Sunday, August 31, 2008
Gustav
Ocracokers, well aware of the power of a category 3 or 4 hurricane, have been following the path of Gustav with concern for New Orleans and the surrounding areas. As grateful as we are to have not had a major storm on the Outer Banks in several years, we are watching tonight's news with trepidation, and hoping that the preparations and evacuations along the Gulf Coast will protect our fellow citizens from the devastation of another Katrina-like hurricane.
Kayaking
Ocracoke is a beautiful island. Take a stroll along the beach and you are greeted with a panorama of sand, sea, and sky. This time of year sea oats wave in the breeze, and fragments of shells wash up with the tide. Soon, numerous pods of dolphins will grace the water just beyond the breakers.
In the village, white clapboard houses enclosed by picket fences stand along sandy lanes, and more than eighty family graveyards bear witness to a long and colorful history. Neighbors stop along the road to chat, or sit on the Community Store porch to share stories.
Today, David, Lachlan, and I, explored the sound shore in kayaks. The unprotected water was choppy as we pointed our slender boats towards Oyster Creek. After passing boats tied to docks, and houses overlooking canals, we ventured up into narrow channels where needle grass covered the banks and bent down to touch the quiet water. Two magnificent snowy egrets were perched in a windswept cedar tree. We were just feet away from them before they flew off.
On the way back we stopped to swim and chat with Morty, a local teenager who was out in his skiff setting his nets. By then Lachlan was getting chilled, so we headed back before we found out if Morty had caught much. Lachlan stretched out with his feet under the bow and let the sun warm him up. We were back home by noon.
Ocracoke is beautiful from almost any perspective -- ocean beach, Howard Street, or the "back of the island" on Pamlico Sound.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the wreck of the Victoria S, and Ocracoke's first automobile accident. You can read it here.
In the village, white clapboard houses enclosed by picket fences stand along sandy lanes, and more than eighty family graveyards bear witness to a long and colorful history. Neighbors stop along the road to chat, or sit on the Community Store porch to share stories.
Today, David, Lachlan, and I, explored the sound shore in kayaks. The unprotected water was choppy as we pointed our slender boats towards Oyster Creek. After passing boats tied to docks, and houses overlooking canals, we ventured up into narrow channels where needle grass covered the banks and bent down to touch the quiet water. Two magnificent snowy egrets were perched in a windswept cedar tree. We were just feet away from them before they flew off.
On the way back we stopped to swim and chat with Morty, a local teenager who was out in his skiff setting his nets. By then Lachlan was getting chilled, so we headed back before we found out if Morty had caught much. Lachlan stretched out with his feet under the bow and let the sun warm him up. We were back home by noon.
Ocracoke is beautiful from almost any perspective -- ocean beach, Howard Street, or the "back of the island" on Pamlico Sound.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the wreck of the Victoria S, and Ocracoke's first automobile accident. You can read it here.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Teenagers & Knives
Yesterday afternoon I was sitting at my picnic table opening clams when two animated teenagers barged into the back yard. "Can we have a knife?" the fourteen year old boy asked.
"Would this one do?" I asked, holding up the knife I was using.
"No, we need a bigger one.," the thirteen year old girl explained.
"Sure, they're hanging on the wall, just to the left of the refrigerator," I said.
The fourteen year old walked into the house and came out with the knife. "We're cutting up a watermelon," he offered. "Can we use Amy & David's outdoor table? They're not home."
"I'm sure it's OK," I shrugged, and they were gone down the path.
This is one of the many reasons I love calling Ocracoke home. Consider:
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the wreck of the Victoria S, and Ocracoke's first automobile accident. You can read it here.
"Would this one do?" I asked, holding up the knife I was using.
"No, we need a bigger one.," the thirteen year old girl explained.
"Sure, they're hanging on the wall, just to the left of the refrigerator," I said.
The fourteen year old walked into the house and came out with the knife. "We're cutting up a watermelon," he offered. "Can we use Amy & David's outdoor table? They're not home."
"I'm sure it's OK," I shrugged, and they were gone down the path.
This is one of the many reasons I love calling Ocracoke home. Consider:
- I know both of the young people, and I know they are responsible teenagers. I didn't need to ask them what they wanted with a knife.
- I know all of their parents.
- I know that their parents wouldn't hesitate to trust their children with a knife.
