Monday, June 30, 2008
New Pitcher Pump Newsletter
Lou Ann has written a delightful description of my latest project -- the installation of an old fashioned pitcher pump in our back yard. We have published it as our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can read it by clicking on the photo below:
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Tiger
Charles Temple jokes with me, remarking that if he hears two locals deep in animated conversation on the Community Store porch the talk might be some exciting gossip about something that happened the day before, or it might be about a fist fight or other scandal that occurred a hundred years ago.
Today I share with you an event that transpired at Ocracoke four hundred and twenty-three years ago. On this date, in 1585, Sir Walter Raleigh's flagship, the Tiger, ran aground in Ocracoke Inlet. It was the first of nearly 1800 vessels that have wrecked along the Outer Banks.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Today I share with you an event that transpired at Ocracoke four hundred and twenty-three years ago. On this date, in 1585, Sir Walter Raleigh's flagship, the Tiger, ran aground in Ocracoke Inlet. It was the first of nearly 1800 vessels that have wrecked along the Outer Banks.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Quotidian Tasks
Even for folks fortunate enough to live on an island, everyday chores beckon. Today was a day to catch up on those tasks. Vacuuming, cleaning, scrubbing and other household jobs gave way to watering outdoor plants and shrubs (with ground water from our new pump!) That, in turn, segued into answering emails, paying bills, and organizing office space. Finally, late afternoon found us baking a fig cake and bread, as well as making deviled eggs to carry to a friend's open house later this evening. Oh yes, I also found time to lie in the hammock, read several articles in Newsweek, and take a short nap (be sure to read the article in the latest Newsweek about the benefits of naps).
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Pitcher Pump
Sorry for the last couple of days' gap in journal postings. But I have a good excuse. I spent all day yesterday putting an old fashioned pitcher pump in my back yard. I started work right after breakfast, about 6:30, building the platform...all from scrap lumber I had lying about. By late morning I was ready to put the well point and the 5 foot long, 1 1/4" galvanized pipe together. It was no easy task since the parts were used (cousin Ed donated them), and the ends needed to be re-threaded. I used the outdoor vise at the school and had that part of the job finished by 12:30.
After a quick lunch I was back at work preparing to sink the well point. Instead of pounding the point into the ground with an old truck axle for weight and heft (that's the old-time way), I used a water hose and minimal force to aid penetration down into the lens of fresh water a few feet below the surface. I still had to pound the last five inches into the ground with a sledge hammer, and then screw on the cast iron pump.
Finally I laid the boards to make a work bench, screwed down the pump base, primed the pump, and voila! Just like in my grandparents' day, we pumped up water and carried it to the plants in galvanized buckets.
It was 6 o'clock, time to shower and go over to Zillie's for Thursday evening wine tasting!
If you're not real familiar with the Outer Banks, you may wonder how we got water from a pipe that is only a few feet in the ground, and, without pictures, the description above may not make much sense. So I asked Lou Ann to document the whole process with photos. She will be writing a monthly newsletter in the next few days, and we'll explain the whole thing with pictures. Look for that soon!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
After a quick lunch I was back at work preparing to sink the well point. Instead of pounding the point into the ground with an old truck axle for weight and heft (that's the old-time way), I used a water hose and minimal force to aid penetration down into the lens of fresh water a few feet below the surface. I still had to pound the last five inches into the ground with a sledge hammer, and then screw on the cast iron pump.
Finally I laid the boards to make a work bench, screwed down the pump base, primed the pump, and voila! Just like in my grandparents' day, we pumped up water and carried it to the plants in galvanized buckets.
It was 6 o'clock, time to shower and go over to Zillie's for Thursday evening wine tasting!
If you're not real familiar with the Outer Banks, you may wonder how we got water from a pipe that is only a few feet in the ground, and, without pictures, the description above may not make much sense. So I asked Lou Ann to document the whole process with photos. She will be writing a monthly newsletter in the next few days, and we'll explain the whole thing with pictures. Look for that soon!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Ali's Ocracoke Odyssey, Part III
Hi! This is Philip, introducing Ali's latest observations. Sorry I haven't posted for several days -- I was just enjoying the beach, friends, & family too much...plus a whole day trip to the dentist yesterday (another crown!). Anyway, here is Ali:
I am quickly approaching the half way point of my summer adventure, and it seems to have flown by. Things have certainly picked up pace in the shops as the season gets going. This last week has flown by for me, as I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of my family for their summer getaway on Sunday. I'm excited to show them around the island and impress them with my knowledge. More than that, I managed to get the entire week off so I got a vacation too.
