Jamie and I went to the beach yesterday, theoretically for a swim. It had been windy all day, but I didn't really give that much thought. Until we got there. One look at the whitecaps and crashing waves and we knew it would be a quick dip, not a swim! The current was very strong, creating big holes under my feet as the water pulled away from shore. I kept getting shorter, and I can't afford much of that!
We didn't stay long, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It is always good to touch salt water, especially when it is with friends.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
A travesty
I spent about half an hour walking around the Berkeley Manor property recently, taking pictures of the structures which will soon be gone. Some of the buildings have already been torn down, as you'll see below. This topic makes me sad and angry, and I don't have much nice to say about it, so I'll just let the photos speak for themselves.
Planning
If you have ever been on the island to enjoy the 4th of July festivities, you know that there are many of them! What you may not realize is how many people are involved with the planning to ensure that Independence Day will be fun-filled. I spent just a few minutes thinking about it today, and came up with a list which included half a dozen individuals and several island organizations. And I'm sure there are others I don't even know about! If you're here to enjoy the activities this year, and you know or see any of the organizers, please say thank you.
Here's what's planned for Independence Day 2008:
9 AM-FLAG RAISING CEREMONY on School Circle, School Road performed by the Ocracoke Boy Scouts
9:30 AM till Noon-ANNUAL SAND SCULPTING CONTEST at the NPS Lifeguard Beach
10 AM till Noon-OCRACOKE PONIES behind the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum
10 AM till 2 PM-CLASSIC CARS on the lawn at the Pony Island Motel Pool area
10 AM till 2 PM-OCRACOKE LIGHTHOUSE open for public viewing-WALKING SUGGESTED, VERY LIMITED PARKING
3 PM-OLD TIME OCRACOKE PARADE-must register by 6 PM July 3rd. Forms may be picked up at the Post Office or the OPS Museum
PARADE ROUTE: Line up on HWY 12 beginning at Captain Ben's Restaurant, follow HWY 12 south, left onto Lighthouse Road, right onto Creek Road, right onto Silver Lake Drive, follow road around Silver Lake Harbor to the OPS Museum.
JUDGING WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ISLAND INN BALCONY.
AT PARADE'S END at the OPS Museum: National Anthem, Entertainment and Awards for parade entrants.
9 PM-FIREWORKS will be located behind the NCCAT Campus. The fireworks can be viewed from many areas in the village, especially around the harbor. The large parking lot by the OPS Museum will be blocked off so WALKING IS SUGGESTED.
Rain date for all events is July 5th.
Here's what's planned for Independence Day 2008:
9 AM-FLAG RAISING CEREMONY on School Circle, School Road performed by the Ocracoke Boy Scouts
9:30 AM till Noon-ANNUAL SAND SCULPTING CONTEST at the NPS Lifeguard Beach
10 AM till Noon-OCRACOKE PONIES behind the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum
10 AM till 2 PM-CLASSIC CARS on the lawn at the Pony Island Motel Pool area
10 AM till 2 PM-OCRACOKE LIGHTHOUSE open for public viewing-WALKING SUGGESTED, VERY LIMITED PARKING
3 PM-OLD TIME OCRACOKE PARADE-must register by 6 PM July 3rd. Forms may be picked up at the Post Office or the OPS Museum
PARADE ROUTE: Line up on HWY 12 beginning at Captain Ben's Restaurant, follow HWY 12 south, left onto Lighthouse Road, right onto Creek Road, right onto Silver Lake Drive, follow road around Silver Lake Harbor to the OPS Museum.
JUDGING WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ISLAND INN BALCONY.
AT PARADE'S END at the OPS Museum: National Anthem, Entertainment and Awards for parade entrants.
9 PM-FIREWORKS will be located behind the NCCAT Campus. The fireworks can be viewed from many areas in the village, especially around the harbor. The large parking lot by the OPS Museum will be blocked off so WALKING IS SUGGESTED.
Rain date for all events is July 5th.
Pot luck surprise
We hosted a pot luck last night at our house, which Philip Howard thought was a housewarming, but everyone else invited knew was actually a surprise retirement party for him. The guests started arriving at 6 PM, but Philip had been told that the start time was 6:30. So we were all gathered when he and Lou Ann pulled up on their bicycles. And then the hilarity ensued.
First, everyone got quiet, preparing to yell surprise at Philip. He and Lou Ann came through the front door, into the mud room/foyer, and then seemed to disappear. He had stopped to chat with Merle, so we all waited for several minutes for him to come inside. Finally, he came in and everyone yelled "surprise"! Philip said "what?" and it took several minutes of convincing before he actually believed that the party was for him. (The "Happy Retirement" banner hanging from the ceiling was what finally made him a believer!)
Philip asked me "Is this really a retirement party for me?" and when I replied in the affirmative, he said "I thought this was a house warming for you". To which I said "well, that's what you were supposed to think!"