- I know that even if they cut themselves I wouldn't have to worry about a lawsuit.
- Congratulations!
- Please leave a comment and tell us about your community.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the wreck of the Victoria S, and Ocracoke's first automobile accident. You can read it here.
Friday, August 29, 2008
An Evening Out
Went to the Pub last night with a friend. I hadn't been out to eat in a while. Conversation turned to island life, family & friends, the weather, and national politics. Since I don't have a TV Bill invited me to his house to hear Obama's speech. We decided to take in the Molasses Creek concert first, and their show was excellent. A thirteen year old fiddle player, Harry, from Richmond, joined them for a couple of numbers. What a beautiful sound. Harry was all smiles afterward.
After the speech I biked home and started my latest book, The Mascot, the true story of a small Jewish boy who was orphaned, and then "adopted" by Nazi soldiers in WWII. I could hardly put it down, but sometime after 1 am I turned off the light. I awoke this morning to a sunnier day.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the wreck of the Victoria S, and Ocracoke's first automobile accident. You can read it here.
After the speech I biked home and started my latest book, The Mascot, the true story of a small Jewish boy who was orphaned, and then "adopted" by Nazi soldiers in WWII. I could hardly put it down, but sometime after 1 am I turned off the light. I awoke this morning to a sunnier day.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the wreck of the Victoria S, and Ocracoke's first automobile accident. You can read it here.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Rain
The island needed the rain. Even though it was not a "gully-washer" we did have enough rain this morning to help keep everything green, at least for a while. It seems as if most of the weather systems lately have been rotating around Ocracoke, and dissipating as the clouds move across the sound. Still, forecasters are calling for a 70% chance of precipitation for the remainder of the day, with showers and thunderstorms likely later this evening. Several days ago a number of waterspouts were sighted from the ferry. But it doesn't look like that kind of weather today.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the wreck of the Victoria S, and Ocracoke's first automobile accident. You can read it here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the wreck of the Victoria S, and Ocracoke's first automobile accident. You can read it here.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Agnes Scott Garrish
Just across the lane from Village Craftsmen is the final resting place of Agnes Scott Garrish, the wife of native Ocracoker, Captain Myron A. Garrish. Over the years several people have asked me if this is the same Agnes Scott for whom Agnes Scott College in Atlanta is named.
Agnes Scott College was founded in 1889 by Col. George Washington Scott, and named in honor of his mother, Agnes Irvine Scott, who was born in 1799 in Ireland, and died 1877 in the United States.
Agnes Scott Garrish is the great-granddaughter of Agnes Irvine Scott. She and other members of her family discovered Ocracoke in the early 20th century, and several of their descendants live on the island today.
Agnes Scott Garrish died August 30, 1919 in Galveston, Texas. This spring a visitor asked if she died in the great Galveston hurricane. The answer is no. The Galveston hurricane struck September 8, 1900, and is still considered one of the deadliest weather disaster in United States history. An estimated 8000 deaths occurred in that storm.
However, another major hurricane (dubbed the Atlantic-Gulf Hurricane) hit Corpus Christi, Texas on September 14, 1919. Agnes Scott Garrish had been dead two weeks when that storm hit. Captain Garrish died on Ocracoke ten years later.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the wreck of the Victoria S, and Ocracoke's first automobile accident. You can read it here.
Agnes Scott College was founded in 1889 by Col. George Washington Scott, and named in honor of his mother, Agnes Irvine Scott, who was born in 1799 in Ireland, and died 1877 in the United States.
Agnes Scott Garrish is the great-granddaughter of Agnes Irvine Scott. She and other members of her family discovered Ocracoke in the early 20th century, and several of their descendants live on the island today.
Agnes Scott Garrish died August 30, 1919 in Galveston, Texas. This spring a visitor asked if she died in the great Galveston hurricane. The answer is no. The Galveston hurricane struck September 8, 1900, and is still considered one of the deadliest weather disaster in United States history. An estimated 8000 deaths occurred in that storm.
