Wednesday

I had a dental appointment yesterday. When I asked Amy which ferry she thought I should take to get to the dentist at 10:30 David piped in with "the tooth ferry!"

After the dentist (it was a routine appointment, though I need to go back next week for a crown) I had lunch in Manteo with a friend, then visited Manteo Booksellers (a must stop if you are a book lover and will be visiting Manteo) and, later, the Christmas Shop (last year this iconic Outer Banks business had ongoing sales, liquidated all of their merchandise, displays, and office equipment, and "closed forever." Now they've re-opened again!). Other errands took me "up the beach" for gardening & office supplies, then to a cafe for supper. I left Nags Head at 6:30 and arrived in Hatteras village about 8:00, where I joined friends in a rental cottage for a few hours of low stakes poker. Caught the midnight boat back to Ocracoke, and collapsed in bed at 1 am. It was a long day.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.

Ali's Ocracoke Odyssey

I arrived here on Ocracoke two weeks ago, and even those two weeks seem to have flown by. I've been finding my bearings in that time, learning where things are, figuring out work schedules and other more complicated things like how to feed myself or change my sleep habits so I wake up more than fifteen minutes before I have to be at work. I thought it might be a good idea to let you all know exactly how I came to be on Ocracoke, since it seems like everyone has a good story about how they ended up here, whether its for a vacation, a summer or lifetime. My name is Ali, I'm 18 and from Vermont, but I go to Bishop's University in Quebec, and I have just finished my first year there. As second semester was winding down and I was considering my options for summer employment, I was less than enthusiastic about my prospects. Most of the summer jobs available were low paying and boring, and not at all how I had envisioned my summer. Going to school in Canada also let me on a slightly different mindset, where a lot people aren't home at all in the summertime, instead escaping away to cottages or traveling or getting jobs tree planting in the middle of nowhere.

I decided to look for an adventure of my own. I was home for a weekend, and I had remembered seeing some summer jobs on the Outer Banks. My mother and Jude go way back, from when my mom used to sell for my grandfather's company, Montgomery School House Wooden Toys, which they carried once upon a time at the Village Craftsmen. After getting the idea from Jude, we had vacationed down to Ocracoke a couple times about ten years ago. I asked my mom if she still had Jude's number (or rather, her friend down on Ocracoke's number since at the time I didn't know her name or what a big part she was going to play in my summer.) I called up Jude that evening, and explained who I was, and asked if she knew of anyone who was looking for work or any place to stay. A week or so went by, and Jude called back saying she had a place for me to stay and place for me to work too. After talking to my mom, I called her the next day and accepted. The semester ended, I gathered up my things and set off driving down to Ocracoke. That's how my story begins.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.

Self-Guided History Tours

At the end of last season Lou Ann & I developed two self-guided history tours that we recorded and uploaded to MP3 players. Over the winter we had some issues with the technology, but I believe that has now been solved, and the players are available for rent (just $7.50 each).

If you are interested in renting one of our players (we have two distinct tours) on your next visit to the island, please check out our web page with Frequently Asked Questions. As an extra bonus, on that web page you'll find a picture of me at 4 or 5 years old, with my mama and grandmama, on the porch of the house I now live in.

These tours are NOT duplicates of our Ghost & History Walks. The MP3 tours have different stories and information, and can be enjoyed at your convenience, either on foot, or by bike.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.

Happy Memorial Day!

I heard one of the Cedar Island/Swan Quarter ferry personnel telling a chagrined motorist this morning, "we're booked solid all day long." I guess he and his family will be "driving around" by way of Hatteras, or spending the night on Ocracoke.

It has been a sunny, low-humidity, almost bug-free weekend. Could hardly be any better. And I just got final figures on the Firemen's Ball, which was held on Saturday. The live auction brought in $11,230.00 (almost a thousand dollars more than last year), the silent auction netted over $2000.00. The total revenues for the all-day affair amounted to right around $57,000.00.

Thanks to everyone who helped with this fundraiser...and an especially hearty thank you to all of our firefighters and others who keep the organization solvent and healthy!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.

May Newsletter

We have just published our latest Ocracoke Newsletter, an account of the bravery & courage of the men of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.

Fireman's Ball

The annual fundraiser for the Ocracoke Fire Department was held today. What a great turnout. The organizers started cooking the pig at 5 am. The actual pig pickin' started 12 hours later outside the Community Center. Folks lined up under a tent for barbecue, Cole slaw, potatoes, and soft drinks and/or beer. A silent auction drew people into the building, and by 7 o'clock the building was full of islanders and visitors ready to bid on donated items at the live auction. The auction was a huge success. A quilt went for $1200.00, and an antique church pew brought nearly a thousand dollars. Four decoys sold for a total of almost $500.00. I'll have a full accounting of proceeds in a day or so. When the auction concluded the chairs were stacked in the back and Martin & Friends took to the microphones. The Dune Dogs from Raleigh followed with more danceable rock and roll. It's been a rousing day of good cheer, tasty food, camaraderie, and music to keep folks happy.

Congratulations to all of the organizers, the volunteers, and especially to our dedicated fire firefighters!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

Good Neighbors

In this age when folks move around so frequently (and hardly know their neighbors) I want to share a story about the value of staying put.

A few days ago I was helping a fairly new resident of Ocracoke install a gas range. Actually his electric range had gone kaput and I mentioned that I had a small gas range he could use. I couldn't find my hand truck (I think I loaned it to someone and haven't gotten it back!), but Frank let us use his (we returned it promptly, by the way).

We found a gas bottle, and I went to the hardware store for the copper tubing. Of course they didn't have enough of the size I wanted, and I really didn't want to wait a week or more, so I took two coils of two different sizes (no need to actually pay for it, or even make a note -- Tommy just told me to take the tubing, measure whatever I used and let him know so he could charge it to me later).

Well, then I needed the fittings to join the two sizes together. I didn't have what I needed, and the hardware store didn't have them either, so I biked around the island looking for a neighbor who might have the right fittings. I found cousin Ed sitting on the Community Store porch (he has everything). Back at his garage we dumped out buckets and cans full of brass, copper, and stainless steel parts. After several minutes we had concocted just the right conglomeration.

I still needed a regulator. After only one phone call David instructed me to go to one of his outbuildings and locate the gas bottle out back, and remove the regulator (he wasn't using gas there any longer). The nuts turned easily, and in a few minutes I was back at my neighbor's with everything I needed. In hardly any time at all (well I did crawl under the house and drill a few holes so we could snake the tubing where it needed to go) we had the gas stove installed and working.

I like knowing that I have neighbors who are always willing to help, and living in one place (Ocracoke in particular) for years creates connections that help make possible what might be next to impossible in many communities.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

A Modest Proposal

This afternoon we received this comment on our journal re. wireless Internet service on Ocracoke:

"My husband's Cingular/ATT blackberry didn't work last summer. He hopes it will this summer, I do not :)"

I sympathize with the writer, and suggest a modest proposal -- consider leaving your laptop, blackberry, etc. home when you come to Ocracoke. Maybe you can actually survive a week or two without a connection to the Internet. Just a thought. Here are a few suggestions for alternatives to ease the pain:

• Take a moonlight bike ride around the village
• Walk on the beach after dark and look for shooting stars
• Sit on the Community Store porch and chat with natives and visitors
• Buy a good book or two at Books to be Red
  
• Go fishing or clamming
• Explore the island cemeteries (there are more than 80 of them)
• Enjoy our island music (at various restaurants and Deepwater Theater)
• Go on a Ghost & History Walk
• Try parasailing
• Learn to surf
• Visit the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum
• Check out the National Park Service Visitors Center (there might be some programs scheduled that you'd enjoy)
• Join in the square dancing at the Community Store (more information on this later)
• Take a trip to Portsmouth
• Learn to ride a horse
• Attend a Porch Talk at the Museum
• Rent a kayak
• Check out the bulletin board at the Post Office to see what special events are going on
• Take a nap
• Take a cruise on the Schooner Windfall
  

Maybe some of our readers would like to suggest more activities. Let's hear from you.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

Wireless & Deviled Eggs

Alltel phones work great on Ocracoke. Don't know about Internet. We have Sprint wireless here at Village Craftsmen. Maybe someone else has more information about wireless internet access on Ocracoke.

Deviled eggs -- the recipe is not all that unique. I just like to include vinegar. Here is the recipe:

6 hard boiled eggs
1/4+ tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp mustard (dry or regular -- depends on what I have)
1 Tbsp vinegar
2 Tbsp mayo (or enough to make it the right consistency)
Sprinkle with paprika

Like I said, nothing unique, but folks seem to like them. Last night they were all gone before I even got in line. By the way, it was a fun evening. Lots of kids. It seemed like the whole school was there. And the young people provided some great entertainment -- on keyboard, guitar, bass, flute, violin, and drums. Oh yes, voice too. Way to go!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

Three Potlucks in Four Days

That's right. Three potluck dinners in four days. It must be Ocracoke!

