Fibonacci Sequence

Lachlan is such fun to have around. His verbal skills are improving daily, and he will repeat almost anything he hears (mama and papa, if you're listening, think about this!), even if it's sometimes difficult to make it out.

I have been enjoying teaching him to say "Fibonacci Sequence." Most folks just look at me sideways and furrow their brows. If you're not familiar with the phrase, you might want to look it up on-line. Among other things, the Fibonacci Sequence is the number sequence that many mollusks (most notably the chambered nautilus) use to construct their seashells. So it's an entirely appropriate phrase for our little islander.

The sequence is 0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,34.... Each number is the sum of the two previous numbers. The sequence is common in nature (including the patterns in sunflower seeds, pine cones, rabbit populations, etc.).

Here is a good link: http://www.mcs.surrey.ac.uk/Personal/R.Knott/Fibonacci/fibnat.html Scroll down the page to read about seashells.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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A Belated "Happy Valentine's Day!"

We hope all of our friends of Ocracoke had a wonderful Valentine's Day. I meant to send this greeting out yesterday, of course, but I didn't plan ahead too well. I babysat Lachlan last night so mama & papa could have an evening out at the Flying Melon restaurant. We took cookies across the lane to cousin Blanche (I was sharing some of my Valentine's present from Lou Ann), then came home and played for a while, before falling asleep on the sofa. There was just no way to get to the computer!

By the way, it's warming up on the island again. We're all happy about that.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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Happy Birthday Phyllis

I suppose other small communities come together often for special events. Ocracoke certainly does. Last night several hundred people gathered at the community center at 6 pm. Tables were piled high with chicken, quiche, bean salads, deviled eggs, vegetable dishes, potato salad, and dozens of other delectables. Another table was covered with cakes, pies, fudge, cream puffs, soft drinks, and other desserts too numerous to mention.

Everyone hushed at 6:45 when Phyllis Wall's family coaxed her into the building with some tall tale. I'm sure she realized something was up when she saw all the automobiles in the parking lot, but she was genuinely surprised to see so many of her friends (all singing "Happy Birthday") when she walked through the doorway.

Phyllis has been a long-time resident of the island (I remember when she used to come into our Village Craftsmen tepee in the 1970s to buy spoon rings), and is much loved by all. It was fun to see the sparkle in her face as she greeted everyone, and as friends wished her a very happy birthday.

A highlight of the evening was live jazz music provided by David Tweedie (violin) and Serge Gracovetsky (clarinet). (I'm not sure I've spelled Serge's name correctly.) Serge has owned a house on the island for more than thirty years, but I never realized that he is such an accomplished musician. Everyone was captivated by the lilting tones (and tunes) that wafted through the building. We'll be looking forward to hearing more of this duo's accomplishments.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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Winter Weather

I awoke this morning to wind gusts pummeling the side of my house, but no rain....and no snow! The storm that clobbered the northeast missed us, so we have now only a light breeze and overcast skies. The temperature is cold for us (the forecast calls for temps just below freezing tonight), even if nowhere near what other parts of the US are experiencing.

Amy, David & Lachlan came by for pancakes this morning (with real maple syrup, thanks to Jim Horn and his book club). I babysat until noon so mama & papa could get some other things done. I haven't even walked on the beach today -- it's just been one of those perfect days to stay home and read by the fire.

We hope all of our off-island friends are staying warm and dry.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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Old Records

Dale stopped by this afternoon. He had been "up the beach" to visit the National Park Service archives several days ago. Park employees had allowed him to make copies of the Portsmouth Island US Army Signal Corps weather records from 1876 to 1881. Many of the entries documented work and repairs on the telegraph line from Hatteras Inlet to Drum Inlet.

We spent nearly two hours reading these century-and-a-half old reports that included information on storms, gales, hurricanes, shipwrecks, fires, and waterspouts that helped shape our barrier islands and the hearty folks who called this home.

It was a good day to sit around the dining room table and examine these old reports. Today has been bleak, dreary and chilly, with light rain and mist since early this morning.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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Winter Chill Chaser

We have yet another announcement, this time for all of our Ocracoke/Dance fans out there in cyberspace. Fiddler Dave sent the following information about a Contra Dance weekend being held on the island at the end of this month. If you live on the island or nearby consider joining us for this fun weekend.

All dances and workshops are free & everyone is welcome.

Read on for more particulars:

Ocrafolk Festival Presents
Winter Chill Chaser
Free Contra Dance and Organic Farming Workshop Weekend at Ocracoke Island School

Friday, February 24
7:00 - 9:30 pm -- Family Contra Dance
Lots of teaching and easy dances, suitable for people who have never danced before. Children should know left from right, be comfortable letting go of parents and interacting with strangers, and be able to listen to and follow a short series of instructions. Refreshments provided by the Ocracoke Family Resource Program.

Saturday, February 25
10:00 am - 12:00 pm Dance Workshop
Teaching a few more complex contra moves, plenty of dances, and a session of basic waltz instruction. Geared towards teens and adults.

2:00 - 3:30 pm Contra musicians workshop
David DiGuiseppie and Pete Campbell will help musicians hone their dance
accompaniment skills.

7:00 - 10:00 pm Chillchaser Contra Dance Ball
Contra calling and instruction by Joan Kelly of Memphis, TN.
Weekend music provided by David DiGiuseppe and Pete Campbell.

Sunday, February 26
1:00 - 5:00 pm Organic Farming Workshop at Deepwater Theater
At Deepwater Theater on Ocracoke’s School Road come explore films and discussion about Agriculture with Organic Farmer John Wilson from New Earth Farm in Virginia Beach. He will discuss the need to preserve local family farms, Sustainable Agriculture and some of the pitfalls of factory farming.

Contra dance is a lively and distinctively American form of folk dancing, rooted in English Country Dancing. The dance is social in nature, vigorous and joyful. Partners dance together, repeating a series of moves with every other couple in line down the hall. There is no specific footwork to learn, and all the moves are taught, walked through, and prompted by the caller during the dance. Live music adds to the zest. Contra dance groups meet regularly all over the United States.

Come alone or bring a friend!
www.ocrafolkfestival.org

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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Turning Cold

The temperature is in the upper 30s right now -- very brisk and winter-like. We're expecting the thermometer to read right around freezing by morning. But the heavens have been clear and pristine today. Fiddler Dave commented that the clouds looked like crystal buffalos marching across the sky. By sunset the western horizon was ablaze in shades of red and orange. Above were bands of rainbow colors melting into the last pale blue of daylight.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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Ocracoke Web Camera

Several readers have made comments or asked about Ocracoke web cameras. The only one I am aware of is located on the roof of the Castle Bed and Breakfast. Just go to their web site: http://www.thecastlebb.com/ and click on "Live Web Camera."