However, another major hurricane (dubbed the Atlantic-Gulf Hurricane) hit Corpus Christi, Texas on September 14, 1919. Agnes Scott Garrish had been dead two weeks when that storm hit. Captain Garrish died on Ocracoke ten years later.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the wreck of the Victoria S, and Ocracoke's first automobile accident. You can read it here.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Ocracoke Newsletter
As promised, we've uploaded another Ocracoke Newsletter. This month I share the story of the wreck of the four-masted schooner, Victoria S, in August of 1925, and Ocracoke's first automobile accident. You can read it all here.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Ocrafolk School
Put it on your schedule! October 26-31. Right here on Ocracoke Island. It is the 2nd annual Ocrafolk School. From Monday to Friday a limited number of students will be immersing themselves in watercolor painting, basketry, island cooking, pottery, Ocracoke history, seafaring traditions, or island ecology.
But that's not all. In addition to daytime classes there are exciting opportunities to visit with instructors and fellow classmates at group dinners, to enjoy some of the best folk music in coastal North Carolina, to learn the old-time Ocracoke square dance, to sail aboard a traditional two-masted schooner, to gather around a bonfire and savor locally caught shrimp, and much more.
There are still several spaces available. For more information please go to http://www.ocrafolkschool.org/.
Listen to what some of our inaugural year students had to say about the Ocrafolk School:
“The class is wonderful,” a student from 2007 said. “I love having the experience of living here with the artists, singing with them, sharing meals with them. I could hardly sleep after the first day – I had thirty ideas in my head all at once!”
“It exceeded all my expectations,” said student Zoe Katz, “and they were high!”
A cooking class student said, “My only regret is that I have but one stomach to give to this meal!”
Local writer Jamie Tunnell said, “I learned so much!” The Ocrafolk Sampler class should be required for everyone who lives here.”
http://www.ocrafolkschool.org/
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
But that's not all. In addition to daytime classes there are exciting opportunities to visit with instructors and fellow classmates at group dinners, to enjoy some of the best folk music in coastal North Carolina, to learn the old-time Ocracoke square dance, to sail aboard a traditional two-masted schooner, to gather around a bonfire and savor locally caught shrimp, and much more.
There are still several spaces available. For more information please go to http://www.ocrafolkschool.org/.
Listen to what some of our inaugural year students had to say about the Ocrafolk School:
“The class is wonderful,” a student from 2007 said. “I love having the experience of living here with the artists, singing with them, sharing meals with them. I could hardly sleep after the first day – I had thirty ideas in my head all at once!”
“It exceeded all my expectations,” said student Zoe Katz, “and they were high!”
A cooking class student said, “My only regret is that I have but one stomach to give to this meal!”
Local writer Jamie Tunnell said, “I learned so much!” The Ocrafolk Sampler class should be required for everyone who lives here.”
http://www.ocrafolkschool.org/
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Pioneer & Catherine M. Monohan
Late August, September, & October is historically the most active period for storms on the Outer Banks. The most hurricanes and shipwrecks have been recorded in these months. On August 24, 1842 the brig Pioneer wrecked on our beach. On the same date in 1910 the schooner Catherine M. Monohan came ashore in heavy weather.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Victoria S
On this date in 1925, the four-masted schooner, Victoria S, wrecked on Ocracoke's beach. It was one of the shipwrecks that my father remembered well. The brass ship's clock from this vessel hangs on the office wall of the Bluff Shoal Motel. There is an interesting story (Ocracoke's first automobile accident) associated with the wreck of the Victoria S. Look for it in a future Ocracoke Newsletter.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Post Office & Storm
Many of our readers know that Ocracoke does not have home delivery of mail. Most of us are happy about that. Going to the post office is a social event in this small community. On the bulletin board there we find out about important meetings, items for sale, activities at the churches, & village potlucks. We see messages from folks who are seeking rides to the airport in Norfolk, or addresses of neighbors who are laid up in the hospital. The post office lobby is also the place to stop and chat with friends, and to catch up on the latest island news. It is a long tradition, going back to the days when the daily mailboat pulled up to the dock in the late afternoon. In those days, it seemed, everyone from the village gathered around, not only to get their mail, but to visit and gossip...and to see if any "strangers" had come over from the mainland.
As an interesting historical note, it was on August 21. 1840, one hundred and sixty-eight years ago yesterday, that William H. Howard was appointed the first postmaster on Ocracoke. I believe this was the first post office established on the Outer Banks.
