The temperature is already in the low 60's under sunny skies, and the forcast calls for it to climb to near 70 later today. This should be the perfect Halloween night for island trick or treaters, though a crisp, cold night would be a tad more traditional.
I'm waiting for Amy & Lachlan to stop by. We'll be heading to the beach this morning for one more almost summer-like walk along the shoreline. Lachlan doesn't quite understand that the water is getting colder and he can't just plunge right into the surf. But he enjoys the walk nevertheless.
Here's wishing you a spooky, goblin-filled All Hallow's Eve.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of George & Jule, published October 29, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102905.htm.
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Monday, October 31, 2005
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Halloween Carnival & Spook Walk
The Ocracoke School was abuzz Friday night with children, parents, teachers, and neighbors for the annual Halloween Carnival. There were hot dog sales and the usual games of chance (basketball toss, dart throw, quarter toss, etc.) as well as bingo and face painting.
I missed most of it because I was helping out with the Howard Street Spook Walk. More than a dozen volunteers participated. We were all made up, some with green faces or bloody hands, others with warts and oozing wounds. Torn and dirty grave clothes, rotted teeth, and wild hair were popular. We had grave diggers, exorcists, chain saw murderers, and ghosts. Strobe lights and a fog machine added to the already creepy atmosphere of Howard Street after dark.
For two hours we escorted groups down the lane. Nearly everyone was looking over their shoulders with wide eyes and fearful glances. Blood-curdling screams erupted regularly.
A great time was had by all.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of George & Jule, published October 29, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102905.htm.
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I missed most of it because I was helping out with the Howard Street Spook Walk. More than a dozen volunteers participated. We were all made up, some with green faces or bloody hands, others with warts and oozing wounds. Torn and dirty grave clothes, rotted teeth, and wild hair were popular. We had grave diggers, exorcists, chain saw murderers, and ghosts. Strobe lights and a fog machine added to the already creepy atmosphere of Howard Street after dark.
For two hours we escorted groups down the lane. Nearly everyone was looking over their shoulders with wide eyes and fearful glances. Blood-curdling screams erupted regularly.
A great time was had by all.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of George & Jule, published October 29, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102905.htm.
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George & Jule
Island native, George Guthrie Jackson, was memorable. Some years ago, in a too-close encounter with a power tool, George lost his right little and ring fingers, and a portion of the palm of his right hand. He was the island barber and you couldn't help but notice his hand as he brought those scissors up alongside your head.
George also enjoyed a good story. He laughed as heartily at his own stories as the folks he shared them with. He especially enjoyed relating the story of his last evening on Ocracoke before he went into the army in 1942.
George died last week. As a tribute to him and other islanders who fought in World War II I have published his favorite story, "George & Jule," on our Ocracoke Newsletter. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102905.htm.
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George also enjoyed a good story. He laughed as heartily at his own stories as the folks he shared them with. He especially enjoyed relating the story of his last evening on Ocracoke before he went into the army in 1942.
George died last week. As a tribute to him and other islanders who fought in World War II I have published his favorite story, "George & Jule," on our Ocracoke Newsletter. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102905.htm.
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Friday, October 28, 2005
Serenity
My walk on the beach yesterday evening was so relaxing. The ocean was gentle and calming, serene actually. No crashing breakers, no wild salt spray, just gently rolling waves, a few scurrying sanderlings, a gull feeding on a dead fish, and miles of calm, still water.
This morning I awoke to gray skies and light rain. It's the perfect day for curling up by the fire with a good book. Maybe I'll get to do that at lunchtime.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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This morning I awoke to gray skies and light rain. It's the perfect day for curling up by the fire with a good book. Maybe I'll get to do that at lunchtime.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Special Shipment
Village Craftsmen ships daily, Monday through Friday. We have over 100 pages in our on-line catalog which includes photos, descriptions, and a secure shopping cart system. Don't forget to check out our catalog when considering holiday gift giving. For more than 35 years Village Craftsman has been featuring quality American handcrafts.
