Fiddle Tunes on the Front Porch

Lou Ann & I left home yesterday at 5:30 a.m. I had a doctor's appointment in Norfolk. We thought we might want to see a movie or enjoy a leisurely early dinner in the city. Instead, we found ourselves just wanting to get back home. Although the day was pleasant, and homes and businesses were surrounded with lush shrubbery and beautiful flowers, we soon felt overwhelmed by the press of people and heavy traffic.

The trip back took several hours. We stood on the ferry deck as we pulled away from the Hatteras dock at 5:00 p.m. The air was cooler on the water and we began to relax again. Back home we ate a light supper before sitting on the front porch swing to enjoy the evening. The kerosene lamp cast a golden glow by the door. As the sun set in the west lilting violin music danced through the night air. Our friend next door was sitting on his porch serenading the neighbors.

It was good to be back on the island.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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A Token of Death

Last night, as the heavens grew dark with black storm clouds, and rain pelted against the window lights, we sat in our parlor with guests and retold island ghost tales. Candles were burning in every window, and an antique coal oil lamp cast dancing shadows against the bead board walls.

We listened to stories of the walking dead (on Howard Street, of course), histories of shipwrecks on storm-tossed seas, and tales of an unfortunate island woman who was buried alive.

We also heard about "tokens of death" and the fear these unwelcome warnings elicit. We have just published our latest Ocracoke Newsletter which is about Ocracoke Island and tokens of death. If you would like to know more you can read our latest newsletter here.
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Rain & More Rain

"Tropical Moisture" the weather forecasters call it. It is not a tropical storm.

However, Ocracoke is in the path of "a disturbance located about 130 or so miles South of Cape Fear [that] is producing heavy rains, rip currents, and an increased chance of tornadoes for our area. This system may become Tropical in characteristic as the day moves on, although the storm will likely be onshore within 5 or 6 hours which would inhibit development. The system is forecast to be moving to the North / Northeast and is expected to make landfall in SE NC area and pass to the west of Hyde County."

This information is from Tony Spencer, Hyde County's Emergency Management Coordinator.

What it means for us right now is breezy conditions, gray sky, and rain. Really, not much more than we often experience here on the island. Just more folks out and about, so we're pretty busy at the Village Craftsmen. Well, I've got to go wait on customers. See you tomorrow.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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'Lash' LaRue

Ocracoke may not have a movie theater, but we are seldom bereft of entertainment. Off-island cousins stopped by for a visit last night. Dana is a collector of vintage movies, and he brought with him a number of titles. He set up his fifty year old projector in the living room and we settled down to enjoy an evening of fun.

After a fast-paced cartoon and a "Three Stooges" short we followed the adventures of 'Lashe' LaRue, in his classic 1950's movie "King of the Bullwhip." The old reel-to-reel projector flashed the countdown on the screen, 8-7-6-5-4-.... and then we cheered as the stagecoach raced along the dusty road with a half dozen bandits wearing bandana masks, their six-shooters roaring, in hot pursuit.

It was a great evening's entertainment!

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Becoming Who I Loved Them To Be

I have been thinking.

I have been here for five summers now (three of which I consider full time!)
When I first arrived, I spent hours on the beach, shopped in all the small venues, bought fudge and coffee and tottled around on a rental bike. I observed the lighthouse by moonlight, spent hours reading and doing crossword puzzles in my rental cottage. Sigh.

My observations were deeper. however. I began to notice local folks everywhere, doing simultaneous jobs (or so it seemed!) Playing music at Deep Water Theatre, waiting tables, clerking in the shops, sailing ships, telling stories, taking tickets........

Didn't I see you last night? Great job at the Opry! You work here as well??

Earning a living. Making the most of Summer. Being where you are.

I realized the other day, I have become who I loved them to be.

I work at the Village Craftsmen, help with the Ghost and History Walks, take tickets at the Opry (and occasionally tell stories as well!)