On today's date in 1933 (August 22), a severe storm passed over Ocracoke. Hurricane force winds pummeled the island, and tidewater was knee deep in the village.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
As an interesting historical note, it was on August 21. 1840, one hundred and sixty-eight years ago yesterday, that William H. Howard was appointed the first postmaster on Ocracoke. I believe this was the first post office established on the Outer Banks.
On today's date in 1933 (August 22), a severe storm passed over Ocracoke. Hurricane force winds pummeled the island, and tidewater was knee deep in the village.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Crab Quiche
A couple of days ago David and I put another meal together (Amy was off island for the day). David made two crusts (one was an experiment...he added a bit of fig juice to the mixture), and brought over a yellow and a red bell pepper from his garden. I picked the crab meat, cut up onion and broccoli, and put together the egg mixture. I also made a refreshing summertime salad of cucumber and onion (marinated in water and vinegar). Friends from the mainland (Michael & Constance) came with a bottle of wine, and we sat down to a delicious dinner. Michael entertained us with a magic trick, and I brought out my wooden dancing man (a "limber-jack" it's called). Alas, I had to leave to meet my walking tour, so I left the cleanup for my guests! I believe they'll come back again, anyway.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
1887
It is warm and beautiful this morning, and mostly sunny, with a few clouds passing by. A slight breeze is barely rustling the leaves and small branches outside my window. It must not have been so one hundred and twenty-one years ago. On this date in 1887 two schooners, the Cherybin and the A.J. Marine, both wrecked at Hatteras Inlet. Although no lives were lost then, thanks to the bravery of the Ocracoke life saving crew, over the years, especially before the station was established here in 1883, many seafarers died when their vessels fetched up on our beach in stormy weather. Most of the dead were buried in unmarked graves in the dunes near where their bodies washed ashore. It is a part of our maritime history that most tourists on the Outer Banks never think about. On your next visit to the beach take a moment to reflect on the many sailors who lost their lives here in gales and hurricanes, and whose bodies lie under the blowing sand. They are a significant part of our long seafaring heritage.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Early Morning Walk
In truth, it wasn't so early. I arrived on the beach about 8:30 am. But no one else was there. Mine was the only car in the parking area, and the beach was empty as far as I could see in each direction. What a peaceful walk I had. For an hour I trudged through soft sand and rising tide, but it was worth it. For the first time in several weeks I spied a pod of dolphins gracefully making their way north. The sky was bright and sunny, and sea oats swayed gently on the dunes.
By the time I arrived back where I'd started about a dozen folks had staked out their spots above the tide line. I took off my shirt, and laid my glasses inside my hat. The waves were large, and crashed on the shore, spraying droplets in a wide arc behind the breakers. I pushed through the churning water and discovered that just behind the breakers those impressive waves rolled in towards the shore in the most gentle fashion. There I could relax and swim, float, and bob about for a bit. And then it was time to head back home.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
By the time I arrived back where I'd started about a dozen folks had staked out their spots above the tide line. I took off my shirt, and laid my glasses inside my hat. The waves were large, and crashed on the shore, spraying droplets in a wide arc behind the breakers. I pushed through the churning water and discovered that just behind the breakers those impressive waves rolled in towards the shore in the most gentle fashion. There I could relax and swim, float, and bob about for a bit. And then it was time to head back home.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Drime
Last night I watched Walt Wolfram's latest DVD from the North Carolina Language and Life Project. It is a beautifully produced documentary on the unique dialects of Coastal North Carolina. A number of Ocracokers are featured, including several who have died since the recording was made. It was sad to be reminded of those colorful characters who have made such an impact on this island. Hats off to Walt who has celebrated and documented this distinctive brogue, and who has become good friends with many islanders in the process.
