Bits & Pieces

Wow, it has been a whirlwind of activity around here the last few days! Family, friends, and food have been a major part of the holidays. Every meal has been an event, with the table piled high with ham (no turkey this year), sweet potato casseroles, corn puddings, home baked bread, broccoli salad, scalloped potatoes, pumpkin pies, cookies, apple crisp, and more.

The children presented a dramatic/musical program at the Methodist Church Christmas Eve, we shared presents with David, Amy, Lachlan, and other family and friends on Christmas morning, and enjoyed the company of island friends yesterday at a Boxing Day get together.

This afternoon the Fish House will be hosting an oyster & boiled shrimp dinner from 2 - 5. If they do it like in the past they will have picnic tables set up in the parking area, and the property will be filled with islanders and visitors eager to sample the delicious seafood feast. It is very foggy this morning, but that shouldn't spoil the fun.

Lou Ann and I are planning to make popcorn and watch "March of the Penguins" with Lachlan about 4 o'clock this afternoon. But when are we going to get to the beach?? Oh well, if not today, then tomorrow.

Before I forget, I want to reply to several comments/questions that I received over the last several weeks (sorry it's taken so long).

Because of my article about the Ocracoke Artists' Colony I was asked about any possible connection between Theodore and Alice Rondthaler (Ocracoke schoolteachers in the 40s & 50s), Black Mountain College, and the Artists' Colony. I have researched this with a number of knowledgeable folks (including the Rondthalers' daughter) and have discovered no connection.

Another reader suggested producing a documentary book based on the concept of "A Day in the Life of Ocracoke." Noted photographer, Al Harvey, has already made hundreds (maybe thousands) of photographs for the project "A Day in the Life of America" which was published several decades ago. Unfortunately, no Ocracoke photos are in the book, but I'm sure Al still has the originals. Maybe he'll be inspired to produce an Ocracoke book.

Someone else asked about the red gypsy wagon behind the Village Craftsmen. I built it about 25 years ago, and use it occasionally as a spare room. Don't ask why I built it. It was just a quirky whim! But it is cool!

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Artists' Colony that operated on the island more than 65 years ago. You can read it here.

To read about Philip's new book, Digging up Uncle Evans, History, Ghost Tales, & Stories from Ocracoke Island, please click here.