When you visit, it is OK to say, didn't I see you yesterday?
Yes, as a matter of fact....you did!

Lou Ann

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Tom

If you are not a year-round resident of Ocracoke you may not have known Tom Leonard, an islander for more than a quarter of a century, who died suddenly last week. Tom didn't have a high profile, tourist related job. But if you walked or biked along our streets you undoubtedly saw evidence of his handiwork. Tom was a talented and dedicated landscaper who added beauty and art to village yards and lawns, both residential and commercial.

Tom sported a bushy salt & pepper beard and was often found at the coffee shop, his infectious smile and good nature radiating out across the lawn. We will miss Tom, but are happy that he shared so many years with his adopted Ocracoke family.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Summer Solstice Greetings!

Today is the first day of summer. Or, if you prefer, Midsummer -- about midway through the growing season. This is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, due to the tilt of the earth's axis.

Nearly all ancient societies celebrated a festival in June at or near the summer solstice, usually centered on fertility and agriculture. June was (and still is) a popular time for weddings. In some cultures, newlyweds were offered dishes made from honey to encourage love and fertility. This is the origin of the still common tradition of the "honeymoon."

After the Ocrafolk Opry tonight at Deepwater Theater Lou Ann & I will follow an old island tradition and head for the beach to dance in the moonlight & starlight (clothing, of course, is optional!).

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Planets

The night sky over Ocracoke is frequently spectacular. Tonight is one such time. Stars appear to be strewn across the heavens by the hand of a playful and exuberant youth who desires nothing but to share the beauty of a rare treasure. It is tempting just to stand outside and stare at the night sky as time marches into the early morning.

Someone told Lou Ann that the three "stars" in the southern sky that are forming an isosceles triangle are the planets Venus (the brightest "star" at the bottom left), Mars (at the top), and Jupiter. I have been unable to confirm this, but they make a beautiful figure in the June sky.

If you are in an area where you can see the stars, be sure to take in the grandeur. And if you are a professional or amateur astronomer, please let us know if those three diamonds in the sky are really Venus, Mars, & Jupiter.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Sunset on the Pizer

So, you want the recipe for our secret drink???? I debated for a few days whether or not I should give it out. Finally I decided to share this delicious and refreshing drink with all of you.

However, it comes with rules and possibilities. The drink is to be enjoyed on your own pizer (a.k.a. porch, deck, patio, piazza, stoop, small gathering place somewhere outside)!

Obviously, gather your friends, neighbors, relatives, mother-in-laws, county sheriff, whoever!

The drink is to be shared at Sunset (Sunset on the Pizer).

Now the ingredients: Fill a large glass with ice, then fill it with 1/3 coconut rum, 1/3 orange juice, 1/3 cranberry juice, top it off with a Maraschino cherry!

Make sure you have enough for refills! Enjoy the evening, the conversation, and think about us on Ocracoke Island doing the same!

Cheers!

Lou Ann

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Another Day in Paradise (almost)

It is difficult to believe how wonderful the weather has been since Lou Arrived more than two weeks ago. We have yet to turn on the A/C. At night we sleep with the windows open, covered with just a light blanket. Today is clear and sunny, with temperatures in the upper 70s. The forecast calls for nighttime temps in the 60s. Yesterday the ocean was perfect for swimming -- a chin deep trough lay between the beach and the outer bar. There was barely a hint of current and no sign of rip currents.

Well, not all is perfect, though. I heard reports that Sunbeam (the island's sole supplier of bread to stores and restaurants) has suddenly stopped coming to Ocracoke. I haven't been to the grocery in a few days, but I'm told the bread shelves are empty. Imagine if every store in your area abruptly ran out of bread. Lucky for me, Lou Ann enjoys baking bread! And Ocracokers are resilient. We'll find a solution soon.