The dredge you may see anchored in the harbor has been working on the ferry channel close by Ocracoke. I haven't heard if they are planning to do any dredging in Silver Lake. At least they do this kind of work in the off-season. We're glad for that.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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Valentine Party & Dance

Special announcement for Ocracoke residents & visitors this coming weekend:

There will be a Valentine Party & Dance this Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Ocracoke Community Center. Doors open at 8 pm. The Ocracoke Rockers will be providing the music.

Admission is for a donation of $20.00. All proceeds are to benefit the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department. Admission is limited. You can sign up at the Ocracoke Post Office or the Pony Island Motel Office.

If you will be on the island this weekend be sure to come on out, listen to some wonderful local music, dance the night away, get to know some locals, celebrate Valentine's Day with your sweetheart, and help our volunteer fire department.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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Update to Tech Problems

I've worked on the problem journal entries this afternoon (see today's earlier post) and think I've corrected the mistakes. I had copied a press release about the Island Path Workshops that contained a lot of extraneous html computer code (don't worry these were not viruses, just harmless web site code), that caused scrolling problems when viewing my pages.

I've deleted the html code and that seems to have fixed the issue (I found a computer that was experiencing the left to right scrolling problems and everything looks fine there now).

Please let me know if you are still having problems with the journal (don't forget to refresh your page to check if it's working correctly). And thanks to all the folks who responded to my call for help. It's nice to know that so many great people out there enjoy keeping up on news from the island.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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A Question for Our Readers

This morning I received the following email message:

"I love your journal entries - it keeps me in touch and gives such pleasant thoughts and memories.

The last week something weird has happened. The writing seems to be going off the page - did you do something at your end...or is it my problem? Warm thoughts of Okracoke - see you in June!"

One local reader also reported the same problem. However, every computer that I have looked at shows no problem. Are other readers experiencing the same thing -- having to scroll right to left? I may have inadvertently made a change one day. If I knew on what date the problems began I might be better able to correct it. Thanks for any help.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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Happy Birthday Lou!

Marcie Brenner and Lou Castro (also known to Ocracoke music lovers as "Coyote") invited the community to an open house yesterday afternoon. They are renovating the former Bertha & Van Henry O'Neal home on Firehouse Road. Although the project is several months from completion Marcie & Lou scheduled the event for yesterday because it was also Lou's 40th birthday.

The house is a beautiful remodeling of an older home, with beadboard walls, tiled floors, antique reproduction appliances, and a sizable side porch. Several local musicians gathered on the porch for an impromptu jam session later in the afternoon, and this time John Golden brought his homemade banjo to complement the guitars, dobro, and mandelin.

Later on, at 6 o'clock, several hundred islanders converged on the Community Center for a surprise birthday party for Lou. The only way Marcie could get Lou there was to tell him they were playing for a private party for folks from Hatteras. Eventually, when the whole crowd broke out with "Happy Birthday," Lou figured out that the party was for him. He still had to perform, however, as did Marcie, Jackie, & Martin.

A wonderful time was had by all.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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In Memoriam

Many visitors to Village Craftsmen will remember our faithful shop cat, Leon. He died sometime Thursday morning on Howard Street.

Leon came to Ocracoke from Colorado and loved island life. Although we never knew for sure, many folks were convinced, because of his short, stubby tail, that he was a Manx. He had long, fluffy fur, and the sweetest personality. You couldn't help but fall in love with Leon.

In the many years he wandered around the shop, sleeping on bottom shelves, or perched on the counter, or greeting folks on the front porch, he never once scratched or even bared his teeth. Even when agressive younguns got in his face he would simply turn and walk away.

I miss seeing him every morning at my back door, and I don't pass his sleeping box at the Village Craftsmen without a thought for the best cat I've ever known.

So long, Leon, from all your friends at Village Craftsmen!





Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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Hours from Home Depot?

Wednesday's post was about moving Milan & Nina Williams' old brick cistern. I included several photos of the move, which prompted this comment from one of our readers:

"Your latest photos made me wonder about the realities of living hours from the nearest Home Depot. Also, about the pace of daily business during the off season--the volume of ferry traffic and customers throughout the day, etc.
Enjoy the posts."

We do live hours from the nearest Home Depot as well as from any number of other retail establishments (and professional services) that our readers are familiar with. There are several ways we deal with this:

1. Sometimes we just do without. Do we really need that new pair of shoes? Maybe we can do without a screen on that window.
   
2. Or we might borrow from a neighbor. Somebody on the island surely has an extra sheet of 1/2" plywood.
   
3. Often we've got just what we need in the outbuilding -- spare plumbing parts, screws, eye bolts, you name it -- we seldom throw such things away.
4. Maybe we can actually buy it on the island. The hardware section of the Variety Store carries all the basics for plumbing, electric, and other general house repair. If it's for a boat Tradewinds or O'Neals may have just what we need.
5. If a friend is going "up the beach," as we say, there's a good chance he or she will have time to make one more stop for that special circuit breaker or can of paint.
6. Don't forget -- Dare Building Supply and Kellogg's Supply send lumber trucks down to the island several times every week. They bring 2 x 4s, 8 x 8s, shingles, concrete blocks, plywood......you name it. They even can get their vehicles down Howard Street.
7. The internet is a convenient way for islanders to get the odd or hard to find item. I just ordered a magnetic knife holder, computer software, and a fire escape ladder, all on-line.
   
8. And finally there are lists. We all make lists -- for paper towels & toilet paper, underwear, plants, special light bulbs, computer supplies, prescription drugs, etc. A trip off the island can be busy and fast-paced (and often expensive) as we try to make all the rounds (after a dental appointment) and still catch a late night ferry home.
   

About the pace of daily business in the off-season -- it's SLOW. Hardly any of the shops are open this time of year, and there's virtually nobody here anyway. Sometimes the ferries run empty. This is the time of year we clean, organize, repair, and catch up. It's also the time of year we relax, read books we've put off, have pot lucks, visit, take vacations, walk on the beach, play games.......

We may be hours from Home Depot, but we're just minutes from the beach and from our friends and neighbors.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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Ocracoke Island residents Ruth Fordon and Ken DeBarth have asked me to post information about the 2006 camps hosted by Island Path. Please read on for details:

"2006 Camps hosted by Island Path (www.islandpath.com, 1-877-708-7284, Ocracoke Island, NC)

We are pleased to announce the following cmps for the 2006 season. All will be held at the Lightkeeper's Guest House on Ocracoke Island, NC. Lodging is not included in the cost, but lmany of the meals are part of the workshop package. If you want to stay at the Lightkeeper's Guest House, early registration offers you the best opportunity to reserve one of the limited number of rooms available.

