Old Time Gospel Sing

About 150 people gathered in the front lawn of "Books to be Red" on School Road this evening. We brought lawn chairs and boxed suppers. About a dozen musicians and singers were set up on the porch to lead us in a traditional gospel sing.

For two hours we sat and sang along. Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, Keep on the Sunny Side of Life, Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Precious Memories........ It felt like an old time Camp Meeting (but without the preaching!). A few folks milled around and whispered greetings to each other. Babies slept on blankets. Toddlers roamed around through the crowd. Young children climbed trees or rode the tire-swing horse. Teenagers flirted with each other.

Surrounded by stately old live oak trees, facing an historic old island home, side by side with neighbors and out-of-towners, listening to traditional southern gospel music.... It was an experience that few communities have any more. We feel blessed to be a part of this wonderful village.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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A Photo

I thought our readers would enjoying seeing this photo, taken in July of 1956. It is a shot of what is now NC Highway 12, and was sent to me by Judy Jones.

The arrow on the left points to the Island Inn. The arrow on the right points to the intersection where the kayaks are rented.

The times they are a-changin'.


You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Ponies

A reader recently asked, "Were you a member of Ocracoke's legendary horseback-mounted Boy Scout troop?"

Sad to say, I was not. I was the right age, but unfortunately my father had moved off the island, and I did not live on Ocracoke year 'round. My father's older brother, my Uncle Marvin, was the scout leader and it was his idea to organize the mounted troop.

Marvin was such a wonderful man, and an extremely positive influence on island teenagers. I believe it 's fair to say that all of the scouts in his troop thought the world of him.

However, even if I weren't a mounted scout I did ride the ponies now and again when I was on the island. I would never claim to have been very accomplished, but the photo below at least verifies my comment. It was taken about 1958 in my grandparents' yard on what is now called Lawton Lane.



You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death.".

Old August Storm

Today is the one-hundred-and-seventh anniversary of the old August Storm. On August 16, 1899 this hurricane (probably the most destructive storm to pummel Ocracoke within historical memory) struck with a vengeance. Over the course of three days the winds and tides wreaked havoc. Reports indicate that wind velocity reached 120 miles per hour.

Click here to read a full account of the storm.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Happy Birthday Wayne

Yesterday Wayne Teeter celebrated his 62nd birthday. Wayne has been one of my friends since I was a child. Together with Stan Gaskins and other buddies, we went to the square dances back in the '50s and flirted with the girls. We roamed the village at night, walking barefoot through the soft sand lanes. Together we gigged flounders on the reef. Wayne taught me to eat raw clams. We rode ponies, shared stories, chunked clam shells in the road, and even snitched a Coca-Cola now and then from the mailboat, "Dolphin," when she was tied up at the dock. Our birthdays are only two weeks apart.

At the party yesterday evening in Wayne & Ada's yard Earl Gaskins was serving ice cream. When I approached with my piece of cake a smile grew on Earl's face. "Bucky," he said, with an impish grin, "I didn't know you could be so sappy! And why did you tell us all that?"

"So, you've been reading my journal [see Monday, August 7]," I shot back. "I guess I'll have to be more careful from now on."

But now the cat is out of the bag, as they say. I believe I'll be reminded of my sappy journal entry for many years to come.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death.".
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Tropical Water

Yesterday was such a beautiful day I went to the beach twice. Amy called about 7 am and asked me if I wanted to join her and Lachlan. Of course I agreed. We played in the sand, found locust shells on the grasses in the dunes, and splashed in the water. Only a few other folks were out that early, so we had the beach mostly to ourselves.

At noon, I went back (to a less populous beach) and walked several miles. To cool off I plunged into the surf. What a refreshing respite. The water was a clear, clean green. So often our water is rough, and it churns up sand, but yesterday it looked like the tropical waters of the Caribbean.

Truly, yesterday was the perfect beach day -- clear, blue skies; clean, sparkling water; and soft, warm sand. Ahhhhhhh.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Bonfire on the Beach

Jude & Frank invited me to join them last night. Family members were visiting from the mainland and they had planned a bonfire at the high water mark. When I arrived the oak & cedar logs were blazing, and folks were sitting around chatting. Dale was there with his wife, Jaren. We walked down to the surf looking for phosphoresence. There were only small traces of the microscopic plankton that glow like effervescent diamonds, but just then the amber moon rose above the sea and put us all under its spell.

Back at the fire Frank's cousin, Andrew, with guitar in hand, entertained us as we shared stories and tall tales. Lou Ann told me earlier in the day that she was sad she wouldn't be there "to join in as you sing Kumbya." So just for Lou Ann I broke out my harmonica, and Andrew played along, as we all sang that quintessential 1960s campfire song. I'm hoping Lou Ann "heard" us as we sang just for her.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Cooler....

....with a light rain. And low humidity. Today is not the best "beach day" but we are enjoying the change. If I didn't have to work today, I'd definitely be reading a good book, writing down some of my island stories, visiting cousin Blanche, playing with Lachlan, or just organizing my notes. But working is not so bad. I have no commute, get to walk home for lunch, wear shorts & a t-shirt, sometimes work barefooted, have great employees & relaxed, laid-back customers, and am surrounded by quality, handmade items. I think I'll stay here and keep my job.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Farewell

Ocracokers were sadened to learn that long-time island resident, Sherrill Senseney, died last Sunday. Although Sherrill and her husband, David, had been living in the North Carolina mountains the last several years, they maintained their home on the island, and often spent the better part of their summers here.

Sherrill & David moved to Ocracoke in the mid-1970s as new teachers. Sherrill was an active church member and a steady supporter of the school and other island organizations. She had a deep and abiding committment to this special community. She appreciated island history, traditions, and stories, and nurtured her friends and family in loving and caring ways. Sherrill had a quiet and calm presence that encouraged all around her to cooperate, respect each other, and honor their differences as well as their similarities.

David and their daughters, Claire, Mary Britton, and Sally, as well as her extended family, will surely miss Sherrill's steady love and warm embrace. They and we who are left behind on Ocracoke will keep Sherrill's memory alive as we tell her stories, recall her gentle smile, celebrate her sense of humor, and learn from her exemplary life.

Sherrill is deeply missed. Farewell, friend.

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Too Much Calm?

Several years ago I had a delightful conversation with a very pleasant young woman from Manhattan. It was her first visit to Ocracoke and she had a number of questions about island history, traditions, and life style. She had clearly never visited anyplace like Ocracoke before. When she was ready to leave she stopped and told me that she "really like[d] it here on the island," but that she "could never live here." I asked her why. "Too much calm makes me nervous," she replied.

