One Year

Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary since I moved into my new (old) house. It is hard to believe that it's been a whole year already. So I thought maybe you'd like to see a picture of my new fence. It's not finished yet (I'm really slow), but you can get a sense of how it will look (eventually I'll paint it white).



You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news041506.htm. It's the story of Old Kade.
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Right Airish

It's right airish on the island today. That's how the old-timers would describe it. In other words, it's windy. Actually the wind is blowing 25 - 30 mph, so it's not such a good day for boating, fishing, or lounging on the beach. Otherwise, it's a beautiful spring day. And there aren't many folks around this weekend. Everyone seems to be in a great mood.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news041506.htm. It's the story of Old Kade.
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Spring Again

Yesterday sweatshirts, jackets, and knit hats were evident all around the village. Windy conditions, combined with lower temperatures and afternoon rain made it feel like winter (or at least autumn). Today is different. The sun is shining and the wind has subsided some.

The latest issue of the Ocracoke Observer came out today, with articles on old houses, new businesses, the Ocrafolk Festival, Springer's Point, the WWII "Loop Shack," Ocracoke School news, and much more. The Observer is a great way to keep up with happenings on the island. You can subscribe (9 issues per year) by sending a check or money order (made out to Ocracoke Observer) for $24.00 to Ocracoke Observer, PO Box 427, Ocracoke, NC 27960.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news041506.htm. It's the story of Old Kade.
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An Afternoon Stroll

I took Lachlan for a walk again this afternoon. It was very windy, but we strolled along the docks and looked at all the boats & birds (pelicans, geese, gulls, & ducks). We stopped by Rob's & Sunday's and had a grand time swinging on a buoy suspended from a tree limb.

Rob pulled out his guitar and treated us to a new song he's written about pirates (Rob is captain of the Schooner Windfall). If you're on the island this summer be sure to reserve Wednesday at 8 o'clock at the Deepwater Theater for an evening of local music and storytelling (there's a good chance you'll get to hear Rob's new song).

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news041506.htm. It's the story of Old Kade.
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Extreme Commuters

This morning I pulled the latest issue of Newsweek from my Post Offic Box. Page 53 starts a five page article entitled "The Long and Grinding Road." According to the article 3.4 million workers commute 90 minutes or more to their jobs.

I suppose you could say that I am an extreme commuter also. I'm just on the other end of the spectrum. The article reminded me how fortunate we islanders are. We may not make the salaries typical of high-powered city jobs, but we compensate with a relaxed life-style and time with family & friends. It takes me just about one minute to get to work (it's not such a bad job -- I'm actually working right now), and I get to walk home for lunch.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news041506.htm. It's the story of Old Kade.
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Snakes

I knew Sunday's reference to a snake would elicit a comment or two. Ocracoke Island is home to a number of snakes. Unfortunately I am no herpetologist and cannot list the varieties of snakes on Ocracoke. However, all evidence suggests that no poisonous snakes call the island home.

My personal favorite local variety is the diminutive green snake. I joke that there is only one on the island and I call him "Stringbean." They are gentle and fairly easy to catch if you can see them (they look like vines and blend in with other vegetation quite easily). I remember years ago feeling a tickle up my pants leg. I looked down just in time to catch Stringbean's tail. With a firm but light grasp green snakes are easy to hold. They like to wrap their bodies around your wrist --just in case you are looking for a green snake on your next visit.

On the other hand, if snakes are not your favorite reptiles, take heart. They are shy and seldom show themselves in the village. Even on the nature trail they generally stay off the path.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news041506.htm. It's the story of Old Kade..

Quieter

Easter breaks are over. Our spring "mini-season" has ended once again. So we'll use the next few weeks to reorganize, restock, and maybe even relax a bit before the summer onslaught. Today is a perfect day to catch up on details. Maybe Dale & I will nail a few more pickets up. Byron rode by the other day and remarked that lately we've been putting up about two pickets every week or so.

In other news, Friends of Portsmouth Island held their bi-annual homecoming at Portsmouth on Saturday. Unfortunately I was unable to attend. Maybe one of our readers will give us a report. I also missed the NCCAT (N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching) board meeting yesterday because of babysitting duties. Any information on that would also be appreciated. (NCCAT is the new owner of the former US Coast Guard Station.)