For Women:
Awakening at Midlife -- with noted author, coach and psychologist, Kathleen Brehony & Ruth Fordon, life coach and co-founder of Island Path.

We will host this 3 day weekend camp once in the spring and once in the fall.
May 18-20 & Oct. 19-21, 2006
Cost: $395. A deposit of $150 is required to hold your place in the camp.

For Writers:
We will host this weeklong camp just once in the fall.
Coaching Your Book Into Being -- with published authors, Kathleen Brehony & Karen Jones.
Sept 10-16, 2006
Cost: $950 if you register by June 1st, or $995 after that date.
A deposit of $500 is required by August 1st.
This is a new rate for the camp, reflecting a no frills approach.

If you would like to see a complete description of either camp, you can write to ruth@islandpath.com and request the pdf to be emailed or you can visit our website at www.islandpath.com and view the updated 2006 descriptions for our camps.

Please feel free to call toll free 1-877-708-7284 or email Ruth or Ken @islandpath.com if you have questions."

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm

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An Old Brick Cistern

Yesterday afternoon island homeowner, Fred Garst, and his crew moved an old brick cistern for the Ocracoke Preservation Society. It was quite the scene. The movers used a large crane to hoist the cistern from the yard where Milan & Nina Williams' house stood until recently. The cistern was trucked to the OPS museum where it was lowered into place near the rear porch.

Until the mid-70s everyone on Ocracoke depended for drinking water on rainwater that ran off the roof and into a large wooden or brick cistern. Cisterns are now almost a thing of the past since we have had a municipal, reverse osmosis desalination plant for about thirty years. There are still a few homes in outlying areas where the water system does not yet extend. Today those homeowners generally rely on fiberglass tanks to collect rain water.

The following photos are courtesy of island native, Dale Mutro. (The cistern is wrapped with reinforcing material to keep it intact.)












Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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A Windy Night

I awoke this morning to trees dancing outside my bedroom window. My house, even though it's about 140 years old, is solid and strong, so I didn't feel any shaking or rattling. But I could tell by the scene outside that the wind was blowing about 25 - 35 miles per hour. Gusts were likely around 40 mph. It definitely was no day to be out in a small boat.

Right now it is cool (about 50 degrees) and breezy, with winds about 10 miles per hour. I decided to forego my daily walk on the beach this afternoon. I believe I'll just go back home and curl up in front of the fire with my latest book, _John Adams_.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks,"
published January 23, 2006. You can read it here:
http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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Oyster Fritters

We didn't quite eat all of the oysters last night, but David was a perfect gentleman and shucked the remainder. We had just about a pint and a half left over, so I invited David & Amy & Lachlan to my house tonight for oyster fritters.

I used Chris & Mabel Gaskill's recipe in the "Ocracoke Cookbook." For any of you folks out there who are lucky enough to come into possession of freshly harvested oysters (preferably from right here in Pamlico Sound) I share the recipe with you:

1 pint oysters (Chris & Mabel specify unchopped, but I put them in the blender)
1 tsp. baking powder
1 egg
1 c. pancake flour
2 tbsp. finely chopped onion
Salt & pepper to taste

Mix all together. Heat cooking oil in frying pan. Drop batter into the hot oil by spoonfuls. Brown on each side.

We ate oyster fritters (sometimes O'cockers call them flitters) until we could eat no more. As we say here on the island, they were "good some!" Amy sauteed green beans with garlic to go with them. Everyone should be so fortunate as to eat this well.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

Work

Readers of this journal may get the impression that we don't work here on the island. Not true. Of course we work more in the summertime. But even in the off-season we work; it's just that our work schedule is more flexible. I intended to do some office work this afternoon, but almost immediately was called on to fix a plumbing problem in my rental house. So I spent most of the afternoon crouched under a kitchen sink.

I never did get back to the office. By the time I was finished with the plumbing I knew I needed to get ready for the pot luck dinner at my house. By the way, the freshly caught oysters were delicious. We grilled them outside since it was T-shirt weather today. As usual, the pot luck was a big success. Merle asked Gary to bring his essay (follow the link below for more information), so he read it aloud for all of us gathered there.

After dinner several of us biked over to Tom's house for our Sunday evening movie (we wathched "My Cousin Vinny"). I guess I'll do the office work in the morning.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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Devil's Shoal

This morning about 10 o'clock Rob called and wanted to know if I'd like to join him and Al and Jason for an afternoon of oystering. Of course, I agreed on the spot. We left in Al's boat just after 1 o'clock. The tide was low but we hit bottom only a couple of times. Just off of Devil's Shoal in Pamlico Sound (not very far north of the NPS campground) we met up with three other boats anchored in the shallow water.

After probing the bottom here and there we quickly settled on our spot. The oysters were thick and we soon had a pile of muddy shells lying in the bottom of the boat. For our readers unfamiliar with oystering I offer a brief explanation. We use tongs. The wooden handles are about 10 feet long. On the business end there are metal forks and a "cage" to hold the oysters. The metal ends are about two feet wide with about 8 tines on each side. It can be back-breaking work, leaning over the gunwales, working the tongs into the oyster beds, and hauling them back up into the boat. Then the oysters must be culled. Small oysters less than legal size and empty shells are tossed overboard. Keepers are thrown into a 5 gallon bucket.

Legal limit is one bushel per person or two bushels per boat. In an hour's time we had our catch and were ready to motor back to the dock. (I took my camera for some photos, but, alas, my batteries were dead. Sorry folks.)

Once back home I was greeted by several folks who oohed and aahed over the bucketful of oysters and then told me how great it was because I could steam them for the pot luck tomorrow (at my house, I was informed, at 5 o'clock!). Well, at least I won't have to make deviled eggs this time.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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Pot-Luck Essay to Air

For all of our friends in eastern North Carolina who enjoyed reading Gary's "I Believe in Pot-Lucks" essay (see link below) I thought you might like to hear Gary read it on the air. I understand that it will be broadcast on Public Radio East, at 91.5 (and maybe at 88.5, 90.3, & 88.1).

According to Public Radio East's web site their "series of essays comes to a close with Gary Mitchell and his belief in Potlucks. You can hear the essays Fridays at 6:35 am and Mondays at 8:35 am during Morning Edition and on Public Radio East's local news magazine The Down East Journal Fridays at noon. "

(I don't usually post two entries in one day, so be sure to look at the photo of the winter rose on our previous journal entry.)