Recently I saw a t-shirt with this message, "www.ocracoke.calm." I suppose it's too much for some folks, but it suits us just fine.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Storm Clouds

Dark, menacing clouds rolled in over the village yesterday evening. They slowly swirled, layer upon layer, with light feathery edges at the periphery. Like colorless molten lava they folded in upon themselves, only to re-emerge later in different shapes. Lightning flashed in the distance and a few drops of rain fell.

Gradually the sky turned a uniform, gun-metal gray. The menace had turned into a more familiar dull presence. Rain fell steadily and rumbling thunder pierced the silence. In short order a few bright streaks of jagged electricity rent the heavens.

It never amounted to much more than that, however. By this morning all that is left is a gray, overcast sky, and a good excuse to stay home and read a good book.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Grand-younguns

My son, Stefen, and his wife, Snee, and their three children, Zoe, Eakin, & Eliza, were here all last week. We went out in Pamlico Sound in the boat, dug for clams, played in the surf, walked to Springer's Point, enjoyed dinners together, sat on the porch, and generally had a wonderful time together. Amy & David brought Lachlan by to play with his cousins. They all seemed like island urchins, running barefoot through the sand, catching toads, and screeching with delight. More than once I thought how like Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher, & Huck Finn they all were.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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"Something Sappy.......

.....Nothing about shipwrecks, or history." Those were my instructions for the journal early this morning as Lou Ann & I stood on the deck of the Hatteras Inlet ferry. We were on our way to the Norfolk airport where Lou Ann had a flight taking her back to her other life in the midwest.

This has been a fabulous summer for us both. Lou Ann loves Ocracoke. Every week she researched island history and included it in her Wednesday evening Radio Show at the Opry. Together we played "Miss Maggie Mae" & "Walter Howard" to an appreciative audience. We loved doing it. On Tuesdays and Fridays we joined Amy leading ghost & history tours through the village. Nearly every Sunday evening you could find us listening to Martin Garrish & Friends at the Jolly Roger restaurant on the harbor.

We found time to help out at the Ocrafolk Festival, and to host pot luck dinners, birthday celebrations, music in the parlor, & square dancing in the front yard,. We went out in Rob's sailboat, dug for clams with the grandchildren, flew kites, swam in the surf, hiked at Springer's Point, and visited with friends & neighbors.

We also played cribbage by coal oil lamp, enjoyed Sunsets on the Pizer, shared books and magazine articles, and talked on the porch swing late into the night. We walked hand-in-hand down Howard Street under the full moon, showered outside under the cedars and live oaks, and stole a kiss or two now and then.

Oh yes, we found time to work, too!

Tonight the house will be quiet, and I'll sit alone on the old porch swing. I miss Lou Ann already, of course. And I know she wishes, as I do, that we didn't have these regular periods of separation. It was hard to see her off today. But we've planned some time together this fall, at least every month. And we'll be together for Thanksgiving and Christmas. There is some consolation there.

As they say, Life is good....and we're happy that we can share our lives, and our homes as frequently as we do.

I guess that's about as sappy as this guy gets.

Look for more shipwreck stories in the future.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Lord, Plant My Feet on Higher Ground....

....or at least park my car on higher ground.

A reader yesterday, in reference to my comment about parking our cars on higher ground as hurricanes approach, asked, "just...where IS the high ground and how do you get there?!"

Now that is a really good question. Ocracoke, as most of our readers know, is little more than a narrow, low, sliver of sand almost 25 miles out in the Atlantic Ocean. Not much higher ground out here. But it doesn't take much higher ground. Because we are so far off shore high tides usually just wash over the island from one side, and then drain off the other. Unlike mountainous regions where river water backs up along narrow canyons or steep banks, we never expect to have water deep enough to come anywhere near our roofs or even more than a few feet inside the first story. That's deep enough, of course, especially when clean-up time comes.

But we do like to be prepared. Any little hill or tussock will do if it keeps water below the floorboards of your car. One popular spot for vehicles is alongside the road that wraps around Silver Lake, across the "ditch" from the Coast Guard station. In WWII, when the Navy dredged the harbor for their vessels, they pumped the sand into the village to fill in low, marshy areas. Someone allowed more than the average spoil to be pumped along that western shore. As a result that is one of the highest spots in the village, and thus lined with cars as storms threaten.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Alex, Two Years Ago

A comment on yesterday's post wondered what we experienced during "Alex" two years ago (on August 3). Although the wind was strong, the rising tide was unanticipated and did the most damage. I think photos will convey the experience better than words.

Howard St., looking from Village Craftsmen towards Silver Lake:



View from "Kayak Corner," Ride the Wind is to the left, Silver Lake to the right:



Village Craftsmen Parking Lot:



Howard Street, near the Parsonage:




Please keep in mind that we are NOT anticipating any storms at this time, and even when we do Ocracoke only rarely experiences much damage. Although many cars were flooded during Alex, as well as a very few homes, we generally fared well, and the island was back to normal in short order. Most of the damage to automobiles would have been avoided if we had anticipated the rising tide and moved vehicles to just slightly higher ground.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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A Flaw of Wind

Last night at the Ocrafolk Opry Gary Mitchell asked octogenarian, Roy Parsons, about August storms he had weathered on Ocracoke. Roy told about the tide rolling in over the sound, and how the wind nearly blew their house off of its foundation. They feared that their house, with them in it, would float away as the tide rose and poured into the downstairs rooms.

At one point in his story Roy mentioned a mighty flaw of wind that rattled their windows and shook the house so hard that they thought it would come apart at the seams.

I wondered, "Did anyone else in the audience notice that phrase, 'a flaw of wind?'" And if they did, did they know what it meant? A "flaw of wind" is an old island term, hardly used anymore, especially by the younger crowd. It means simply a gust of wind. Look it up. It is an old-timey phrase that must have been common years ago, but only survives in small isolated communities like Ocracoke. But it's one more link we have with the past. I think I'll be more intentional in the future, and be sure to use the phrase as often as possible.

By the way, today is the two-year anniversary of Tropical Storm Alex that brought Ocracoke our highest tides in sixty years. I'll just comment that Alex brought more than one mighty flaw of wind.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Happy Birthday Lachlan!

.....and Philip! Yep, Lachlan was born on my birthday, two years ago. We had a family celebration Monday night (tonight Fiddler Dave, Lou Ann, & I are all performing in the Opry at Deepwater Theater). Two months ago we taught Lachlan to reply to "How old are you?" with "Twenty-two months." That was a habit difficult to break. But, finally, we've taught him to hold up two fingers.