Tonight at 5 pm a bunch of folks will gather at the Community Center to bid farewell to Russ. Russ has worked here on the island for several years (and I still don't know his last name...but no matter, everyone knows who I mean when I say Russ). He sometimes can be found bartending at the Back Porch Restaurant, but mostly he works at the Youth Center with the young folks. I know he will be missed. I heard he is headed to Arizona. See ya soon, Russ.

Tomorrow night there is NO potluck (that I know of), but Tuesday evening is the annual Ocracoke Preservation Society Annual Meeting and Pot Luck Dinner. The speaker will be Kevin Dufuss, who will be sharing information from his latest book The Last Days of Black Beard the Pirate. Can't wait! I'll share more about that in a few days.

Then on Wednesday I have been invited to a pot luck dinner at a friend's house. Just think, three of four days, and I don't have to even think about cooking supper (except I will make my signature deviled eggs).

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

Saturday, Early Afternoon

It has been so difficult to get any inside work done lately. It must be close to 70 degrees, with bright, sunny skies right now. Neighbors are strolling down the lane with their dogs, or stopping to sit on the steps and chat. Lachlan is running around tossing water balloons. Molly is taking a fiddle lesson from David, and the music is wafting across the yard.

It is just too nice to sit here at the computer and type a blog, so I'll bid you adieu, and go back outside to enjoy the day.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

Who'da Guessed?

Jude here. Last evening when Frank and I were getting in the truck in front of the Hemp Shop which is next door to Village Craftsmen, Woody Billings and his friend Terry ( hope that's the correct spelling) and her beautiful dog with a french name I can't remember stopped us. Woody said , "Jude how come there wasn't a blog today?" Well you could have knocked me over. As I sputtered an excuse I realized that quite a few folks must read our blog, even here on the island. That is neater than you know what... It feels so great having a connection with people who love the island. I'm a very down to earth person, much more so than Philip I believe. I have animals, I garden, I have a scotch every evening when I get home and I weep at sad things. Philip is much more sophisticated but we both have stories to tell. Right now I'd like to tell you that Jaren has been working sooooo hard on our website and is doing a great job. We have a lot of wonderful new things that I have found for the shop and she is getting them on the website as fast as she can. So have a look at the site and be sure and come in when you're here. Life is good, life is exciting. Have a great weekend!

Anniversary and other things......

Today, May 14th marks the umpteenth anniversary of my moving to Ocracoke many years ago. I came on my own but soon our sons Matty and Travis and finally Frank, my husband, followed. I told them, guys, I have found HOME! And indeed it has been a good one with great neighbors , save one or two. Living on Ocracoke is not easy and not for everyone but for the few of us it's close to heaven. It's hard to believe the years have gone so quickly...whew what a reality check. Later today our first summer employee arrives from Vermont. Her name is Ally or Allie ( not sure ) and her Mom and I have been friends for years. She'll live in the famous Gypsy Wagon out back of the shop and so her "Ocracoke Odyssey" will begin. Philip and Jaren and I spent some time yesterday making the wagon "homey" and welcoming. Today I'll pick a bouquet of roses and jasmine to put on her table and maybe take her out to dinner after her long journey. It'll be good to have her here.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

Fall in May

The temperature has dropped twenty degrees...and it's windy. It sure feels like fall. But we all know it's just temporary. Unfortunately, one of my jobs for today is to power wash the outside shower behind the Village Craftsmen. I'm not looking forward to it, but we have a new summer employee coming tomorrow, and I want to clean things up around here.

We apologize for not posting these last several days. As Jude mentioned last week, we've been very busy. Among the many things going on was the annual Memorial in honor of all of the men and women who were killed protecting our shores in WWII, and especially the crew of the HMT Bedfordshire that was sunk offshore on May 11, 1942. As many of our readers know, four of these sailors are buried on Ocracoke in the British Cemetery. The Memorial is always a moving experience.


Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

A Quick Thank You

Philip and I have been very busy today with projects we just can't put off any longer. I'm sure you all have some of those too. They're the kind that , when finally done, make you feel so darn good. We'd like to thank those who take the time to comment on our blog. We don't always have time to answer but we do read them. As far as the election results, we respect everyone's opinion and therefore will express none of our own. As far as ANY of the candidates
being Ocracoke kind of people? Not so much. Storm comin', gotta run.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

Election Results

Just thought many of our readers would be interested in knowing how the Ocracoke Democratic Primary turned out:

Hillary Clinton won with 143 votes. Barack Obama had 133.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

Elizabeth II

I was sitting on the porch of the Community Store yesterday evening, chatting with Fowler & Chloe, when Amy stopped by with Lachlan. Other neighbors and friends came by also. About 6:30 Peggy stepped onto the porch with the news that the Elizabeth II was on its way to Silver Lake, and would be arriving in about 15 minutes.

According to their official website, http://www.roanokeisland.com/index.php?name=eii, the "Elizabeth II is a composite design of a 16th-century ship and is named after one of the seven vessels that sailed the ocean when Sir Walter Raleigh first brought colonists to Roanoke Island in 1587."

Although the Elizabeth II was not under sail, she was still an impressive sight. I didn't have my camera, but I rode my bike down to the dock this morning and got a picture.

You can click the image to see a larger version.




Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

Too Funny...

...to keep to myself:

This evening at a backyard cookout one of my neighbors offered what he called "perhaps the most notable tourist comment" that he'd ever heard. It seems that someone was visiting the Preservation Society Museum several days ago and walked up to the clerk with this question: Do you folks have complete gynecological records for all of the historic families on the island?

Please don't ask what the clerk's reply was. I don't know what it was, but I am certain it was not as noteworthy as the question.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

Bits & Pieces

Another beautiful day is dawning! Temperatures are predicted to be in the mid 70s today, with bright sunshine. It has been lovely like this for several days.

For those of our readers who are not on the island, the annual Ocracoke fishing tournament is winding down. The island is overflowing with anglers and their families. I learned last night that one team caught a 48"blue fish, possibly a world record (?). It was recorded for the tournament, but I understand it was released before it could be properly documented for any other honors. At least a number of others saw the fish and can vouch for its size. Maybe one of our readers has more details (or even a photo).

Look for upcoming news about the annual British Cemetery celebration next week, the Memorial Day Firefighter's Ball, and the June Ocrafolk Festival. It's not too early to plan a trip to the island to take advantage of these events.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

Grand Re-opening

At 6 o'clock this morning Leonard was on the porch of the Community Store plucking on his banjo. As the day progressed there was a steady stream of folks (old-timers, new-timers, frequent visitors, first-timers) walking through the doors, complimenting the new storekeepers, James & Susan Paul -- and making purchases.

James & Susan have injected new life not only into the store but also into "downtown" Ocracoke. What a delight to see so many smiling faces as people purchased eggs, milk, fresh produce, canned goods, cereal, ice cream, beer, and wine.

And, as in the past, natives and visitors alike stopped to sit in the rockers or on the bench on the porch. Before long I expect to see old men chatting and carving birds again.

Stop in and support the re-vitalized Community Store. It truly is a community store!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

Blanche O'Neal Styron

The Ocracoke Methodist Church was packed yesterday afternoon for the funeral of Blanche O'Neal Styron. (For regular readers of this journal, please note that this is NOT my cousin Blanche who lives across the lane on Howard Street.)

Blanche Styron was born in 1922. She and her husband David moved north after they were married, but returned to their island home in the early 1960s. For many years Blanche was the driving force behind the Methodist Church and the Ocracoke School. She was outspoken and forthright, but I never knew a person who was offended by her frankness. She always told it like she saw it, but was never judgmental. It was OK if you disagreed with her. She'd let you know exactly where she stood, but she never shunned you or disowned you if you didn't agree with her. As so many people said during the funeral, she was a delight to be around, because she always tempered her 0pinions with good humor. After the funeral Ernest Cutler, former school principal, remarked that he often heard this from Blanche when she was president of the PTA: "I'll need three volunteers...you, you, and you!" We all agreed that a building at the school or the church should be named after Blanche. So much that was accomplished here on the island in the '60s, '70s, & '80s we owe to Blanche.

As so often happens here on the island, Blanche died at home with her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren by her side.

