthouse, among others.
We then pushed Lachlan's stroller down lighthouse road to Annie Moore's house. Annie Moore died some years ago and an island friend and neighbor is the the process of purchasing the house. It is a typical Outer Banks "story and a jump" house, about 100 years old and very similar to my grandparents' home, which I recently restored.
We sat on the back steps and let Laschlan plan in the grass and sand. Directly across the marsh stands the stately white Ocracoke lighthouse. The view is outstanding, perhaps the very best unobstructed view of the light. We could only image what it would be like after sunset when the light comes on.
Maybe we'll be invited down there for an evening potluck dinner sometime!
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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We like to take him for a late afternoon stroll to visit friends and neighbors. Yesterday we stopped by the Secret Garden Gallery to say hello to owners Barbara Hardy & Bob Ray. Watercolor artist Ed Starnes and his wife Rae were on hand to greet visitors who were there to view a selection of Ed's wonderful scenes of Howard Street, Silver Lake, & the Ocracoke Lighthouse, among others.
We then pushed Lachlan's stroller down lighthouse road to Annie Moore's house. Annie Moore died some years ago and an island friend and neighbor is the the process of purchasing the house. It is a typical Outer Banks "story and a jump" house, about 100 years old and very similar to my grandparents' home, which I recently restored.
We sat on the back steps and let Laschlan plan in the grass and sand. Directly across the marsh stands the stately white Ocracoke lighthouse. The view is outstanding, perhaps the very best unobstructed view of the light. We could only image what it would be like after sunset when the light comes on.
Maybe we'll be invited down there for an evening potluck dinner sometime!
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Thursday, July 07, 2005
The Advantages & Disadvantages of No TV
Every now & then I will watch the evening news in my rental cottage (generally in the winter months). Occasionally the newscaster will begin a story with these words: "Unless you have been living in a cave this last month you are aware that...."
I guess I have been living in a metaphorical cave. Only yesterday did I learn about Tropical Depression Cindy and Hurricane Dennis. Ocracokers usually follow tropical weather reports, so I suppose I really should pay closer attention.
On the other hand, I am able to blissfully pass most days working at the Village Craftsmen, sipping a late afternoon gin & tonic on my front porch, playing cribbage in the evening, entertaining my grandson Lachlan, or taking a cool dip in the ocean (the water was delightful today). Maybe I am not the best informed citizen, but I hope I provide some balance to a fast-paced, hectic lifestyle that all too often neglects life's simple joys and pleasures. At any rate, it suits me.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
I guess I have been living in a metaphorical cave. Only yesterday did I learn about Tropical Depression Cindy and Hurricane Dennis. Ocracokers usually follow tropical weather reports, so I suppose I really should pay closer attention.
On the other hand, I am able to blissfully pass most days working at the Village Craftsmen, sipping a late afternoon gin & tonic on my front porch, playing cribbage in the evening, entertaining my grandson Lachlan, or taking a cool dip in the ocean (the water was delightful today). Maybe I am not the best informed citizen, but I hope I provide some balance to a fast-paced, hectic lifestyle that all too often neglects life's simple joys and pleasures. At any rate, it suits me.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Mad Mag Howard and her Entourage...
The legend of Mad Mag Howard lives on thanks to the hot, sweaty team of performers who braved the summer heat and shared the story from the back of a pick up truck in yesterday's Fourth of July parade.
Mad Mag Howard was kidnapped from her family in Maine by John Simon Howard (we all have those characters in our past!) and brought to Ocracoke Island in the late 1800's. By the 1920's she was known as an eccentric all around the island...the stories say that once she cut off her toe, branded her forehead with her iron, and cooked the family cat for her husband one night for supper! After her death the legend continues as folks here say they see her meandering around the Howard Street cemeteries!
Our float depicted the kitchen scene with Mad Mag dressed in purple and red clothing...foot bandaged and proped up on the stove with her long black hair adorned with shells and mini skulls! (That was my part!) Philip played the chagrined John Simon picking the cooked cat up out of the chamber pot. Jim Fineman, our houseguest and extraordinary potter, worked the crowd passing out Mad Mag dollars with the story printed on the back. Dave Frum drove the truck keeping all of us stable on the back...and Fiddler Dave Tweedie played the song, Paddy's Hollar, which features a verse of Mad Mag on his fiddle from the tailgate of the truck.
It was a great way to spend the afternoon...waving to friends and tourists and sharing the long-time story of Mad Mag. Oh, and just for your information, we won second place in the float division receiving a check for $150.00. We used the money to buy fresh shrimp for all the families who participated.
As darkness fell we all made our way to the Windfall for fireworks and a cake of red, white, and blue. The evening closed as we all joined in to sing the Star Spangled Banner..then rode our bikes home down sandy dark lanes...all the while looking for the ghost of Mad Mag Howard.
Lou Ann
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Mad Mag Howard was kidnapped from her family in Maine by John Simon Howard (we all have those characters in our past!) and brought to Ocracoke Island in the late 1800's. By the 1920's she was known as an eccentric all around the island...the stories say that once she cut off her toe, branded her forehead with her iron, and cooked the family cat for her husband one night for supper! After her death the legend continues as folks here say they see her meandering around the Howard Street cemeteries!