There was plenty of terrific food, bunches of friendly people, and toasts to Philip and friendship. And it was a wonderful housewarming after all.
I made a cake and my friend Ginger did the writing.
To convince Philip it really was a party for him, someone held up one of the "Happy Retirement" plates. A big thanks to my friend Steve who came to visit for the weekend, who brought the plates, napkins, bannners, tablecloths and balloons. Without them, I'm not sure Philip would ever have believed the party was in his honor!
After cutting his cake, Philip demonstrated the correct way to take care of the icing that built up on the knife.
Philip was somewhat of a good sport about posing with his balloons and banner so Lou Ann and I could take pictures. He stood still and let us take a few pictures, but insisted on hiding behind the balloons!
We discovered that our house is terrific for a potluck, as our living room is large enough to hold lots of food and friends. Now I can't wait to host the annual August birthdays party!
Hope your life is filled with food, friends, and fun, wherever you are...
First, everyone got quiet, preparing to yell surprise at Philip. He and Lou Ann came through the front door, into the mud room/foyer, and then seemed to disappear. He had stopped to chat with Merle, so we all waited for several minutes for him to come inside. Finally, he came in and everyone yelled "surprise"! Philip said "what?" and it took several minutes of convincing before he actually believed that the party was for him. (The "Happy Retirement" banner hanging from the ceiling was what finally made him a believer!)
Philip asked me "Is this really a retirement party for me?" and when I replied in the affirmative, he said "I thought this was a house warming for you". To which I said "well, that's what you were supposed to think!"
There was plenty of terrific food, bunches of friendly people, and toasts to Philip and friendship. And it was a wonderful housewarming after all.
I made a cake and my friend Ginger did the writing.
To convince Philip it really was a party for him, someone held up one of the "Happy Retirement" plates. A big thanks to my friend Steve who came to visit for the weekend, who brought the plates, napkins, bannners, tablecloths and balloons. Without them, I'm not sure Philip would ever have believed the party was in his honor!
After cutting his cake, Philip demonstrated the correct way to take care of the icing that built up on the knife.
Philip was somewhat of a good sport about posing with his balloons and banner so Lou Ann and I could take pictures. He stood still and let us take a few pictures, but insisted on hiding behind the balloons!
We discovered that our house is terrific for a potluck, as our living room is large enough to hold lots of food and friends. Now I can't wait to host the annual August birthdays party!
Hope your life is filled with food, friends, and fun, wherever you are...
Friday, June 27, 2008
Vote for Bodie Island Lighthouse!
I received the following in email today and thought I would pass it on. Please vote!
In 2005 Jeld-Wen windows and doors began a lighthouse restoration initiative
by taking nominations of towers that needed new windows and doors. The public could then vote on the lighthouse they consider being the lighthouse that would most benefit from this award.
This year, out of 49 nominees, Bodie Island Lighthouse is one of the 12 finalists. If our NC tower wins, it will receive 8 windows and one door that are reproductions of the originals. You can read more about the contest and VOTE (please, for Bodie Island Lighthouse) here.
As you may recall, funding for the restoration of BILH was pulled from the budget just minutes before the US Senate voted in December 2007. Monies for its restoration will be requested again, but it has been passed over several years and there is no guarantee that it will be passed this year. The NPS feels that any help from other agencies and companies will be welcome to lessen the $2.8 million dollar project and may better our chances of getting funds for Bodie this year.
Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse (owned by the city of Annapolis and managed by the Chesapeake Chapter of the USLS) was awarded windows last year. Many of you have visited there, so we KNOW this can happen. Please go to the site below and cast your vote...feel free to pass it along to friends!
Sincerely,
Bett Padgett, President
Outer Banks Lighthouse Society
In 2005 Jeld-Wen windows and doors began a lighthouse restoration initiative
by taking nominations of towers that needed new windows and doors. The public could then vote on the lighthouse they consider being the lighthouse that would most benefit from this award.
This year, out of 49 nominees, Bodie Island Lighthouse is one of the 12 finalists. If our NC tower wins, it will receive 8 windows and one door that are reproductions of the originals. You can read more about the contest and VOTE (please, for Bodie Island Lighthouse) here.
As you may recall, funding for the restoration of BILH was pulled from the budget just minutes before the US Senate voted in December 2007. Monies for its restoration will be requested again, but it has been passed over several years and there is no guarantee that it will be passed this year. The NPS feels that any help from other agencies and companies will be welcome to lessen the $2.8 million dollar project and may better our chances of getting funds for Bodie this year.
Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse (owned by the city of Annapolis and managed by the Chesapeake Chapter of the USLS) was awarded windows last year. Many of you have visited there, so we KNOW this can happen. Please go to the site below and cast your vote...feel free to pass it along to friends!