Then last night Lou Ann came home to discover a big black water bug cruising around our home-made brownies. These ugly critters are summertime reminders that we are living in the south, and it may take Lou Ann a while to adjust. In the meanwhile we have set out a number of "Roach Hotels"....and I have been informed that I am welcome to every last brownie.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Book Signing on the Pizer

Deep into the heart of yesterday afternoon, local folks gathered on the pizer at the Books to Be Red shop in anticipation of meeting Brook Ashley and John Ogilvie.

Brook and John have edited the newly published book, Ocracoke in the Fifties by Dare Wright. The book is an accumulation of photos and narratives from the fifties with an enchanting surreal quality. Running my hand across the cover is like running my hand across the smooth insides of a seashell.

Local folks brought other stories and photos to share with Brook and John. They loved making the connections that they had only read about as they sat outside at a table covered with a blue and white cloth.

I took a few minutes to stand back under the sun-washed live oaks to watch the scene. There were children running barefoot, new baby Mariah sleeping up on the pizer, folks telling stories, folks sharing the photos in the book from their past history.

It was a day that Dare Wright would have loved.

Lou Ann

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Rough Surf

I suppose it's left over turbulence from Alberto. Yesterday was fairly mild and calm....until about dinner time. Then the wind whipped up. Doors were banging back & forth, trees were swaying, gusts blew through the open windows and rattled dishes.

By bedtime the weather had moderated, leaving behind a cool, refreshing breeze. We slept with all the windows open, a pleasant reminder of how wonderful island life so often is.

Today at the beach Lou Ann & I took a plunge in the ocean, but the waves were big & powerful. After a good pummeling, we retreated to the dunes and enjoyed the surf from a more comfortable distance.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Alberto

Light rain gently fell this morning....on fence posts, yaupon bushes, tin roofs, and Silver Lake. The sky was gray and mildly menacing, but folks were out and about, with little concern for the weather. By early afternoon, winds are still light, but are likely to pick up a bit, accompanied by occasional rain and thunder storms. All in all, Alberto seems to be little more than a blustery, squally interlude between bright, sunny early summer days.

This is the perfect day to catch up on reading or napping.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Plans Run Ashore.....

It started out to be a productive Monday morning! (When I was a little girl my grandmother used to say, "how goes your Monday, goes your week.") With bread rising on the kitchen table and the sweeper plugged in, I was absolutely on task with the morning chores. Until....Philip came home for lunch (I can't sweep when I could be sharing conversation with him!)....and distant cousins, Betsy and Loren from Arizona came knocking on the door (I mean, they came all the way from Arizona!) Just as they were leaving we had a call to share the afternoon beach walk with Pat and Steve and little Lachlan (well, how could we turn that down when we thought we wouldn't get to the beach at all!) Arriving home with rain and thunder threatening, we closed the windows and sat down on the pizer as folks began arriving announcing that we were hosting an event. I love events, so we had one! (We have a new drink, Sunset on the Pizer!) I guess word was out so we shared our new drink and visited with folks who kept stopping by!

Dinner was late.

When I woke up this morning, the sweeper was right where I left it...so were the dishes (the bread did get baked, however!)

So, let's see if my Grandmother was right...so goes Monday, so goes the rest of the week.

Ooops, gotta go, someone is knocking on the door!

Lou Ann

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Congratulations Graduates!

Ocracoke School, North Carolina's smallest public school, held graduation exercises last night in the gymnasium. The seats were filled with parents, grandparents, and island friends. Five seniors received their diplomas: Alex Garrish, Yeager St. John, Nicole O'Neal, Katy Mitchell, & Marcus Lawson. As you might expect, the speeches and remarks were often personal, reflecting the size of the graduating class and the closeness of our island community. After the ceremony the seniors waited on the wooden walkway outside to receive congratulations, cards, and words of encouragement from their families, neighbors, and friends. As so many island events, it was a very personal affair.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Cutters

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812. I received this note from Jim Goodwin, model ship builder and maker of our ship's in bottles:

"Just read your May Newsletter about Ocracoke & the War of 1812. One point I think needs to be mended, and that is concerning the Revenue Cutter that left Portsmouth to warn New Bern about the British landing. Revenue Cutters were typically two-masted topsail schooners similar to Otway Burn’s Snap Dragon. Why they were called “cutters”, I do not know, and “cutter” in nautical terms implies a small, single mast vessel. This term has been confusing to some at times because of its varied definitions (don’t you love the English language!). The Revenue Service had specifics at that time which called for their cutters being about 80’ on deck with 6-10 guns. The vessel that Singleton refers to was the New Bern-built Mercury.

From Irving King’s The Coast Guard Under Sail, (1989), p.55:

'The Mercury (Captain William H. Wallace) made her mark in the war in quite a different fashion. Built at New Bern, NC, she sailed out of Ocracoke with a captain, three mates, and a crew of twenty-five. At about 9 o’clock on the evening of 11 July 1813, the Mercury appeared off Ocracoke Bar and anchored about a mile from the inlet. That night a fleet under Admiral Cockburn was discovered nearby and reported to Thomas Singleton, collector of customs at Portsmouth. Singleton packed the port’s money and customhouse bonds into a trunk, which he placed aboard the Mercury for safekeeping. As dawn broke, Capt. Wallace set sail. At about the same time the vessels of Cockburn’s fleet, consisting of one 74, three frigates, one brig, and three schooners, got under way. The Mercury cleared the wash a mile and a half ahead of the fleet, which captured the brig Anacosta of New York and the letter-of-marque schooner Atlas of Philadelphia. Several of Cockburn’s ships passed up the prizes for the cutter, because the admiral was anxious to stop her before she could carry word of his fleet to New Bern. After an eight-to-ten mile race through the sound, the Mercury made her escape by crowding on all sails and cutting away her long boat. Thus the cutter both saved the custom receipts and prevented Cockburn from proceeding to New Bern with his fleet'

"Another source I read states that Wallace also pitched the cannons in that chase.

"It is a marvelous tale of heroism and sailing skill. Also, C. S. Forester modeled his Hornblower character after Admiral Cockburn."

Many thanks to Jim for sharing his nautical knowledge with us.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Outdoor Shower

One of the best things about island living is the outdoor shower. Ever since I moved into my new/old house just over a year ago I have missed my outdoor shower.

Until a week ago. I designed the shower months before, but neighbor Matt Brown built it only recently.

Nestled among the cedars, yaupons, & oaks in my back yard, it sports a hand-made copper shower head by islander David Foss. We mounted a hinged antique stained glass window on one side to allow a more open view of the surroundings. At night the window is lighted from behind and casts a subtle, colorful glow inside the enclosure.

Last night the almost full moon peeked from behind clouds and danced in the tree branches above my head as I basked in the warm soothing spray of water.

It will be difficult to coax me inside for a shower again!

A View from the Porch Steps:



Yours Truly Enjoying a Morning Shower:



You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Storm ?

Yesterday was a wonderful day all around. Lou Ann & I both took the day off. We decided to make the morning our beach time. After a long walk along the surf (we never passed another person all morning), we jumped into the ocean and swam for half an hour. The water was cool and the wind was blowing, but the waves were moderate and refreshing. After our swim we found a protected place and read & napped.

After lunch we caught up on a few small chores before Lachlan came over for a visit. The National Weather Service was calling for severe weather with 60 mph winds and nickel-sized hail. The three of us sat on the front porch steps and watched the sky turn gun-metal gray and listened as thunder rolled in the distance. Lightning flashed beyond the trees and a light rain fell, but the storm mostly passed us by.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.

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Ghost Stories by Lantern Light......

Cobalt blue and pewter grey skies swirled overhead as Philip began his Ghost and History walk last night. Jackets and umbrellas accompanied the twenty folks listening to the stories as we started our stroll through the village. Every once in a while I stole a glimpse at the threatening sky hoping the distant rumble of thunder would hold off til the tour was finished.
It was not to be.