The last time I visited with her she kept me entertained for more than an hour with stories and tales from long ago. I treasure every moment I spent with her. If only we all could be so forthright!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

Good News

According to island chatter (and a notice on the chalkboard, I'm told) the Community Store is scheduled to reopen at 6 a.m. on Thursday, May 1. Island native, James Paul, and his wife, Susan, are leasing the building and will be running the business. The outside of the building has been repaired, restored, and repainted. It really looks good. I have not been inside yet, but those who have, report that it looks terrific. I'll be there Thursday morning, of course, and will give a report myself (maybe even with a few photos). If you don't live on the island, be sure to stop by on your next visit. The freshly painted pizer (porch) is there, inviting you to sit down and enjoy a relaxed few minutes (or more) chatting with folks.

In case you missed it earlier, I have published a history of Ocracoke's general stores (with a focus on the Community Store) in our September, 2006 Ocracoke Newsletter.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

Molasses Creek & Garison Keillor

Fiddler Dave and Gary Mitchell left this afternoon, headed to Greenville, NC. They will be opening for Garrison Keillor's show, "Lake Webegone Days" tomorrow evening at the Wright Auditorium on the East Carolina University Campus. This is part of the S. Rudolph Alexander Performing Arts Series.

The performance starts at 7:30 p.m and I understand it may only be available to SRAPAS subscribers. This may not be accurate information, so if you are interested in attending please check the following web site, East Carolina SPARAS Website or call 328-4788 for more details. Tickets are $20 to $45.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

A Rose is a Rose...

This morning I was greeted by this beautiful rose in my yard. Just thought I'd share it with all of our island friends. Enjoy.



Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

Morning Adventure

I missed most of the rain. I was off-island for much of the last several weeks, but Amy (and just about everyone else on the island) told me how wet it's been. I did get back home last Friday and was able to get to the Portsmouth Island Homecoming (see the link at the bottom of this post) on Saturday. Luckily, the weather on Saturday bordered on perfect. But then it rained again the next several days, sometimes in torrents. Everything is still wet outside, but it's slowly drying out.

Right now it is bright and sunny with temperatures in the low 70s. It was the perfect day to take a little adventure with Lachlan. We wandered down sandy paths, stopped to look at a turtle (I didn't recognize the species), played in the sand, found our way to the water's edge, & discovered a hermit crab. Lachlan decided to explore the woods on his own and I let him go. Barefooted, he climbed over branches, logs, and thickets, then disappeared down a narrow path. I thought he'd be right back, but he wasn't, so I set out after him. He was nowhere in sight. I called out, only to hear a quiet lament: "I've lost my way."

So we scrambled back to a convenient spot and ate a banana.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.

Portsmouth Homecoming

We have published our latest Ocracoke Newsletter, an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming, Honoring the Life Savers. To read the newsletter, see many photos, and follow links to Friends of Portsmouth Island, just click on the photo below:

Oh, No!

Saturday morning Amy, David, Lachlan, and I, along with other family, friends, and many others lined up on the floating dock at the National Park Service Visitors Center waiting for a ride to Portsmouth. Lachlan was looking forward to his very first visit to the island. Many times we had looked at distant Portsmouth from the shore of Springer's Point. This would be an exciting adventure!

Several boats were running back and forth, ferrying hundreds of folks to the island for homecoming. As one boat would load and head for Portsmouth, another would soon be pulling up to the dock to take another group.

Three-year-old Lachlan, of course, was unaware of the grand plan. We inched our way to the head of the line, but the couple in front of us were the last to board the boat lying along the dock. The captain shoved off and slowly backed away, leaving us standing there with no other boat in view.

It was then that we all heard Lachlan's half-whispered, plaintive moan: "Oh, no!"

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a reprint of the eulogy given at the funeral service for island native Muzel Bryant who died in February at the age of 103. You can read it here.

Honoring the Life Savers

Organizers of yesterday's Portsmouth Island Homecoming estimated that more than 400 people graced the once vibrant village with their presence. The theme of the day was "Honoring the Life Savers." Among the restored Portsmouth Island buildings is the imposing Life Saving Station, one of only a very few of the nation's historic USLSS structures still standing and in pristine condition.

The Station was open to allow visitors access to all of the rooms, including the sleeping quarters (with beds and trunks). But everyone's preferred destination was the tower. Up two steep flights of steps (really permanently installed ladders), the lookout tower afforded a grand view of the village, surrounding marsh and creeks, Pamlico Sound and beyond, and Ocracoke across the inlet.

Outside on the wrap-around porch I felt a special connection to this place as I read my grandfather's name on the list of brave and dedicated surfmen who had served at this station.

Friends of Portsmouth Island put together a program that included a hymn sing at the Methodist Church, brief speeches by representatives of the National Park Service and the US Coast Guard, local music, and a reading of Portsmouth Island history. The highlight of the afternoon was a demonstration of the historic "beach apparatus" and an authentic life saving drill, complete with Lyle gun and breeches buoy.

We'll be posting photos sometime in the near future.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a reprint of the eulogy given at the funeral service for island native Muzel Bryant who died in February at the age of 103. You can read it here.

Portsmouth Homecoming

This Saturday, April 19th is the Portsmouth Island Homecoming. If you've never been it's about time you went. The day always has a magic to it. You can wander the island and easily imagine the way things used to be there and on all of the coastal Carolina islands not so long ago. You'll hear great stories, meet folks you are guaranteed never to forget and the food....non better. Bring your camera, a sense of humor and your appetite ( something to share also). Philip will be going so for those who can't go I'm sure he'll have a tale or two to tell next week. For ferry reservations (private) from Ocracoke to Portsmouth phone Capt. Rudy Austin at 252-928-4361.


Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a reprint of the eulogy given at the funeral service for island native Muzel Bryant who died in February at the age of 103. You can read it here.

Monday Blues (maybe green)

The Village Craftsmen is not open on Mondays this time of year so I took the opportunity yesterday to do a little cleaning and painting. The VC's building has been here for give or take thirty years and I believe that's the last time the front door was painted. A colony of spiders had taken up residence on the front porch and was making for great Ghost Walk ambience. So I dragged out my ladder, bucket, two brooms, paint, hammer, drop cloth, rags, paint brushes, screw driver, stirrrrers, water bottle, grapes and some peanut butter pretzels. I was ready. I brushed and banged, swooshed and swished , sipped and nibbled. Now there are five columns holding up VC's porch roof but only was ever painted. Don't ask...I haven't a clue. So, I repainted it too. It looks swell. The old paint was kind of a yellowy pea green and the new a lovely deep rich green. It looks great on the column and the door, my pants, shirt, hands, left ankle and ahhh yes....my hair. It'll all need a second coat. That will be next Monday's job. I had Frank drive the wrong way down Howard St. on the way home to show him the paint job. Blanche (Howard ) Jolliff was out by the graveyard raking leaves. It was just starting to sprinkle as we stopped to chat a minute. "What are you doing out here working in the rain"? I chided Blanche. She gave me her slow, sweet smile. "Well, you know Jude, as a friend of
mine used to say, there's always something to do around the plantation". I guess that about sums it up.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a reprint of the eulogy given at the funeral service for island native Muzel Bryant who died in February at the age of 103. You can read it here.

Ocracoke Information

Lately I've been receiving a lot of inquiries regarding happenings on the island. The Ghost Walks, the ceremony at the British Cemetary, the Ocrafolk Music Festival , music on the island, who's open when etc.. While we're more than happy to answer your questions, I encourage you to go to the links on our website
www.villagecraftsmen.com
for the Ocracoke Civic and Business Assoc. ,Ocracoke Preservation Society, Molasses Creek and others to get first hand information. We do make the reservations for the Ghost and History Walks here at Village Craftsmen. You can email us at info@villagecraftsmen.com or call us at 252-928-6300 Tues - Sun 10AM-5PM. Tours are scheduled Tuesday and Friday evenings at 7:30 and reservations are recommended. They are great fun. Don't get me wrong, I always enjoy talking or emailing folks but sometimes I just don't have the information you need right at hand. We look forward to seeing you whenever you come during the season. PS The sun is shining today!


Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a reprint of the eulogy given at the funeral service for island native Muzel Bryant who died in February at the age of 103. You can read it here.

"Right Spiffy"

I believe "Spring Spiffing" is in human DNA. I believe it's totally out of our control, like some horrible addiction. But it's not horrible at all, it's fun. Dallie has been painting in the shop and sewing lovely thingys for tables and showcases. Next Monday I'll scrub Village Craftsmens front porch and paint the front door. I bought flowers for the front and wonderful new merchandise for the shop. Jaren is busy putting the new items on our website. Kimberly is working both here and at the Hemp Shop with Frank "spiffing" there. The azaleas, camelias and wisteria in the Hemp Shop yard are breathtaking again this year and if the sun ever comes out again I'm sure they'll be even prettier! The island is humming with sawing and hammering - or is that the rain? And so the work continues, until we can truly say, " My, my don't things look right spiffy".





Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a reprint of the eulogy given at the funeral service for island native Muzel Bryant who died in February at the age of 103. You can read it here.

Black Squall

Black Squall You can read the story here.Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a reprint of the eulogy given at the funeral service for island native Muzel Bryant who died in February at the age of 103. You can read it here.

April Showers

Philip called from Indiana a few minutes ago to tell me how lovely the weather is there today. He is sitting in Lou Ann's back yard reading, in the sunshine. It's been raining here for a week and a half and we're not expecting a break until Thursday. For a person who hangs their laundry outside to dry that is a very serious state of affairs. Frank and I are wearing outfits we haven't worn in years....and for good reason. Actually, with the drought we had last year, the rain is most welcome, even if we do have to roll up our pantlegs, take off our shoes and wade in the driveway to the kitchen steps. It reminds me of when our boys were small and I taught them to wade in puddles. Does that make me a bad mother? Anyhoo...the flowers will be blooming soon enough and the sun shining on the cedars wet with ra
indrops sparkling like diamonds.



Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a reprint of the eulogy given at the funeral service for island native Muzel Bryant who died in February at the age of 103. You can read it here.

Where'd he go now?

The sorrowful moaning of the foghorns woke us this morning early. It was cool yesterday but overnight a front came in, a warm one and with it the sea fog. I thought I heard the Cedar Island ferry leaving early but then thought better of it considering the conditions. I came to work as usual and normally by ten or so Philip and I touch base. He asks whether I have bank or mail to go and we just talk for awhile. About 11:30 I realized , with Jaren's help, that I hadn't heard from him so I called his cell phone and left a message. About an hour later I got a call from him " somewhere" about to get off at an exit on his way to see Lou Ann in Indiana. "I woke up at 5" he said, and thought, "I could leave this morning!" And so he did. I gave him the devil, of course, for not leaving me a note or something but I'm really thrilled that he can just take off when he wants and not worry about Village Craftsmen. He's earned it. And after all, Frank and I did have a wonderful month in Aruba........



Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a reprint of the eulogy given at the funeral service for island native Muzel Bryant who died in February at the age of 103. You can read it here.

Doxsee Clam Factory

We meet the most interesting people here on Howard Street. Yesterday I was called over to the Village Craftsmen and introduced to John & Margie Doxsee. John's great-grandfather was James Harvey Doxsee from Islip, NY. In the early years of the twentieth century (ca. 1900 - 1920) he moved his prosperous clam factory from New York to Ocracoke. Many islanders (all of whom have since died) worked at Doxsee's, which was located across the "ditch" from the old Coast Guard Station (now the NCCAT campus). The factory, which processed and canned clams and clam juice for a national market, moved to Marco Island, Florida after the operation became unprofitable on Ocracoke.

John's cousin, Bob Doxsee, publishes a web site about the family and their clamming businesses. You can read more here. Unfortunately, although he has photos of the clam factories, he does not have Ocracoke photos. However, the Ocracoke Island facility is clearly visible in the 1917 village panorama. You can see that picture in the Village Craftsmen on your next visit.

Maybe I'll do more research and publish a monthly newsletter about Doxsee's sometime soon.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a reprint of the eulogy given at the funeral service for island native Muzel Bryant who died in February at the age of 103. You can read it here.

Camping & ORV Lawsuit

Hello again to all of our readers. This is Philip. I've been off-island for almost two weeks and Jude has been keeping you up to date on island events. I had a last-minute invitation to join Captain Rob sailing on the Schooner Windfall in Florida Bay. We sailed for several days with Rob's son Emmet, and mutual friend, Bill Monticone. Bill & Emmet are still traveling back to Ocracoke on the boat, and I drove Rob's car home. It was a fun mini-vacation. I stopped in central Florida to camp and canoe, and then spent several days on Edisto Island in South Carolina.

On my last camping day I noticed that the "campers" next to me were settled into the largest bus-type RV imaginable. It had four pull-out rooms (two on each side), and two satellite dishes on the roof (with blue lights). They were pulling a vehicle larger than the car I was driving. Meanwhile I was setting up my temporary home, the smallest backpacking tent in the campground. I had neglected to bring a pad or air mattress, so I made do with a flattened cardboard box. I also didn't have a pillow, but I found some bubble wrap that I covered with an old shirt. I could only imagine my neighbors relaxing in their jacuzzi while I walked on the beach or read my latest book, Last Child in the Woods, by candlelight.

Several readers have asked about the recent lawsuit calling for restrictions on ORV use on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. Many others have followed this issue more closely than I have, and a Google search should lead to many articles about it. Irene Nolan, who publishes the Island Free Press, an on-line Outer Banks "newspaper," has written a helpful article. You can read it here: www.islandfreepress.org. The hearing is set for Friday.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a reprint of the eulogy given at the funeral service for island native Muzel Bryant who died in February at the age of 103. You can read it here.

A Return to Quiet

The past two weeks the island was like summer, folks everywhere. But today it has returned to it's lazy day feel. There are just a few folks around and the weather can't make up it's mind what it wants to do. The sun peeps out for a minute and the next it's pouring buckets. Call me crazy but I think that's spring! An old friend I haven't seen in a year or so stopped by and we had time to sit a spell and catch up on news of our friends and families. I hear there's no Bridge ( the card game) tonight so instead of soup and sandwich there'll be time for shrimp. Not a bad trade off.

Crime and Punishment

Excitment on Ocracoke was at a fever pitch yesterday as three shoplifters were apprehended. Kimberly, who works regularly at the Hemp Shop, and is temporarily on loan to VC, recognized them from their misdeeds last summer. Now it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if you steal from a little place like Ocracoke and come back not eight months later and do the same thing that you might just get caught. Just a thought, it might just be me. Most of the business owners on the island were at the Sheriff's Office last evening identifying the vast amount of merchandise these three had made off with right under our noses. My they were good, or bad as the case may be! I believe most all have agreed to press charges and that is as it should be. So kudos to Kimberly, Ocracoke's SUPER SLEUTH and to the Hyde Co
unty Sheriff's Dept. for the great follow through and Ocracoke merchants with the courage to prosecute. It's so easy to say you don't have the time, but then you are letting down you neighbors. BEWARE BAD GUYS! Ocracoke is not the place to ply your evil trades!

Warmth

Today, finally, it is warm and sunny. I've seen so many smiles on the faces of customers. Folks are strolling slowly down Howard Street enjoying this beautiful spring day. The Camillias are in bloom and the Azaleas are just starting to peek out. Maybe I'll check out my garden when I get home this evening to see what's happening there, or maybe a walk on the beach after work would be a better idea, or a cocktail on the back deck. Choices, choices...

Better Late

"Better late than never" as the old saying goes. I hope everyone had a blessed Easter. It was cold some on Ocracoke this Easter. I'm not sure it made it out of the 40's but the sun was bright and warm. The island has been very busy this week. Lots of folks decided to stay for the entire week it seems. It's been quiet for so long it'll take us a bit to adjust to an "almost summer" mode. Jaren is working hard on our website and we'll be adding a lot of new things over the next few months so be sure to check it out.

Beach

Sand castles, fishermen, surfers, frisbee throwers, horse tracks....it's not the quiet winter beach any longer. Not that the beach is crowded. But there are a few more folks out there now that schools are on spring break. There were even youngsters cavorting in the surf yesterday and today. They had to be cold! And I didn't actually see any horses, just the tracks. It really hasn't been beach weather. It's chilly and blustery. But I guess if you're from Canada or some of our northern states it just feels warmer than it really is. As the first line of my college German text put it, "Alles ist relativ." (Everything is relative.)

You can read the eulogy delivered at Muzel Bryant's funeral on our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. Just click here.

Euology

As many of our readers know, Ocraocke's oldest resident, Muzel Bryant, died last month at the age of 103. She had lived with family friend, Kenny Ballance, for a number of years. At Muze's funeral Kenny's brother, Alton, delivered the eulogy. I have reproduced the eulogy as our latest monthly newsletter. It is a moving tribute to a kind and gracious lady. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031508.htm

Sign of the Times

That's what Leonard labeled this photo he took yesterday. That's me with Kimberly, our new Village Craftsmen employee, replacing our worn, weathered, and faded sign at the intersection of Howard Street and NC Highway 12.

John Ferara made these crisp and clean new signs just in time for spring break. So look for them on your next visit and follow them down Howard Street. There you can check out our new offerings for 2008 or pick up something from an artisan you discovered last year.




Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a fun island crossword puzzle. You can view it here.