Sincerely,
Bett Padgett, President
Outer Banks Lighthouse Society
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Math and maps
Math is not my friend, as evidenced by every standardized test I have ever taken, starting in 6th grade and ending with the GMAT I had to take to get into graduate school. I always score in the 98th percentile in English, and about the 50th percentile in Math. Hey, at least I'm consistent!
Anyway, part of it is natural ability, but I think another reason I'm not a big fan of math is because I never had an opportunity to see how it can be used for practical applications which I thought were worthwhile. That changed today, while I was listening to Gene Ballance describe how he uses math to determine the best placements for oyster beds.
I can't explain how, exactly, he does this (remember, math is not my thing), but it involves using old and new maps, and surveying skills. It was fascinating to listen to him, even though I didn't fully understand everything he said!
Keep learning, wherever you are!
Anyway, part of it is natural ability, but I think another reason I'm not a big fan of math is because I never had an opportunity to see how it can be used for practical applications which I thought were worthwhile. That changed today, while I was listening to Gene Ballance describe how he uses math to determine the best placements for oyster beds.
I can't explain how, exactly, he does this (remember, math is not my thing), but it involves using old and new maps, and surveying skills. It was fascinating to listen to him, even though I didn't fully understand everything he said!
Keep learning, wherever you are!
An easy way to give
When I was in college, I worked with a lady named Sharon. I learned much from her, and we are still friends today. Sharon had been active with the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity for many years, and she left her job at the office where we worked together to become the Executive Director of the regional office. In that role, she often spoke to groups of people and encouraged them to give (to Habitat, and to other good causes in which they believed). She told a story of how she was able to give to Habitat and other charities during a time in her life when her family was struggling financially. She would give what she called her "found money" - the pennies, nickels, and dimes she found on the street while out and about. To this day, when you walk with Sharon, she looks down more than up and picks up the change she finds, to give it away.
I love this story, and the way it makes giving simple and accessible to everyone. But I know of an even EASIER way to give, too. I try to remember every day to visit the family of "click to give" sites which is accessible here. I know, this seems too simple to be true, but it really is legit. All you have to do is click, and the sponsors of the site donate agreed-upon amounts for each click received. You can give to fight hunger and breast cancer, and to promote child health, literacy, animal rescue, and preservation of the world's rain forests. After you click, you'll see ads for the sponsors, and of course they're hoping you'll click on them and buy something. That's how it works. It's an easy way to do something good every day, wherever you are...
I love this story, and the way it makes giving simple and accessible to everyone. But I know of an even EASIER way to give, too. I try to remember every day to visit the family of "click to give" sites which is accessible here. I know, this seems too simple to be true, but it really is legit. All you have to do is click, and the sponsors of the site donate agreed-upon amounts for each click received. You can give to fight hunger and breast cancer, and to promote child health, literacy, animal rescue, and preservation of the world's rain forests. After you click, you'll see ads for the sponsors, and of course they're hoping you'll click on them and buy something. That's how it works. It's an easy way to do something good every day, wherever you are...
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Island invitations
I used to be a written invitation person. I like to create cute designs, print them out on card stock, and hand them out to my friends to let them know of any event I'm having. If I'm feeling really creative, I make matching decorations for the party itself. I love party planning websites and stores, for the cute theme ideas they include.
I'm over all that now, living on Ocracoke. Here, when something is planned, the general method of inviting people is simply word of mouth. I recently participated in a funny, very short hand version of this when I invited a friend to the potluck this Saturday as we biked by each other in opposite directions. I only had a few seconds, so the invitation went like this: (me yelling) "Potluck. Saturday. 6 o'clock. My house." She yelled back "Thanks!" On Ocracoke, that's as good as a decorative written invitation, and I fully expect to see her on Saturday.
I'm over all that now, living on Ocracoke. Here, when something is planned, the general method of inviting people is simply word of mouth. I recently participated in a funny, very short hand version of this when I invited a friend to the potluck this Saturday as we biked by each other in opposite directions. I only had a few seconds, so the invitation went like this: (me yelling) "Potluck. Saturday. 6 o'clock. My house." She yelled back "Thanks!" On Ocracoke, that's as good as a decorative written invitation, and I fully expect to see her on Saturday.
Monday, June 23, 2008
New addition
John and I spent the last few days working around the house. We're trying to get the last few boxes unpacked as we're hosting a potluck here on Saturday night at 6 PM. (If you're reading this, you're invited!)
Today, John worked in the garage on a new addition for the kitchen. Here he is, staining the wood:
And here it is, in place and in use:
Just in time for a party!
Today, John worked in the garage on a new addition for the kitchen. Here he is, staining the wood:
And here it is, in place and in use:
Just in time for a party!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
You know it's summer when...
I know for sure it's summer because:
- The days are long. I love the extra hours of sunlight!
- The morning starts out hot and clear, and by afternoon the clouds have built up enough for a short shower. That was the pattern for several days here this past week.