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here:http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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Winter Rose

Two evenings ago I walked across Howard Street to visit my cousin Blanche. After a pleasant evening chat I stepped out onto her pizer (that's the Ocracoke name for front porch) and spied a pink rose blooming. We commented on how remarkable it was that roses are blooming in January.

Blanche insisted that I take the rose home, so I opened my pocket knife and cut the stem. It sits on my windowsill reminding me that spring is not so far away.



Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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Deviled Eggs

After our post yesterday about Ocracoke pot-luck dinners a reader made this comment: "Post some recipes.....this kind of writing makes everyone hungry and curious. What makes the deviled eggs special or the lima beans? Help us out here."

Well, since I usually bring the deviled eggs here is my recipe:

6 hard-boiled eggs
1/4 tsp. salt (or maybe a bit more)
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. dry mustard (sometimes I put in regular mustard)
1 tbsp vinegar (sometimes a dollop more)
2 tbsp mayonaise
paprika

Cut the eggs in halves. Slip out the yolks. Mash yolks with a fork. Mix in the rest of the ingredients (except the paprika). Refill whites with mixture (heap up lightly). Sprinkle with paprika.

You may notice that there is nothing exceptional about this recipe, although I think the vinegar gives the eggs a nice tangy flavor. But it was the recipe my mom & dad always used when they brought deviled eggs to pot-lucks, and that makes it special, particularly for all the folks who remember them.

As Gary Mitchell points out in his essay, "The food doesn't have to be anything special, except that it comes from the hands and heart of somebody you know and love, and somehow it just tastes twice as good 'cause of that."

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is Gary Mitchell's essay "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," published January 23, 2006. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012306.htm.

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I Believe in Pot-Lucks

Regular readers of this journal know that pot-luck dinners play an important role in the life of many folks who call Ocracoke home. Our local National Public Radio station has been airing essays written by North Carolinians on the theme "This I Believe." Gary Mitchell, long-time island resident and guitarist for our "Molasses Creek" band, submitted his essay, "I Believe in Pot-Lucks," and it was chosen to be read on the air.

Gary was kind enough to give me permission to reproduce his essay on our monthly "Ocracoke Newsletter." You can read it here. I hope you enjoy it.

A Talented Son-in-Law

The weather has turned spring-like again with temperatures in the mid-60s. David came by on his bike with Lachlan, in helmet, perched on his new bike seat. One of David's Christmas presents was a subscription to "Fine Woodworking" magazine. On the cover of his first issue was just the project he was looking for, a traditional pie safe.

Lucky for me that David & Amy don't have room for a pie safe! David wanted me to look at the plans and make any revisions. He wants to make it for my dining room. Even better, he's planning to build it out of driftwood (pieces of mahogany that freighters use as shims and then toss overboard when they're out to sea -- it sometimes washes up on our beach during storms).

So I'll look over the plans, measure my space, make suggestions, and tell him one more time, "Be careful around those power saws. It's difficult to play the fiddle without all of your fingers!"

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Breakfast

Every now and then a bunch of us guys get together for breakfast. This morning at 9 o'clock we gathered at my house. Everyone brought different ingredients and in no time we had the frying pans sizzling on the stove. Our "farmer's breakfast" of eggs, potatoes, onions, & bacon (with various spices) was complemented with cheese grits, fruit salad, coffee, orange juice, and biscuits (topped with butter & blueberry jam).

It was the perfect day for a late breakfast. The sky is gray, the temperature cool, and a light rain is falling. We told stories about boats, building projects, & pranks (my favorite was the time, a number of years ago, that four young O'cockers climbed the water tower and jumped into the tank for a swim!).

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Beach Weather

Weather forecasters are calling for rain showers later this afternoon and into tomorrow. But right now it is sunny with temperatures in the mid-60s -- a perfect day to play on the beach with Lachlan. David, Lachlan, & I (his momma had another committment) walked across the beach at 10:00 this morning and stayed until 11:30. Friends came by with their two-year-old (as well as other children and five dogs!) and we all had a grand time climbing on and jumping off of a 24 foot long, 3 foot diameter log (it looks more like a whale bone) that washed up on the beach months ago (maybe it was during hurricane Ophelia).

Amy, David, Lachlan, & I are planning a cookout later this afternoon (if the rain holds off long enough). So I guess I'll sign off & bike down to the Community Store for potato salad ingredients.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Impromptu Potluck

Captain Rob Temple & his wife, Sundae Horn, hosted a last-minute potluck dinner last night in part to introduce some visiting friends to their island home. After a wonderful repast of black bean casserole, potato salad, deviled eggs, quiche, & beans, Rob & his nephew Charles brought in the freshly steamed oysters! We spread old newspapers out on the dining room table and in no time at all we had a pile of empty shells spilling over onto the floor.

Then it was time to break out the desserts -- brownies, pineapple & cheese casserole, cookies, & key lime pie. But that was only the beginning. After supper all of the musicians (and there were almost a dozen) pulled their chairs into a circle and opened up their instrument cases. There were a couple of guitars, a bass, four fiddles, a dobro, a mandolin, several harmonicas, and a penny whistle. What a house concert we had. I'd say there's never (or at least seldom) a dull moment on Ocracoke Island.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Off-Island

Every now and then they let me off the island. On Tuesday I drove "up the beach," as we say, to Manteo. I had heard that the Outer Banks History Center had original copies of some of my great-grandfather's shipwreck reports from 1893 until he retired from the US Life Saving Service in 1902. I have his reports from 1883 (when the Cedar Hammock Station on the north end of Ocracoke was established) until 1894.

The History Center is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in the history of the Outer Banks. Sure enough, they had the reports I was looking for so we traded information (both scanned and photocopied reports).

I stayed overnight at a friend's home, but was concerned because all weather reports were calling for high winds and rough surf on Wednesday. I was expecting soundside flooding with overwash on NC Highway 12. Luckily I was coming back home near low tide, so all went well.

Unfortunately windly conditions along the East Coast & the Outer Banks contributed to a couple of maritime disasters. A tugboat sank in rough seas (two sailors drowned and one is missing), and I understand a crabber in eastern NC drowned in rough seas several days ago. Islanders always listen to such news with especially heavy hearts even when the victims are strangers.

