Last night the Ocracoke community was treated to a lively performance of African drumming, singing, storytelling, & dancing by the family group Healing Force. For an hour and a half the school gymnasium reverberated with the rhythmic beating of drums, the melodious sound of beautiful voices, and the fluid movement of bodies, arms, & legs.
Along with the Healing Force's infectious smiles and obvious delight in their art, they joyfully celebrated community, beauty, and peace, sentiments familiar to many islanders, but ever worthy of being reminded of.
The night air was cold, but those who braved the chill came home energized by a talented & energetic family.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remaining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Back in College?
I don't generally wear t-shirts with writing on them (especially ones with corporate logos -- why would I want to pay money to advertize for a huge company??). But one of my favorite island t-shirts from years ago was solid black except for two words printed across the chest: "Ocracoke University."
Just the other day Jennifer Kidwell & I were talking about the things we like about Ocracoke. You know, you've heard me wax poetical about them many times. Things like realizing you don't have any money while you're standing in line at the store, but knowing it's OK because someone else in line will loan you the money, or the clerk will just "put it on a tab." Or folks behind the counters inviting Lachlan back into their storerooms to show him around. Or catching up on all the island news at the Post Office. Or hashing out solutions to community issues sitting around a table in the church rec. hall. Or neighbors piling your tables full of food after a death in the family.
Jennifer commented that it was "like living on a college campus." In many ways it is like being in college. Life is rather flexible here. And relaxed. Not too many schedules. We look after one another. And we're constantly learning about life and living.
We're happy we're enrolled.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remeining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
Just the other day Jennifer Kidwell & I were talking about the things we like about Ocracoke. You know, you've heard me wax poetical about them many times. Things like realizing you don't have any money while you're standing in line at the store, but knowing it's OK because someone else in line will loan you the money, or the clerk will just "put it on a tab." Or folks behind the counters inviting Lachlan back into their storerooms to show him around. Or catching up on all the island news at the Post Office. Or hashing out solutions to community issues sitting around a table in the church rec. hall. Or neighbors piling your tables full of food after a death in the family.
Jennifer commented that it was "like living on a college campus." In many ways it is like being in college. Life is rather flexible here. And relaxed. Not too many schedules. We look after one another. And we're constantly learning about life and living.
We're happy we're enrolled.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remeining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Thomas Paine
Some months ago I read The Trouble with Tom, by Paul Collins. It is the fascinating story of what became of the bones of American Patriot, Thomas Paine. (You might want to read the book yourself to follow this odd tale.) In the course of reading I was reminded of what a fascinating person Thomas Paine was. The author of Common Sense, he was a man ahead of his times, and had a major influence on the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. He also wrote The Age of Reason, a forceful advocacy of Enlightenment principles and Deism.
Today is the two hundred and seventieth anniversary of Thomas Paine's birthday. Herewith are several of his quotes:
"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather
strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.
'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose
heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct,
will pursue his principles unto death."
"If there must be trouble let it be in my day, that my
child may have peace."
"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier
and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from
the service of their country; but he that stands it now,
deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."
Paine also wrote "A New Song," [Hail Great Republic], sung to the tune of "Rule Britannia":
Today is the two hundred and seventieth anniversary of Thomas Paine's birthday. Herewith are several of his quotes:
"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather
strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.
'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose
heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct,
will pursue his principles unto death."
"If there must be trouble let it be in my day, that my
child may have peace."
"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier
and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from
the service of their country; but he that stands it now,
deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."
Paine also wrote "A New Song," [Hail Great Republic], sung to the tune of "Rule Britannia":
"Hail, Great Republic of the world,
The rising empire of the West,
Where famed Columbus, with a mighty mind inspired,
Gave tortured Europe scenes of rest.
Be thou forever, forever great and free,
The Land of Love and Liberty."Beneath thy spreading mantling vine,
Beside thy flowery groves and springs,
And on thy lofty, thy lofty mountains' brow,
May all thy sons and fair ones sing.
Chorus."From thee may rudest nations learn
To prize the cause thy sons began;
From thee may future, may future tyrants know
That sacred are the Rights of Man.
Chorus."From thee may hated discord fly,
With all her dark, her gloomy train;
And o'er thy fertile, thy fertile wide domain
May everlasting friendship reign.
Chorus.
"Of thee may lisping infancyThis month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remaining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
The pleasing wondrous story tell,
And patriot sages in venerable mood
Instruct the world to govern well.