Many local words are featured in the DVD, including "drime," a word more common in the mainland coastal communities, but sometimes heard on Ocracoke. As one user posted on Urban Dictionary, drime (pronounced "droime") means "An expression of absolute dismay. Similar in usage to "damn" with no redeeming qualities." As an example, one might say, "Drime! Those digbatters are walkin' right down the center of Highway 12 again."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Many local words are featured in the DVD, including "drime," a word more common in the mainland coastal communities, but sometimes heard on Ocracoke. As one user posted on Urban Dictionary, drime (pronounced "droime") means "An expression of absolute dismay. Similar in usage to "damn" with no redeeming qualities." As an example, one might say, "Drime! Those digbatters are walkin' right down the center of Highway 12 again."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Fowler & Chloe
Yesterday afternoon, as I was hanging out my laundry, Fowler & Chloe stopped by. I gladly laid down my clothespins and we walked to the screened porch where we drank ginger ale and chatted for more than an hour about family, local politics, and islanders long gone. Fowler, who is older than Chloe, was born in 1921, and is a treasure trove of island lore. With his classic seafaring tattoos and colorful language, Fowler can keep you entertained all afternoon. In the course of the hour, conversation turned to Walter & Edgar Howard, talented musicians who played the vaudeville circuit in the 1920s & 1930s. (Edgar's grave is on Howard Street, and has a banjo carved into the marker, along with the words, "You Ain't Heard Nothing Yet!")
Fowler mentioned several long-forgotten songs that Walter and Edgar often played. Fowler and Chloe, as well as every islander who knew Walter and Edgar, routinely comment on the brothers' talent and intelligence. Some of their songs were bawdy barroom tunes, and I won't mention them on this journal. But one was a peppy and spirited ditty that reflected our Irish island heritage. Fowler remembered the name, The Irish Jubilee, though not the lyrics. Thanks to Mr. Google, I located it on the web. Here is one rendition I found on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRzn6fGIIc0. Maybe Molasses Creek will learn it one day!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Fowler mentioned several long-forgotten songs that Walter and Edgar often played. Fowler and Chloe, as well as every islander who knew Walter and Edgar, routinely comment on the brothers' talent and intelligence. Some of their songs were bawdy barroom tunes, and I won't mention them on this journal. But one was a peppy and spirited ditty that reflected our Irish island heritage. Fowler remembered the name, The Irish Jubilee, though not the lyrics. Thanks to Mr. Google, I located it on the web. Here is one rendition I found on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRzn6fGIIc0. Maybe Molasses Creek will learn it one day!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Old August Storm & Mirlo Rescue
On this date:
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
- In 1899 the old "August Storm" roared across Ocracoke Island causing considerable damage. Reports indicate that winds reached as high as 12o mph. Although the sea tide rushed through the village floating buildings off their foundations, and hurricane force winds blew down trees and lifted roofs off of houses, not a single life was lost.
- In 1918 the life savers of Hatteras Island, under the command of John Allen Midgett rescued 42 crew members of the British steamer, Mirlo. This dramatic rescue earned Midgett and his men the British Grand Cross for their bravery. Their citation reads:
"In a heavy northeast sea that caused the lifeboat to be tossed back upon the beach and the crew washed away from the oars time after time. Undaunted they returned to their task. After succeeding in getting their boat through the surf they were compelled to steer into a blazing inferno where the flames leaped at least 500 feet high, and were in serious danger of being burned to death if not drowned. They picked up a number of the crew of the Mirlo and towed four of the ship's boats ... They anchored the boats beyond the breakers and then made four trips in their surf boat bringing the entire 42 survivors safely ashore."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
268 Steps
My western NC family (Stefen, Snee, Zoe, Eakin, & Eliza) and I left early this morning on a day trip to Hatteras. Our first stop was the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The park was very quiet and we were able to purchase our tickets and immediately fall in line for the next group ready to climb the tallest lighthouse in the nation. At 208 feet, the Hatteras tower is more than two and a half times as tall as our very own Ocracoke light. We tackled the 268 steps of the antique spiral staircase with enthusiasm, and in short order we were standing on the outer balcony with a commanding view of Hatteras Island, the Atlantic Ocean, and Pamlico Sound. Built in 1870, and moved to its present location in 1999, the Hatteras lighthouse is a marvel to behold. If you haven't yet visited this historic structure, and climbed to the top, put it on your list of must-do activities.
After the climb we toured the nearby keeper's quarters, then drove up the beach to Rodanthe where we watched the beach apparatus drill at the restored Chicamacomico Life Saving Station.
What a fun day!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
After the climb we toured the nearby keeper's quarters, then drove up the beach to Rodanthe where we watched the beach apparatus drill at the restored Chicamacomico Life Saving Station.
What a fun day!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Fish & Crabs
Amy, Lachlan, & I joined my son and his children yesterday for an afternoon swimming in the Sound. The water was so warm and inviting, and the bottom, sandy. We had the best time. With goggles we peered underwater looking for small fish. They were all around us, but we hadn't brought a net, so we never could catch any.