- The streets are busy, with people walking, biking, skateboarding, and driving. I saw a near-miss accident (a car had to brake hard to avoid hitting the young boy who pulled out suddenly into the street on his bike). I was reminded again of how lucky we have been in the village to not have many problems, with as much activity as there is on the streets this time of year.
- Everyone is busy!
- There are lots of activities going on all over the village, especially musical entertainment. On almost any given night in the summer, one or more restaurants will have someone playing or singing or both. Get out and enjoy some music with your next meal!
Hope you are enjoying your summer, wherever you are...
- The days are long. I love the extra hours of sunlight!
- The morning starts out hot and clear, and by afternoon the clouds have built up enough for a short shower. That was the pattern for several days here this past week.
- The streets are busy, with people walking, biking, skateboarding, and driving. I saw a near-miss accident (a car had to brake hard to avoid hitting the young boy who pulled out suddenly into the street on his bike). I was reminded again of how lucky we have been in the village to not have many problems, with as much activity as there is on the streets this time of year.
- Everyone is busy!
- There are lots of activities going on all over the village, especially musical entertainment. On almost any given night in the summer, one or more restaurants will have someone playing or singing or both. Get out and enjoy some music with your next meal!
Hope you are enjoying your summer, wherever you are...
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Sweet Charlotte
I have blogged and posted photos here previously of several of my favorite babies: Alex, Mariah and - of course - Connor.
But I haven't yet posted any photos of Charlotte, my across-the-street baby neighbor. I was blessed to babysit her last night and snapped this cute picture:
She loved this teeter-totter toy on Connor's bouncy seat. I'm sure he won't mind sharing with her!
But I haven't yet posted any photos of Charlotte, my across-the-street baby neighbor. I was blessed to babysit her last night and snapped this cute picture:
She loved this teeter-totter toy on Connor's bouncy seat. I'm sure he won't mind sharing with her!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
More stories
I went to the two Porch Talks at OPS this week, which were more sessions of storytelling by participants in Donald Davis' workshop (there are two workshop weeks each summer: I attended the first one a few weeks ago, this is the second). I heard six great stories - some were funny, a couple were quite moving, all were memorable and spoke of universal experiences and truths.
If you like stories, and you'll be on the island this weekend, plan to attend the Saturday night storytelling this group will be doing. It's at Deepwater Theatre at 8 PM. See you there!
If you like stories, and you'll be on the island this weekend, plan to attend the Saturday night storytelling this group will be doing. It's at Deepwater Theatre at 8 PM. See you there!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Good advice
I enjoy this hilarious sign in the bingo room at the fire hall every time I see it:
I subscribe to an ezine written by a mysterious guy who calls himself "The Chef". He sends out several recipes every day to a large subscriber base. His motto for the ezine, and for life in general, is "Be nice. Nice is good." Well said!
I subscribe to an ezine written by a mysterious guy who calls himself "The Chef". He sends out several recipes every day to a large subscriber base. His motto for the ezine, and for life in general, is "Be nice. Nice is good." Well said!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Lifesaving service
I went to an OPS porch talk last week (Wednesday 6/11), during which Philip Howard informed the audience about the history of the US Lifesaving Service on the Outer Banks. The USLSS was the forerunner of the modern day Coast Guard.
Philip read excerpts from his great grandfather's shipwreck log. Philip's ancestor, James W. Howard, was the Keeper at the Cedar Hammock Life Saving Station, which stood at the north end of Ocracoke. No, it's not there anymore. If you've ever noticed the pilings sticking out of the water there (you can see them easily from the ferry while crossing Hatteras inlet), now you know what they are.
Philip went on to describe the incredible rescue methods used by the Life Saving Service crews, which gave all gathered a new appreciation for the strength and courage of those crew members.
The talk was fascinating, and I certainly can't do the topic justice here. So, instead, here are a couple of links where you can learn more:
Village Craftsmen May 2008 Newsletter
Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station website (click "USLSS History" in the left menu). If you are planning to be on Hatteras island this year, it's worth checking on whether they will be doing lifesaving reenactments at Chicamacomico - I have heard that they are fascinating.
Philip read excerpts from his great grandfather's shipwreck log. Philip's ancestor, James W. Howard, was the Keeper at the Cedar Hammock Life Saving Station, which stood at the north end of Ocracoke. No, it's not there anymore. If you've ever noticed the pilings sticking out of the water there (you can see them easily from the ferry while crossing Hatteras inlet), now you know what they are.
Philip went on to describe the incredible rescue methods used by the Life Saving Service crews, which gave all gathered a new appreciation for the strength and courage of those crew members.
The talk was fascinating, and I certainly can't do the topic justice here. So, instead, here are a couple of links where you can learn more:
Village Craftsmen May 2008 Newsletter
Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station website (click "USLSS History" in the left menu). If you are planning to be on Hatteras island this year, it's worth checking on whether they will be doing lifesaving reenactments at Chicamacomico - I have heard that they are fascinating.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Busy, in other words
Last week, Rudy Austin was trying to get in touch with me, but every time he called, he got my answering machine. Then, when I called back, I usually got his wife and left a message. We went back and forth with this game of phone tag several times, before finally having a conversation on Wednesday (he had started trying to contact me on the previous Friday, if I remember correctly).