Chorus."Ye guardian angels watch around,
From harm protect the new-born State;
And all ye friendly, ye friendly nations join,
And thus salute the Child of Fate.
Be thou forever, forever great and free,
The Land of Love and Liberty!"
Sunday, January 28, 2007
The Joys of Youth
Picture this: I walked over the ramp at the lifeguard beach yesterday afternoon. The weather had turned sunny and warm, though a stiff breeze was blowing straight down the beach from the south. The ocean was frothy and white, whipped up by the wind. Because of the steady blow I wore a sweatshirt and hat. There by the surf were a young man and a young woman. The woman was thin, with long flowing dark hair. She was wearing a light jacket. Her companion was dressed in a bright red t-shirt. His pants were rolled up to his calf, and he was barefooted.
They were running around, laughing, and playing. One moment they were chasing each other, the next he was splashing in the incoming tide. Then they would dance in circles, or jump up on the huge, worn tree trunk that had washed up on the beach several years ago. As I passed them they were standing upright, gazing into the ocean, he behind her with his arms wrapped around her waist and his head over her shoulder.
I suppose I felt something like an old geezer, with my sweatshirt zipped up to my neck, my hands in my pockets, plodding along into the wind in my walking shoes. But at least I also felt a vicarious delight in the spontaneity and exuberance of two youngsters of our species engaged in an age-old courting ritual. May they never loose their sense of joy and play.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remaining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
They were running around, laughing, and playing. One moment they were chasing each other, the next he was splashing in the incoming tide. Then they would dance in circles, or jump up on the huge, worn tree trunk that had washed up on the beach several years ago. As I passed them they were standing upright, gazing into the ocean, he behind her with his arms wrapped around her waist and his head over her shoulder.
I suppose I felt something like an old geezer, with my sweatshirt zipped up to my neck, my hands in my pockets, plodding along into the wind in my walking shoes. But at least I also felt a vicarious delight in the spontaneity and exuberance of two youngsters of our species engaged in an age-old courting ritual. May they never loose their sense of joy and play.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remaining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
Friday, January 26, 2007
A Word to Renters
This post is for all of our readers who rent cottages or rooms at Ocracoke in the summer. Last night at dinner talk turned to renters who call their realty to complain that they saw a cockroach.
"Just one?" would be our seasoned reply.
Anyone who lives in the south must confront cockroaches (sometimes affectionately called water bugs or palmetto bugs), especially in the warmer summer months. As neat, tidy, and clean as Lou Ann & I both are, an occasional cockroach will slip under the door, or hitch a ride in a grocery sack...and surprise us when we turn the kitchen light on at night. Lou Ann is only slowly getting used to those dark, ugly, and swift critters (a rolled up magazine and I are often quicker than they are, however).
This week I am reading a fascinating book, Batavia's Graveyard, the true story of seventeenth century commerce, heresy, shipwreck, and mutiny on a Dutch East India Company flagship. After several paragraphs describing the passengers' and crew's battles with rats, lice, maggots, weevils, & bedbugs, and their attendant diseases, the author notes that "[t]he captain of one Danish East Indiaman was so maddened by the plague of scuttling vermin on board his ship that he offered his sailors a tot of brandy for every thousand cockroaches they killed. Within days, the crushed bodies of 38,250 insects had been presented for his inspection."
You might want to keep that figure in mind as the summer approaches. And be assured that your realty mounts a massive attack against these critters year around. If you encounter one in your cottage, don't take your eyes off of it if possible, pick up a nearby shoe or magazine, and be swift. There's probably no need to call the realty. You can handle it.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remaining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
"Just one?" would be our seasoned reply.
Anyone who lives in the south must confront cockroaches (sometimes affectionately called water bugs or palmetto bugs), especially in the warmer summer months. As neat, tidy, and clean as Lou Ann & I both are, an occasional cockroach will slip under the door, or hitch a ride in a grocery sack...and surprise us when we turn the kitchen light on at night. Lou Ann is only slowly getting used to those dark, ugly, and swift critters (a rolled up magazine and I are often quicker than they are, however).
This week I am reading a fascinating book, Batavia's Graveyard, the true story of seventeenth century commerce, heresy, shipwreck, and mutiny on a Dutch East India Company flagship. After several paragraphs describing the passengers' and crew's battles with rats, lice, maggots, weevils, & bedbugs, and their attendant diseases, the author notes that "[t]he captain of one Danish East Indiaman was so maddened by the plague of scuttling vermin on board his ship that he offered his sailors a tot of brandy for every thousand cockroaches they killed. Within days, the crushed bodies of 38,250 insects had been presented for his inspection."