Old Quawk's Day

March 16 is Old Quawk's Day. I know I'm a few days late, but I just wanted to take this opportunity to share some local history. Old Quawk was an irascible island fisherman who lived in a makeshift hut many years ago. Against all advice he ventured out in his skiff on March 16 as a storm was approaching, and he never returned. For years Ocracoke mariners refused to leave port on March 16. You can read more about Old Quawk here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news040300.htm.

And just so you know...the sound was very rough on Sunday when I traveled to Cedar Island. Robust waves were rolling the ferry from side to side and spray was washing over the bow. I was glad I wasn't in a flat bottom skiff!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a fun island crossword puzzle. You can view it here.

StoryCorps

This weekend I took the ferry to Cedar Island, then drove to Beaufort where I met Karen Willis Amspacher. Karen had invited me to Beaufort to participate in StoryCorps. Many of our readers will know about StoryCorps from National Public Radio. For those who are unfamiliar with this project I quote from their web site, http://www.storycorps.net/:

"StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit project whose mission is to honor and celebrate one another’s lives through listening.

"By recording the stories of our lives with the people we care about, we experience our history, hopes, and humanity. Since 2003, tens of thousands of everyday people have interviewed family and friends through StoryCorps. Each conversation is recorded on a free CD to take home and share, and is archived for generations to come at the Library of Congress. Millions listen to our award-winning broadcasts on public radio and the Internet. StoryCorps is one of the largest oral history projects of its kind, creating a growing portrait of who we really are as Americans."

It was an honor to be part of this project. Kimba & Jenna, both from New York City, had brought the mobile recording studio to the waterfront at Beaufort, and Karen had scheduled several sessions for friends in eastern NC. I made two 40 minute recordings, sharing family and island stories and history.

If a mobile unit visits your area, please consider joining the thousands of other Americans who have given voice to their unique and personal stories.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a fun island crossword puzzle. You can view it here.

Dinner with the Abells

Last night I invited Kitty and Katy and Timmy & Susana Abell over to my house for dinner. The Abells will be performing tonight at Deepwater Theater. I did not know the Abells, but had plenty of food planned. It just seemed like the right thing to do to share my meal with them.

I had been watching Lachlan for several hours and I let him play upstairs while I prepared the meal (pasta salad, broccoli soup, and bread). He joined us at 7 o'clock. The six of us sat around the big Lazy Susan table (one that I purchased years ago from the Sam Jones estate). We chatted about the arts, the island, and Asheville (where the Abells hail from).

It's beginning to feel more and more like the season is upon us.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a fun island crossword puzzle. You can view it here.

More Culture

Last night's improv performance was so much fun. Contrary to what I posted yesterday, this was not an all female group. Actually, there were five or six guys and two gals, all students at Yale. They were full of energy and excitement. And they were clever, too. The audience loved them.

But that's not all. Deepwater Theater is hosting another performance tomorrow night. Susana & Timmy Abell, musicians from Asheville, NC, will be offering Storytelling, Poetry, Puppetry, and Music at 7:30. This is a family concert featuring a variety of musical instruments (many of which you may have seen at Village Craftsmen). Be sure to stop by if you are on the island. This performance is sponsored by the Beaufort County Arts Council, and is free.

Hope to see you there!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a fun island crossword puzzle. You can view it here.

Improv

Tonight at 8 pm a women's theater group from Yale University will be offering a free improvisation performance at Deepwater Theater. So if you are on the island, be sure to stop by for what should be an exciting and fun evening.

Today is just gorgeous. Bright sun and a mildly cool breeze. We opened for the season today at 10 o'clock, but it's still quiet on Howard Street. I did hear that the island is already booked for this weekend, though. If you are planning a trip to the island anytime soon be sure to have motel reservations!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a fun island crossword puzzle. You can view it here.

Opening Soon

Jude is back from a month long vacation in Aruba. And Dallie is busy rearranging the gallery and creating attractive new displays. I've been working on a new rack card, new road signs, and various other projects. It looks like we'll be ready to reopen the doors on Wednesday. Already I've noticed a few new faces in the village. I understand that East Carolina University has spring break this week. I'm sure other schools will not be far behind. And the weather, at least for now, is super. Clear skies, warm temperatures, and gentle breezes. All that on beautiful Ocracoke Island. What more could we want?

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a fun island crossword puzzle. You can view it here.

OPS Exhibit

Several dozen islanders braved wind gusts of more than 40 mph this afternoon to attend the opening of a Preservation Society exhibit in honor of Muzel Bryant, island native who died recently at 103 years old.

In a small community like Ocracoke it's difficult to take in an exhibit like this. Every time I stepped into the room with the photos and other articles I found myself chatting and visiting with friends and neighbors. I never did take it all in. So I suppose I'll just stop by the museum some day all by myself and take the time to look more carefully.

If you weren't able to be there this afternoon please go to the museum at your next opportunity and check out the exhibit. It's downstairs in the sitting room.

By the way, several off-islanders are stranded here overnight since the ferries are tied up at the docks because of the wind.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a fun island crossword puzzle. You can view it here.

What Happened?

I must be losing it. I knew I had not posted anything yesterday, but I guess it's been two whole days! It's hard to believe, but I've been busy -- pot luck dinners (of course), babysitting, Internet orders, visiting, family get-togethers, & painting, among other things.

This morning I'll be attending a Scenic Byways meeting, then getting David's Uncle & Aunt started on one of our new MP3 tours (more about them in another post). Another meeting this afternoon, more babysitting, and then my weekly poker game. Amy & David will be enjoying a progressive gourmet dinner this evening, a benefit for the Ocracoke Youth Center (that's why I am babysitting).

One more thing -- Just to clarify for a reader who left a recent comment (and for any others), there is no bridge to Ocracoke Island. The bridges (plural) that I have mentioned recently are replacements for the ones that have spanned the small island creeks for many years. You will still need to take a ferry to get to Ocracoke (I'm happy to say). Sorry for any confusion.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a fun island crossword puzzle. You can view it here.

Tune In

If you live in North Carolina and can get public television (UNCTV) look for a special program this Sunday featuring the Outer Banks, from Ocracoke south. Rudy Austin and I were both interviewed for this program which I believe did a wonderful job portraying the beauty and special character of the land and people in southeastern coastal North Carolina. The latest press release below gives more details:

“Cruising Carolina: The Lower Banks” to air March 9 on UNCTV

(Raleigh) – March 3, 2008 Break out the deck shoes, slather on the sunscreen then sit back and enjoy as “Cruising Carolina: The Lower Banks” cruises on to UNCTV for an encore presentation at 6:00 p.m. this Sunday, March 9.

“Cruising Carolina: The Lower Banks” is an in depth exploration of the Lower Banks region from Ocracoke to Bogue Inlet. Among the highlights of the program are the story of Ocracoke’s mounted Boy Scout Troop; the haunting tale of the ghost village of Portsmouth Island; a visit to Oriental, the sailing capitol of North Carolina; a nostalgic look at Cape Lookout National Seashore; a visit with a group charged with protecting the wild horses of Shackleford Banks and a look at the traditional craft of wooden decoy carving on Harkers Island.

Produced by BlueWater Media and hosted by renowned cruising guide author Claiborne Young, the EMMY nominated Cruising Carolina is a series of special programs for public television celebrating the inland coastal waters of North Carolina and the communities that dot their shores. Told from a boating and sailing perspective, the series of programs makes the Intracoastal Waterway a “highway” for a boating road trip covering the North Carolina coast from South Carolina to Virginia. Cruising Carolina is designed to spotlight the incredible natural beauty of the area as well as the hidden gem communities of the coastal region, raising the profile of these historic communities and inviting visitors to get off the boat or out of the car and stay awhile.

“Cruising Carolina: The Lower Banks” is produced by BlueWater Media, a full service television and video production company with offices in Raleigh and Danbury, North Carolina. Founded in 1998 to produce lifestyle television programming and corporate video, the company has produced almost forty hours of original television programming for both regional and national cable television networks and public television including the “Maximum Marine”, “American Boater” and “Rev It Up” television series.

The Crystal Coast Tourism Development Authority, River Dunes, ElectriCities of North Carolina, Grand Villas at Indian Beach, Morehead Marine and Emerald Isle Realty have provided support for “Cruising Carolina: The Lower Banks”.

You can find out more about “Cruising Carolina: The Lower Banks” on the web at www.cruisingcarolina.com, or by contacting Theresa Dalton at 919-782-0618.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a fun island crossword puzzle. You can view it here.

Fire Update

On Sunday afternoon the Ocracoke Preservation Society executive committee members met on the front porch to hear an assessment of the damages from last Tuesday's fire. I'll give a brief overview.