Lachlan's three cousins (Zoe, Eakin, & Eliza) are here this week, along with Uncle Stefen & Aunt Snee, of course. So we've been having lots of fun family time (swimming, boating, clamming). It is a wonderful birthday.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Berkley Manor

Many of our regular readers as well as frequent visitors to Ocracoke are aware that a prominent island property has been threatened by development. Berkley Manor, an architecturally significant structure built by the late Sam Jones in the 1950s, along with its spacious grounds, has been the focus of much concern over the last several years.

Today I learned that the Ocracoke Preservation Society has announced that the property (located near the Swan Quarter & Cedar Island ferry docks) is currently under contract with the Trust for Public Lands, a national, non-profit land conservation organization. More information will be forthcoming as this project progresses.

Other preservation efforts are also underway. We'll share details as we learn them.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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247 Years Ago....

....Yesterday. That's right, on July 30, 1759 William Howard, Sr. purchased Ocracoke Island for 105 Pounds Sterling.

Earlier this summer a friend and I were talking about an altercation that occurred on one of the docks. On hearing the word "mailboat" another friend remarked, "That happened at least fifty years ago, didn't it!" He was right. He added, "Only on Ocracoke can you hear people talking about things that happened fifty, one hundred, or more years ago, and they act like it just happened yesterday!"

Well, William Howard, Sr. didn't live yesterday, but I'm happy he bought the island when he did.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Bear on the Island

About four years ago (??) reports circulated through the village -- a bear had been spotted swimming in the sound, not far from Ocracoke. One fisherman even said the bear had tried to climb into his skiff. The Park Service was alerted. Campers were warned. It was high drama.

Bears, of course, are good swimmers; and there are plenty of bears on Hyde Co. mainland, but I had never heard of a bear on Ocracoke before. Over time Ocracokers quit talking about the bear or looking for it. It had disappeared. Maybe it had swum up to Hatteras, or across the inlet to Portsmouth.

This morning Amy called. Visitors told her they had found a bear carcass on the sound shore near their rental home. Sure enough, we rode our bikes up there, and there it was. Badly deteriorated, and about four feet long, it was a youngster. Whether or not it was the same bear folks saw several years ago, or another unfortunate critter, we couldn't tell. But it did help confirm the rumours. So if you hear that there is a bear lurking around the island, beware!....it could be true.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Porch Talks

On Thursday Lou Ann & I met with a dozen and a half folks at the Preservation Museum. I shared the history of our traditional island square dance -- and we even danced two dances in the yard. David Tweedie and Lou Castro were there to provide some good old-time tunes for us.

On Friday John Golden entertained more folks with Outer Banks folk songs. This coming week Chester Lynn talks about figs and fig recipes, and a park employee shares information about our unique Outer Banks ponies.

Every week in the season the museum hosts these informative porch talks. Be sure to check their schedule on your next visit to the island. I'm guessing you will learn some interesting and entertaining history no matter which talk you have the opportunity to join.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Island News

Just like in the 1970s, our power flickered & went out right after 5 pm yesterday afternoon. This hasn't been a regular occurance for some time now. I never heard an explanation for yesterday's outage, but it seems plausible that it was the same old problem again -- everyone coming back to their cottages after a delightful day at the beach....and turning up their A/C and turning on their hot water showers.

Lou Ann & I had planned to have dinner at the Cafe Atlantic. Lucky for us they have a generator, since the power stayed off for several hours. By the time we got home power had been restored.

I got this comment on yesterday's journal entry: "We got to the island around 5:30 pm for a late day visit. The first news I heard was the idiot who drove his Harley in the sand and got it stuck. The other news was the old guy walking around stark naked. Sorry I missed both! Unfortunately the electric was out and I missed going to the Village Craftsmen."

Wow! It's getting so we're now getting our island news from visitors. I never heard about either of those events. And our waitress never mentioned them either. I suppose we'll hear a report before the day is over. It seems like there's seldom a dull moment on Ocracoke Island.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Bugs

Yesterday a reader asked, "is the " 'weren't even any bugs' report something that's in any way predictable down there?"

Well, first of all, this has been the near perfect, bug-free summer (so far). Of course there is the occassional skeeter at dusk and the horsefly now and again on the beach (by the way, today was the near perfect beach day -- warm & sunny with gently rolling waves big enough to play in). But no swarms of biting insects, like we sometimes have. I suppose the conditions have been just right, especially the paucity of any significant rain these last several weeks.

So, I'd say there is no real prediction possible, though a wet season typically brings on the bugs. But it's difficult to see what's coming more than a week or so in the future, and even then we're often wrong. I'd say just come on down and hope for the best. Even when the bugs are bad, you're still on Ocracoke!

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Too Much Sun

A customer remarked moments ago that she'd been to Portsmouth Island today and had gotten "too much sun." Well, I said, too much sun is not the best thing, but it's a heck of a lot better than too much work. She agreed whole-heartedly.

She said what I expected. This was a terrific day to go to Portsmouth. According to her there weren't even any bugs. If you're reading this while on the island, consider a trip across the inlet in the next day or so, before a batch of mosquitoes hatches. A visit to Portsmouth Island is always a treat.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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When The Lights Burn Low....

Saturday evening Philip and I were invited for dinner at Dallie's. The occasion was a special feast of "Old Drum," an old Ocracoke dish. (Actually we substitued "puppy drum," but it tasted just as good.) Since it was also my birthday, I was able to wear a crown of rhinstones. (A princess should always wear rhinestones, even when she is barefoot, don't you think?}

The house was full of folks when we arrived, and we were promptly served Sunset on the Pizer. It is becoming very popular here on the Island!

Vernon (Dallie's partner) says that preparing "Old Drum" in the summer is like Thanksgivng in July. He was right. The kitchen was abuzz in a hurried, friendly sort of way. We were all peeking into pots, commenting, setting tables with colorful fiesta dishes...getting seconds on the Sunset drinks.

As we finally gathered in a circle for dinner, Dallie read the old recipe from an antiquated cookbook. The ingredients are something like this: Boil up an old drum. (That is a fish, for you landlubbers.) Boil up potatoes and eggs, separately. Fry up a piece of salt pork, keeping all of the fat!! Slice up onions, or as Vernon says his Mama did, onions with cucumbers in vinegar. All of this is mashed on the plate together. It was fabulous. Topping off the menu was Dallie's old-fashioned blackberry cobbler with egg sauce. (Now you can't get any of this in any restaurant here!)

With the sink piled high with dishes and warm cups of coffee in hand, we pushed back from the table, and the lights were dimmed. Stories of haunts and haints began to fill the evening hours. Everyone had a story to tell that sent shivers down our spines.