Yesterday we had a special order from Oklahoma. We were working on packing up the merchandise when our UPS man, Grant, walked in and reminded us that we needed a special permit to ship this type of merchandise. We're working on getting the permit.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Yesterday we had a special order from Oklahoma. We were working on packing up the merchandise when our UPS man, Grant, walked in and reminded us that we needed a special permit to ship this type of merchandise. We're working on getting the permit.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Our First Cold Snap
I returned home last night to a dark and quiet house. It was 10 o'clock. I had driven Lou Ann to the Norfolk airport.
She was such a sport to come to the island for my open house. She helped me clean and straighten. She visited with family & friends. She helped me host a house full of folks on Sunday. She laughed and carried on with the rest of us (and was reminded that we Howards can be a bit quirky sometimes, especially when we all get together -- we joked that the island gene pool had been rather limited for quite a few years!).
It was cold this morning so I fired up the Vermont Castings gas log stove. In short order the house was warm & cozy. Unfortunately Lou Ann was back in the midwest. But Amy & Lachlan stopped by after breakfast for a visit. They always help to make my house a home.
My Mantle & Gas Log Stove:
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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She was such a sport to come to the island for my open house. She helped me clean and straighten. She visited with family & friends. She helped me host a house full of folks on Sunday. She laughed and carried on with the rest of us (and was reminded that we Howards can be a bit quirky sometimes, especially when we all get together -- we joked that the island gene pool had been rather limited for quite a few years!).
It was cold this morning so I fired up the Vermont Castings gas log stove. In short order the house was warm & cozy. Unfortunately Lou Ann was back in the midwest. But Amy & Lachlan stopped by after breakfast for a visit. They always help to make my house a home.
My Mantle & Gas Log Stove:
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Monday, October 24, 2005
Open House
Yesterday from 2 pm to 6 pm Lou Ann & I hosted an open house for our island community. Finally I had completed almost all of the work on my new (old) house. All of the antique electric wall sconces were installed, the red enameled gas log stove was hooked up in the parlor, the bathroom mirrors were hung above the sinks, and the last piece of quarter-round molding in the kitchen was finally nailed to the floor.
We cleaned and swept and vacuumed. We polished the brass and shined the silverware. Pumpkins and Indian corn adorned the front steps. Ocracoke Preservation Society sent a beautiful fall flower arrangement. The folks at the Flying Melon Restaurant carried in trays of vegetables, fruit, cheeses, & sweets. The punch bowl was filled to the rim. We opened bottles of Merlot, Shiraz, and Chardonnay. A fire was burning in the cast iron stove.
For four hours family, friends, and neighbors stopped by, toured the house, snacked, looked at old photos, and told stories (not a few about the house, my grandparents, and other assorted relatives).
Sandwiched between days of rain and wind, the day was just about perfect -- bright & sunny, and cool enough to fire up the stove, but warm enough to enjoy the screened porch. All in all, we couldn't have asked for a better day.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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We cleaned and swept and vacuumed. We polished the brass and shined the silverware. Pumpkins and Indian corn adorned the front steps. Ocracoke Preservation Society sent a beautiful fall flower arrangement. The folks at the Flying Melon Restaurant carried in trays of vegetables, fruit, cheeses, & sweets. The punch bowl was filled to the rim. We opened bottles of Merlot, Shiraz, and Chardonnay. A fire was burning in the cast iron stove.
For four hours family, friends, and neighbors stopped by, toured the house, snacked, looked at old photos, and told stories (not a few about the house, my grandparents, and other assorted relatives).
Sandwiched between days of rain and wind, the day was just about perfect -- bright & sunny, and cool enough to fire up the stove, but warm enough to enjoy the screened porch. All in all, we couldn't have asked for a better day.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Thursday, October 20, 2005
Splashing in the Ocean
The last couple of afternoons I've been to the beach with David & Lachlan. The days have been so pleasant and warm that Lachlan has been enjoying wading in the shallows, splashing about, digging for shells, and playing with the incoming waves. He is so happy and carefree. David commented that he isn't even aware of the vast, seemingly boundless play area at his disposal. He just wanders and explores and enjoys it all.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Fall on the Beach
The water was inviting yesterday, but cool. I might have jumped in for a few minutes if Lou Ann had been here to join me (she'll be here this weekend). As it was, I contented myself with a long walk along the edge of the surf. Piles of sargasso seaweed lay along the high tide line, along with a myriad array of broken shells, seagull feathers, and crab claws. Pelicans were bobbing serenely on the aquamarine water just beyond the breakers.