The weather has cleared today, with bright sunny skies, warm temperatures, and calm conditions.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Casablanca

Last night several of us met at Tom Pahl's house for "Closed Today Theater" redux. It has been several years since a bunch of us gathered every Sunday night at Jude & Frank's to watch videos. After the movie, one of us would take the catalog home, choose a title, and place the order for the next week. We watched classics, foreign films, documentaries, art films, and popular movies. Sometimes we chose low budget films, or locally produced movies, or just titles that sounded interesting. Sometimes the movies were great; sometimes they were just plain bad. But we enjoyed them just the same.

If the film lent itself to a theme we'd have a potluck dinner too. So now we've revived another of our more recent island traditions.

Oh, by the way, we watched Casablanca last night. A true classic.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Winter is Back

Old Man Winter blew in from the north during the night with winds of 25 - 35 miles per hour. Bright sunshine is keeping the day cheery even while trees are swaying in the steady winds and windows are rattling in the frequent gusts. The warmth of last week has been replaced by temperatures in the mid 30s.

Not too much is going on today. Most folks are just staying indoors. At midday I will take a stroll along the surf, but then I'll come back home and work on a crossword puzzle or pick up my latest book. It's the perfect day for quiet relaxation.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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A Saturday in the Off-Season

One of the best things about being self-employed on Ocracoke is flexibility, especially in the off-season. Although I am just as likely to work on weekends as any other day (in fact, I've been in my office this morning organizing files and getting things ready for filing taxes) I can also take time off any other time . And I seldom work all day without breaks. My son-in-law, Fiddler Dave, is coming by in a few minutes so we can take an afternoon walk on the beach (it's sunny but quite windy today).

I'll mess around in my office again some this afternoon. But I've been invited to a friend's house at 5:30 for a blue moon martini (whatever that is), and then later to my rental house to watch a DVD. No, I am not renting the house this week, and I am not hosting the get-together; but friends are using my house because it has a DVD player.

We are very flexible about property here on the island also. Like Dagwood and Herb we loan & borrow tools and automobiles and clam rakes all the time. Some years ago I came home in the late afternoon to discover a neighbor lying on my bed reading a magazine. "Oh, hi K____," I said. "What's up?"

"I'm just relaxing here for a few minutes, waiting for D_____," she said. "He's using your bathtub."

If I'm lucky a neighbor will even leave soup or ham or pie on my dining room table while I'm out.

Well, I've got to go. David is here waiting for me.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Treasures from the Sea

Just thought our readers would like to see some of the shells I found on the beach in the last few days. Only two of the scotch bonnets were "perfect" but all of these shells were worth picking up.



Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Black Feathers & Coal

Walking along the surf is always a pleasant way to spend an hour or an afternoon. Yesterday I noticed a prodigious number of black feathers along one stretch of beach. At first I wondered what catastrophe had contributed to this flotsam. And then I remembered the great number of cormorants that regularly float offshore this time of year. I guess if each bird lost only one feather that would account for the thousands washed up at the high tide line.

Farther along I came across a footbal size chunk of black coal. I suppose it washed ashore from some steamer that met its fate on our beach many years ago.

I also found a small but nearly perfect scotch bonnet. It's always a treat to spy one of our offical state shells.

Maybe I'll find another treasure this afternoon. But really, just walking along the surf with the sun on my face and salt in the air is treasure enough.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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A Good Busy

Last night five of us "bachelors" (our girlfriends and/or wives are off the island) met at Howard's Pub for dinner and camaraderie. Among other things we decided to resurrect "Closed Today Theater." For several years we had gathered at Jude & Frank Brown's home on Sunday evenings to watch movies (classic, vintage, foreign, or off-the-wall). For a number of reasons (including storm damage to the Browns' house some time ago) we stopped. Now it is time to revive a valuable island tradition. We will meet at Tom Pahl's home at 7 pm on Sunday.

Tonight I'll join my son-in-law, David Tweedie, for bean soup and then bike over to the Community Center for our monthly Civic & Business Association meeting. In the meantime, of course, I'll stroll along the beach and maybe pick up a few shells.

So life can be busy and full on Ocracoke, even in the winter months. But it's a "good busy," time for nature, community, friends, and relaxation.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Sunny, Warm, & Cold

As predicted, the days this week have been in the 60s with lots of sunshine. Nevertheless I took two jackets with me to the beach this afternoon. And I was glad I did. It was not bitter cold, but the water does keep it cool out there.

The surf was calmer today so I looked for dolphins. But not a one was to be seen -- until I was almost ready to walk back across the dunes. Then there they were. Only a small pod, but moving methodically north just beyond the breakers.

Farther out was a black "carpet" of cormorants. Thousands of them had been flying in from the northwest. They settled out several hundred yards beyond the breakers. I'm not exactly sure what they do out there, but it's interesting to watch them fly in, skim just above the surface, circle around, and then land all together in a group.

Oh yes, I found two lettered olives and a large conch. They weren't perfect. They all had at least one small hole, but they were worth picking up.

Maybe you don't have sixteen miles of beach where you live, but I hope you get out in the woods, or in a park, or maybe just in your back yard regularly. There is so much to enjoy. And right now the moon is waxing. It really is a grand sight. Maybe you'll want to go take a look.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Warm Days, Cool Nights

What a gorgeous day we had today. By mid morning it had warmed up into the mid-60s. It was a great day to be outdoors. Although strong winds were whipping sand across my path and the surf was rough, my afternoon walk on the beach was a wonderful change from sitting at my desk.

I treated myself to another walk this evening through the village. There was hardly a car to be seen and not a soul was out and about. You have to like quiet to spend winters on Ocracoke. And we do.

It has cooled off some since the sun has set. I'll work some more at my desk this evening (I'd rather work after dark, and be outside a bit during daylight hours) and then walk back home to read a while. We're looking forward to a week of great weather.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Sailing

Last night at the Meekers' get-together Captain Rob Temple (of the schooner "Windfall") mentioned that he was taking his vessel up to a boat yard for his annual Coast Guard inspection. And he wondered if I would like to join him & another friend, Dave Frum.

We left the Community Store dock this morning at 8 am and had a delightful sail out in Pamlico Sound. It was cold in the morning, but the sun warmed us up by noon. There was hardly another boat on the water all day, and the wind was nearly perfect. We sailed along at about 7 knots and arrived at the yard in mid-afternoon.

The Windfall is a traditional two-masted schooner with red sails. All the work is done by hand, and the helm is on the open deck. This was definitely not a Carnival Cruise, but this is the kind of "adventure" that suits me just fine. We feasted on Rob's ham biscuits, my hard boiled eggs, chocolate peanut clusters, and beer. We even spied a few dolphins along the way.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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A Cold Winter's Night

This evening, from 4 pm to 6 pm, Leonard & Beverly Meeker and their daughter, Eliza, hosted a small gathering at their home for Telfth Night. Of course, tonight is actually "Thirteenth Night" but the Meekers thought that Saturday was a better evening for a get-together. Their table was piled high with tasty foods and delicious beverages (the homemade egg nog was my favorite).