When the evening was over, we thanked our hostess and headed out into the misty evening on our bikes. Inky darkness shrouded our pathway as we meandered home.

As if the midnight hour wasn't enough, when we arrived back home at Miss Aliph's, we both stopped in our tracts. The rocking chair from the Ariosto shipwreck was moved from it's location in the cottage. We stared at each other in disbelief and swore to each other that we did not do it!!

So, we ask, did a friend come in, make themselves at home and move the chair? Did someone come in to play a practical joke? Or was it........................?

All I can say is that so far no one has confessed, and I am making Philip go in the house first from now on!

Lou Ann

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Early Morning Rain

We woke up to heavy rain this morning. Lawton Lane was flooded, skies were gray, and rain was pouring from the clouds. We needed the precipitation.

Even though the sky was still overcast, we ventured to the beach just before noon. A few drops fell as we walked along the surf. The water was moderately rough, but we dove in like kids and had a grand time. Hardly anyone was nearby. And we weren't fried like on so many sunny summer days. All in all it was a wonderful time at the beach.

Lou Ann just came home. She had afternoon tea with Pat Garber. We'll be headed to the Jolly Roger for supper and music shortly. We hope your weekend has been at least as relaxing.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Happy Birthday Lou Ann!

If you walk into the Village Craftsmen this afternoon and the woman with the sparkling eyes wearing a crown of roses waits on you be sure to wish her a happy birthday.

(I tried to take her hours today, but she insists on working. We'll take tomorrow off and celebrate then.)

Laughter

On Thursday evening our home was filled with mirth & laughter. Dallie & her partner Vernon, Jude & her husband Frank, Dale & his wife Jaren, and Lou Ann & I gathered for our 2005 staff dinner. That's right -- 2005. We always enjoy getting together after the busy season to share good food, a couple of bottles of wine, and summertime stories. Last fall a number of things conspired to keep us from our appointed task. Storms, medical problems, off-island trips....you name it. Before we knew it 2006 had arrived, with even more reasons to put off the get together.

Finally we found an evening that suited everyone. We had no sooner gathered (even before I poured the first glass of "Sunset on the Pizer") when Dale commenced to share hilarious stories. The laughter never ended. One after the other we told tales of misadventure, misunderstanding, and misconduct. Neither tourists nor residents (including ourselves) were immune from the telling.

The table was piled high with steamed shrimp, homemade potato salad, and a fresh green salad. Lou Ann prepared a sumptuous chocolate/raspeberry dessert. Even plates full of delicious food could not stop the story-telling.

As the evening wound down our guests bid us farewell and strolled home under a canopy of sparkling stars. Lou Ann & I settled into our porch swing and allowed as how a home filled with good cheer and laughter counted for much of what makes life so sweet.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Subsiding Island Gossip

That was Lou Ann's original title for yesterday's journal entry. I changed it before I published it. Lou Ann thinks my title, "Minimizing Island Gossip," is "stupid." Luckily, she's still talking to me.

"Subside," as I so helpfully pointed out, is an intransitive verb (it doesn't take an object). It's like the verb "fall." A tree can fall, but you can't fall a tree. Gossip can subside, but you can't subside gossip. Of course, Lou Ann might have been using "subsiding" as a gerund ("an English verbal noun in -ing that has the function of a substantive and at the same time shows the verbal features of tense, voice, and capacity to take adverbial qualifiers and to govern objects"). But somehow I don't think that's what Lou Ann had in mind.

Lou Ann says she was always looking for a college professor who sat in his book-lined office wearing a jacket with leather elbow patches. I have built shelves upstairs above the Village Craftsmen and turned that room into a library of Island History. But even though I know the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs (was I the only one paying attention in 9th grade English classes?) I'm usually barefooted and wearing a t-shirt. Maybe I should buy a pipe.

Well, to all of you English teachers out there, I'm going to bow to Lou Ann after all. In addition to being a big fan of Lou Ann's I am also a big fan of Humpty Dumpty, who is reported to have said (in a rather scornful tone, I'm told), "When I use a word it means just what I choose it to mean -- neither more nor less."

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Minimizing Island Gossip

I am so sorry to disappoint our loyal readers who are looking for some juicy island gossip (see comment on post for Tuesday, July 18), but here is the plain ole' story:

Daughter-in-law Karen left on the early ferry on Monday morning...we took photos and waved until we couldn't see the ferry any longer. We had a wonderful visit showing off the island as it was her first visit here!!

Much to our surprise, hours later our good friend, John Golden, showed up with back pack and guitar in hand. With our guest room now empty, we invited him to stay!

We are appreciative of our readers who keep us on our toes and on schedule.

Until next time......Lou Ann

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Beryl

It's another great beach day. Bright sunshine....soft sand....a mild breeze. As usual, it may be prudent to be aware of the possibility of rip currents. But Tropical Depression Beryl passed us by with no more than empty threats. So we go about our lives as before.

Tonight we'll enjoy another Opry performance at Deepwater Theater. Lou Ann has put together "Miss Maggie Mae's Radio Hour" for the show. Well actually it's only ten minutes long, but it includes vintage ads from the island, local news from the 1940s, traditional Ocracoke recipes, and a cliff-hanger serial (Was that a gunshot we heard? What happened to John....and Marcia? Tune in next week!). Be sure to spend a Wednesday evening at the Opry on your next visit. It's a barrel of fun, terrific music, and quite entertaining.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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If All The World......

Long ago and far away (so they say)...there were traveling gypsies and musicians and shoemakers and circuit riding preachers who came into town. Folks would trade bed and board for new shoes for their children...or tin pots..or some Bible reading by the fire.

Long ago and far away happened at our house last night. John Golden, musician, song-writer, performer "happen-chanced" on our doorway. He needed bed and board, and with clean sun-dried sheets on the bed in our tiny guestroom we welcomed him. Music and stories filled the evening hours.

Early this morning as the sun was rising and the world was waking up...we heard music drifting up the old staircase into our room. John was serenading us with sweet, rich music as he sang and played his guitar.

If only all in the world could start the day as we did. Sigh.

Lou Ann

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Have Fun but Be Careful

Yesterday I received this email from Joyce Moore, a long-time visitor to the Outer Banks and a regular reader of this journal:

"I was wondering if you heard about a man drowning in the surf on Hatteras on June 28. He was a friend of mine. He and his wife and I volunteered at NERFA [Northeast Regional Folk Alliance] where we ran into David Tweedie in the Poconos and at a number of other Folk Festivals. I thought you might be interested in hearing his story....he was quite a guy!"