I chose a section of beach closed to traffic, but fishermen were congregated on either end of my stretch of uncongested sand. I walked alone, barefooted, in my t-shirt, letting the healing rays of the sun warm my arms and neck. Along the way I discovered two well-worn crab pot buoys that I picked up to hang on my outbuilding, along with other buoys, a life ring, and my clam basket.
All in all not a bad way to spend a Tuesday morning.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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I chose a section of beach closed to traffic, but fishermen were congregated on either end of my stretch of uncongested sand. I walked alone, barefooted, in my t-shirt, letting the healing rays of the sun warm my arms and neck. Along the way I discovered two well-worn crab pot buoys that I picked up to hang on my outbuilding, along with other buoys, a life ring, and my clam basket.
All in all not a bad way to spend a Tuesday morning.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Tuesday, October 18, 2005
From 14 Months to 96 Years
Like so many gatherings on Ocracoke, Saturday's pot luck dinner at the Senseney's was intergenerational. Lachlan was toddling around flirting with just about everyone, of course. He just celebrated his first birthday in August. And nonagenarian Ann Scarborough was there, too, enjoying food and fellowship.
About 35 folks brought casseroles, beans, coleslaw, grilled fresh fish, deviled eggs, fruit, pies, & cakes. Every decade was represented and the house and porches were teeming with activity and conversation.
Not only are Ocracoke get-togethers so often intergenerational, they are also class neutral. In fact the island has virtually no class consciousness. It's one of the things that makes this such a fun place to live. Fishermen, doctors, carpenters, waitresses, clergy, shopkeepers, cleaners....we might be natives or short-term residents, live in a 6-bedroom house or in a converted shed, have a Ph.D. or be largely self-educated (you won't be able to tell by someone's job!). We all interact daily, sharing stories, discussing politics, borrowing tools, helping each other out. This is what island life is all about.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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About 35 folks brought casseroles, beans, coleslaw, grilled fresh fish, deviled eggs, fruit, pies, & cakes. Every decade was represented and the house and porches were teeming with activity and conversation.
Not only are Ocracoke get-togethers so often intergenerational, they are also class neutral. In fact the island has virtually no class consciousness. It's one of the things that makes this such a fun place to live. Fishermen, doctors, carpenters, waitresses, clergy, shopkeepers, cleaners....we might be natives or short-term residents, live in a 6-bedroom house or in a converted shed, have a Ph.D. or be largely self-educated (you won't be able to tell by someone's job!). We all interact daily, sharing stories, discussing politics, borrowing tools, helping each other out. This is what island life is all about.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Monday, October 17, 2005
Another Day in Paradise
Bright emerald-green tree frogs, darting lizards, colorful butterflies, magnificent garden spiders, twittering songbirds....they're all out and about, apparently enjoying these beautiful fall days as much as I am. I believe I'll spend an hour mowing my lawn and messing about in the yard. Then it's off to see Lachlan. This is the perfect day for a stroll. I'll check back with you again tomorrow. Hoping you're having a wonderful day as well.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Sunday, October 16, 2005
Listening to Molasses Creek
It's a quiet Sunday morning, sunny & clear. Shadows from the cedars and live oaks are dappling the white picket fence around the graveyards across Howard Street. I am listening to "The Best of Molasses Creek." My son-in-law is playing his fiddle and singing one of my favorite songs, "Howard Street."
"Past & present, they join hands around this magic place," he sings. So true!
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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"Past & present, they join hands around this magic place," he sings. So true!
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Saturday, October 15, 2005
So Much To Do
Notices at the Post Office advertise community meetings, dinners, & pot lucks. There is also information about music at the Flat Cat Cafe (sponsored by the Ocracoke Youth Center), as well as at local restaurants. Tonight I've been invited to a pot luck dinner at a friend's house (I'll take my usual deviled eggs).