Almost certainly the fire was caused by a lightning strike to the flashing around one of the chimneys. Apparently it smoldered for several hours before breaking out through the roof. Luckily the wooden roof was thoroughly saturated by rain water and the fire spread slowly.

The fire department responded immediately after the flames were sighted and 911 was called. Deeana, who was in the building unaware of the situation, was alerted of the danger and fled the building.

Ocracoke's firefighters quickly contained the fire in spite of a steady wind, but the museum sustained some water damage. Although the damage was far less than it could have been, it was not negligible.

Deeana has nothing but praise for the volunteer firemen. For every firefighter working to extinguish the blaze, she says, there were two helping to move the historic artifacts so they wouldn't be damaged by the water. As a result, virtually all of the photographs, documents, papers, quilts, etc. were saved. However there is significant damage.

There is, of course, a hole in the roof that must be repaired, including roof rafters that are charred and even burned all the way through. Wet insulation must be removed from the ceiling, and walls and floors need to be dried out. Some of the telephones and computers are not working, and may be damaged beyond repair. A significant portion of the gift shop merchandise, especially books, was damaged, and paint has begun to peel from walls and ceilings. Preservationists have been contacted for advice about minimizing future damage from mold and mildew.

In addition, virtually every room is in disarray, with books, papers, photographs, and furniture pulled away from walls and piled wherever it was driest.

In spite of all this, officers, volunteers, and employees have been working tirelessly to restore the museum, and reopen the doors. A display honoring Muzel Bryant is even planned for this Saturday, although some of the rooms may be roped off.

OPS has fire insurance, but there is, of course, a sizable deductible. If you would like to contribute to the repair and restoration of the museum you may send checks to:

Ocracoke Preservation Society, P.O. Box 1240, Ocracoke, NC 27960.

Other ways of contacting OPS can be viewed here: http://www.ocracokepreservation.org/id3.html

To become a member click here: http://www.ocracokepreservation.org/id2.html

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a fun island crossword puzzle. You can view it here.

It's the Island Way

What better way to celebrate the reopening of NC Highway 12 (and our brand new bridges) than to have a community pot luck dinner! The Ocracoke Civic & Business Association is hosting the event, which will be held at the Community Center at 6 o'clock pm on Wednesday, March 5. The main course and drinks will be provided by OCBA. Everyone is invited.

Of course, the highway will open officially at 5 pm on Wednesday. I am thinking that so many Ocracokers will drive over the bridges between 5 pm & 6 pm that they'll need to be resurfaced on Thursday!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a fun island crossword puzzle. You can view it here.

Sprucing Up

The days are getting longer, and flowers are bursting forth (see yesterday's post). A new season is quickly approaching. Another sure sign of the coming change is islanders busily putting their homes and businesses in order. As I biked around the village yesterday I noticed local men readying their boats for spring, business owners painting porches and making new signs, and others just messing around in yards and gardens.

Easter is early this year, and spring breaks are spread out over several weeks. And the bridges are scheduled to reopen in a matter of days. It won't be long and Ocracoke Island's months of winter quiet will again meld into a continuing cycle of new activity.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a fun island crossword puzzle. You can view it here.

Changing Seasons

I've noticed tulips popping out of the ground these last several days (a few daffodils were already blooming). This morning I saw my first tulip bursting forth with color. So spring must be on its way. Just thought our readers would enjoy seeing some early signs of growth and new life.




Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a fun island crossword puzzle. You can view it here.

Bridges, Again

I just received official word. The bridge construction project will be essentially finished and NC Highway 12 will reopen to traffic at 5 pm on Wednesday, March 5. It has been a generally easy burden to bear. Essential services have been maintained, and no dire emergency situations have arisen. It was certainly better than the alternative (closing one lane for two eight month periods).

The road will be open in plenty of time for Spring Break/Easter weeks. Let's hope it warms up by then. Nighttime temperatures have been hovering near freezing the last several nights. But it's almost 50 degrees right now.

(I can only imagine the local traffic that will be traversing the bridges Wednesday evening! I'm guessing there will be a steady stream of cars full of folks checking out the finished project.)

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a fun island crossword puzzle. You can view it here.

And the Winner is.....

.....Lynn from South Boston, Virginia.

Congratulations, Lynn, for solving our first ever Ocracoke crossword puzzle, and for being chosen, at random, from among the correct entries. We will be sending you a $25.00 gift certificate that you can use on your next visit to Village Craftsmen.

If you would like to try your hand at the puzzle (or if you already tried it and were stumped) you can see it (and a link to the solution) by clicking here.

Thanks to everyone who gave it a try and sent in their entries. It was fun to create, and I hope you had fun working on it.

Fire

Yesterday afternoon a storm passed over Ocracoke village. A lightning flash pierced the sky and a sudden clap of thunder rattled windows. And then the squall passed quickly by, leaving gray skies and cooler temperatures.

Just before supper Dale stopped me on Howard Street. The Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum had caught on fire, he said. Amy, Lachlan, and I walked down that way. Emergency vehicles with flashing lights surrounded the museum, but everything, we were told, was under control. Fowler and Chloe were there so we stopped to chat. They had seen the flames erupting from the roof. Had much water been pumped onto the building? we asked. Enough to cause damage we supposed. I was concerned about the photos, rare documents, and papers stored in the research library.

Later that evening we learned that the damage appeared to be relatively minor, considering what could have been. The library seems to have been mostly spared.

Speculation is centering around a lightning strike. I'm sure a section of the roof will need to be repaired, and work will need to be done to restore smoke and water damaged areas.

A special word of thanks goes to our volunteer fire department for a job well done in containing and extinguishing the fire. In this small, compact village comprised mostly of wood frame buildings surrounded by trees and thick vegetation, fire is a constant threat and danger. We are all indebted to our fire fighters for their community spirit, competence, and dedication.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a fun island crossword puzzle. You can see it here.

Bridge Photos

Unofficial word today (from the Dare Building Supply driver -- he sits in the cab of an impressive high-wheeled four wheel drive monster of a truck, just perfect for traveling on the beach) is that the contractors are now paving our island bridges. And he and others think Highway 12 will be open again at the end of this week, or early next week. Of course, this is not official information, and weather and other factors will determine exactly when the road is reopened.

You can read reports and see photos of the construction project by clicking here: http://ocracokebridges.com/. Look on the left for the link to "Project Photos."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a fun island crossword puzzle. You can see it here.

Angels & Devils

The surf was rough last week, and the tide higher than usual. Walking along the shoreline I picked up several gifts from the sea. Angel shells are delicate and are often broken by the pounding waves, but I spied two (on different days) lying right at the water's edge.

In the course of the week I also found two devil's pocketbooks. At least that's what we call them. I understand that they are actually skate egg cases. But devil's pocketbook sure seems to describe them well.

And then I was lucky enough to pick up three small scotch bonnets. They are all colored gray or black from their contact with other minerals, but they are at least whole. Maybe I'll come back with another treasure this afternoon.





It's too late to enter our crossword puzzle contest, but you can still try to work out the puzzle by clicking here. I'll publish the winner and the solution on Thursday.

Next Week

Just a quick note to all of our faithful readers. I have a major project that I'll be working on tomorrow (Thursday) & Friday, and then I will be taking the weekend to relax and spend time with Amy, David, & Lachlan. So I'll be enjoying a short break from the journal. I'll be back here early next week. Don't go away!

Muzel Bryant, March 12, 1904 - February 18, 2008

Islanders were saddened Monday to learn of the death of Muzel Bryant. She was less than one month shy of her 104th birthday. A kind and unpretentious woman, Muzel had lived with Kenny Ballance for fourteen years. Muzel was the last of her family to call Ocracoke home. She is survived by two sisters, Mamie in New York City, and Anna Laura in Swan Quarter, NC, and a neice, Mary, who also lives in New York. The funeral will be Saturday.

I would periodically stop by to visit Muze. She always had time to visit, talk about old times on the island, and chat about current events. She had a prodigious memory, and always amazed me by remembering my birthday, my children's birthdays, and practically every other Ocracoker's birthday.

You can read my report of Muze's 100th birthday celebration and some of her family history here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news040604.htm.

Everyone agrees that Muze was an island treasure. She will be greatly missed.

You can read our latest monthly newsletter and try our Ocracoke crossword puzzle by clicking here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021508.htm.

Eclipse

Just in case you haven't heard, we will be treated to a total lunar eclipse tomorrow evening.

Jesse Richuso, writing on the WRAL (a NC based communications company) blog, http://www.wral.com/weather/blogpost/2450283, explains that he is here on Ocracoke this week teaching an astronomy seminar at NCCAT.