Later on the two bigger kids wandered over to the rock jetty where they entertained themselves looking for and picking up hermit crabs. They came in all sizes. The children would set them down at the edge of the water and watch them crawl back to be with the rest of their kind. It provided many minutes of fun.
At the end of the afternoon we hurried through the woods, swatting mosquitoes. The children decided that they wanted to go to the ocean beach again before supper. I just stayed home and took a little rest.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Later on the two bigger kids wandered over to the rock jetty where they entertained themselves looking for and picking up hermit crabs. They came in all sizes. The children would set them down at the edge of the water and watch them crawl back to be with the rest of their kind. It provided many minutes of fun.
At the end of the afternoon we hurried through the woods, swatting mosquitoes. The children decided that they wanted to go to the ocean beach again before supper. I just stayed home and took a little rest.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Grandchildren
My son and daughter-in-law are here on the island this week with their three children. It is a delight to have them here. The weather is perfect -- cooler than it has been recently, but the ocean temperature is just right. We've all been to the beach every morning so far. The waves have been so much fun -- big enough for body surfing, but not so powerful as to dissuade the younger ones from venturing out. They've also been enjoying building sand castles.
We all had dinner at the Jolly Roger last night where we enjoyed Gary, David, Marcy, & Lou entertain us with classic Americana tunes. Tonight, after dinner, we'll join friends in their living room for some "pickin' & jammin.'" We're planning to visit Springer's Point one day this week, maybe look for clams, take some bike rides, play a few board games & put a jigsaw puzzle together, and make a trip up to Hatteras (to see the lighthouse and the Chicamacomico Life Saving Station) on Thursday. Of course, we'll be back on the beach as much as possible.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
We all had dinner at the Jolly Roger last night where we enjoyed Gary, David, Marcy, & Lou entertain us with classic Americana tunes. Tonight, after dinner, we'll join friends in their living room for some "pickin' & jammin.'" We're planning to visit Springer's Point one day this week, maybe look for clams, take some bike rides, play a few board games & put a jigsaw puzzle together, and make a trip up to Hatteras (to see the lighthouse and the Chicamacomico Life Saving Station) on Thursday. Of course, we'll be back on the beach as much as possible.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Monday, August 11, 2008
More New Items
Jaren has been working diligently all spring and summer adding many fine items to our on-line catalog. Just in the last few months she has added homemade Ocracoke fig preserves, authentic sea glass jewelry, superbly crafted ships in bottles, delicately carved shorebirds, newly-released CDs by Donald Davis & Fiddler Dave, elegant blown glass vases, artistic wooden kitchen items, and much more.
Be sure to check out our "What's New" Page and our Complete On-line Catalog.
We ship Monday - Friday, and can process most orders in just a day or two. Don't forget Village Craftsmen when you are looking for gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Our fine handmade American crafts are always a pleasure to give or receive.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Be sure to check out our "What's New" Page and our Complete On-line Catalog.
We ship Monday - Friday, and can process most orders in just a day or two. Don't forget Village Craftsmen when you are looking for gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Our fine handmade American crafts are always a pleasure to give or receive.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Ocracoke Newsletter
We've published another one of our monthly Ocracoke Newsletters. This month's article is entitled "One Reason to NOT move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Fig Preserves
Figs are ripening all over the island. In a time-honored tradition, kitchen stoves in the village are fired up to boil the figs and put them up as preserves.
Figs Fresh From the Tree:
A Batch of Figs Cooking:
Village Craftsmen has just received several cases of delicious fig preserves from an island family that has been making them for generations.
You can order your 2008 Ocracoke fig preserves by clicking here. They're tasty spread on homemade bread, used as a topping on ice cream, or (Ocracokers' favorite) used as the main ingredient in island fig cake. The recipe is on our web site. Just click here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Lou Ann's account of installing an old-fashioned pitcher pump. You can read it here.
Figs Fresh From the Tree:
A Batch of Figs Cooking:
Village Craftsmen has just received several cases of delicious fig preserves from an island family that has been making them for generations.