Unfortunately, with family, work, and other responsibilities there just isn't time to take in everything. But I will be enjoying a pleasant evening tonight at the pot luck with other friends. It will be a fitting end to a fantastic day -- sunny & clear with a refreshing breeze. This is one of those all-to-short seasons when we can keep all the doors and windows open day and night without heat or A/C. There is no better sleep than in such a night.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Unfortunately, with family, work, and other responsibilities there just isn't time to take in everything. But I will be enjoying a pleasant evening tonight at the pot luck with other friends. It will be a fitting end to a fantastic day -- sunny & clear with a refreshing breeze. This is one of those all-to-short seasons when we can keep all the doors and windows open day and night without heat or A/C. There is no better sleep than in such a night.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Friday, October 14, 2005
Wreck of the Pioneer
Fall is in the air. Sleeping with windows wide open and a light breeze wafting through the bedroom is a pleasure eagerly anticipated. Such days we've been having.
Our leaves don't turn spectacular colors (cedar, live oak, yaupon, bay, myrtle, & pine all keep their greenery year 'round). But signs of the changing season are apparent. Days are shorter, the ocean temperature is cooler, our streets are quieter. In many ways this is the best time of the year here on the island.
However, October 14, 1889 was a day of misfortune, at least for certain mariners. On that day the wooden steamship "Pioneer" laden with general cargo wrecked on Ocracoke's beach. The crew was saved, but all manner of goods washed through the village prompting a scurry of scavenging. It must have been quite a scene. You can read the story here, in our Ocracoke Newsletter: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news080101.htm.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Our leaves don't turn spectacular colors (cedar, live oak, yaupon, bay, myrtle, & pine all keep their greenery year 'round). But signs of the changing season are apparent. Days are shorter, the ocean temperature is cooler, our streets are quieter. In many ways this is the best time of the year here on the island.
However, October 14, 1889 was a day of misfortune, at least for certain mariners. On that day the wooden steamship "Pioneer" laden with general cargo wrecked on Ocracoke's beach. The crew was saved, but all manner of goods washed through the village prompting a scurry of scavenging. It must have been quite a scene. You can read the story here, in our Ocracoke Newsletter: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news080101.htm.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Thursday, October 13, 2005
"I Still Haven't Figured This Place Out"
I returned home last night (after a 10 1/2 hour trip to Elizabeth City for a 10 minute appointment with my eye doctor) to the monthly Ocracoke Civic & Business Association Meeting. Among other things, I was reminded that our Fall Village Days have been changed to November 4 - 6. In a previous post I reported the dates as October 21 - 23. These were the original dates. I hope this hasn't caused anyone problems. I only recently learned of the change in dates.
Last night's meeting covered a variety of other subjects including replacing the chain tie-downs at the airstrip with ropes, plans for more adequate parking at the lighthouse, NPS campground news (it will remain open through the end of this month), discussion about hiring a professional webmaster for the OCBA Web Site, the possibility of having a private, relatively high speed passenger ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke village, and a report on a documentary film that is in progress ("Shifting Sands").
Andy (I can't remember his last name) spoke about the film that he is working on. He commented that Ocracoke and the people here just fascinate him. There is such a wide variety of folks on the island, with so many and different talents. Though conflicts happen, and progress on important issues can sometimes be arduous, somehow in spite of our quirkiness we manage to work together with generally good humor.
The meeting broke out in a hearty community laugh when Andy remarked, "I've been coming to the island for months now and I still haven't firured this place out."
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Last night's meeting covered a variety of other subjects including replacing the chain tie-downs at the airstrip with ropes, plans for more adequate parking at the lighthouse, NPS campground news (it will remain open through the end of this month), discussion about hiring a professional webmaster for the OCBA Web Site, the possibility of having a private, relatively high speed passenger ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke village, and a report on a documentary film that is in progress ("Shifting Sands").
Andy (I can't remember his last name) spoke about the film that he is working on. He commented that Ocracoke and the people here just fascinate him. There is such a wide variety of folks on the island, with so many and different talents. Though conflicts happen, and progress on important issues can sometimes be arduous, somehow in spite of our quirkiness we manage to work together with generally good humor.