Anyway, the thing that made this blog worthy was one of the messages he left me: "Man, you must be a busy woman. You are hard some to get up with."
If you've never heard this particular Ocracoke brogue construction, the "some" effectively functions like "really", only it is said after the word it modifies. Philip Howard has taught his young grandson Lachlan to use "some" like a true O'cocker. If you ask Lachlan (who will turn 4 in August) how he is, odds are quite good that he will say "good some".
Hope your life is good some, wherever you are...
Anyway, the thing that made this blog worthy was one of the messages he left me: "Man, you must be a busy woman. You are hard some to get up with."
If you've never heard this particular Ocracoke brogue construction, the "some" effectively functions like "really", only it is said after the word it modifies. Philip Howard has taught his young grandson Lachlan to use "some" like a true O'cocker. If you ask Lachlan (who will turn 4 in August) how he is, odds are quite good that he will say "good some".
Hope your life is good some, wherever you are...
Sunday, June 15, 2008
John's adventure and a lost weekend
In case you're wondering where I've been, here's a summary of my last 2 and a half days.
I was minding my own business, working as usual, on Friday morning when the phone rang at about 10:30 AM. I often don't answer the home phone while I'm working, but I thought "hmmm...John went to the Health Center over an hour ago, for a quick visit to change the dressing on his back (from his minor outpatient surgery a couple of weeks ago), and he's still not back...maybe I should answer the phone." So I did, and it was Dr. Moore, telling me that John had fainted while at the Health Center. Dr. Moore, knowing John's heart history, ran an EKG on him and didn't like what he saw. The end result? John got a helicopter ride to Norfolk Sentara General Hospital.
On the ambulance, waiting for the helicopter to arrive:
Taking off...
I drove up to Norfolk, and we spent Friday night in the hospital. I slept for a few hours in a chair, John didn't sleep at all since every time he got close, someone came by to take his blood pressure, his temperature, and - a couple of times - some blood! On Saturday morning, the doctors decided to let John go home, as the blood testing showed he had not had a heart attack. He does, however, need to follow up with a cardiologist for some additional in depth testing within the next couple of weeks.
We headed back toward home on Saturday afternoon, but both of us were exhausted. I was falling asleep behind the wheel (the doctors recommended that John not drive until we have identified what caused him to pass out), and the traffic going to the Outer Banks was insane. So we stopped and spent the night in Kitty Hawk at the Hilton Garden Inn, thanks to the gift of a free night from my Dad, who has over a million Hilton points.
We slept late, ate a terrific breakfast, then did some leisurely WalMart and Food Lion shopping on our way back home. It was good to get back to Ocracoke.
I had planned a different weekend. I was going to organize my scrapbooking/craft corner, finish painting the hall bathroom, and a handful of other "around the house" tasks. So much for that theory... I'm certainly glad John is okay, though. And the bathroom will still be there next weekend.
I was minding my own business, working as usual, on Friday morning when the phone rang at about 10:30 AM. I often don't answer the home phone while I'm working, but I thought "hmmm...John went to the Health Center over an hour ago, for a quick visit to change the dressing on his back (from his minor outpatient surgery a couple of weeks ago), and he's still not back...maybe I should answer the phone." So I did, and it was Dr. Moore, telling me that John had fainted while at the Health Center. Dr. Moore, knowing John's heart history, ran an EKG on him and didn't like what he saw. The end result? John got a helicopter ride to Norfolk Sentara General Hospital.
On the ambulance, waiting for the helicopter to arrive:
Taking off...
I drove up to Norfolk, and we spent Friday night in the hospital. I slept for a few hours in a chair, John didn't sleep at all since every time he got close, someone came by to take his blood pressure, his temperature, and - a couple of times - some blood! On Saturday morning, the doctors decided to let John go home, as the blood testing showed he had not had a heart attack. He does, however, need to follow up with a cardiologist for some additional in depth testing within the next couple of weeks.
We headed back toward home on Saturday afternoon, but both of us were exhausted. I was falling asleep behind the wheel (the doctors recommended that John not drive until we have identified what caused him to pass out), and the traffic going to the Outer Banks was insane. So we stopped and spent the night in Kitty Hawk at the Hilton Garden Inn, thanks to the gift of a free night from my Dad, who has over a million Hilton points.
We slept late, ate a terrific breakfast, then did some leisurely WalMart and Food Lion shopping on our way back home. It was good to get back to Ocracoke.
I had planned a different weekend. I was going to organize my scrapbooking/craft corner, finish painting the hall bathroom, and a handful of other "around the house" tasks. So much for that theory... I'm certainly glad John is okay, though. And the bathroom will still be there next weekend.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes...