You might want to keep that figure in mind as the summer approaches. And be assured that your realty mounts a massive attack against these critters year around. If you encounter one in your cottage, don't take your eyes off of it if possible, pick up a nearby shoe or magazine, and be swift. There's probably no need to call the realty. You can handle it.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remaining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Broken Shells
The beach was so broad the other afternoon when I took my daily walk. It was low tide and the hard packed sand was 100 - 150' wide in places. I walked for several miles without seeing a soul. The surf was quiet....just long, slow, low rollers nudging the beach. Beyond, there was an expanse of calm and quiet. Only a few birds bobbed on the waves. Not even a dolphin was to be seen.
Once, though, I noticed a hefty herring gull. It had plucked a clam from the sound and carried it over to the hard packed beach. She flew high up into the sky and dropped her clam from quite a distance. She accomplished her goal. The clam shell lay broken on the beach and she was busily pecking at it for the succulent, tasty meat.
All too often the gulls drop their clams on the highway since it's generally harder than the beach. It makes driving somewhat of a challenge because the broken shells are sharp and often cut through rubber tires. So be careful driving Highway 12 this time of year, especially near the bridges.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remaining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
Once, though, I noticed a hefty herring gull. It had plucked a clam from the sound and carried it over to the hard packed beach. She flew high up into the sky and dropped her clam from quite a distance. She accomplished her goal. The clam shell lay broken on the beach and she was busily pecking at it for the succulent, tasty meat.
All too often the gulls drop their clams on the highway since it's generally harder than the beach. It makes driving somewhat of a challenge because the broken shells are sharp and often cut through rubber tires. So be careful driving Highway 12 this time of year, especially near the bridges.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remaining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
January Surprise
I was surprised this morning, as I walked over to Village Craftsmen, to see daffodils blooming right under our high tide lines. It has actually been chilly these last few days, but I guess spring is, if not exactly right around the corner, at least down the road.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remaining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remaining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Ghost Ship
Several days ago I missed an important date in Outer Banks history. On January 21, 1921 the five-masted schooner, Caroll A. Deering (one of the largest schooners ever built), foundered on Diamond Shoals.
When the weather finally cleared and the US Coast Guard was able to board the vessel they discovered all sails set, galley tables set with dinnerware, food in the galley stove....and not a living soul aboard the Deering -- with the exception of one cat. To this day no one knows what happened to the crew. Not a trace of any of them has ever been found.
The story goes that the cat, with six toes on each paw, was taken ashore. Before long six-toed cats started to show up on Hatteras Island, and later, on Ocracoke. Just a couple of years ago, at dusk, Amy noticed a six-toed feral cat skulking about near her house. Perhaps the crew of the Ghost Ship continues to haunt the Outer Banks.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remeining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
When the weather finally cleared and the US Coast Guard was able to board the vessel they discovered all sails set, galley tables set with dinnerware, food in the galley stove....and not a living soul aboard the Deering -- with the exception of one cat. To this day no one knows what happened to the crew. Not a trace of any of them has ever been found.
The story goes that the cat, with six toes on each paw, was taken ashore. Before long six-toed cats started to show up on Hatteras Island, and later, on Ocracoke. Just a couple of years ago, at dusk, Amy noticed a six-toed feral cat skulking about near her house. Perhaps the crew of the Ghost Ship continues to haunt the Outer Banks.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remeining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Early Morning Rain
Crystal clear raindrops hung like pearls from the tips of the cedar branches arching over my outdoor shower this morning. For all practical purposes rain had stopped falling, but the ground was saturated, and puddles lay scattered in the lanes and driveways. Billows of steam rose up above my head as the hot water fell to the cold wooden deck of the shower.
It was a great way to start my day. Even though I've come down with another chest cold (my third this winter!) I'm up and about, ready to do some neglected paperwork, run a few errands, then host Amy, David, Lachlan, & neighbor, Jennifer Kidwell, for a lunch of homemade chicken soup.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remeining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
It was a great way to start my day. Even though I've come down with another chest cold (my third this winter!) I'm up and about, ready to do some neglected paperwork, run a few errands, then host Amy, David, Lachlan, & neighbor, Jennifer Kidwell, for a lunch of homemade chicken soup.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remeining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
A Saturday in January
The daily pace of island life in winter is a gift to be savored. Especially in January and February, life flows, rather than moves. Yesterday I spent a few morning hours at my desk, organizing and catching up on details. After a light lunch I donned my dark blue trousers & black shoes, slipped on a sweater, and walked to the church for another funeral. Native islander, Maude Thomas Garrish, died on Wednesday at age 91. The nave was nearly full of friends and relatives as two of her nephews shared highlights of her life. We grieve as a community when one of our own passes on.