The meeting broke out in a hearty community laugh when Andy remarked, "I've been coming to the island for months now and I still haven't firured this place out."
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Mary Williamson & July 4 Parade
Mary Williamson had been visiting Ocracoke since the early 1950's and was a regular participant in our old-time July 4th parade. Many of our readers will remember her decked out in red, white, & blue, riding in her wheelchair alongside other members of her extended family.
I received this email message yesterday:
"I just wanted to let you and others on the island know that Mary Williamson passed away on Wednesday, 5 October 2005. She was at home with her children and her nurses who cared for her so many years. We have requested that friends and family make donations to the Ocracoke Preservation Society in her name. I am so glad she was able to ride in the parade one last time. Thank you for your help and the Lyons family for making this possible for our family. The family will see you in the summer and plan to march once again in her memory. She loved coming to the island....
Thank you,
Glenda Bertolini"
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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I received this email message yesterday:
"I just wanted to let you and others on the island know that Mary Williamson passed away on Wednesday, 5 October 2005. She was at home with her children and her nurses who cared for her so many years. We have requested that friends and family make donations to the Ocracoke Preservation Society in her name. I am so glad she was able to ride in the parade one last time. Thank you for your help and the Lyons family for making this possible for our family. The family will see you in the summer and plan to march once again in her memory. She loved coming to the island....
Thank you,
Glenda Bertolini"
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Steamboat Home
I was reviewing some notes yesterday and realized that I neglected an important historical anniversary two days ago. It was on October 9, 1837 that Ocracoke was a major player in one of the greatest sea disasters in the history of the North Carolina coast, the wreck of the steamboat "Home."
For those of you who have been on one of our "Down Point" Ghost & History Walks you may remember this gripping story. Ninety lives were lost in the raging winds and waves of "Racer's Storm." Walter Howard documented the story in 1952, and I have published his article in our Ocracoke Newsletter. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news100104.htm.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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For those of you who have been on one of our "Down Point" Ghost & History Walks you may remember this gripping story. Ninety lives were lost in the raging winds and waves of "Racer's Storm." Walter Howard documented the story in 1952, and I have published his article in our Ocracoke Newsletter. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news100104.htm.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Monday, October 10, 2005
Rain, Rain, Go Away
I was thinking I'd take a walk on the beach this morning or afternoon, maybe even with my grandson Lachlan. But the day is gray and dreary. Rain continues to fall in steady, rhythmic cadence. Maybe it will clear up later on. We're all hoping it will.
Yesterday I was privileged to enjoy a pleasant evening with former Ocracoke minister, Jimmy Creech; his wife, Chris; and their friends from Raleigh, Leila & Don. At the Cafe Atlantic we got into an animated conversation about New Testament scholarship. There was significant disagreement at the table which contributed to a lively debate. Leila commented that this was probably the most stimulating talk on the island. I was unconvinced. Ocracoke is thick with interesting, thoughtful, passionate, and knowledgeable folks. As if to prove my point one of the waitresses stopped by to chat. Claire grew up on Ocracoke but has lived in Honduras & Nicaragua, is proficient in American Sign Language, speaks Spanish nearly fluently, has worked with international peace organizations, and is planning to volunteer with "Potters for Peace" in Central America this winter.
This is definitely a most interesting small community to live in.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Yesterday I was privileged to enjoy a pleasant evening with former Ocracoke minister, Jimmy Creech; his wife, Chris; and their friends from Raleigh, Leila & Don. At the Cafe Atlantic we got into an animated conversation about New Testament scholarship. There was significant disagreement at the table which contributed to a lively debate. Leila commented that this was probably the most stimulating talk on the island. I was unconvinced. Ocracoke is thick with interesting, thoughtful, passionate, and knowledgeable folks. As if to prove my point one of the waitresses stopped by to chat. Claire grew up on Ocracoke but has lived in Honduras & Nicaragua, is proficient in American Sign Language, speaks Spanish nearly fluently, has worked with international peace organizations, and is planning to volunteer with "Potters for Peace" in Central America this winter.