You can order your 2008 Ocracoke fig preserves by clicking here. They're tasty spread on homemade bread, used as a topping on ice cream, or (Ocracokers' favorite) used as the main ingredient in island fig cake. The recipe is on our web site. Just click here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Lou Ann's account of installing an old-fashioned pitcher pump. You can read it here.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Osprey
Walking the beach at Ocracoke is always a satisfying activity. We commonly see gulls, willets, terns, & sanderlings. It is not unusual to see pelicans flying slowly beyond the breakers, their wing tips inches above the rolling waves, often in groups of three, four, five, or more. Sometimes a black billed skimmer glides by improbably close to the shoreline, its lower mandible skimming through the water, searching for small fish.
Yesterday afternoon I was rewarded with seeing a single osprey circling above the breakers just ahead of me as I walked down the beach. It was obviously looking for prey. But I never saw it swoop down and pluck a fish from the water. In short order it had moved too far up the beach to see. But I felt honored to share a deserted section of our beach with such a graceful and elegant bird.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Lou Ann's account of installing an old-fashioned pitcher pump. You can read it here.
Yesterday afternoon I was rewarded with seeing a single osprey circling above the breakers just ahead of me as I walked down the beach. It was obviously looking for prey. But I never saw it swoop down and pluck a fish from the water. In short order it had moved too far up the beach to see. But I felt honored to share a deserted section of our beach with such a graceful and elegant bird.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Lou Ann's account of installing an old-fashioned pitcher pump. You can read it here.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Life-Saving
For the last two days I have been immersed in stories of shipwrecks and life-savers. Last night at the Opry I shared the story of the wreck of the Pioneer (a wooden steamer loaded with general cargo that ran aground on Ocracoke in 1889). This morning I spent two hours with teachers at the NCCAT (NC Center for the Advancement of Teachers) center talking about the US Life Saving Service and rescues using the breeches buoy.
Readers of this journal might want to take some time to research the Life Saving Service. Recently someone pointed out to me that nearly everyone has heard of and studied the Pony Express. This service operated for only 18 months and employed 183 riders, mostly young men in their 20s. In contrast, the Life Saving Service operated for 45 years, included approximately 280 stations, and employed over 2,000 men. They were instrumental in saving the lives of countless mariners, often risking their own lives in gales and hurricanes to rescue, not only fellow Americans, but seafarers from distant countries who often spoke languages they didn't understand. In spite of this, very few people are familiar with the Life Saving Service. How could it be that we all know about the Pony Express, but so few know about the Life Savers? It's time to change that. Here is a good place to start: http://www.lifesavingservice.org/
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Lou Ann's account of installing an old-fashioned pitcher pump. You can read it here.
Readers of this journal might want to take some time to research the Life Saving Service. Recently someone pointed out to me that nearly everyone has heard of and studied the Pony Express. This service operated for only 18 months and employed 183 riders, mostly young men in their 20s. In contrast, the Life Saving Service operated for 45 years, included approximately 280 stations, and employed over 2,000 men. They were instrumental in saving the lives of countless mariners, often risking their own lives in gales and hurricanes to rescue, not only fellow Americans, but seafarers from distant countries who often spoke languages they didn't understand. In spite of this, very few people are familiar with the Life Saving Service. How could it be that we all know about the Pony Express, but so few know about the Life Savers? It's time to change that. Here is a good place to start: http://www.lifesavingservice.org/
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Lou Ann's account of installing an old-fashioned pitcher pump. You can read it here.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Birthday Cookout
Amy & David invited friends over for an midday cookout yesterday. It was Lachlan's official birthday party. Rain in the morning threatened to derail the festivities, but skies cleared before 11 am. A galvanized tub filled with water balloons attracted the children's attention, and in no time at all they were running around wet and/or shirtless, or both. We grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, and the adults chatted under the shade of the cedars and live oaks while the children ate and played. A Thomas the Train cake with four candles emerged after noon, and was soon gone. Towards the end of the party five brave couples marched to the Village Craftsmen parking lot (it was uncharacteristically empty) and engaged themselves in a water balloon toss. Lou Ann & I won!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Lou Ann's account of installing an old-fashioned pitcher pump. You can read it here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Lou Ann's account of installing an old-fashioned pitcher pump. You can read it here.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Martin Garrish
