Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Birthday Presents

July and August seem to be the months when the most islanders have their birthdays. There are often pot luck dinners and other get-togethers to celebrate the birthdays. Lou Ann's birthday was July 22. Mine and Lachlan's is this coming Sunday. Usually there is the traditional cake with candles (which is sometimes not so traditional). Presents are exchanged, but they're often quirky or unusual -- used books, raffle tickets (maybe for a handmade Ocracoke Island quilt), poems, wild flowers, or items from our new thrift store.

Sometimes the best present of all is just seeing "Happy Birthday" and your name written on the chalkboard at the Community Store.

Some birthday trivia -- August is the month of the most birthdays all across the USA. I guess the onset of wintry weather in November has something to do with that.

And a quote from Jean Bucher (whoever that is) -- People who have the most birthdays live the longest.

Happy Birthday to all of our readers who have July or August birthdays!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the second half of my father's short journal. I call it Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke. You can read it here.

7 comments:

  1. Don and Mandy Davis11:36 AM

    Happy (belated) birthday to Lu Ann! She and I share a birthday - this was my 50th this year, and I'm not about to ask which it was for her! Also happy birthday wishes to you and Lachlan.

    Don Davis

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  2. Anonymous2:33 PM

    OMG Today is MY Birthday. Thanks for birthday wishes --I got a "present" today -- a coworker brought in some sago palm pups (free take one the sign said) -- I guess that is the word pups so I brought one home!! . Are there many Palms on Ocracoke Island what is the favored shrub or tree if any on the island?? Also Happy Belated birthday Wishes to you and Lou Ann. PS Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis' birthday was July 28 too.

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  3. Anonymous3:53 PM

    My youngest son is August 15 -- Happy Birthday to everyone!

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  4. Anonymous5:35 PM

    Mandy, Happy Birthday to you as well! Lou Ann

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  5. Happy birthday all!

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  6. There are a few small palm trees on the island -- all introduced as ornamental additions to businesses, but we're too far north for palms. Our most cherished tree is the live oak. You can read more here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news122908.htm

    And Happy Birthday to all of our readers who have birthdays this summer!

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  7. Anonymous6:46 AM

    Happy Birthday to all.

    Nice to hear you "Speak" for a change instead just writing. Love your blog.

    http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/travel/video/5676528/

    Pat...

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