This is definitely a most interesting small community to live in.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Saturday, October 08, 2005
Breakfast
I awoke early this morning to water nearly everywhere. I'm told that more than 5 inches of rain fell during the night.
It was necessary to slog through numerous puddles to get to the Flying Melon Restaurant. I was there with friends to help Captain Rob Temple (of the schooner "Windfall" -- the black sailboat with the red sails) celebrate his birthday. There were only guys there and the talk was not entirely centered on sports and bad jokes (though there was an ample supply of both).
It was good to be with old friends again after spending more than two weeks off the island....though I do miss Lou Ann and the fun times we had in the mountains. We made chalk drawings on the sidewalk, visited a county fair (where Lou Ann got great delight in seeing me pet a pig), attended a country square dance (which was remarkably similar to our island dance), went to a small town movie theater (saw "Corpse Bride"), visited friends and family, and generally had a wonderful visit.
I also had an opportunity to spend time with my son and his family. The grandchildren, Zoe, Eakin, & Eliza, are getting to be quite proficient at swimming (a valuable skill for visits to the island, of course). Unfortunately, my daughter-in-law, Brittany, ruptured a disc in her lower back while I was there. Yesterday she had surgery to relieve the severe pain. I understand she is recuperating nicely. We are all hoping she will be up and about in short order.
Already island life is settling into a "comfortable busy" routine with family & friends -- breakfast this morning with the guys, poker last night (I won $7.00!), a movie tonight with Amy & David and David's family, brunch tomorrow with family, dinner tomorrow evening with friends Chris Weedy & Jimmy Creech (he was the Ocracoke Methodist minister in the late '70's & early '80's).
When will I have time to read, visit with neighbors, walk on the beach, or (perish the thought) work?? I suppose all this will work itself out soon.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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It was necessary to slog through numerous puddles to get to the Flying Melon Restaurant. I was there with friends to help Captain Rob Temple (of the schooner "Windfall" -- the black sailboat with the red sails) celebrate his birthday. There were only guys there and the talk was not entirely centered on sports and bad jokes (though there was an ample supply of both).
It was good to be with old friends again after spending more than two weeks off the island....though I do miss Lou Ann and the fun times we had in the mountains. We made chalk drawings on the sidewalk, visited a county fair (where Lou Ann got great delight in seeing me pet a pig), attended a country square dance (which was remarkably similar to our island dance), went to a small town movie theater (saw "Corpse Bride"), visited friends and family, and generally had a wonderful visit.
I also had an opportunity to spend time with my son and his family. The grandchildren, Zoe, Eakin, & Eliza, are getting to be quite proficient at swimming (a valuable skill for visits to the island, of course). Unfortunately, my daughter-in-law, Brittany, ruptured a disc in her lower back while I was there. Yesterday she had surgery to relieve the severe pain. I understand she is recuperating nicely. We are all hoping she will be up and about in short order.
Already island life is settling into a "comfortable busy" routine with family & friends -- breakfast this morning with the guys, poker last night (I won $7.00!), a movie tonight with Amy & David and David's family, brunch tomorrow with family, dinner tomorrow evening with friends Chris Weedy & Jimmy Creech (he was the Ocracoke Methodist minister in the late '70's & early '80's).
When will I have time to read, visit with neighbors, walk on the beach, or (perish the thought) work?? I suppose all this will work itself out soon.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Friday, October 07, 2005
Home Again
I arrived home last night on the 5 pm ferry. The sky was cloudy with a few sprinkles of rain, but Pamlico Sound was calm and serene. After ten hours of driving and "road weariness" the tranquility of a leisurely ferry ride was most welcome. I so often hear visitors remark that simply boarding the ferry releases them from the stress of their busy metropolitan lives, and allows them to settle into the peace & quiet that is Ocracoke Island.
Actually I had a wonderful time away from the island. I'll share a little bit about my trip in the next day or so, but right now I suppose I ought to do a little work (oh yes, we actually do work here on the island!). Look for another post tomorrow.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
.
Actually I had a wonderful time away from the island. I'll share a little bit about my trip in the next day or so, but right now I suppose I ought to do a little work (oh yes, we actually do work here on the island!). Look for another post tomorrow.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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