Lachlan & I watched the sunset from their large screened-in porch. The bright orange-red orb slipped out from behind the clouds just at the horizon, and sank majestically into Pamlico Sound. It was stunning.

Oh yes, one more observation --I think it's wonderful that party hosts on the island always feel comfortable greeting guests in their bare feet, even in the middle of winter.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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More Music

Last night David's parents invited a number of friends by their home (they own a rental house on the island and are here doing some maintenance). Food and beverages were savory & abundant. Michael Stanwood brought his autoharp, his didgeridoo, and his guitar again. Gary Mitchell was there with his guitar. And, of course, David had his fiddle. So once more we non-musicians were treated to an hour of unexpected entertainment.

Such a pleasant way to spend a dark and cold island evening. (It's much warmer again today -- sunny & bright.)

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Music in the Parlor

Michael Stanwood is a frequent visitor to Ocracoke. He is a musician and plays the autoharp and the didgeridoo (a musical instrument indiginous to the Aboriginal peoples of Australia that is made of a long hollow bamboo stalk or stick, and that makes deep tones when blown into). Michael joined Fiddler Dave's parents and me at Dave, Amy, and Lachlan's home last night for dinner.

After dinner Michael and David got out their instruments (autoharp & fiddle) and played a number of tunes in the living room while the rest of us chatted, played with Lachlan, and enjoyed our very own house concert. The evening reminded me that one of the things that makes Ocracoke so special is the frequency of such get-togethers. Sometimes they are planned, and at other times, like last night, they are spontaneous. Life on the island is nearly always interesting and enjoyable.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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It Feels Like Spring

I awoke last night to loud, booming thunder and bright, flashing lightning. I seldom awake during the night, but I sat up with a start. Rain was running down my window panes.

This morning, however, all was quiet. The storm played itself out during the night. Actually, today is overcast but quite warm. It feels like a spring day. I've got lots of work to catch up on, so I'll be at my desk for a while. One nice thing about Ocracoke, however, especially in the winter, is that I might sneak out to the beach for an hour, and then come back here to work later on. I'll let you know if I see any dolphins.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Back on the Island

Ocracoke's own Molasses Creek band was playing for the city of Raleigh's First Night celebration on New Year's Eve. Lou Ann & I joined my daughter Amy and Fiddler Dave's parents to help Molasses Creek and the other performers ring in 2006.

There were musicians, comedians, fire eaters, jugglers, exotic animals, street vendors, and dancers. At the stroke of midnight we counted down as a giant acorn was lowered into the midst of the crowd. Fireworks lit up the sky and we all joined in singing "Old Lang Syne."

Along the way to the celebration Lou Ann & I stopped in Beaufort to visit the Mariner's Museum and to admire the historic homes downtown. In New Bern we toured historic Tryon Palace, the early 18th century governor's mansion.

I'm home tonight. Lou Ann is back in Indiana. We had a wonderful time. I only wish Lou Ann had been here with me to enjoy my afternoon walk on the beach today. The sky was gray and overcast; the ocean turbulent. But the rain held off. So I walked for miles remembering the good times of 2005, and looking forward to another terrific year.

All of us at Village Craftsmen wish you the very happiest of New Years. And we look forward to seeing you on your next visit to the island. Please stop by and say hello.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Photos to Share

After yesterday's post Norma Sigal sent me a very nice note. It read, "Thanks for the nice article. Are you prepared to show the world your new hairstyle (or is that word no longer appropriate -- perhaps it should be headstyle?) If so, you're welcome to illustrate with the attached photos."

A little explanation is in order. I have hair clippers and cut my own hair. I just attach the depth gauge and buzz cut my hair. Several days ago I took the clippers apart to clean them. When I reassembled the clippers I forgot to reattach the gauge. After the first swipe Lou Ann looked at me with wide eyes and asked, "Are you sure you know what you are doing?"

"Of course I do," I replied. "I do this all the time."

After the second cut, and another "Are you really sure you know what you are doing?" I suddendly remembered the depth gauge. Of course, by that time I was committed!

So here are a couple of Norma's photos as full disclosure.

Lou Ann, Philip, Al, & Linda:




Soul Brothers, Philip & Al:




Another of Norma's Photos, just for the beauty of it (Sunset at Springer's Point):



Happy New Year to All! I'll be taking a few days off to celebrate First Night in Raleigh. All the best to all of our readers in 2006. Look for our next post sometime next week.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Hanukkah on Ocracoke

Last night Lou Ann & I enjoyed an evening with friends at the home of Norma & Jerry Sigal, new year-round residents of the island. Norma & Jerry have been vacationing on Ocracoke for over four decades, and have had a home here for twenty years.

The Sigals lit four candles (it was the fourth day of Hanukkah) plus one more, shared some ancient Jewish history, recited a traditional prayer, and then served a delicious meal of brisket, steamed vegetables, latkes, sour cream, applesauce, & red wine. A fine time was had by all.

So, in this holiday season, we wish you all a Happy Hanukkah.

On another note, the last few days have been simply gorgeous. The temperature is in the 60s which makes for a delightful afternoon walk on the beach. Yesterday we strolled barefoot, and I had shed my jacket, hat, and even my shirt in short order. After our walk we sat by the dunes and watched birds diving for fish and cormorants migrating south. Before long a large pod of dolphins appeared. At one point several juveniles decided to play and we were rewarded with an exuberant display of jumping, twisting, twirling, and tail slapping. It was a very good day, indeed.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Doasted Right

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas.

I picked Lou Ann up on Saturday (had to leave on Friday so I could be at the Raleigh-Durham airport early on Christmas Eve day). We caught the 4:30 pm ferry home, just in time to join in on the Christmas Eve potluck that was underway at my house.

When we walked in there were 25 - 30 people sampling a table full of delectibles. It was wonderful. And we didn't even have to bring a dish!

On Christmas morning Lou Ann & I hosted a family breakfast for ten folks, then opened presents. Lou Ann says her new knee-high rubber boots are perfect for helping her feel like she really belongs on the island.

Dinnertime found us all at Julie Howard's home for ham & chicken pot pie.