So far my beach days have been limited to Sunday afternoons and Mondays. I'll be able to spend the entire week there and see what keeps bringing people back to Ocracoke year after year. I'm also looking forward to building sand castles with my little brother, whom I miss incredibly. With most people, "grown-ups" if you will, you can keep in contact over the phone or emailing or whatever, but with kids it's the time you spend with them. After being gone for my first year of college and now into the summer, I can't wait to get some time with him this coming week.
Speaking of the beach, I enjoyed my Monday afternoon at the campground beach. The ocean was rough so I spent most of my time lying out in the sun. The campground beach is a less frolic-in-the-ocean and collect-awesome-seashells (which happens—it just isn't a part of this story) beach-going experience. I sat up at one point to grab my book, when I realized my arms looked slightly lobster-esque. Uh-oh, time to go. I grabbed my stuff and headed back to the wagon, and OUCH my face and arms were bright red. I have to take responsibility for this since I wasn't wearing any sunscreen. Yes, stupid I know, but my family was coming to visit and I hardly had a tan after living five minutes from the beach for almost six weeks! To be completely honest, I'm quite proud of myself, that I made it that long without getting burned. It was bound to happen sooner or later. Let's just hope I can evade it this whole week.
Other than beach adventures, my life had taken a more social turn with the arrival of Kristin, the other summer employee at the Village Craftsmen. It's nice to have another person around my age, and since we have just about the same hours, it's easy to hang out. Having another person also makes meeting other people much easier, since it eliminates some of that one-person-who-doesn't-know-anyone awkward factor. I've also been hanging out with some of the girls whom I work with at the Hemp Shop, which gets me out of my wagon even more! We walked out to Springer's Point last night and saw the glowing bacteria or algae that are out there, which was really cool.
I can't wait to spend this week with my family—I'm off to be a tourist or vacationer or whatever!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
I am quickly approaching the half way point of my summer adventure, and it seems to have flown by. Things have certainly picked up pace in the shops as the season gets going. This last week has flown by for me, as I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of my family for their summer getaway on Sunday. I'm excited to show them around the island and impress them with my knowledge. More than that, I managed to get the entire week off so I got a vacation too.
So far my beach days have been limited to Sunday afternoons and Mondays. I'll be able to spend the entire week there and see what keeps bringing people back to Ocracoke year after year. I'm also looking forward to building sand castles with my little brother, whom I miss incredibly. With most people, "grown-ups" if you will, you can keep in contact over the phone or emailing or whatever, but with kids it's the time you spend with them. After being gone for my first year of college and now into the summer, I can't wait to get some time with him this coming week.
Speaking of the beach, I enjoyed my Monday afternoon at the campground beach. The ocean was rough so I spent most of my time lying out in the sun. The campground beach is a less frolic-in-the-ocean and collect-awesome-seashells (which happens—it just isn't a part of this story) beach-going experience. I sat up at one point to grab my book, when I realized my arms looked slightly lobster-esque. Uh-oh, time to go. I grabbed my stuff and headed back to the wagon, and OUCH my face and arms were bright red. I have to take responsibility for this since I wasn't wearing any sunscreen. Yes, stupid I know, but my family was coming to visit and I hardly had a tan after living five minutes from the beach for almost six weeks! To be completely honest, I'm quite proud of myself, that I made it that long without getting burned. It was bound to happen sooner or later. Let's just hope I can evade it this whole week.
Other than beach adventures, my life had taken a more social turn with the arrival of Kristin, the other summer employee at the Village Craftsmen. It's nice to have another person around my age, and since we have just about the same hours, it's easy to hang out. Having another person also makes meeting other people much easier, since it eliminates some of that one-person-who-doesn't-know-anyone awkward factor. I've also been hanging out with some of the girls whom I work with at the Hemp Shop, which gets me out of my wagon even more! We walked out to Springer's Point last night and saw the glowing bacteria or algae that are out there, which was really cool.
