This is another old-time word that you can still occasionally hear around Ocracoke village.. betimes. It means "early."
Betimes seems to have become common in the 13th century in England, but it is seldom heard today.
Several days ago a reader mentioned the Thrush Green novels by Miss Read (Dora Saint). I have not yet read any of them, but I understand they are set in a small village in southern England, and I am told the author uses the word "betimes."
Also, you will find the word in 2 Chronicles 36:15, in the King James Version of the Bible: "And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place."
Rise up betimes, and take a stroll along the beach. You will probably experience a beautiful sunrise, and you might even find a scotch bonnet.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Part II of Crystal Canterbury's account of her first visit to Portsmouth Island. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052115.htm.
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A history professor has written a book about segmented sleep. In it he documents a first sleep a period of wakeful -ness and then a second sleep. Now this behavior existed way before the light bulb. If one experienced 12 hours of darkness each day how can someone sleep for 12 hours straight? Anyway I remember hearing the radio package on NPR and well was struck by such a thought and now I mention it here. Hope this helps.
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