Our float depicted the kitchen scene with Mad Mag dressed in purple and red clothing...foot bandaged and proped up on the stove with her long black hair adorned with shells and mini skulls! (That was my part!) Philip played the chagrined John Simon picking the cooked cat up out of the chamber pot. Jim Fineman, our houseguest and extraordinary potter, worked the crowd passing out Mad Mag dollars with the story printed on the back. Dave Frum drove the truck keeping all of us stable on the back...and Fiddler Dave Tweedie played the song, Paddy's Hollar, which features a verse of Mad Mag on his fiddle from the tailgate of the truck.
It was a great way to spend the afternoon...waving to friends and tourists and sharing the long-time story of Mad Mag. Oh, and just for your information, we won second place in the float division receiving a check for $150.00. We used the money to buy fresh shrimp for all the families who participated.
As darkness fell we all made our way to the Windfall for fireworks and a cake of red, white, and blue. The evening closed as we all joined in to sing the Star Spangled Banner..then rode our bikes home down sandy dark lanes...all the while looking for the ghost of Mad Mag Howard.
Lou Ann
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Monday, July 04, 2005
Happy Independence Day!
Ocracoke is ready for yet another July 4th celebration. Quite a lot will be going on this year, including:
Flag Raising Ceremony at the school,
29th Annual Sand Sculpture Contest (the entries are always creative, artistically outstanding, & loads of fun),
Pony Pen (behind the Museum -- not quite the annual pony penning of years past, but a treat just the same),
Lighthouse Open (stand in the base and learn some island history),
Sky Diving Demonstration,
"Blackbeard" tells pirate stories,
Old Time Ocracoke Parade (home-made, fun, and creative floats),
Fireworks at 9 pm.
We will have a float in the parade this year. We spent several hours yesterday putting things together for our entry -- Mad Mag Howard and her eccentric ways. If we get any good photos we'll publish them in the days ahead.
All of us at Village Craftsmen wish you a great day wherever you may be.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Flag Raising Ceremony at the school,
29th Annual Sand Sculpture Contest (the entries are always creative, artistically outstanding, & loads of fun),
Pony Pen (behind the Museum -- not quite the annual pony penning of years past, but a treat just the same),
Lighthouse Open (stand in the base and learn some island history),
Sky Diving Demonstration,
"Blackbeard" tells pirate stories,
Old Time Ocracoke Parade (home-made, fun, and creative floats),
Fireworks at 9 pm.
We will have a float in the parade this year. We spent several hours yesterday putting things together for our entry -- Mad Mag Howard and her eccentric ways. If we get any good photos we'll publish them in the days ahead.
All of us at Village Craftsmen wish you a great day wherever you may be.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Sunday, July 03, 2005
Our Latest Newsletter
We have just published our latest Ocracoke Newsletter, the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.
If you are accustomed to receiving our email notification when we publish a new Newsletter you may not get one this month. We have been having a number of frustrating internet & email issues.
Our local provider, Beachlink, discontinued wireless service several months ago so we subscribed to Sprint DSL which includes Earthlink email services. Because we use bulk mailing software to send the email notifications Earthlink automatically considers them unsolicited and blocks them.
Beginning today we will include a note at the bottom of each daily journal entry to let you know about the current Newsletter. That way you will always know about the Newsletter, even if you only log on to this journal occasionally.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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If you are accustomed to receiving our email notification when we publish a new Newsletter you may not get one this month. We have been having a number of frustrating internet & email issues.
Our local provider, Beachlink, discontinued wireless service several months ago so we subscribed to Sprint DSL which includes Earthlink email services. Because we use bulk mailing software to send the email notifications Earthlink automatically considers them unsolicited and blocks them.
Beginning today we will include a note at the bottom of each daily journal entry to let you know about the current Newsletter. That way you will always know about the Newsletter, even if you only log on to this journal occasionally.
[Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Kunigunde Guth Howard, published June 30, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news061505.htm.]
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Friday, July 01, 2005
A Day on the Sound
Sometimes it's difficult to find time to write a daily journal entry. Take yesterday, for example. After a leisurely breakfast with our friend Clay, Lou Ann & I borrowed a cousin's kayak (Clay had brought his own; I suppose I should purchase my own too). We put in at one of the island creeks and paddled out into the sound. Immediately we left the world of motor vehicles and all that they represent.
We were surrounded by water, marsh, blue sky, and wading birds. The water is shallow on the "back side" of the island so we were fortunate to observe a number of turtles swimming near our kayaks. There were also herons, egrets, & jumping mullets.....as well as hermit crabs crawling among the eel grass.
We found several derelict crab pot buoys that had washed up into the marsh. We loaded them onto our kayaks and carried them back to hang up on our outbuilding.
We barely had time to grab a bite to eat before 11 month old Lachlan was scheduled to come by for the rest of the afternoon and evening. We immediately set out to visit friends, including Ann (who is 95 years old) and Max (who is just 3 months old).
All in all, it was a busy day. So, if you don't hear from us for a day or two, it's probably because we're just having too much fun.
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We were surrounded by water, marsh, blue sky, and wading birds. The water is shallow on the "back side" of the island so we were fortunate to observe a number of turtles swimming near our kayaks. There were also herons, egrets, & jumping mullets.....as well as hermit crabs crawling among the eel grass.
We found several derelict crab pot buoys that had washed up into the marsh. We loaded them onto our kayaks and carried them back to hang up on our outbuilding.
We barely had time to grab a bite to eat before 11 month old Lachlan was scheduled to come by for the rest of the afternoon and evening. We immediately set out to visit friends, including Ann (who is 95 years old) and Max (who is just 3 months old).
All in all, it was a busy day. So, if you don't hear from us for a day or two, it's probably because we're just having too much fun.
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