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news041506.htm. It's the story of Old Kade.
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Wildlife

Lachlan & I took an afternoon walk on the Hammock Hills Nature Trail (directly across the road from the NPS campground). We were fortunate to see two Canada geese feeding alongside Island Creek. While we were watching, a large nutria (O'cockers call it a Russian rat) poked its head out from the marsh grass, just a few feet from the geese.

Nutria have two large front teeth, but are herbivores. They are normally nocturnal, so it was rare to see one in the daytime. The geese seemed to pay the nutria no mind. However, one goose flapped its wings and the nutria took notice. When the goose took to flight the nutria did a strange thing. It jumped up in the air and attemped to grab the goose's foot! What, I wondered, did it think it would do if it had caught the goose?

Not three paces later we spotted a snake slither up onto the boardwalk, but as soon as it noticed us it dropped back down into the needle grass.

Lachlan also learned about a prolific native plant that lines the nature trail. "Don't step in the poison ivy," he repeated over and over again.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news041506.htm. It's the story of Old Kade.
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An Island Story

Yesterday, as I was taking Lachlan for a stroll, we stopped to visit Al who was tending his garden. Kenny stopped by with a friend. Al had been having a bad day -- plumbing problems, car troubles.... We heard it all.

Kenny listened patiently and then told Al to take heart. Things could be worse. Kenny explained how he'd gone off the island a few days ago to buy a living room chair. He found just what he was looking for and loaded it into the back of his pickup. About 20 miles down the road he looked in his rear view mirror to see the chair tumbling out of the truck onto the road.

He loaded the bruised chair back into the truck. Several miles later he stopped to buy several bottles of clorox and a case of beer for his brother. He loaded them on top of the chair to weigh it down. Bad idea!

Jouncing around in the hot sun, the beer exploded, and pierced one of the plastic clorox bottles.

The next time the chair fell off the truck Al allowed as how he'd have backed over it on purpose.

Before Kenny got to the ferry the sky darkened, the heavens opened, and torrential rains drenched the chair.

Just as the ferry was pulling into the slip at Ocracoke one of the deck hands walked over and leaned his elbow on Kenny's open window. "Buck, I hate to tell you this, but a sea gull just landed on your chair and took a big poop on it."

Kenny says his $300 chair is sitting under his house. He never even got to plop his rear end down in it.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news041506.htm. It's the story of Old Kade.
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Transitions

Several readers have asked about Nathaniel Jackson. One of the island's colorful octogenarians, Nat experienced some medical complications recently and is now in a long-term care facility. Those of you who know him may want to drop him a note at Room 107-A, Britthaven Outer Banks, 430 W. Health Center Dr., Nags Head, NC 27959.

Mildred O'Neal, another older island resident, and her husband, John, have also had recent medical issues. Cards can be sent to them at Ocracoke, NC, 27960.

Two other "old-timers" died in the last several weeks, John Gaskins & Mary Elizabeth Gaskins. We extend our sympathies to their families, and mourn the passing of yet two more native islanders.

It is always a great loss to our community when bearers of our heritage are no longer here to share their lives and their stories with the younger generations.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news041506.htm. It's the story of Old Kade.

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A Beautiful Spring Day

After a brief "cold snap" late Monday afternoon, temperatures have returned to normal (it is now in the low 60s with forecasts calling for near 70 degrees later today). This is one of those "perfect days" for a visit to the beach. If it's anything like yesterday we should expect to see quite a few folks on the island and in the village by mid-day. Right now, however, all is quiet on Howard Street except songbirds twittering in the live oaks across the lane in the graveyards.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news041506.htm. It's the story of Old Kade.

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Old Kade

Several days ago I published our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. It's a story about Arcade Williams. You may remember her from Walter Howard's account of the wreck of the steamboat "Home" (it happened in 1837). Old Kate was a colorful island character. You can read the April 15 newsletter here. The first part of the newsletter is a recounting of Walter's description of Old Kade. The last section is a newly published story told to me recently.

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Fundraising Concert

Saturday night's concert at the community center was a huge success. Playing to a full house, Ocracoke Island musicians and storytellers were joined by special guest & long-time member of the Grand Ole Opry, George Hamilton, IV. Last night I was a guest at a cookout for George Hamilton and a few island friends. Local musician, Roy Parsons, was there with his wife, Elizabeth. Roy recently returned from a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Nashville with Gary & Kitty Mitchell and several other Ocracokers. While there, they were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Opry by Mr. Hamilton. After enjoying cheeseburgers, homemade potato salad, & cole slaw, Roy entertained us all with stories of shipwrecks, adventures, and island ghosts.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.