I can't wait to spend this week with my family—I'm off to be a tourist or vacationer or whatever!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Friday, June 20, 2008
June at the Beach
Every once in a while the ocean is so clear you can stand in the surf up to your neck and see your toes. That's the way it was yesterday. Usually the waves stir up quite a bit of sand and swirl it around, giving the water a darker hue. But Thursday the waves were gentle and the Atlantic took on the appearance of the Caribbean with water the color of coke-bottle green. Even so, there were waves, but not the wild and crashing type. They just welled up and rolled over us as we bobbed gently in the warm, summer sea. Ahhh!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Opry
Tonight is the second Ocracoke Opry performance of the season. Last week's show was especially fun, with high energy and good cheer all around. Several veteran members of the audience said it was the best Opry they'd ever been to. If you are on the island be sure to stop by for another great show. The Ocracoke Jazz Society will be performing, along with other regulars, including Aaron Caswell, Marcie & Lou, Rob & Sundae, Molasses Creek, Donald Davis, and Lou Ann & me. Maybe some other folks as well.
On Thursday evenings you can take in the Molasses Creek show. Fridays are Coyote and Noah Paley. There's also a daytime Rumgagger show. Just check out the signboard on School Road for times and dates of all of the performances at Deepwater Theater.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
On Thursday evenings you can take in the Molasses Creek show. Fridays are Coyote and Noah Paley. There's also a daytime Rumgagger show. Just check out the signboard on School Road for times and dates of all of the performances at Deepwater Theater.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Rain
Finally, we got a bit of rain this afternoon. Not really enough to make much of a dent in the dry season we've been having, but welcome nonetheless. The sand gets so powdery when we have gone without precipitation for so long. Years ago, when all of the roads were sandy lanes, it really was difficult to keep cars from getting stuck. Today even Howard Street is negotiable because of the oyster shells.
The greatest worry back then, of course, revolved around drinking water. When all potable water was collected in wooden cisterns from runoff from the roof dry spells were a constant concern. I remember carefully rationing water as the level in the cistern continued to fall, with no rain in sight. Even our Saturday night baths (in an old round galvanized tub) were canceled.
Nowadays the "hardship" from dry weather is mostly just more of a struggle to negotiate the last hundred yards walking from the lifeguard stand to the walkover ramp.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
The greatest worry back then, of course, revolved around drinking water. When all potable water was collected in wooden cisterns from runoff from the roof dry spells were a constant concern. I remember carefully rationing water as the level in the cistern continued to fall, with no rain in sight. Even our Saturday night baths (in an old round galvanized tub) were canceled.
Nowadays the "hardship" from dry weather is mostly just more of a struggle to negotiate the last hundred yards walking from the lifeguard stand to the walkover ramp.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Monday, June 16, 2008
No Smoke...
...in Ocracoke. Thanks to prevailing winds, Ocracoke Island has had little impact from the smoky wild fire that has burned 42,000 acres on the eastern North Carolina mainland. Last Thursday we had a bit of smoky haze, but other than that we have been spared. Today, in fact, is bright and sunny. Temperatures dropped yesterday, so I'd say the weather is just about perfect. We even turned off the A/C at home.
I believe I'll take care of a few details (like paying bills, answering emails, and making a dental appointment), and then Lou Ann and I will head for the beach for an hour or so. The water has been almost bathtub warm, with gentle, rolling waves and no rip currents. Not so great for body surfing, but just right for relaxing.
So come on down to the island. The air is clear and clean, and the water is a sparkling turquoise hue. It doesn't get much better than this.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
I believe I'll take care of a few details (like paying bills, answering emails, and making a dental appointment), and then Lou Ann and I will head for the beach for an hour or so. The water has been almost bathtub warm, with gentle, rolling waves and no rip currents. Not so great for body surfing, but just right for relaxing.
