Downpour

I just looked at the radar online, and saw some serious showers headed our way. We need the rain, so it's fine by me. The wind has been increasing all day, so I hope the power stays on, at least long enough for me to post this bl






Just kidding! The power is still on, at least for the moment. :) I love thunderstorms at night, when you can really see the lightning and the sounds of rumbling thunder off in the distance and raindrops hitting windows and skylights provide a lovely natural white noise by which to sleep. That sound just started, so ... (yawn) ... good night!

Sleep well, wherever you are...

Pile of sand?

This morning, as I drove onto the beach, I saw what I thought was a pile of sand. I idly considered it, wondering why someone would just pile up sand and how early they had been there to do so (it was near the water's edge, so I knew it had been done that morning before I arrived, since it wouldn't have survived high tide overnight). After a few seconds, I thought nothing more of it. I parked near it and proceeded to do my Bible study and reading (that's what I do every morning on the beach, so if you've ever seen me and wondered why I stay in the car so long and what I stare at so intently in my lap, now you know!)



Once I finished my reading, I got out of the car to walk to the water as I usually do, and that's when I discovered that the pile of sand was not merely a pile of sand after all.



I loved the detail of the tongue piercing...so funny!

Then I reflected on this for a minute and realized something. Often you need to look at a "pile of sand" in your life from a different angle to truly see it, and to realize that it's not what it originally seemed...indeed, it may be better than you initially thought, and if you don't take the time to look at it from that other angle, you may never know the good that is there. I needed that reminder, so I'm thankful to whoever sculpted this particular pile of sand.

Darkness

I volunteered at Bingo last night, and coming home on my bike I realized how very dark it was. I guess there was very little moon, plus it was overcast, further limiting the amount of light which came through to the street. Luckily, I didn't have far to go, but it was a bit nerve wracking anyway, specifically because I was on my bike, making me afraid that I would run into someone before either of us saw each other. My solution? I whistled, so people would hear me coming. It worked, too (I didn't run into anyone on my way home, and I did see several people going the other direction on their bikes).

One of my fellow Bingo volunteers, Lou Ann, didn't fare as well on her way home in the dark. She tripped going up the stairs at the school (cutting through from the Firehouse to School Road), and broke her arm. Ouch!

Here's an odd truth about darkness on the island: one of the darkest spots in the Village is right by the Lighthouse! Of course, that's because the light shines straight out, not down, and is 75 feet above the roadway, but it's still a little ironic in my opinion.

I recently learned that the area near the Lighthouse will be even darker than usual for a while, starting some time soon. The interior of the structure is being renovated, and the work will include turning off the light for about two months, a fact which makes me slightly sad, even though that does not make logical sense in any way since I am not a mariner and therefore don't need it for navigation. I guess I need it for emotional equilibrium...or something like that!

Hope it's not too dark, wherever you are!

Jingle shells

No, "Jingle Shells" is not the name of an island version of the Christmas tune. It's what happens when you stand quietly at the water's edge on a relatively empty beach, and listen closely as the waves roll in over this:



When the shells roll over each other in the motion of the water, they sometimes make a lovely jingling sound. There is actually a particular type of shell which is called jingle, because it is especially good at making the sound, but any bunch of small shells will do it under the right conditions. It's lovely beach music.

Rainy...and Pub music

There was a light but steady rain falling for most of the day today. It was welcome in terms of my garden, but the persistent overcast grayness of the sky made me sleepy!

I did, however, manage to somehow stay awake long enough to enjoy the first set of Martin and Friends at Howard's Pub. They were excellent, of course, and there were many pub patrons who walked forward (away from the bar and/or their tables) to stand closer so they could hear them...which I think is high praise indeed. There was also one fairly drunk guy who was having a terrific time dancing; he was quite humorous to watch. The pub is a great spot for people watching, and even more so when there's music.

Here are the plans for music at the pub for the next week or so, in case you want to go listen or people-watch.

Karaoke - Thursday July 16 (actually, every Thursday), 9:00 PM
A Good Natured Riot - Friday & Saturday July 17 & 18, 9:30 PM
MULE DOG (Marcy, Lou, David and Gary) - Monday July 20, 8:30 PM

Third annual

The third annual "Women of Ocracoke" Opry show is planned for Saturday July 25th at 8 PM at Deepwater Theater. It's sure to be an entertaining evening of stories, songs, and even painting! (Kitty Mitchell will, as she has the past two years, create a painting during the show.)

This year, it is possible to book tickets in advance, which I recommend as the show has sold out for the past two years. I'll update this post with the phone number to call to reserve your seat as soon as I have it.

Amazing weather

It has been much cooler than usual for July around here recently. Not that it has been cold (or even cool, really), but the temperatures have actually been dropping into the 70s (sometimes even the upper 60s) at night, which is unusual for the middle of summer. The days have been lovely, too, with lower than normal temperatures and little humidity. The weather forecasters are predicting a return to typical July heat next week, so folks have been enjoying this reprieve while it lasts. The beach has been busy most mornings, and almost everyone I see and chat with as I run my daily errands (post office, Community Store, etc.) comments on how wonderful the weather is. It makes me long for fall.

Hope the weather is pleasant wherever you are too...