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Happy Easter!

Yesterday morning dozens of young-uns gathered on the lawn of the Ocracoke Methodist Church for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. I was there with Lachlan. He had a grand time picking up colored eggs and depositing them in his hand-made basket. The Easter Bunny was there too. When Lachlan spied her (it was Molly Lovejoy in a costume with painted face) a smile spread across his face, but when she came near him he buried his face in my shoulder and sobbed. At the end he watched her climb into her family van and drive away. The rest of the morning he informed me numerous times, "Easter Bunny scared me," & "Easter Bunny went HOME."

Sexegenarian Captain Rob Temple was at the Easter Egg Hunt with his two small children. "One of the good things about getting old," he informed me with a wry smile, "is that you can hide your own Easter Eggs."

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.

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Old Tanabogus

Last night on my Ghost & History Walk a gentleman asked me about traditional island sayings. The one that came immediately to mind was "He's been around about as long as old Tanabogus." It seems that in the late eighteenth century a man (or maybe it was a woman) of native American stock was living on the island. His (or her) name was Tanabogus (or at least that's how O'cockers pronounce it) and (s)he lived to a ripe old age. Unfortunately, no one living remembers any more details about this person. I wonder, did Tanabogus marry into the English speaking community? Did Tanabogus leave any heirs? What could he or she teach us about our heritage? How I wish there was someone to ask. But there isn't, so Tanabogus must remain mostly a mystery. Nevertheless, the saying lives on.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.

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Grass Cutters

Ocracokers generally don't have lawn mowers. We have grass cutters. Nowadays, of course, they are almost all gasoline powered, not push-type,. Years ago there was actually little need to cut the grass. Most yards were sandy and often peppered with sand spurs (or even "pickle pear" cactus). Nearly everyone had chickens & horses. They typically managed the lawn care. And no one was trying to capture any awards for landscaping.

Ocracoke is still pretty laid back, although most yards boast more grass now than in days gone by. As I write I can hear several grass cutters purring in the distance. It's that time of year again. I suppose I should start mine up and make my yard a bit more presentable.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.

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A Beach Day Par Excellence!

This is the sort of morning we all rejoice in. It is the perfect spring day. I am going to pick up Lachlan in just a few minutes & carry him to the beach. We'll take shovels & buckets & toy trucks....and our new butterfly kite (but I think we won't have enough wind). We'll stroll and play for a couple of hours. No telling what we'll do the rest of the day. It's wonderful not having an agenda.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island..

Albert Styron's Store to Reopen

Just a couple of days ago I learned that Candy will be reopening Albert Styron's Store this summer. I might have been the last islander to hear the news. It seems that everyone else knew about it even before it was reported in our local newspaper, "The Ocracoker."

The store, located "Down Point" not far from the Ocracoke lighthouse, has been closed for about a year and a half. Candy will be sharing the space with her sister, Valerie, who runs "Village Print" in the rear of the store. A partition has been built between the two businesses.

On your next visit to the island take a stroll down Lighthouse Road and stop in to see what Candy has to offer. She will be open 10 - 5 in the off-season and 9 - 6 in the summer.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.

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Shipwrecks

On this date in 1885 the schooner "General Banks," loaded with ballast, struck Ocracoke beach in a "fresh gale" about one mile south of Hatteras Inlet. Her sails were torn and she had parted her anchor chain. The Life Saving Crew rowed their surf boat through the rough surf and, in two trips, rescued all four crew members and the captain.

The day before, the schooner "Sudie," with a crew of two, and four passengers, had stranded on nearby "Tarpen Shoal." In just a couple of hours the Life Saving crew was successful in working the Sudie into deeper water.

In 1887, on April 7, the sharpie "Hattie" became stranded on Legged Lump. And in 1861, on April 8, the brig "Black Squall" wrecked on Ocracoke beach. This is a fascinating Ocracoke story -- about circus animals and murder -- but it will have to wait until another day. Look for this tale in a future Ocracoke Newsletter!

Until later, enjoy the burgeoning spring!

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.