So come on down to the island. The air is clear and clean, and the water is a sparkling turquoise hue. It doesn't get much better than this.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Father's Day
David is off the island performing, and Amy was working, so Lachlan joined Lou Ann and me at 9 o'clock for a delicious breakfast at the Flying Melon Cafe. Lachlan had eggs and toast. Lou Ann and I shared sweet potato pancakes and a vegetarian omelet. On the paper tablecloth we jotted down our plans for the morning:
Before going to the pony pen we stopped back home and brought out three bottles of bubble stuff. We spent a half of an hour blowing rainbow colored bubbles and chasing them around the yard and watching them drift down the sandy lane or float up to the clouds before we were on our way again.
At the pony pen we looked for the young stallion named after my dad, then took pictures (mainly of railings, poison ivy, and the trash can).
Our next stop was a path lined with blackberries. Before long we had a full bucket of plump juicy berries. Lachlan will be joining us again tomorrow morning for cereal and milk, topped with fresh berries!
It's been a great Father's Day.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
- Order breakfast
- eat
- surprise
- visit the pony pen
- pick blackberries.
Before going to the pony pen we stopped back home and brought out three bottles of bubble stuff. We spent a half of an hour blowing rainbow colored bubbles and chasing them around the yard and watching them drift down the sandy lane or float up to the clouds before we were on our way again.
At the pony pen we looked for the young stallion named after my dad, then took pictures (mainly of railings, poison ivy, and the trash can).
Our next stop was a path lined with blackberries. Before long we had a full bucket of plump juicy berries. Lachlan will be joining us again tomorrow morning for cereal and milk, topped with fresh berries!
It's been a great Father's Day.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Fundraiser
Yesterday's fundraiser for Ocracoke's future radio station (90.1 on your FM dial) was lots of fun. A stage was set up near the water in the Community Store parking lot, and from 1 pm to after 7 pm a steady lineup of local talent entertained those assembled. I didn't hear everyone, but the Jazz Society kicked off the afternoon, and Baby Dee and Free Mustache (classic honky-tonk) wound things up. In between local singer-songwriters as well as Ocracoke's up and coming teen band kept everyone tapping feet and clapping enthusiastically. The pig pickin' started at 4, so folks were enjoying their meals in the ever-lengthening shadows of the surrounding buildings. Good cheer prevailed as local residents and visitors chatted, shared stories, and laughed together.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Radio Station
Tomorrow from 1 pm to 9 pm the Community Store will host music and a pig pickin' in their parking lot. The event is a fund raiser for our new Ocracoke Island radio station! I understand that everything is moving forward and before too long we will be able to listen (from the Pony Pen to the South Point) to island news, weather, music, sports, and special programs. Already there is talk of creative shows folks are interested in producing. I've heard people express interest in an island gossip program, but maybe that's not such a good idea!
Oh yes, we're hoping to have an Ocracoke square dance in the parking lot tomorrow sometime around 5 pm. Hope to see you there (Lou Ann has already said that she is planning to spend the entire afternoon down at the Community Store.)
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Oh yes, we're hoping to have an Ocracoke square dance in the parking lot tomorrow sometime around 5 pm. Hope to see you there (Lou Ann has already said that she is planning to spend the entire afternoon down at the Community Store.)
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Ali's Ocracoke Odyssey, Part II
It's been a little over three weeks since I arrived on Ocracoke, and boy it seems to have flown by. I've been settling into my new situation: living on my own, my work schedule and island life. As far as living on my own, I'm trying to learn to cook for myself a bit, but I haven't gotten much past sandwiches, ramen, rice and (this is the most exciting) tortellini. I figure it's better to practice on myself than on my roommates next year. They would be less than impressed if the only cooking skills I brought to the table (literally!) were ones with the microwave. Then again, I haven't had to put my skills to the test much, since Philip, Jude and her husband Frank have been really wonderful in welcoming me to the island by inviting me over (or out) for dinner. More often than not, during those dinners I get to meet some of their friends from on and off the island, and I'm starting to recognize people around the island.