I don't watch the news often. Sometimes, this makes me feel like I'm clueless about current events. But usually, it just keeps me happy. The news is usually depressing.
The other night, I heard three news items which reminded me of a Coyote song:
- experts are predicting a strong hurricane season
- 4,000 homes have been evacuated in Cedar Rapids Iowa as a result of the severe flooding there
- a tornado which tore through a camp in western Iowa killled four young Boy Scouts
I can hear Marcy singing now: "Hurricane, flood, tornado...."
I told you the news was depressing!
After seeing those three stories, I said to John, "That's why I live on a sandbar. No place is safe, so you might as well live where you're happy."
Hope you live where you are happy. And stay safe from the hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wild fires, mudslides, earthquakes... well, you get the idea.
The other night, I heard three news items which reminded me of a Coyote song:
- experts are predicting a strong hurricane season
- 4,000 homes have been evacuated in Cedar Rapids Iowa as a result of the severe flooding there
- a tornado which tore through a camp in western Iowa killled four young Boy Scouts
I can hear Marcy singing now: "Hurricane, flood, tornado...."
I told you the news was depressing!
After seeing those three stories, I said to John, "That's why I live on a sandbar. No place is safe, so you might as well live where you're happy."
Hope you live where you are happy. And stay safe from the hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wild fires, mudslides, earthquakes... well, you get the idea.
Fire update
With apologies to the anonymous reader, who asked for information regarding the fire on the mainland of Hyde County waaay back on Tuesday 6/3, I'm finally getting around to providing some info.
It was very hazy on the island yesterday, and I could smell the smoke while attending the OPS porch talk (more on that one in another blog). That's pretty amazing, because my nose doesn't work quite right and I don't smell many things, especially bad odors. So if I could pick up the scent, it must have been really strong!
Here's the latest update I have on the fire, from the OCBA meeting last night:
- there are approximately 63 square miles burning, in mainland Hyde County near the communities of Ponzer and New Lake (about 10 miles north of the IntraCoastal Waterway bridge you cross just before getting to Belhaven)
- most of the affected area is on private, undeveloped land near the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
- although no structures have been threatened yet, some families have evacuated their homes (shelters have been setup for these folks)
- the fire is only about 40% contained and is spreading northeast towards highway 94
- there are about 400 fire personnel in the area working to fight the blaze
- no mainland roads have been closed, but traffic has been slowed as a result of reduced visibility due to the smoke; there have been school delays related to these driving challenges
- health alerts have been posted, recommending caution for people who suffer from asthma or allergies
All of the above applies primarily to mainland Hyde County, although effects have also been reported in Dare County and north into Virginia. At the OCBA meeting, Clayton said that the last time he drove over the Bonner Bridge, cars were moving very slowly and, when he reached the highest point of the span, he could not see the water below through the smoke. There has been little to no impact on the island, other than haziness and the occasional smoky smell.
You can get more information and keep up with the situation as it progresses at the Incident Information System site which tracks incidents all over the country; this one is called the "Evans Road Wildland Fire".
It was very hazy on the island yesterday, and I could smell the smoke while attending the OPS porch talk (more on that one in another blog). That's pretty amazing, because my nose doesn't work quite right and I don't smell many things, especially bad odors. So if I could pick up the scent, it must have been really strong!
Here's the latest update I have on the fire, from the OCBA meeting last night:
- there are approximately 63 square miles burning, in mainland Hyde County near the communities of Ponzer and New Lake (about 10 miles north of the IntraCoastal Waterway bridge you cross just before getting to Belhaven)
- most of the affected area is on private, undeveloped land near the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
- although no structures have been threatened yet, some families have evacuated their homes (shelters have been setup for these folks)
- the fire is only about 40% contained and is spreading northeast towards highway 94
- there are about 400 fire personnel in the area working to fight the blaze
- no mainland roads have been closed, but traffic has been slowed as a result of reduced visibility due to the smoke; there have been school delays related to these driving challenges
- health alerts have been posted, recommending caution for people who suffer from asthma or allergies
All of the above applies primarily to mainland Hyde County, although effects have also been reported in Dare County and north into Virginia. At the OCBA meeting, Clayton said that the last time he drove over the Bonner Bridge, cars were moving very slowly and, when he reached the highest point of the span, he could not see the water below through the smoke. There has been little to no impact on the island, other than haziness and the occasional smoky smell.
You can get more information and keep up with the situation as it progresses at the Incident Information System site which tracks incidents all over the country; this one is called the "Evans Road Wildland Fire".
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Bingo Bingo Bingo!
I went to Bingo at the fire hall last night as a volunteer, helping to pick up used Bingo cards, sell "special" cards, and hand out door prizes.
There are several local folks who attend Bingo every week, as it's a hugely fun way to support the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department. Some of these ladies have playing Bingo down to a science - bringing their daubers, the exact amount of money required to buy admission, all the specials, and a snack, and their game faces.