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30 mph Wind

The temperature dropped more than 20 degrees during the night, and the wind picked up considerably. Lying in bed this morning I could feel the cool air filtering through the open windows and I could hear the rocking chairs banging on the front porch. I stayed under the covers longer than usual but finally roused myself. Village Craftsmen is now open 9 am - 6 pm, 7 days a week, and I needed to get moving.

Next time you're on the island stop by and see the new pottery and other crafts we've added to our gallery this season. We think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.

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Where is the Rain?

Today's forecast calls for thunderstorms (with the possibility of more hail), but it's bright and sunny outside, with temperatures in the lower 70s. It is windy, though, so I'm guessing that sand is stinging bare legs on the beach.

Yesterday was a busy day for me. Dale & I set more fence posts, ripped boards for palings (I'll still have to point and notch the tops -- they will look much like the palings around the lighthouse grounds), and built a gate. A visiting friend hosted a potluck dinner (at my house) at 6 o'clock, and afterwards I joined my poker buddies until midnight (let's just say it wasn't my most profitable night).

The Village Craftsmen has been getting busier (thanks to Spring Breaks), which is good, but life is still relaxed and almost stress-free. But maybe not quite as relaxed as Clennon Boyette was when he sat at the front desk of the old Wahab Village Hotel (now Blackbeard's Lodge) in the mid-1950s. You can see his photo on page 96 of the recently published book, "Ocracoke in the Fifties."



Click on the photo above for more information about this newly published book.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island..

A Glorious Thursday

This is one of those days that makes life seem like perfection. A light breeze is rippling across the bushes, the sun is casting dappled shadows on the gravestones across Howard Street, and the temperature is climbing. Dale & I will be working on my new picket fence in just a couple of minutes. It will be great to be outdoors.

Juanita asked about Blanche a few days ago. I stopped by to visit when I got home from my trip. She was sweeping her front porch! The doctor said she didn't need to wear her arm restraint any longer, and her shoulder is healing very well. She is an amazing woman.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.

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A Little Self-Promotion

Many of our readers know that I have a small cottage on Howard Street available for weekly rental (two people maximum). "Lawton's" has been managed by Sandy Shores Realty. Within the last year Sandy Shores was purchased and merged with Ocracoke Island Realty. For several months links on my web page for Lawton's have not been functional as OIR redesigned it's web site. Their new site is now up and running.

I have updated the links on Lawton's page. Click here to read more about Lawton's: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/lawton.htm. From there you can go directly to the Ocracoke Island Realty web site if you want to book Lawton's, or you can browse their entire listing of homes and cottages for rent.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.

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Bits & Pieces

Quite a few things have been going on lately. Yesterday evening a rain & wind storm passed over the village, bringing winds as high as 64 mph. Earlier in the afternoon a fire erupted in a home that was being remodeled. Apparently fumes from chemicals that were being used to refinish a floor caught fire and injured one of the workers. Also several residents were transported off the island and treated for various medical emergencies. Again, we are thankful for our faithful volunteers, both fire fighters and emergency medical technicians.

The good news is that the weather today is superb. The sun is shining brightly, a breeze is rustling the trees, and the temperature is just right for shirtsleeves or a light jacket. I believe I'll take a stroll along the beach after we close.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.

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Home to Hail

Hello to all of our readers. This is Philip again. I was off-island for a week. Went with Lou Ann to the Oregon coast for a quick vacation. We had a wonderful time. As many of you know, the Oregon shore is so much different from Ocracoke. There the mountains meet the sea. Sheer cliffs drop off onto rugged beaches strewn with pebbles, rocks, boulders, and huge piles of driftwood.

We climbed on "seastacks," marveled at brightly colored starfish clinging to rocks at low tide, watched the tide crash against cliffs & find its way into sea caves, smiled at sea lions scrambling on top of one another to find a perch on a sea buoy, stared in awe as grey whales spouted and surfaced alongside our boat, walked for miles along spectacular beaches, and retired to the rest and quiet of unhurried sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.

We also climbed several miles to the crest of a ridge along the Columbia River (the view was stunning), and caught an evening performance of the Cirque du Soliel in Portland (everything about it was outstanding).

Needless to say, we had a wonderful time.

Back home (and I must say, even though the Oregon coast is fantastic, our beaches are much more "user friendly" and every bit as wonderful!) I was greeted by an unusual, but brief, hail storm. Dale took some photos:





You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.

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