Joyce sent this link: http://www.oldmusicproject.com/keithbaker.html

Our sympathy goes out to Keith Baker's family and friends. We also send our sympathy to the families of others who have drowned on the Outer Banks. I understand that there have been at least three fatalities this summer. We always hate to hear of tragedies, especially those that happen on the islands.

Please enjoy your visits to Ocracoke, and spend as much time as you can at the beach. As you know, we have one of the most wonderful beaches in the world with soft sand, clean water, and great surfing waves. But never underestimate the power of the surf. The Atlantic Ocean is not a swimming pool. Be especially mindful of rip currents. The National Park Service has information about beach conditions at the visitors' center and at the lifeguard beach.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."

Rumblings

A storm cell passed by earlier this morning, with lightning in the distance and thunder rolling languidly through the humid air. The sand in the driveway is so dry and powdery. We were hoping for a cooling rain to nourish the trees & shrubs, but it was not to be. Now the sun is shining brightly. Lou Ann and I are looking forward to taking Karen out on a sunset cruise after work with Captain Rob on the schooner Windfall. Maybe we'll even treat ourselves to dinner at the Back Porch restaurant tonight. I think Karen is finding Ocracoke an interesting and creative place.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death.".

Sharing our Home

Yesterday afternoon Lou Ann's daughter-in-law, Karen, arrived for a four day visit. She had never been to the island before. We met her as she disembarked from the Cedar Island ferry. After hugs and a few words we got on our bikes and led her through the village and down Howard Street to our home.

Karen has the small downstairs bedroom, the room that was mine when I visited my grandparents fifty years ago. After a tour of the house (Karen was duly impressed) we sat down at the kitchen table for a delicious meal of marinated chicken, fresh corn on the cob, and cucumber & onion salad.

When dinner was over we strolled down the lane to Deepwater Theater for a fantastic performance by Molasses Creek. Gary, David, Kitty, & Katy entertained a wildly appreciative audience with high energy, new songs, and wonderful stories.

After the show we were happy to have Gary and Fiddler Dave stop by to visit. Amy came in after work (she's a waitress at the Back Porch restaurant). It was a long day for Karen, but she enjoyed being immersed in our island life, hearing wonderful music, & listening to local stories.

It is always a pleasure to share our home and our island with family & friends.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Pound

Yesterday's journal mentioned a "chicken pound." When Lou Ann read that post she told Dale about the mistake I had made. She was familiar with a chicken coop, a chicken pen, and a chicken yard, but she'd never heard of a chicken pound. Whatever could I have been meaning? Dale says she was positively bent out of shape. Dale, of course, knew exactly what I had meant. O'cockers have been keeping chickens in pounds for generations.

So I went to my dictionary. A "pound" is "an enclosure for animals...." Exactly as we use the term here on Ocracoke.

We also have "pound nets" on the island. Again, according to my dictionary, a "pound net" is "a fish trap consisting of a netting arranged into a directing wing and an enclosure with a narrow entrance." The next time you cross Pamlico Sound look for the pound net stakes set out by local fishermen.

We also "pound the preacher" now and then, or at least we did in the past. Years ago, when the preacher barely made enough salary to sustain himself and his family neighbors would bring him a pound of butter, or a pound of rice.... At least that's where I think the term came from. Unfortunately, my dictionary doesn't list this definition of "pound." Maybe this is one very local use of the word.

Here at Village Craftsmen we're curious. We've asked a number of our customers and none of them (including those from elsewhere in Eastern North Carolina) has heard of a chicken pound or pounding the preacher (though some said they'd like to). If you use these terms, please leave a comment -- and be sure to tell us where you are from. Check the comments link below to see the results.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Tick Tock

Lou Ann bought me an antique Elgin pocket watch one recent Christmas. Sometimes I carry it with me; at other times I set it on my living room end table. Lachlan likes to pick it up even though he knows he's not supposed to. This morning he brought it to me and I remembered the now almost-forgotten sound of a ticking watch. I held the watch up to Lachlan's ear. At first he listened with a curious look on his face, and then broke into a wide grin. Over and over he wanted to hear the distinctive tick-tock, tick-tock.

This little incident reminded me of simple pleasures that we sometimes ignore. Listening to the tick of a mechanical clock could be a metaphor for life on Ocracoke Island, one place where life moves at a different pace. We enjoy many of the 21st century's modern conveniences, of course, but we also are close to life's simpler themes -- running barefoot on the beach, moonlight strolls under ancient live oaks, visiting family graves just across the sandy lane, community pot luck dinners, gathering eggs from the chicken pound, just to name a few.

It's probably a good idea for all of us to "listen to a ticking clock" now and then.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Water, Sand, & Sun

These last few days have been perfect vacation weather. And perfect for us, too, who live here. Humidity has been low, and we even turned off the A/C for several days. Yesterday afternoon we took Lachlan to the beach. He played in the sand or at the edge of the water with one of us while the others plunged into the surf. The water was warm, and the waves were big, but there was no current where we were. Over and over again we dove under the waves or flopped over them. Body surfing was disappointing (the bottom conditions just weren't right), but we had a grand time anyway.

After a light supper we took Lachlan to the Slushie Stand for ice cream cones, then came back home. "I want to go out on the pizer," he said, so we rocked in the porch swing under an almost full moon, and I played a few tunes on my harmonica ("Oh My Darling..." is Lachlan's favorite). Soon he was fast asleep.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Uninformed Citizens

Yesterday evening, sitting & talking on the front porch, Lou Ann & I realized that we had no idea what was happening in the rest of the world. For weeks we have not looked at a newspaper or magazine. We haven't watched a TV newscast for many months. We haven't even listened to the radio since mid-June. Well, yesterday I did turn on the car radio for about one minute and heard part of an NPR report on Bonobo chimps. It hardly brought me up to date on the news, however.

I suppose we would be better citizens if we were better informed. Instead we pass our days in quiet contentment, often oblivious to events in the rest of the nation & other countries, but pretty much grounded in our own small island community. I suppose there's something to be said for that.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Ships in Bottles

Jim Goodwin, creator of traditional ships in bottles, set up his tarpaulin, tables, & shelves in the front yard of the Village Craftsmen on Thursday & Friday. Lined up in front of him was an assortment of dowels with small razor blades set at various angles, knitting needles bent this way and that, pliers, tweezers, & stainless steel medical instruments. He also brought modeling clay (for "water" & "sand"), paper (for sails), dowels (for masts), thread (for rigging), a number of partially completed projects, empty bottles, and samples of model boats in different states of completion.

Folks stopped by all day to watch him work and to hear him explain his craft. Jim is a wealth of information about the vessels, including when & where they were built, who the captains were, and how they met their ends (often on the shoals of Ocracoke or elsewhere on the Outer Banks).