This is how he explains the event:

"This is it! The biggest astronomical event of the year: a total lunar eclipse on Wednesday, February 20, 2008.

"The eclipse’s timing is great for east coast skywatchers. The Moon will start to move into the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow at 8:43 p.m. It will slowly be enveloped by the Earth’s shadow until it is totally eclipsed at 10:01 p.m. Totality will last until 10:51 p.m. By 12:09 a.m., it will have moved out of the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow."

So, if you're on the island maybe I'll see you on the beach tomorrow night. It should be spectacular there as long as the clouds stay away. If you are elsewhere on the east coast enjoy the show!

You can read our latest monthly newsletter and try our Ocracoke crossword puzzle by clicking here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021508.htm.

Gray and Overcast

I woke up to wind and rain this morning. Even rumbling thunder rattling the windows. Right now it's gray and wet outside. I wandered over to the Village Craftsmen to process a couple of mail orders and to catch up on a few chores. But I believe I'll go back home at lunchtime and curl up with a good book this afternoon. Might even take a nap!

I've received two entries in our crossword puzzle contest, both from island residents. I hope to hear from more of our readers.

You can see the puzzle and read details by clicking here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021508.htm.

News

On Friday night the Ocracoke Jazz Society gave a free performance at Deepwater Theater. Well, it wasn't exactly free. Everyone was asked to bring a dessert to share. About fifty people came out. Chairs were arranged around tables with red tablecloths and candles. And the show was terrific. Serge (sp?), the band leader, played his clarinet. April was on bass, Lou on dobrow and guitar. Leonard, in red vest, added his banjo to the mix, and Rollin tickled those piano keys. Bobby kept the rhythm with his drums and cymbals. Rachel's voice was mesmerizing, in English as well as in French. It was a truly memorable night of talented entertainment. Rosemary commented to me afterward that she would close her eyes and feel like she was in a jazz club in New York City. Then she'd open her eyes and be happy she was right here on Ocracoke enjoying such splendid music.

In other news, I heard through the gape vine that one of the Cedar Island ferries had mechanical problems a few days ago and ended up on a shoal. Maybe some of our readers can fill in the details about what happened.

And finally, an apology. If you've looked at the crossword puzzle I created (see link below) you may have noticed a mistake. I spelled the capital of the Bahamas incorrectly. Sorry about that. So I filled in 59 across (with Nasau), and now everyone gets one freebie. I hope you'll have fun with the puzzle (and have a chance to win a $25.00 gift certificate). You can see the puzzle and read details at http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021508.htm.

Crossword Puzzle

Some of my friends tell me that I "have too much time on my hands." They may be right. For the last several days I have been working on the creation of an Ocracoke Island crossword puzzle. And now it's finished. It was a lot of work!

I uploaded it last night as our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can see it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021508.htm. I hope many of our readers will enjoy working on it. As an added incentive, send me your completed puzzle (full instructions are on the puzzle page) and we will choose, at random, from among the correct replies one winner who will receive a $25.00 gift certificate to the Village Craftsmen.

Have fun!

Happy Valentine's Day!

It's sunny and cheery today, though on the cool side, and windy. But looking out my window, the sunlight highlighting the white picket fences, the tree limbs dappled with dancing shadows, and bright pink flowers announcing the lengthening of days, I am reminded of the power of love and kindness and caring. It just looks like Valentine's Day here on the island. If it's gloomy where you live, think of Ocracoke and let that lift your spirits. It won't be gloomy forever. I wish all of our readers a loving day connected with lovers, family, friends, and/or neighbors.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is inspired by an April, 1942 article about the island in The State magazine. You can read it here.

Rain, Wind, Potlucks, & Parties

Well, I did get to the beach yesterday after all. And it's a good thing because forecasters are calling for rain on and off all day today. This morning it was windy and rainy. In my outdoor shower it felt like a minor hurricane. I even glanced up above me once or twice to make sure no tree limbs were about to break and come crashing down on me. I could just imagine someone finding me on the floor of the outdoor shower, water cascading over my naked body, clobbered to death by a cedar branch.

Last night several islanders gathered at the home of Lida & Bill Jones to recognize Darwin Day (he was born February 12, 1809), share a potluck dinner (they're always delicious), and watch the documentary, Flock of Dodos.

And I received more news of island happenings from "The Captain." Here it is:

"Hey Philip, Your blog visitors might be interested in knowing that the Ocracoke Jazz Society is having a party/performance in the Deep Water Theater this Friday (the 15th) from 8pm until. Admission is dessert to share and a supportive attitude. And they said Ocracoke was "dead" in
February...!"

Sounds like a fun evening. Hope to see many of you there!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is inspired by an April, 1942 article about the island in The State magazine. You can read it here.

Visiting

I didn't get to the beach yesterday....and I may not make it today. I've been trying to catch up on Village Craftsmen details during the day, and then I've been paying visits to a few folks whom I haven't seen in a while.

Last week Lou Ann and I stopped in to see Blanche Styron (for our regular readers, this is another Blanche, not my Howard Street cousin). She kept us entertained for about an hour and a half with stories (humorous, historical, and earthy) about her childhood on the island. Then we stopped by to see Fowler and Chloe (Fowler has plenty of classic nautical tattoos and colorful stories to go with them). They're always a delight to spend time with.

Yesterday I walked to Iona Teeter's to chat with her and her son, Wayne. Wayne and I were good buddies when I was a pre-teen. We laughed and carried on until Iona was ready to turn in for the night (it wasn't all that late!). Today I carried some old photos to cousin Blanche so she could identify some of the people for me. I was just in time to prevent her from climbing up onto two cinder blocks (on top of a platform) to check the level in her oil tank. She admitted that she was hard-headed, but agreed to "maybe" call me the next time she's tempted to check her oil.

I'm going to a pot luck dinner tonight, so I'll be lucky to get to the beach this afternoon. But I can't stay away too long.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is inspired by an April, 1942 article about the island in The State magazine. You can read it here.

Trypanophobia

I went to the clinic for some routine blood work this morning. I am trypanophobic (I have a fear of needles). The nurse told me I was a #10. (It even gives me the creeps to write about needles!)

Anyway, we got to talking about a whole generation of Ocracokers who are afraid of needles, thanks to island nurse of the 1950s & 1960s, Kathleen Bragg. Here's how Alton Ballance tells it in his book, Ocracokers:

"We came to fear Wednesdays, the day that she spent at school. Wednesdays also became known as 'shot days.' High school boys would circulate rumors Wednesday morning, and sometimes the evening before, that a 'new batch of shots' was in. The younger ones were continuously reminded about the time she supposedly broke off a needle in a student's arm. High absenteeism was not uncommon on Wednesdays."

I heard that one student, on being sent to Kathleen, ran out of school. Her parents never caught up with her until they got to the campground!

OK, enough. Now I'll go home and try to forget everything I just wrote.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is inspired by an April, 1942 article about the island in The State magazine. You can read it here.

Books & Puzzles

I don't think I'll be lying in the dunes reading a book this afternoon, like I was yesterday. It's cooler today, and breezy. So I guess I'll just take my usual walk (with hooded sweatshirt).

I certainly have been getting a lot of reading done this past week. I haven't finished Warped Passages yet, about particle physics and string theory (it's not a book to race through), but I did read The Devil in Massachusetts, written about fifty years ago about the Salem witch trials. I was reminded how vigilant we need to be to keep from being caught up in irrational thinking.

I've read several other books, including Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar, Understanding Philosophy Through Jokes. It's probably the most entertaining book on Philosophy I've ever read! This morning I started Water for Elephants.

Oh yeah, I've also been doing crossword puzzles. It's quiet on the island in February!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is inspired by an April, 1942 article about the island in The State magazine. You can read it here.

Bridge Replacement Project

Many people have been asking about the eight million dollar Ocracoke bridge project, and wondering what sort of progress is being made. You can go right "to the horse's mouth" as they say, and get the latest official information here: http://www.ocracokebridges.com/. On that page is a link to the latest Progress Report. I have copied the link here: Detailed Construction Progress Report.

As of February 01, 70% of the project was complete, including 100% of the substructure on all but one of the bridges. The decks on the completed sections were 90%-95% completed. I assume they are just waiting to lay the asphalt.

It looks like it won't be long before Highway 12 is again open to traffic. We'll let you know as soon as it is.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is inspired by an April, 1942 article about the island in The State magazine. You can read it here.

Ruts in the Ramps

This afternoon I decided to take my walk on the beach down by the NPS campground. I was interested in seeing how "tore up" the beach was because of the bridge construction detour. I'd heard that there were deep ruts made by large delivery trucks.