The only thing that has marred the holidays is that Lou Ann & I are "doasted right." (This is an island saying meaning "sick as a dog." It comes from "dose" as in "I've got a dose [of the flu, e. g.].") Actually we're not "down in bed" sick, but still not feeling very chipper. I think we're on the mend, though, so I hope I'll be back at the computer regularly to keep you posted about island goings-on.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Happy Holidays

It is quiet on the island today. And cool and sunny. The temperature is in the mid-40s. The sky is post-card blue with not a cloud in sight. The white fence around the graveyards across the street is dappled in sunlight, the shadows of the nearby yaupons dancing on the pickets.

Colored & white Christmas lights, window candles, evergreen wreaths with rich, red bows, and garlands on fences are scattered throughout the village. Christmas is only days away.

Tomorrow I drive to the airport to pick up Lou Ann. She will be here on the island until New Year. We'll decorate our tree on Christmas Eve. On Christmas day Amy, David, & Lachlan; Finley; Steve & Pat; and Julie & Gary will gather in my parlor to share a "farmer's breakfast" and then to open presents. It will be my first Christmas in my new (old) house, and Lachlan's second Christmas.

This may be our last post until next week. All of us at Village Craftsmen, Dallie, Dale, Jude, & Philip, wish you Peace, Happiness, and Joy this holiday season. We hope you have the merriest Christmas ever!

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Winter Solstice

Greetings on the first day of winter. Actually it feels like the middle of winter, and in fact another name for this day is midwinter. Today is the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. This is because the earth's axis is tilted (you can see this on any globe). As the earth revolves around the sun, we in the northern hemisphere are now receiving less (and more oblique) sunlight. We are all aware that the sun rises later and sets earlier in the winter, and never rises as high in the sky as in summer.

At this time of the year ancient observers noticed that the sun seemed to "stand still" for several days, neither sinking farther toward the horizon, nor rising higher in the sky. "Solstice" literally means "sun standing still."

Even on Ocracoke, so close to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, this midwinter day is cold and penetrating. Neighbors are hunkered down in their warm houses, decorating Christmas trees, wrapping presents, baking cookies, and lighting candles.

Soon the days will be longer, the sun higher in the sky, and the surrounding waters warmer & more inviting.

In the meanwhile we'll enjoy this midwinter day as we anticipate Christmas and the New Year, and eventually the coming of Spring once again.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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December Newsletter

We've published another Ocracoke Newsletter -- Part II of our article about Ocracoke Street Names. Click here to read about Ocean View Road, Martha Jane Lane, Paddy's Holler, Lawton Lane, Lumpy's Road, and more.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, Part II, published December 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news121805.htm.

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Christmas Photos

A journal reader from Virginia asked to see photos of my holiday decor. Don't forget -- I'm a guy, so you might be disappointed. I don't go all out like some folks do. Just a simple cedar tree, stockings on the mantel, single candles in the windows, and a fire in the gas log stove. Oh, and a wreath on the front door.

I hope you enjoy this glimpse into Christmas on Ocracoke Island.





Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, published November 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news111905.htm.

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Christmas Tree

Today I thank one of my neighbors for letting me harvest a small native cedar on his larger-than-average island property. It's only been in recent years that islanders have had access to store-bought trees. For generations Ocracokers had only cedars and yaupons to decorate their homes for the holidays.

Yaupon, most well known for the tea popular with Outer Bankers of years ago, is a member of the holly family. In December many yaupon bushes sport bright red berries. I have several yaupons on my property, as well as large cedars. This afternoon I will trim my trees and use the clippings to adorn my windowsills and the yule log on my dining room table.

Candles are in the windows. A traditional wreath with a red bow hangs on my front door. Christmas stockings are hanging on the mantel. I finished wrapping Christmas presents this morning. By this evening I will be ready for the holidays. It will be nice to have a whole week to listen to holiday music, to enjoy my Christmas tree, and in the evening to curl up in front of my gas log stove with a good book.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, published November 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news111905.htm.

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Flat Cat Cafe

Last night the Ocracoke Youth Center sponsored a Christmas dinner and Holiday "Flat Cat Cafe" at the Community Center. Many of the youngsters were all decked out in fancy dresses or coats and ties...others came in blue jeans and sweatshirts. It really didn't matter, of course. Islanders are well known for their ecclectic tastes.

The food was excellent -- naturally. And after dinner we were all treated to performances by our local youth musicians. They truly are impressive. And no one was stage shy. Molly Lovejoy performed a Christmas violin piece with her tutor, Fiddler Dave. She has been using my dad's violin. I know how happy he would be to see Molly giving his violin such loving attention.

Ocracoke's youth director, Shelby (I just realized that I don't even know her last name. No need to know it, of course. She's the only Shelby on the island!), has resigned because she is moving to Maine. Longtime resident, Karen Lovejoy, will be taking her place. We all thank Shelby for the wonderful job she has done to provide a safe and fun environment for our island youth. And we look forward to Karen's creative skills in continuing and expanding a teriffic Ocracoke organization.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, published November 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news111905.htm.

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Deer

Ocracoke is a wonderfully diverse place in many ways, especially considering the humans who live here. They really are a quite interesting bunch of folks. But what about the other animals? There are birds aplenty, and sea creatures galore, of course. However we don't have many other wild mammals.

There are ferral cats (under some control thanks to OcraCats), and rodents. We even have large "Russian rats" (nutria) that must have arrived on the island with some of our mariners years ago. A neighbor (who will remain nameless) released two squirrels a few years ago, so now we see them scurrying up the trees now and then. And another resident (who has moved away) let two minks loose some time ago. We only see them rarely.

But we don't have possums, or racoons (there are plenty of them on Portsmouth Island, just across the inlet), or porcupines, or skunks, or bears (although I believe Hyde County has a larger bear population density than any other county in North Carolina).

Several years ago, for the first time ever, we began to hear reports of deer on Ocracoke. They are good swimmers and we guessed that they arrived by navigating Hatteras Inlet. Occassionally I would see deer tracks in the clearings between the oceanside dunes and Highway 12, so I knew the scattered reports were accurate.

Then several days ago, in the crepuscular minutes of early morning, while driving to catch a 6:00 a.m. ferry, Amy, Lisa, & I were startled to see a doe and her fawn dart across the road and freeze for a moment in the undergrowth. We nearly hit them.

So now I know for sure that there are deer on the island. I wonder how much longer it will be before their numbers increase sufficiently that sightings become commonplace. And how long will it take for them to evolve into a distinct sub-species, like the key deer in Florida. We'll just have to wait and see.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, published November 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news111905.htm.