Look for Jim's ships in bottles on your next visit to Village Craftsmen. There are only three people making these in North Carolina, and fewer than one hundred of these craftsmen in the entire United States.

The Thomas W. Lawson, the only 7-masted schooner ever built (she capsized off the isles of Sicily, England with only two survivors on Friday, December 13, 1907):



You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."

Images

Several readers asked for images from the 4th of July. I don't have any of the parade, sand sculpture contest, etc. But, thanks to Bill Kraus, who emailed me several from the evening, I have the following to share:

Fireworks Displays:







Sundae Horn leads the National Anthem on the Windfall:



You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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A Memorial Service

Family & friends of Tom Leonard gathered at the airport ramp yesterday afternoon to remember Tom and his contributions to the island. Amidst heartfelt sorrow there was laughter and joy as folks shared stories and "snapshots" of his life.

His partner, Ronnie, told about the time two Mormon missionaries arrived at their modest home on the edge of the village. One of the young men promptly rode his bicycle into the marsh and Tom pulled him out. On turning around Tom noticed a large spider crawling up the other one's leg, and brushed it off. Then he addressed them both with a smile: "You've come here to save me," he said, "and I've already saved you twice."

Joyce Reynolds and Ann Ehringhaus led the gathering. Ann called for a time of prayer, but people continued to share tales. Again, she said, "Let us pray." More stories followed. Finally, in a quintessential island moment, Ann announced, "Let us pray....and I mean it!"

Islanders will miss Tom and his good heart, and will remember him daily, especially as we pass by the many lawns he filled with plants, shrubs, and beautiful flowers.

A Wonderful 4th

Badminton, croquet, grilled corn on the cob, shish-ke-babs, fireworks....all the makings for a traditional 4th of July celebration (in addition to the parade and other community events) right here on Ocracoke Island! For the fireworks we strolled down to the center of the village and settled onto the deck of the schooner Windfall. With friends we watched the sky light up over the Coast Guard Station and sailboats & dinghies in Silver Lake harbor.

At the end of the pyrotechnic display we formed an impromptu choir (led by Sundae Horn) and belted out "The Star Spangled Banner" for our neighbors. We were greeted by spontaneous applause. It was a fitting end to a beautiful day.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Happy Independence Day!

Ocracoke residents and visitors always look forward to our island July 4th celebration. As usual, this morning hundreds of folks will congregate on the beach for the sand sculpture contest. Also, the base of the lighthouse will be open for viewing and some of the Banker ponies will be exhibited behind the preservation museum. Of course, the "Herd" skydivers will be back again this year.

The afternoon parade is always great fun with creative and funky home-made floats. The streets will be lined with people sitting in lawn chairs and on the tailgates of pickup trucks sipping lemonade or beer. This evening there will be cook-outs and get-togethers all over the island before the 9 o'clock fireworks display.

I'm sure your hometown has many festivities planned for this day. It is wonderful to celebrate our country's great experiment in democracy and representative government.

Happy Independence Day to you all!

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocraocke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Dancing in the Moonlight

We recently had this comment about our June 21 post:

"Your entry back on June 21 about cavorting au naturel on the beach piqued my curiosity about that subject. I've heard casual references to Ocracoke's "nude beach," but I have a sense those comments, made by resident entrepreneurs, may have tended more toward the realm of local color than reality. While there certainly are MILES of wide open beaches where one might fully (yet discreetly) commune with nature, I've not yet encountered any place along Ocracoke's shores that might suggest a more organized approach to this activity. But maybe I've just not been looking closely enough. Would you mind shedding a little insider's light on the subject/mythology of this topic, as well as any tips or guidance you might be able to offer? Cheers!"

Well, well, well. A casual comment sure has sparked a little interest! As you might imagine Ocracoke has long been a place where some folks have enjoyed swimming au naturel. As our reader notes, there are miles of undeveloped beach on the island. Years ago (before paved roads and ferry service), of course, one could spend an entire day at the beach and never see another soul. Things are different today. And the National Park Service is committed to keeping our beaches "family friendly." That's not to say that it is impossible to find a secluded spot. But there is no "organized approach to his activity."

And a clarification about our earlier post -- "dancing in the moonlight & starlight" on the solstice is not "an old island traditon," as I wrote. I was just having a little fun imagining that senario. As for the term "cavorting," whatever could that mean?

PS: Phyllis (that's Lou Ann's mother), if you are reading this while enjoying your morning coffee, please know that we are having fun this summer, but not too much fun!

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocraocke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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Fiddle Tunes on the Front Porch

Lou Ann & I left home yesterday at 5:30 a.m. I had a doctor's appointment in Norfolk. We thought we might want to see a movie or enjoy a leisurely early dinner in the city. Instead, we found ourselves just wanting to get back home. Although the day was pleasant, and homes and businesses were surrounded with lush shrubbery and beautiful flowers, we soon felt overwhelmed by the press of people and heavy traffic.

The trip back took several hours. We stood on the ferry deck as we pulled away from the Hatteras dock at 5:00 p.m. The air was cooler on the water and we began to relax again. Back home we ate a light supper before sitting on the front porch swing to enjoy the evening. The kerosene lamp cast a golden glow by the door. As the sun set in the west lilting violin music danced through the night air. Our friend next door was sitting on his porch serenading the neighbors.

It was good to be back on the island.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's about Ocracoke Islanders and "tokens of death."
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A Token of Death

Last night, as the heavens grew dark with black storm clouds, and rain pelted against the window lights, we sat in our parlor with guests and retold island ghost tales. Candles were burning in every window, and an antique coal oil lamp cast dancing shadows against the bead board walls.

We listened to stories of the walking dead (on Howard Street, of course), histories of shipwrecks on storm-tossed seas, and tales of an unfortunate island woman who was buried alive.

We also heard about "tokens of death" and the fear these unwelcome warnings elicit. We have just published our latest Ocracoke Newsletter which is about Ocracoke Island and tokens of death. If you would like to know more you can read our latest newsletter here.
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Rain & More Rain

"Tropical Moisture" the weather forecasters call it. It is not a tropical storm.

However, Ocracoke is in the path of "a disturbance located about 130 or so miles South of Cape Fear [that] is producing heavy rains, rip currents, and an increased chance of tornadoes for our area. This system may become Tropical in characteristic as the day moves on, although the storm will likely be onshore within 5 or 6 hours which would inhibit development. The system is forecast to be moving to the North / Northeast and is expected to make landfall in SE NC area and pass to the west of Hyde County."