Dark Skies

Brilliant Lightening

Fat, heavy Raindrops

Philip offered a choice to the ghost story followers, brave it out or come on home to his cottage. It was a unanimous decision to spend the rest of the evening in his parlor. By the time we scurried down Howard Street and into the gate to Miss Aliph's, the sky burst into fireworks.

We lit candles and lanterns as folks sat on chairs and on the floor. Droplets of cool rain water

beaded around faces caught under the spell of soft yellow candlelight as Philip's stories

made eyebrows rise and folks huddle close together. He sat in the chair from the shipwreck, the Ariosto, as he wove together history and ghost stories.

When the evening was over, we sent them out into the darkness to make their way to cottages and rented rooms. As for us, we sat out on the pizer with a glass of wine and watched the remnants of the storm pass out to sea.

Lou Ann

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.

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OPS

Several days ago a reader asked about a car window sticker (s)he noticed on an island vehicle. It was an uncomplimentary reference to OPS (the Ocracoke Preservation Society). The reader wanted to know, "Why would anyone have a beef with the OPS?"

I suppose that in any community there will be inevitable conflicts between those whose sentiments lean towards preservation and those who favor development. We all support development at some level -- roads, homes, schools, churches, and local businesses -- and I hope we all see the value of preserving the unique historical and environmental heritage of this beautiful island. Sometimes, however, the two interests are in conflict. We can only hope that a sense of community spirit and cooperation prevails for the common good.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Folk Festival

The annual OcraFolk Festival this past weekend was a huge success. In spite of the threat of rain (and moving all performances indoors) on Saturday, everyone seemed to enjoy the wonderful music, quality crafts, and entertaining storytelling. The auction on Friday night netted over $5000.00 (to help defray costs), and on Saturday, after so many terrific performances, the dance floor was filled with folks for square dancing, contra dancing, and clogging. In addition, Clyde Jones was here making chainsaw critters, local restaurant servers competed for best waiters & waitresses, and island bakers vied for tastiest fig cake.

Lou Ann & I were blessed to have several of the weekend's musicians stop by the house on Sunday night to jam. Guitar, mandolin, dobrow, banjo, keyboard, ukulele, autoharp, & fiddle all combined to fill the parlor with the sweet sounds of accomplished performers. Only after midnight was the house silent again, but the ancient boards continue to hold memories of these and many other musicians who have graced the house.

A special thanks to Gary Mitchell and Fiddler Dave for making this stellar event happen!

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Potluck, Auction, & Drumming

Ocracoke kicked off this year's OcraFolk Festival with a community potluck dinner last night. The Community Center counters and tables were covered with every manner of tasty fare, from main dishes, to salads, to desserts. So many folks came out that tables and chairs were set up in the parking lot.

The stage area was filled with handcrafts, artwork, and other items donated by festival participants, local businesses, and other friends of the festival. A lively auction followed dinner. All proceeds from the sales go to fund next year's festival and local art programs in Ocracoke and eastern North Carolina.

After the auction Jubal Creech led several dozen people in a spirited drumming circle. Jubal brought almost fifty pecussion instruments. He is quite animated and quickly engaged everyone in a lively session of "drumming" with bongos, bells, triangles, and myriad other exotic instruments. It was a fitting beginning for the festival.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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$15.00 Cruise

I was off-island all day yesterday. Left on the early Swan Quarter ferry and drove to the Raleigh/Durham airport to pick up Lou Ann in the afternoon We came home on the 8:30 pm Cedar Island ferry. We sat on the upper deck, opened a bottle of merlot, snacked on gouda cheese and bagel chips, and gazed up as Venus, the brightest "star" in the night sky, shone down on us. It was a romantic way to bring Lou Ann back to the island for an entire summer. And for an evening "cruise" the $15.00 tickect seemed like a bargain.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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