But one lady truly raises the bar on playing Bingo like a pro - she arrives with her own pillow (those metal folding chairs are uncomfortable!) and return address labels (which she uses instead of having to hand write her address on the slips winners must complete in order to receive their payout). Now that's preparedness!
On Tuesday afternoons during the Bingo season, the fire truck drives slowly around the village, with someone on board announcing the game time and location over a bullhorn. It goes something like this: "Bingo, bingo, bingo! Tonight at the Fire Hall, doors open at 7:00 and the games start at 7:30. Be there to support the OVFD. Bingo, bingo, bingo! Tonight..." etc. This advertising led to a rather amusing tale of childhood. When my friend Sundae's son Emmet was a young boy, he would play with his toy fire truck, making noises as most children do. Only Emmet didn't make siren sounds. Instead, his noises sounded like this: "Bingo, bingo, bingo!" How sweetly funny is that?
This way to a fun evening...
Mariah Daisy was the youngest (and cutest!) volunteer helper.
Dave Frum called the numbers. No one won the $100 or $500 jackpots, so the numbers increased to 55 for both (for these games, the winner must fill an entire Bingo square within this number of called numbers). So come next week and give it a go!
There are several local folks who attend Bingo every week, as it's a hugely fun way to support the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department. Some of these ladies have playing Bingo down to a science - bringing their daubers, the exact amount of money required to buy admission, all the specials, and a snack, and their game faces.
But one lady truly raises the bar on playing Bingo like a pro - she arrives with her own pillow (those metal folding chairs are uncomfortable!) and return address labels (which she uses instead of having to hand write her address on the slips winners must complete in order to receive their payout). Now that's preparedness!
On Tuesday afternoons during the Bingo season, the fire truck drives slowly around the village, with someone on board announcing the game time and location over a bullhorn. It goes something like this: "Bingo, bingo, bingo! Tonight at the Fire Hall, doors open at 7:00 and the games start at 7:30. Be there to support the OVFD. Bingo, bingo, bingo! Tonight..." etc. This advertising led to a rather amusing tale of childhood. When my friend Sundae's son Emmet was a young boy, he would play with his toy fire truck, making noises as most children do. Only Emmet didn't make siren sounds. Instead, his noises sounded like this: "Bingo, bingo, bingo!" How sweetly funny is that?
This way to a fun evening...
Mariah Daisy was the youngest (and cutest!) volunteer helper.
Dave Frum called the numbers. No one won the $100 or $500 jackpots, so the numbers increased to 55 for both (for these games, the winner must fill an entire Bingo square within this number of called numbers). So come next week and give it a go!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Porch Talks
I attended the porch talk held at the OPS museum today. The topic was "flying into Ocracoke", and it was very interesting and informative. That makes it sound high minded and boring, though, which it was not. Rollin Reeder, who gave the talk, simply told the gathered group very casually about his experiences flying into and out of Ocracoke, and we learned much from listening to him.
You can tell from this picture that this was no stodgy, serious discussion!
While Rollin was talking, a small plane flew by on its way in to land on the island. Very appropriate.
The OPS Museum hosts several Porch Talks throughout the season, and I highly recommend you enjoy one or more if you have time while you are here on vacation. You can find out more about the talks planned for this summer here.
If you can't attend one of these times, stop by the Community Store anytime you are near the harbor. There's usually someone sitting on the porch there, talking, and it's another great place to hear some island stories.
You can tell from this picture that this was no stodgy, serious discussion!
While Rollin was talking, a small plane flew by on its way in to land on the island. Very appropriate.
The OPS Museum hosts several Porch Talks throughout the season, and I highly recommend you enjoy one or more if you have time while you are here on vacation. You can find out more about the talks planned for this summer here.
If you can't attend one of these times, stop by the Community Store anytime you are near the harbor. There's usually someone sitting on the porch there, talking, and it's another great place to hear some island stories.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Unplugged
I had planned a blog blitz, to get caught up and let everyone know all that has been going on for the last few days. But then the power went out for a while, and after it came back on I had to finish getting caught up on work. So please be patient for a bit longer...
I have several blogs in draft and boatloads of recent photos...now I just need some time to get the blogs written and the photos uploaded and posted!
Stay tuned...I'll be back eventually!
I have several blogs in draft and boatloads of recent photos...now I just need some time to get the blogs written and the photos uploaded and posted!
Stay tuned...I'll be back eventually!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Not your average auction
I went slightly over budget at the Festival auction tonight. It was easy to do, because the auctioneer (that would be Philip Howard) cajoled me into bidding more for a couple of items than I had planned to. Yes, cajoled. That's the fun thing about an auction on Ocracoke - it's not your standard fast moving event.