This information is from Tony Spencer, Hyde County's Emergency Management Coordinator.

What it means for us right now is breezy conditions, gray sky, and rain. Really, not much more than we often experience here on the island. Just more folks out and about, so we're pretty busy at the Village Craftsmen. Well, I've got to go wait on customers. See you tomorrow.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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'Lash' LaRue

Ocracoke may not have a movie theater, but we are seldom bereft of entertainment. Off-island cousins stopped by for a visit last night. Dana is a collector of vintage movies, and he brought with him a number of titles. He set up his fifty year old projector in the living room and we settled down to enjoy an evening of fun.

After a fast-paced cartoon and a "Three Stooges" short we followed the adventures of 'Lashe' LaRue, in his classic 1950's movie "King of the Bullwhip." The old reel-to-reel projector flashed the countdown on the screen, 8-7-6-5-4-.... and then we cheered as the stagecoach raced along the dusty road with a half dozen bandits wearing bandana masks, their six-shooters roaring, in hot pursuit.

It was a great evening's entertainment!

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Becoming Who I Loved Them To Be

I have been thinking.

I have been here for five summers now (three of which I consider full time!)
When I first arrived, I spent hours on the beach, shopped in all the small venues, bought fudge and coffee and tottled around on a rental bike. I observed the lighthouse by moonlight, spent hours reading and doing crossword puzzles in my rental cottage. Sigh.

My observations were deeper. however. I began to notice local folks everywhere, doing simultaneous jobs (or so it seemed!) Playing music at Deep Water Theatre, waiting tables, clerking in the shops, sailing ships, telling stories, taking tickets........

Didn't I see you last night? Great job at the Opry! You work here as well??

Earning a living. Making the most of Summer. Being where you are.

I realized the other day, I have become who I loved them to be.

I work at the Village Craftsmen, help with the Ghost and History Walks, take tickets at the Opry (and occasionally tell stories as well!)

When you visit, it is OK to say, didn't I see you yesterday?
Yes, as a matter of fact....you did!

Lou Ann

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Tom

If you are not a year-round resident of Ocracoke you may not have known Tom Leonard, an islander for more than a quarter of a century, who died suddenly last week. Tom didn't have a high profile, tourist related job. But if you walked or biked along our streets you undoubtedly saw evidence of his handiwork. Tom was a talented and dedicated landscaper who added beauty and art to village yards and lawns, both residential and commercial.

Tom sported a bushy salt & pepper beard and was often found at the coffee shop, his infectious smile and good nature radiating out across the lawn. We will miss Tom, but are happy that he shared so many years with his adopted Ocracoke family.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Summer Solstice Greetings!

Today is the first day of summer. Or, if you prefer, Midsummer -- about midway through the growing season. This is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, due to the tilt of the earth's axis.

Nearly all ancient societies celebrated a festival in June at or near the summer solstice, usually centered on fertility and agriculture. June was (and still is) a popular time for weddings. In some cultures, newlyweds were offered dishes made from honey to encourage love and fertility. This is the origin of the still common tradition of the "honeymoon."

After the Ocrafolk Opry tonight at Deepwater Theater Lou Ann & I will follow an old island tradition and head for the beach to dance in the moonlight & starlight (clothing, of course, is optional!).

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Planets

The night sky over Ocracoke is frequently spectacular. Tonight is one such time. Stars appear to be strewn across the heavens by the hand of a playful and exuberant youth who desires nothing but to share the beauty of a rare treasure. It is tempting just to stand outside and stare at the night sky as time marches into the early morning.

Someone told Lou Ann that the three "stars" in the southern sky that are forming an isosceles triangle are the planets Venus (the brightest "star" at the bottom left), Mars (at the top), and Jupiter. I have been unable to confirm this, but they make a beautiful figure in the June sky.

If you are in an area where you can see the stars, be sure to take in the grandeur. And if you are a professional or amateur astronomer, please let us know if those three diamonds in the sky are really Venus, Mars, & Jupiter.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Sunset on the Pizer

So, you want the recipe for our secret drink???? I debated for a few days whether or not I should give it out. Finally I decided to share this delicious and refreshing drink with all of you.

However, it comes with rules and possibilities. The drink is to be enjoyed on your own pizer (a.k.a. porch, deck, patio, piazza, stoop, small gathering place somewhere outside)!

Obviously, gather your friends, neighbors, relatives, mother-in-laws, county sheriff, whoever!

The drink is to be shared at Sunset (Sunset on the Pizer).

Now the ingredients: Fill a large glass with ice, then fill it with 1/3 coconut rum, 1/3 orange juice, 1/3 cranberry juice, top it off with a Maraschino cherry!

Make sure you have enough for refills! Enjoy the evening, the conversation, and think about us on Ocracoke Island doing the same!

Cheers!

Lou Ann

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Another Day in Paradise (almost)

It is difficult to believe how wonderful the weather has been since Lou Arrived more than two weeks ago. We have yet to turn on the A/C. At night we sleep with the windows open, covered with just a light blanket. Today is clear and sunny, with temperatures in the upper 70s. The forecast calls for nighttime temps in the 60s. Yesterday the ocean was perfect for swimming -- a chin deep trough lay between the beach and the outer bar. There was barely a hint of current and no sign of rip currents.

Well, not all is perfect, though. I heard reports that Sunbeam (the island's sole supplier of bread to stores and restaurants) has suddenly stopped coming to Ocracoke. I haven't been to the grocery in a few days, but I'm told the bread shelves are empty. Imagine if every store in your area abruptly ran out of bread. Lucky for me, Lou Ann enjoys baking bread! And Ocracokers are resilient. We'll find a solution soon.

Then last night Lou Ann came home to discover a big black water bug cruising around our home-made brownies. These ugly critters are summertime reminders that we are living in the south, and it may take Lou Ann a while to adjust. In the meanwhile we have set out a number of "Roach Hotels"....and I have been informed that I am welcome to every last brownie.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Book Signing on the Pizer

Deep into the heart of yesterday afternoon, local folks gathered on the pizer at the Books to Be Red shop in anticipation of meeting Brook Ashley and John Ogilvie.

Brook and John have edited the newly published book, Ocracoke in the Fifties by Dare Wright. The book is an accumulation of photos and narratives from the fifties with an enchanting surreal quality. Running my hand across the cover is like running my hand across the smooth insides of a seashell.

Local folks brought other stories and photos to share with Brook and John. They loved making the connections that they had only read about as they sat outside at a table covered with a blue and white cloth.

I took a few minutes to stand back under the sun-washed live oaks to watch the scene. There were children running barefoot, new baby Mariah sleeping up on the pizer, folks telling stories, folks sharing the photos in the book from their past history.

