Photos to Share

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

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

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

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

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

Lou Ann, Philip, Al, & Linda:




Soul Brothers, Philip & Al:




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



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

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

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Hanukkah on Ocracoke

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

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

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

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

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

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Doasted Right

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Happy Holidays

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

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

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

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

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

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Winter Solstice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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December Newsletter

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

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

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Christmas Photos

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

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





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

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Christmas Tree

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

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

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

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

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Flat Cat Cafe

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

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

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

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

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Deer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Winter News

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

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

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

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

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

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Busy Weekend

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

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

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

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

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Tis the Season

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

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

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

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

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

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Tom Franks

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

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

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

"Tom Franks."

"Who's your mate?"

"Rob Hanks."

"What's your cargo?"

"Pine Planks."

"Where are you coming from?"

"Pasquotank."

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

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

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Castles of Snow and Other Interesting Ideas

Dear Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lou Ann

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

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A Gift for Ocracoke

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

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

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A Long Post!

Recently Bob MacKinnon, a faithful reader of our Ocracoke Journal, posted a comment (see journal entry for Monday, November 28) about a letter I wrote to the editor of one of our island newspapers. Because most of our readers have probably not read the article I was responding to, or my reply to it,I will include them both in today's post. (And perhaps you will be reminded that the Ocracoke community is diverse and has no shortage of folks who think about things.)

From the November 4, 2005 issue of "The Ocracoker" ("A Pastor's Perspective" by Sam Garris, pastor of the Ocracoke Assembly of God):

"Hello once again. This is Pastor Sam. Just wanted to share a few thoughts this week about Halloween. Now before you go judging me and saying oh here he goes condemming Halloween, just hear me out. I want to share some background with you, then let you make up your mind concerning this once-a-year event. Halloween is deeply imbedded in the Celtic feast of Samhain (saw-wee). The Druids believed that during this event there was a releasing of evil spirits, witches, and demons that would go throughout the country-side terrorizing and picking on innocent people. In order to prevent such attacks, those individuals would wear costumes in hopes that the evil spirits would pass them by. Sound crazy? Well, in our culture, we send our children out to strangers' homes dressed in costumes representing ghosts, Harry Potter, monsters and superheros....Early Christions had a response for this pagan event and on Oct. 31 they proclaimed it 'All Hallows Eve,' from which we get our word 'Halloween.' Then, on the following day, Nov. 1,it was named 'All Hallow's Day,' which was a celebration of all 'The Hollies' -- those people who had died faithfully honoring the name of Jesus Christ. I did not grow up on Ocracoke as a child where families knew one another and could trust each other enough to allow their children to go throughout the neighborhood. We were watched vary closely and our candy was scrupulously analyzed for razor blades or other objects that could harm us. Just be careful not to allow this night to cloud your judgment, and remember that this is a pagan holiday when satanic oppression is at its hightest peak...."

My letter to the editor follows:

"In the November 4, 2005 issue of the "Ocracoker" Sam Garris, pastor of the Ocracoke Assembly of God, shares several comments about the origins of Halloween. I have no reason to doubt that he is correct that this holiday is 'deeply imbedded in the Celtic feast of Samhain,' and that ancient pagans such as the Druids were instrumental in popularizing this festival.

"However, I submit that this is no good reason to shy away from our present-day Halloween celebrations. I know of nothing to suggest that islanders decked out in colorful costumes are reenacting pagan rituals or succumbing to 'satanic oppression.'

"Mr. Garris wisely acknowledges that Ocracokers know one another and trust one another, and seems to recognize that trick-or-treating itself is a harmless late-October activity.

"Were we to abandon the contemporary and wholesome practices of trick-or-treating, our Halloween Carnival, or our spook walk, we would seem logically bound to abandon Christmas and other popular celebrations as well. Many are also deeply imbedded in ancient pagan practices.

"Robert M. Price, in his book _The Incredible Shrinking Son of Man_ points out that December 25 'coincides with a major holiday celebrated throughout the Roman Empire, Brumalia, the eighth and greatest day of the Feast of Saturnalia. It was the (re-)birthday of the sun god Mithras...,a very ancient deity....'

"There is little doubt that December 25 was chosen as the date to celebrate the Nativity, not because there was any reliable history to link it to Jesus' birth date, but because it was already recognized as the sun god's birthday in many places, including Egypt, Persia, Phoenicia, Greece, and Germany.

"As Price comments, 'So might December 25 have been the birthday of Jesus? There's about one chance in 365.'

"Let's not fall victim to alarmist statements about the connection between our contemporary celebrations and ancient pagan festivals. We make of these practices what we will. I see no reason to be alarmed that Halloween, Christmas, Easter, or any other festival is evil just because it may have an historical connection to an ancient non-Christian feast day.

"It's time to just enjoy our holidays, using them as touchstones to celebrate our faith, our commitment to family and friends, and our love of our unique and special community."

I might point out that most, if not all, reports of random poisonings and razor blades in Halloween candy are urban legends.

One of the best sources for information about urban legends is http://www.snopes.com/. Specific information about purported Halloween mischief can be viewed here: http://www.snopes.com/horrors/poison/halloween.asp.

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

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The Peacefulness of the Old Slough

My husband and I live on the southwest side of the island ( I think) though it may be southeast. Ocracoke is so turned around it's hard to tell. Anyway, we live on the Old Slough which flows off of Teachs' Hole. It's rather remote and we have many kinds of birds and waterfowl, animals and marine life that live "with" us. When I get up in the morning and go out on the deck sometimes there are as many as twenty or thirty great white egrets , smaller white egrets, great blue herons and various other herons in front of the house. We also have many kinds of geese and ducks,turtles, otters, crabs, kingfishers, schools of small menhaden and so many more creatures. At sunset, the doves fly into the cedar grove across the creek to settle in for the night ,the soft sound of their cooing and rustle of wings always comforting of an evening. Even in the bustle of summer we can go home and it seems as if we are alone on the island except for our creature friends. I have a lot of stories about them. Perhaps I'll have a chance to share some of them with you sometime.

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

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Another Summer Day

Did you ever have have the feeling that the other shoe was going to drop? Our weather has been so incredibly warm and beautiful this fall that it makes one a little antsy. As we were sitting outside enjoying our lunch today I mentioned to Frank that it it was another lovely summer day. He just shook his head and chuckled. It can't last forever, we know that, but what a wonderful gift at the end of November!

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

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Concert a Success

The Ocrafolk fundraising concert was a huge success on Friday night. Thanks to all who supported it...audience, bakers, musicians, volunteers!!! The list of homemade baked goods was extensive and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone! The entertainment was fabulous as always. The concert has primed us for events that will happen over the next couple of weeks...
Wassail party at the Preservation Society Museum, Ocrafolk Christmas concert and Jimmy's Garage party to name a few.

It's warmed up a lot today...makes you want to run barefoot on the beach. If you're shivering in a cold climate, just close your eyes and pretend you're here with us.

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

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