For years Lou Ann and I have spent our Sunday evenings at the open-air Jolly Roger restaurant listening to local guitarist, Martin Garrish, & Friends. This year Gary Mitchell, David Tweedie, Marcy Brenner, and Lou Castro are providing the entertainment there. It is still wonderful (of course it is; they are all outstanding musicians), but we hadn't heard Martin all summer (he's moved to Monday evenings at Howard's Pub where he has air conditioning and no stress about thunderstorms). So last night we joined friends at a large table near the band and stayed until their last number, sometime before midnight. Martin, accompanied by Marcy and Lou, as well as Aaron Caswell and Jackie Willis, kept us enthralled with so many of their trademark songs, especially Emmylou Harris' "If I Needed You," which Martin dedicated to Lou Ann and me. It was a night to remember.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Lou Ann's account of installing an old-fashioned pitcher pump. You can read it here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Lou Ann's account of installing an old-fashioned pitcher pump. You can read it here.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Women's Opry
Lou Ann and the rest of the women who put together their 2nd annual show on Saturday night were mightily pleased with their performance. Kitty Mitchell completed an original oil painting on stage as the women entertained the audience with stories and music illustrating the life of an island woman from sunrise to sunset. Everyone had a stellar experience, judging by the enthusiastic applause and smiling faces. Unfortunately, several people were turned away at the door because every seat was taken before the opening number commenced.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Lou Ann's account of installing an old-fashioned pitcher pump. You can read it here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Lou Ann's account of installing an old-fashioned pitcher pump. You can read it here.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Brunch at the Melon
Lou Ann & I haven't eaten out much this summer. Mostly we've enjoyed cooking and eating at home. Last night I made a spinach lasagna and Lou Ann made bread and a fig cake. David & Amy brought salad. We had a grand time sharing with family and friends, and then Amy & Lou Ann strolled over to Howard Street to greet folks assembling for their Ghost & History Tours. Clay, my brother, and I cleaned up the kitchen, then made our way to a small cottage to play poker.
Today at 11:30 we gathered at the Flying Melon to celebrate birthdays. Lachlan was delighted to get a camera, art supplies, a Thomas the Train engine, several DVDs, and a helium-filled Mylar dolphin. I was happy with books and a CD/booklet set with instructions for playing the Blues Harmonica (Leonard, give me a few weeks before you stop by with your banjo!).
I'll give a report on tonight's Women's Opry sometime in the next few days (I stopped by the theater this afternoon to drop off my staple gun, hammer and nails, but there was too much estrogen in the air, so I made a hasty retreat!).
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Lou Ann's account of installing an old-fashioned pitcher pump. You can read it here.
Today at 11:30 we gathered at the Flying Melon to celebrate birthdays. Lachlan was delighted to get a camera, art supplies, a Thomas the Train engine, several DVDs, and a helium-filled Mylar dolphin. I was happy with books and a CD/booklet set with instructions for playing the Blues Harmonica (Leonard, give me a few weeks before you stop by with your banjo!).
I'll give a report on tonight's Women's Opry sometime in the next few days (I stopped by the theater this afternoon to drop off my staple gun, hammer and nails, but there was too much estrogen in the air, so I made a hasty retreat!).
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Lou Ann's account of installing an old-fashioned pitcher pump. You can read it here.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Family & Island Notes
Family and friends are coming to the island later on today. My brother will be here. And so will Clay & Julie (Clay is one of the potters who displays his work at Village Craftsmen). We're planning a dinner for this evening, and Amy, David, & Lachlan will be joining us.
Tomorrow is Lachlan's fourth birthday (and my sixty-fourth), and we'll be enjoying brunch at one of the local restaurants.
At 8 o'clock tomorrow evening a group of talented island women will be presenting their second annual "Ocracoke Women's Opry." If you're on the island be sure to make plans to attend. Tickets (sold at the door) are $10.00. My advice: be there early; they might very well sell out.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Lou Ann's account of installing an old-fashioned pitcher pump. You can read it here.
Tomorrow is Lachlan's fourth birthday (and my sixty-fourth), and we'll be enjoying brunch at one of the local restaurants.
At 8 o'clock tomorrow evening a group of talented island women will be presenting their second annual "Ocracoke Women's Opry." If you're on the island be sure to make plans to attend. Tickets (sold at the door) are $10.00. My advice: be there early; they might very well sell out.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Lou Ann's account of installing an old-fashioned pitcher pump. You can read it here.
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