Working down here is actually a lot of fun. I've been warned that it will only get busier, but so far it's been steady and I've been able to ease into things comfortably. I am enjoying being able to meet people from all over, many of which come back year after year—as a result many know more about the island than I do, and I'm always learning something new. It's the island life that seems to draw people back; I've only gotten a taste of it and you can't beat it. I love hopping on my bike at the end of the day and riding down to the Community Store and picking up what I need, or maybe just going for a ride. I go the beach on my days off, and I'm hoping to check out the ghost crabs at nighttime one of these nights.
The other day Philip showed me how to open clams, and invited me over for the "clams casino" he talked about earlier. Jude is recovering from several nights of nursing kittens only days old that were brought to her the other day. Her dedication to taking care of the "Ocracats" is one of those faith-restoring gestures. It is refreshing to see that people down here care "because nice matters," as the new sign reads above the counter at the Village Craftsmen. The laid back atmosphere, the fresh clams and the caring nature of people on Ocracoke...it's only the beginning but it looks like I've tapped into something pretty great.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Working down here is actually a lot of fun. I've been warned that it will only get busier, but so far it's been steady and I've been able to ease into things comfortably. I am enjoying being able to meet people from all over, many of which come back year after year—as a result many know more about the island than I do, and I'm always learning something new. It's the island life that seems to draw people back; I've only gotten a taste of it and you can't beat it. I love hopping on my bike at the end of the day and riding down to the Community Store and picking up what I need, or maybe just going for a ride. I go the beach on my days off, and I'm hoping to check out the ghost crabs at nighttime one of these nights.
The other day Philip showed me how to open clams, and invited me over for the "clams casino" he talked about earlier. Jude is recovering from several nights of nursing kittens only days old that were brought to her the other day. Her dedication to taking care of the "Ocracats" is one of those faith-restoring gestures. It is refreshing to see that people down here care "because nice matters," as the new sign reads above the counter at the Village Craftsmen. The laid back atmosphere, the fresh clams and the caring nature of people on Ocracoke...it's only the beginning but it looks like I've tapped into something pretty great.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Festival Weekend
What a fantastic weekend this was! Artists and craftspeople lined up on Howard Street and the School Road to display their wares. Potters, painters, woodworkers, jewelers, and others set up colorful booths to attract festival goers. The weather was nearly perfect. Even though it was hot and sunny, a mild breeze (and pasteboard fans) kept the worst of the heat at bay. Except for the performers, whose shirts and brows were saturated, most folks fared well under the shade of live oaks and cedars.
The lineup of performers was stellar -- there were banjos & cellos, autoharps & fiddles, drums & clarinets, mouth harps & mandolins, and even a digireedoo, and a hurdy-gurdy! Oh yes, there were guitars, too. I'm afraid I'll forget to name all of the performers, so I'll just share that there was jazz, folk, blues, country, and much more -- almost all from Ocracoke and eastern North Carolina.
And then there was storytelling. I shared reminiscences of early trips to the island on the mailboat and Fraxier Peele's very first ferry across Hatteras Inlet in 1950. Then I joined Lou Ann in performing one of her popular "Ocracoke Radio Shows." Other storytellers were there also, including Rodney Kemp, and, of course, our very own Donald Davis.
Our house was the Green Room so performers were coming and going all weekend.
The Friday night auction raised thousands of dollars, an Ocracoke quilt raffle brought in $1500, sponsors contributed thousands more, and donation boxes filled up as festival goers enjoyed the free shows.
Oh yes, there were jam sessions, a children's stage, Jef the Mime, Clyde Jones doing his chainsaw scuptures, and square dancing and contra dancing.
I'm sure I've forgotten somethings, but just wanted all of our readers to know what a talented group of musicians and artists we had this past weekend, and what an exciting weekend it was -- and why I haven't written anything for several days!
Mark your calendars for next year. This really is an outstanding event.
In other news, I got this information from The East Carolina Radio Station blog: "The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division is suspending the noon run from Cedar Island and the 3:30 PM run out of Ocracoke through Thursday. The Motor Vessel Pamlico has encountered mechanical difficulties and is being taken to the shipyard in Manns Harbor for repairs."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
The lineup of performers was stellar -- there were banjos & cellos, autoharps & fiddles, drums & clarinets, mouth harps & mandolins, and even a digireedoo, and a hurdy-gurdy! Oh yes, there were guitars, too. I'm afraid I'll forget to name all of the performers, so I'll just share that there was jazz, folk, blues, country, and much more -- almost all from Ocracoke and eastern North Carolina.