I didn't try to drive my AWD Subaru across the beach (it doesn't have much clearance), but the ramp didn't look too bad to me. Of course, there are ruts, and they're fairly deep, but several pickup trucks and SUVs managed without any problems. A utility truck pulling a worker's trailer did get stuck, but the towing service was there within minutes and pulled him out with little trouble.

I don't know what the other ramp (by the Pony Pen) is like. I've heard it's worse, but I don't really know.

The long necks of four cranes were visible from the campground, but I could see only minor activity -- just one front end loader and a couple of dump trucks there.

I turned and walked south, away from the construction zone. The sun was bright and cheery today, and the temperature (60 degrees) perfect for a shirt-sleeve stroll on the hard-packed sand near the water.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is inspired by an April, 1942 article about the island in The State magazine. You can read it here.

Museum

This past Saturday Lou Ann and I drove to the Raleigh/Durham airport. Along the way we stopped in Belhaven to get a bite to eat and to take a look at the River Forest Manor, an historic inn near the water. We're thinking about taking a short trip over there sometime in the spring, and I was telling Lou Ann how nice it would be to stay at the RFM for a night or two. It's just our style.

While walking down the street I remembered the museum in Belhaven, and decided to take Lou Ann there for a short visit. It was easy to locate. On the second floor, above the police station, it sports a bright blue door at street level. Hours: 1-5 every day but Wednesday. It was 4 o'clock.

Just inside the door was an antique, rusted piece of equipment. I can't remember exactly what it was. We turned and walked up the wide wooden staircase. In a windowed office at the top of the stairs, a couple of steps higher than the main floor, a man (the curator? a volunteer? the phantom of the museum?) watched our ascent. When we reached the top and turned to step into the museum he was standing on the step that leads up to his perch, staring at us.

Glancing around at the tables and shelves, it looked as if no one had ventured into this dreary, dusty cavern for ages, but the guest book actually showed that three others had visited earlier that very day.

"So do you work here every day?" Lou Ann inquired of our host in her cheery voice.

"No."

"Oh, you share your job with other folks then?

"No."

After an uncomfortable pause, "Oh, that's right, you're closed on Wednesdays."

In a slow, almost macabre, drawl came the reply, "That's the other possibility."

There wasn't much chance of further conversation so we signed the guest book and began our self guided tour. Mrs. Way had collected things all of her life, and as the word spread friends, relatives, and neighbors gifted her with more and more unusual items. When she died in the early 1960s most of the paraphernalia she had gathered was taken here. The Belhaven Museum was established. There is no theme. It's very eclectic. Whatever Mrs. Way saved, you can view here. It appears that everything is exactly as it was when the museum first opened. Except for the dust and the ravages of age. Yellowed and brittle handmade signs are pinned to dolls, or taped to glass cases, or propped up in front of ninety year old helmets, or tied to ancient cast iron implements.

One of the first exhibits is a huge dress, somber and fragile, attacked by moths, or disintegrating simply because of old age. It was worn by a 700 pound woman, we are informed.

Nearby are buttons. Buttons on cards affixed to the wall, buttons that create a map of the US, every state a different color. Buttons that create a map of NC, every county a different color. Buttons in jars. Buttons, buttons, buttons.

There are old typewriters, vintage cameras, WWI uniforms, a section of a satellite retrieved after it crashed to earth, rattlesnake skins and rattles, and top hats & baby prams. There are jars of specimens in formaldehyde. An eight-legged fetal pig, sharks, fish, a lamb, and even human fetuses. Behind them hangs an amber-hued hundred year old skeleton, with jaw agape, staring into the dingy aisle.

One wall is covered with old-time kitchen utensils. Only one item is labeled. "Meat Cleaver." Why only this one item? I'm reminded of an Alfred Hitchcock movie. On the adjacent wall are shelves full of canning jars filled with vegetables (green beans were popular with Mrs. Way), fish (hard to imagine this was appetizing even back in 1960), and other slowly disintegrating foodstuffs.

Old magazines and books are in a small room a few steps up; a dusty pile lies forlornly on what appears to be a psychiatrist's couch. Not a comforting sign. There are copies of a button collecting journal. Who would have guessed?

We wander about intrigued by the arrowheads, carvings, baby clothes, farm implements, and dressed-up fleas (thoughtfully there's a magnifying glass laid nearby).

We don't have time to take it all in. We'll be back.

If you happen to be traveling by Belhaven take the business route into town and ask about the museum. Anyone there can direct you. Every day but Wednesday, 1-5. And don't even ask if he works there every day. Just smile and keep your eye on the exit.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is inspired by an April, 1942 article about the island in The State magazine. You can read it here.

Jokes

Ocracoke is a wonderful place to come home to. I enjoy traveling to other places (though mostly my destination has been Indiana lately), and, of course, I have enjoyed spending time with Lou Ann. But I never dread coming back to the island. Merle was in the post office this morning (the P.O. is often the gathering place for island information). She commented that some off-island friends had asked if she didn't feel "isolated" with Highway 12 virtually closed. Her answer: "Yes, and it feels wonderful!"

Yesterday, coming out of the Variety Store, David Tolson (a former student of mine) pulled me over to the side. He had a joke to tell me. He'd heard it from Grant, the UPS guy. We laughed and chatted, and laughed some more. Sitting there on the bench on the porch (sharing stories and humor) reminded me once again why I like living here so much. (By the way, I can't repeat the joke here, but I can tell it at poker on Friday night.) Last week Lou Ann commented on the special closeness and sense of community and shared history she always feels when on the island. I suppose it really is different here, in many ways.

In other news, as they say, yesterday's post garnered two comments.

The first: "Island eccentrics, eh? You'll have to share with the rest of us." Well, it's a tad impolitic to share too much in a public forum when you live in such a small village. I suggest you just hang out around the locals to get to know some of these folks yourselves. From this reader's comment, he or she is well on the way to having plenty of colorful stories.

The second: "How is the bridge replacement project going?" I have no official word, but rumor has it that all is proceeding more quickly than expected. One unofficial source mentioned the end of this month, another claimed the middle of this month, as the time when the road might be reopened. I'm told they are working on the last two bridges (over Old Hammock Creek, and Island Creek, near the campground). I understand that final paving will have to wait (for warmer weather, I presume), but that the road will be reopened as soon as possible. In the meanwhile there appear to be very few glitches. Mail, UPS, groceries, gasoline, lumber, and other deliveries keep coming.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is inspired by an April, 1942 article about the island in The State magazine. You can read it here.

An Interesting Day

I really don't know how I can find so much to keep me busy on the island in February when the road is practically closed and the village is so quiet! Well, actually, I've been off the island for a few days. Went to Raleigh to see Lou Ann off at the airport on Sunday. But we left on Saturday in order to get there on time (her flight was Sunday morning). We stopped in Belhaven on the way and toured the museum there. That is a very peculiar attraction, and I'll tell you more about that on another day, I promise.

I stayed an extra day in Carboro, NC to visit a close island friend (who is having some medical treatments at Duke) and her husband. I was reminded of how important our community is to all of us, and how supportive islanders are when friends and neighbors need each other.

Back home today I made a point of going to the beach. A thick wet fog had enveloped the island most of the day and kept ferries tied up at the docks periodically. Visibility on the beach was about the length of a football field. The gun metal gray sky and the slightly darker ocean, punctuated by churning whitecaps, blended seamlessly into each other to create a surreal seascape.

This afternoon I cooked up a delicious pot of broccoli soup, so I invited three friends over. We filled our bellies, then repaired into the parlor to chat about politics and island eccentrics who have passed through our tiny village.

It's been a good day.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is inspired by an April, 1942 article about the island in The State magazine. You can read it here.

NCCAT

Yesterday Lou Ann and I hosted a Murder Mystery for the two dozen teachers who were on the island this week for a "Mystery" seminar. We met at 3 o'clock at Deepwater Theater where Lou Ann explained the afternoon's activities. Scripts were handed out and everyone received a part -- actors, sound effects person, distributors of clues, etc. The actors got costumes (a hat, a pipe, suspenders, an apron, or some other indicator of their role). And the show was on!

After every vignette the teachers gathered in small groups to examine clues. Eventually there was a trial. But no verdict was offered. It was time to head back to the NCCAT center for a delicious dinner (Lou Ann & I had the flounder). After dinner we gathered in the seminar room to complete the trial....and then to examine the last clue, an encoded confession. Finally one group cracked the code. The murderer was exposed!

What a good time we all had. If you are a teacher in a NC public school consider applying for a week seminar at the Ocracoke campus of NCCAT (North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching). You won't be disappointed!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is inspired by an April, 1942 article about the island in The State magazine. You can read it here.