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Winter News

Hi again. This is Philip, back at the Journal once more. I took a few days off the island this past weekend. Flew to Indiana to see Lou Ann. We had a wonderful time. It sure looks like Christmas out there in the mid-west! The snow was piled up nearly a foot high. Colored lights on evergreens peeked out from a blanket of dry, powdery snow, and on bright sunny afternoons the frigid air literally sparkled. We took the train into Chicago to see the Christmas decorations. Even discovered an authentic outdoor "Christkindelmarkt" downtown. It felt like I was in Bavaria. Even had a chance to practice a little German as almost all of the vendors were from Deutschland.

But I'm back home now. I've had a little vacation. And I've had a chance to transcribe a number of my Ocracoke stories these past few weeks. Everyone tells me I must publish them, so I've decided to work towards that. Maybe I won't get a book finished this winter, but at least I can make a start at it.

Last night the Ocracoke Civic & Business Committee hosted their annual pot luck dinner. As usual the fare was outstanding. At the meeting afterwards we learned more about plans to install hard-surface "sidewalks" along Highway 12 in the village (they'll be narrow and will be interrupted at times by trees, but they'lll be better than the half-buried concrete blocks we have now). We also heard more about a proposed bike & walking path through the National Seashore (to the Pony Pen, at first, and eventually all the way to Hatteras Inlet). None of this can come too soon, but we all know how slow governments can be. I guess we just need to be patient. Good things are afoot. There was also a report on Ocracoke's recent designation as a "Preserve America" community. It was a welcome honor-- and it will mean access to more government grants for preservation projects. All of this is good news for Ocracoke.

Look for more island news in our daily Journal. I'm back at my desk and ready to share on going holiday news from North Carolina's "Pearl of the Outer Banks."

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, published November 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news111905.htm.

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Busy Weekend

Winter, especially December, is the time we use to regroup after the summer rush is behind us. Many of the stores and restaurants are closed, so we spend December catching up with friends and neighbors whom we only catch glimpses of during our busy summer season. The Ocracoke Preservation Society Wassail party and accompanying Christmas concert and Jimmy's Garage party are two social events that help us reconnect with other residents.

Also this past weekend, Leslie Lanier, owner of Books to be Red and Deepwater Pottery, with the support of the Ocracoke Civic and Business Association put together a huge, interactive kids Christmas party at the Community Center. Every kid on the island was there making crafts, eating goodies and getting their photo taken with Santa, who gets chauffeured to the event on the local fire truck. Tuesday is the cookie swap hosted by the Library and Wednesday is another potluck, this one hosted by the Civic and Business Association.

Once the holiday festivities wind down we're so stuffed from eating too much and have had enough visiting with one another, many of us take vacations to warmer regions of the world. After the new year we also start gearing up for next year's activities...The Ocrafolk Festival in June, the 4th of July events and the local Art Walk in October just to name a few. Keep posted for updates on these and other events throughout the year.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, published November 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news111905.htm.

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Tis the Season

The Christmas Season is in full swing on the island. The Ocracoke Preservation Society is holding their annual Wassail Party this Friday at 5:30PM. There will be a Christmas tree lighting, carolling, plenty of wassail ( a Kenny Ballance secret recipe ) and oh so many wonderful baked goodies! Some years we've been in shirt sleeves but this year it might feel more like Christmas as it's only supposed to be in the 50's.

After the Wassail Party, the Christmas Concert will be held at Deep Water Theater at 8PM. It is always such a joyous evening.

Saturday night is the Community Christmas Potluck, Pig Pickin, and dance held at Jimmy's Garage. We all stuff into the garage and then we proceed to stuff ourselves with food from the tables literally "groaning" with the specialty dishes of each family on the island. What a feast! Jimmy, Jamie and Linda Jackson graciously host this event every year and they roast the pig. No one wants to miss it. After dinner has settled, the Ocracoke Rockers play til the wee small hours. Those who can stand up and move after all that food get on the dance floor and entertain the rest of us.

Next week we'll all talk about how wonderful it all was....again.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, published November 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news111905.htm.

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Tom Franks

Hi, this is Philip again. I've been hiding out for a couple of weeks -- encouraging others to post on the journal while I work on organizing and transcribing much of the island oral history I've been collecting. But I wanted to share a classic Ocracoke story I've heard all of my life, one that illustrates islanders' unique sense of humor. (Much of the story might even be true.)

Tom Franks Gaskins was a ship's captain years ago. For a time, at least, his mate was Rob Hanks Tolson. He was returning home to the island when he was stopped at a drawbridge.

The bridge tender called down to him, "What's your name?"

"Tom Franks."

"Who's your mate?"

"Rob Hanks."

"What's your cargo?"

"Pine Planks."

"Where are you coming from?"

"Pasquotank."

"Why you insolent SOB! I'll be damned if I open this bridge for you!"

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, published November 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news111905.htm.

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Castles of Snow and Other Interesting Ideas

Dear Friends,

This is Lou Ann writing to you from the frigid Midwest. (I thought I would let you know that before you get to the end!) I also thought that I would sneak in a blog while Philip is on a writing hiatus.

I, like many of you, imagine and dream about those balmy island days...but alas, alas...it will be ten degrees here tonight in Northern Indiana.

Winter has arrived with inches of snow frosting rooftops and streets...plow trucks have taken to the streets on a regular routine now. I often wake up in the night to the sounds of the scraping of the streets and the blinking yellow lights.

The Midwest is full of Holiday spirit amidst the deep freeze. My small town neighborhood glitters with multi-colored lights and greenery. It is a fairy land to walk in after dark.

I just spent the week end in Chicago and was wrapped in the splendor of a large northern city all dressed up for the Holidays. As for me, I wore three layers of everything as the cold was so intense!

Home is a good place to be on a night like this. My books are piled high, my knitting basket full of projects, candles burn low, and the hum of the plow truck keeps me company.

Until next summer, a warm and wondrous winter to all.

Lou Ann

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, published November 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news111905.htm.

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A Gift for Ocracoke

It's December already and a time to think about the Holidays so close at hand. I assume that most of you that read this journal do so because you have a connection with the island. It may be a connection of family, friends, a summer home here or maybe a connection of the heart. Whatever it might be, Ocracoke has given you all something special. I'd like to suggest that those of you who love this island give something back to her this Christmas season. The Ocracoke Preservation Society is working hard to keep Ocracoke the quiet, beautiful island you love to visit and the tasks they face are formidable. Please consider becoming a member of OPS or sending a contribution to help in this effort. You can contact the Ocracoke Preservation Society at www.ocracokepreservation.org or phone 252-928-7375. The Island thanks you.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, published November 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news111905.htm.

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