It was a day that Dare Wright would have loved.

Lou Ann

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Rough Surf

I suppose it's left over turbulence from Alberto. Yesterday was fairly mild and calm....until about dinner time. Then the wind whipped up. Doors were banging back & forth, trees were swaying, gusts blew through the open windows and rattled dishes.

By bedtime the weather had moderated, leaving behind a cool, refreshing breeze. We slept with all the windows open, a pleasant reminder of how wonderful island life so often is.

Today at the beach Lou Ann & I took a plunge in the ocean, but the waves were big & powerful. After a good pummeling, we retreated to the dunes and enjoyed the surf from a more comfortable distance.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Alberto

Light rain gently fell this morning....on fence posts, yaupon bushes, tin roofs, and Silver Lake. The sky was gray and mildly menacing, but folks were out and about, with little concern for the weather. By early afternoon, winds are still light, but are likely to pick up a bit, accompanied by occasional rain and thunder storms. All in all, Alberto seems to be little more than a blustery, squally interlude between bright, sunny early summer days.

This is the perfect day to catch up on reading or napping.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Plans Run Ashore.....

It started out to be a productive Monday morning! (When I was a little girl my grandmother used to say, "how goes your Monday, goes your week.") With bread rising on the kitchen table and the sweeper plugged in, I was absolutely on task with the morning chores. Until....Philip came home for lunch (I can't sweep when I could be sharing conversation with him!)....and distant cousins, Betsy and Loren from Arizona came knocking on the door (I mean, they came all the way from Arizona!) Just as they were leaving we had a call to share the afternoon beach walk with Pat and Steve and little Lachlan (well, how could we turn that down when we thought we wouldn't get to the beach at all!) Arriving home with rain and thunder threatening, we closed the windows and sat down on the pizer as folks began arriving announcing that we were hosting an event. I love events, so we had one! (We have a new drink, Sunset on the Pizer!) I guess word was out so we shared our new drink and visited with folks who kept stopping by!

Dinner was late.

When I woke up this morning, the sweeper was right where I left it...so were the dishes (the bread did get baked, however!)

So, let's see if my Grandmother was right...so goes Monday, so goes the rest of the week.

Ooops, gotta go, someone is knocking on the door!

Lou Ann

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Congratulations Graduates!

Ocracoke School, North Carolina's smallest public school, held graduation exercises last night in the gymnasium. The seats were filled with parents, grandparents, and island friends. Five seniors received their diplomas: Alex Garrish, Yeager St. John, Nicole O'Neal, Katy Mitchell, & Marcus Lawson. As you might expect, the speeches and remarks were often personal, reflecting the size of the graduating class and the closeness of our island community. After the ceremony the seniors waited on the wooden walkway outside to receive congratulations, cards, and words of encouragement from their families, neighbors, and friends. As so many island events, it was a very personal affair.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Cutters

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812. I received this note from Jim Goodwin, model ship builder and maker of our ship's in bottles:

"Just read your May Newsletter about Ocracoke & the War of 1812. One point I think needs to be mended, and that is concerning the Revenue Cutter that left Portsmouth to warn New Bern about the British landing. Revenue Cutters were typically two-masted topsail schooners similar to Otway Burn’s Snap Dragon. Why they were called “cutters”, I do not know, and “cutter” in nautical terms implies a small, single mast vessel. This term has been confusing to some at times because of its varied definitions (don’t you love the English language!). The Revenue Service had specifics at that time which called for their cutters being about 80’ on deck with 6-10 guns. The vessel that Singleton refers to was the New Bern-built Mercury.

From Irving King’s The Coast Guard Under Sail, (1989), p.55:

'The Mercury (Captain William H. Wallace) made her mark in the war in quite a different fashion. Built at New Bern, NC, she sailed out of Ocracoke with a captain, three mates, and a crew of twenty-five. At about 9 o’clock on the evening of 11 July 1813, the Mercury appeared off Ocracoke Bar and anchored about a mile from the inlet. That night a fleet under Admiral Cockburn was discovered nearby and reported to Thomas Singleton, collector of customs at Portsmouth. Singleton packed the port’s money and customhouse bonds into a trunk, which he placed aboard the Mercury for safekeeping. As dawn broke, Capt. Wallace set sail. At about the same time the vessels of Cockburn’s fleet, consisting of one 74, three frigates, one brig, and three schooners, got under way. The Mercury cleared the wash a mile and a half ahead of the fleet, which captured the brig Anacosta of New York and the letter-of-marque schooner Atlas of Philadelphia. Several of Cockburn’s ships passed up the prizes for the cutter, because the admiral was anxious to stop her before she could carry word of his fleet to New Bern. After an eight-to-ten mile race through the sound, the Mercury made her escape by crowding on all sails and cutting away her long boat. Thus the cutter both saved the custom receipts and prevented Cockburn from proceeding to New Bern with his fleet'

"Another source I read states that Wallace also pitched the cannons in that chase.

"It is a marvelous tale of heroism and sailing skill. Also, C. S. Forester modeled his Hornblower character after Admiral Cockburn."

Many thanks to Jim for sharing his nautical knowledge with us.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Outdoor Shower

One of the best things about island living is the outdoor shower. Ever since I moved into my new/old house just over a year ago I have missed my outdoor shower.

Until a week ago. I designed the shower months before, but neighbor Matt Brown built it only recently.

Nestled among the cedars, yaupons, & oaks in my back yard, it sports a hand-made copper shower head by islander David Foss. We mounted a hinged antique stained glass window on one side to allow a more open view of the surroundings. At night the window is lighted from behind and casts a subtle, colorful glow inside the enclosure.

Last night the almost full moon peeked from behind clouds and danced in the tree branches above my head as I basked in the warm soothing spray of water.

It will be difficult to coax me inside for a shower again!

A View from the Porch Steps:



Yours Truly Enjoying a Morning Shower:



You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
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Storm ?

Yesterday was a wonderful day all around. Lou Ann & I both took the day off. We decided to make the morning our beach time. After a long walk along the surf (we never passed another person all morning), we jumped into the ocean and swam for half an hour. The water was cool and the wind was blowing, but the waves were moderate and refreshing. After our swim we found a protected place and read & napped.

After lunch we caught up on a few small chores before Lachlan came over for a visit. The National Weather Service was calling for severe weather with 60 mph winds and nickel-sized hail. The three of us sat on the front porch steps and watched the sky turn gun-metal gray and listened as thunder rolled in the distance. Lightning flashed beyond the trees and a light rain fell, but the storm mostly passed us by.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.

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