Yesterday afternoon I watched Lachlan for a couple of hours as his mama attended a quilting workshop. Amy and the other regular quilters were teaching newcomers how to make a traditional Ocracoke Island "cracker quilt" pillow cover.
A late afternoon nap, a dinner of pasta and vegetables, and an evening of reading by the fire completed my day.
As the song says, "My life flows on in endless song; Above earth’s lamentation, I hear the sweet though far off hymn, That hails a new creation...." (How Can I Keep from Singing, by Robert Lowry).
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remeining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
Yesterday afternoon I watched Lachlan for a couple of hours as his mama attended a quilting workshop. Amy and the other regular quilters were teaching newcomers how to make a traditional Ocracoke Island "cracker quilt" pillow cover.
A late afternoon nap, a dinner of pasta and vegetables, and an evening of reading by the fire completed my day.
As the song says, "My life flows on in endless song; Above earth’s lamentation, I hear the sweet though far off hymn, That hails a new creation...." (How Can I Keep from Singing, by Robert Lowry).
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remeining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
OWWA
In 2006 a group of about two dozen commercial fishermen joined together to form the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association (OWWA). One of their primary goals is to save the island's last remaining fish house from permanent closure. Their hard work has been rewarded with wide public support and the return of the fish house to daily operation -- at least for the present. The watermen are now in the process of raising money to purchase the fish house business along with the long-term property lease in order to insure the continuation of their traditional island lifestyle.
You can read more about fishing and the goals of the OWWA in our latest newsletter. There is also information there to tell you how you can make a tax deductible contribution to help keep commercial fishing a viable industry on Ocracoke Island. Click here to learn more.
You can read more about fishing and the goals of the OWWA in our latest newsletter. There is also information there to tell you how you can make a tax deductible contribution to help keep commercial fishing a viable industry on Ocracoke Island. Click here to learn more.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Island Guilt
Two nights ago district Park Ranger, Kenny Ballance, accosted me at a community meeting. Kenny is the primary caregiver for our oldest island resident, Muzel Bryant. Muze, as she is generally known, will be 103 years old in March. "Muze is about to worry me to death," Kenny remarked. "She keeps asking me why Philip Howard hasn't been by to visit. She thinks you've died!"
Oh what a guilt trip! Unfortunately, I seem to be coming down with another winter cold, so I don't want to pass it along. I suppose I'll just give her a phone call -- real soon. Muze's inquiry is a testament to her sharp intellect. It's wonderful how she keeps up with daily island life. And it certainly gives me a boost to know that our oldest islander wants me to stop by for a visit.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is Jamie Tunnell's story about Dory Fishing on Ocracoke's Beach. Click on the link to read it.
Oh what a guilt trip! Unfortunately, I seem to be coming down with another winter cold, so I don't want to pass it along. I suppose I'll just give her a phone call -- real soon. Muze's inquiry is a testament to her sharp intellect. It's wonderful how she keeps up with daily island life. And it certainly gives me a boost to know that our oldest islander wants me to stop by for a visit.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is Jamie Tunnell's story about Dory Fishing on Ocracoke's Beach. Click on the link to read it.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Addie Henry
On this date one hundred and fourteen years ago the schooner "Addie Henry" fetched up at Hatteras Inlet. According to the wreck report, the schooner, loaded with pine lumber, "wer laid up in Hatteras shade side on account it war drug by ice." Three days later the life saving crew, noting that "wee sea ice was not so bad," went to the schooner "to see if eny thing cold be done." There was nothing they could do except wait for it to warm up. The Addie Henry was refloated on January 29 and anchored safely in the harbor.
Today there is no ice, just light rain and a dreary, sunless day. It's been a good day to work inside. At least the temperature has gotten up to the low 50s.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is Jamie Tunnell's story about Dory Fishing on Ocracoke's Beach. Click on the link to read it.