And then there was storytelling. I shared reminiscences of early trips to the island on the mailboat and Fraxier Peele's very first ferry across Hatteras Inlet in 1950. Then I joined Lou Ann in performing one of her popular "Ocracoke Radio Shows." Other storytellers were there also, including Rodney Kemp, and, of course, our very own Donald Davis.
Our house was the Green Room so performers were coming and going all weekend.
The Friday night auction raised thousands of dollars, an Ocracoke quilt raffle brought in $1500, sponsors contributed thousands more, and donation boxes filled up as festival goers enjoyed the free shows.
Oh yes, there were jam sessions, a children's stage, Jef the Mime, Clyde Jones doing his chainsaw scuptures, and square dancing and contra dancing.
I'm sure I've forgotten somethings, but just wanted all of our readers to know what a talented group of musicians and artists we had this past weekend, and what an exciting weekend it was -- and why I haven't written anything for several days!
Mark your calendars for next year. This really is an outstanding event.
In other news, I got this information from The East Carolina Radio Station blog: "The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division is suspending the noon run from Cedar Island and the 3:30 PM run out of Ocracoke through Thursday. The Motor Vessel Pamlico has encountered mechanical difficulties and is being taken to the shipyard in Manns Harbor for repairs."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Cootie Catcher
Last evening a (mostly) family group converged on my house for dinner. Luckily I didn't have to cook! More folks just happened to stop by as they were riding bikes down Lawton Lane. Lachlan was there, of course, greeting everyone as they arrived. After dinner I made him a cootie catcher. He had a grand time finding "bugs" in everyone's hair.
Village Craftsmen's newest (and youngest) employee, Ali, was there. She was delighted to discover why the folded paper device she had made as a schoolgirl (and which she and her friends employed to "tell fortunes") was called a cootie catcher. I was surprised to learn that cootie catchers seem not to be used to find cooties any longer.
So I googled "cootie catcher" and frankly had a difficult time finding an on-line explanation for why it is called a cootie catcher. But finally I discovered this from Wikipedia: Made of folded paper, the "cootie catcher" is one name for a popular hand held toy among school children. One surface is blank, the other drawn with dots. The joke is to show the blank side, then run the toy through someone's hair, revealing the dotted surface. It is made so each surface looks the same apart from the "cooties". The toy is also also called a "fortune teller" and used in play to tell fortunes.
Here is a link with instructions for making your very own cootie catcher (though even these instructions show it as a "fortune teller"): http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Cootie-Catcher. Have fun!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Village Craftsmen's newest (and youngest) employee, Ali, was there. She was delighted to discover why the folded paper device she had made as a schoolgirl (and which she and her friends employed to "tell fortunes") was called a cootie catcher. I was surprised to learn that cootie catchers seem not to be used to find cooties any longer.
So I googled "cootie catcher" and frankly had a difficult time finding an on-line explanation for why it is called a cootie catcher. But finally I discovered this from Wikipedia: Made of folded paper, the "cootie catcher" is one name for a popular hand held toy among school children. One surface is blank, the other drawn with dots. The joke is to show the blank side, then run the toy through someone's hair, revealing the dotted surface. It is made so each surface looks the same apart from the "cooties". The toy is also also called a "fortune teller" and used in play to tell fortunes.
Here is a link with instructions for making your very own cootie catcher (though even these instructions show it as a "fortune teller"): http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Cootie-Catcher. Have fun!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Storytelling Workshop
Our neighbor and storyteller, Donald Davis, along with his wife, Merle, is hosting another Storytelling Workshop this week. One benefit for the rest of us is that participants share their stories with us. Tomorrow and Thursday the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum will host storytelling at 10:30 a.m. On Thursday evening, at 8 o'clock, workshop participants will offer an evening of storytelling at Deepwater Theater. These performances are always a treat, so be sure to stop by if you are on the island this week.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
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