Today there is no ice, just light rain and a dreary, sunless day. It's been a good day to work inside. At least the temperature has gotten up to the low 50s.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is Jamie Tunnell's story about Dory Fishing on Ocracoke's Beach. Click on the link to read it.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Winter's Back
A cold front has moved across the Outer Banks in the last twelve hours, and the temperature has dropped about thirty degrees. So it's chilly this morning, though still above freezing. I don't imagine I'll be walking barefoot on the beach today like I was on Monday. Actually this is a good day to stay inside and catch up on details. I've let so many little things go these last few weeks.
Luckily for me, Jude is back from a two week vacation in Aruba. She's sitting downstairs with a winter tan and a smile on her face, processing internet orders & paying bills.
Tonight I'll be attending an important meeting at the community center. A NCDOT spokesman will be here to talk to us and get input about bridge replacement along Highway 12 on the northern end of Ocracoke, a project slated for next winter.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is Jamie Tunnell's story about Dory Fishing on Ocracoke's Beach. Click on the link to read it.
Luckily for me, Jude is back from a two week vacation in Aruba. She's sitting downstairs with a winter tan and a smile on her face, processing internet orders & paying bills.
Tonight I'll be attending an important meeting at the community center. A NCDOT spokesman will be here to talk to us and get input about bridge replacement along Highway 12 on the northern end of Ocracoke, a project slated for next winter.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is Jamie Tunnell's story about Dory Fishing on Ocracoke's Beach. Click on the link to read it.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Farewell
Lou Ann & I were off-island on New Year's Day when I received a telephone call from my daughter, Amy. She was distraught and told me that our neighbor, Brad Gaskill, in his early 30s, had died suddenly after taking a tumble from his bicycle. Brad was an unassuming young man who contributed to our community in quiet, but important ways.
Many of you have read my chronicle of the rehabilitation of my house. Brad was there many hours installing both new plumbing and central heating & air conditioning. A number of the vintage windows in the house came from his great-grandparents' island home. Several times he told me that he felt as though his great-grandfather was strolling through the house monitoring the progress of the restoration.
We all miss Brad and send our condolences to his family. A death in our island community, especially one so young, is a tragedy shared by us all.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is Jamie Tunnell's story about Dory Fishing on Ocracoke's Beach. Click on the link to read it.
Many of you have read my chronicle of the rehabilitation of my house. Brad was there many hours installing both new plumbing and central heating & air conditioning. A number of the vintage windows in the house came from his great-grandparents' island home. Several times he told me that he felt as though his great-grandfather was strolling through the house monitoring the progress of the restoration.
We all miss Brad and send our condolences to his family. A death in our island community, especially one so young, is a tragedy shared by us all.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is Jamie Tunnell's story about Dory Fishing on Ocracoke's Beach. Click on the link to read it.
Monday, January 15, 2007
January Thoughts
I'm back at the keyboard again. Lou Ann & I spent a wonderful three weeks together, including the Christmas holidays here on the island. So many other islanders were traveling to exotic winter vacation spots, but we decided to simply spend the time together, with a break from work and from the journal. We enjoyed dinners in front of the fire, hosted a Twelfth Night pot luck, watched movies, talked into the night, learned new recipes, visited family & friends, and laughed.....a lot.
But Lou Ann is back in Indiana, and I am ready again to keep our readers up to date on island news. Actually quite a bit happened these last two weeks. I'll share some of that in the next day or so. Right now the news is that this day is delightful -- sunny and pleasant with temps near 70. (Lou Ann informs me that the latest mid-west winter storm has extended its icy reach into her neighborhood, and temperatures are plunging.)
Just yesterday I learned that I have an Ocracoke Preservation Meeting tonight....and jury duty in early February. And, of course, there are lots of neglected details to attend to here at Village Craftsmen. But work can wait a few more hours. I believe I'll take a stroll along the beach.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is Jamie Tunnell's story about Dory Fishing on Ocracoke's Beach. Click on the link to read it.
But Lou Ann is back in Indiana, and I am ready again to keep our readers up to date on island news. Actually quite a bit happened these last two weeks. I'll share some of that in the next day or so. Right now the news is that this day is delightful -- sunny and pleasant with temps near 70. (Lou Ann informs me that the latest mid-west winter storm has extended its icy reach into her neighborhood, and temperatures are plunging.)
Just yesterday I learned that I have an Ocracoke Preservation Meeting tonight....and jury duty in early February. And, of course, there are lots of neglected details to attend to here at Village Craftsmen. But work can wait a few more hours. I believe I'll take a stroll along the beach.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is Jamie Tunnell's story about Dory Fishing on Ocracoke's Beach. Click on the link to read it.
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