No, this auction had an auctioneer who:
- mistook a painting of Cape Lookout for Cape Hatteras, and then laughed good naturedly at the ribbing he received from the audience throughout the evening after that flub
- called bidders by name
- "encouraged" bidders to bid higher
- had to overcome the fact that everyone in the room was fanning themselves with pasteboard fans, brochures, and bidder numbers, so it was hard to tell who was bidding and who was just hot
There were a few other odd things about this auction:
- it was preceded by a huge potluck, with loads of delicious food
- a future fig tree was one of the auctioned items
- the auctioneers assistants were girls from the local Brownie troop, one of whom had a broken elbow
- it included some fantastically unique items, like a quilted wall hanging in the Ocracoke cracker pattern, a whimsical windchime made from a metal colander with several other kitchen utensils hanging from it, a shrine to Elvis, and a painting created during the 2007 Women of Ocrafolk concert (yes, Kitty painted it on stage during the concert)
Items lined up on the stage, ready for the bidding to begin.
This cup went for about fifty bucks. No, I'm not kidding. It was part of a "mystery" item - the bidders knew they would get a pack of CDs from one of the local musicians, but not which one.
Here's Molly (with the broken elbow), giving the future fig tree to the lucky bidder.
The Women of Ocrafolk concert painting, which went for $350 after very competitive bidding between several of the ladies who performed in the show.
No, it was not your average auction. But it was a lot of fun!
No, this auction had an auctioneer who:
- mistook a painting of Cape Lookout for Cape Hatteras, and then laughed good naturedly at the ribbing he received from the audience throughout the evening after that flub
- called bidders by name
- "encouraged" bidders to bid higher
- had to overcome the fact that everyone in the room was fanning themselves with pasteboard fans, brochures, and bidder numbers, so it was hard to tell who was bidding and who was just hot
There were a few other odd things about this auction:
- it was preceded by a huge potluck, with loads of delicious food
- a future fig tree was one of the auctioned items
- the auctioneers assistants were girls from the local Brownie troop, one of whom had a broken elbow
- it included some fantastically unique items, like a quilted wall hanging in the Ocracoke cracker pattern, a whimsical windchime made from a metal colander with several other kitchen utensils hanging from it, a shrine to Elvis, and a painting created during the 2007 Women of Ocrafolk concert (yes, Kitty painted it on stage during the concert)
Items lined up on the stage, ready for the bidding to begin.
This cup went for about fifty bucks. No, I'm not kidding. It was part of a "mystery" item - the bidders knew they would get a pack of CDs from one of the local musicians, but not which one.
Here's Molly (with the broken elbow), giving the future fig tree to the lucky bidder.
The Women of Ocrafolk concert painting, which went for $350 after very competitive bidding between several of the ladies who performed in the show.
No, it was not your average auction. But it was a lot of fun!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Sticky festival
This is the hottest I can ever remember any Festival weekend ever being. The high temperature today was 87 degrees, and the humidity was just barely under 100%. I got so sweaty, I actually changed clothes twice and took multiple showers. It was not the best day to be outside.
But I was outside all day, and loved every minute of it. I wouldn't miss the Ocrafolk Festival for money, and enjoyed it greatly despite the heat.
I'll post some pictures of Festival events here later...right now I'm going to bed. Naked. With the ceiling fan on high.
But I was outside all day, and loved every minute of it. I wouldn't miss the Ocrafolk Festival for money, and enjoyed it greatly despite the heat.
I'll post some pictures of Festival events here later...right now I'm going to bed. Naked. With the ceiling fan on high.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Stories galore
Five of the participants in the storytelling workshop spun their yarns to a large appreciative audience at Deepwater Theatre this evening. When I say the crowd was large, I am not kidding. I am not sure how many people were there, but we put out every single available chair in the entire place, and there were folks sitting in all of them. It was standing room only in the back, and a handful of people even sat on the floor!
It's fascinating to me, this seemingly universal interest in and hunger for an ancient art which is no longer practiced nearly as frequently as in decades and generations past. I think that people like and need the personal connection of story, as a way to escape and break from the constant electronic communication with which we (in the American culture anyway) are bombarded daily.
Okay, so that's my high falutin' theory on why people love stories. The more down to earth thought is that most folks like to laugh, and good stories include doses of "universal human experience" type humor which is wonderfully enjoyable: the "laugh at myself and my foibles...and then learn and move on" type, which is offensive to no one and acessible to everyone. There was plenty of that shared this evening and, once again - as at the morning porch talk yesterday - I looked around the audience and saw the smiles.
Stories are good. Tell yours!
It's fascinating to me, this seemingly universal interest in and hunger for an ancient art which is no longer practiced nearly as frequently as in decades and generations past. I think that people like and need the personal connection of story, as a way to escape and break from the constant electronic communication with which we (in the American culture anyway) are bombarded daily.
Okay, so that's my high falutin' theory on why people love stories. The more down to earth thought is that most folks like to laugh, and good stories include doses of "universal human experience" type humor which is wonderfully enjoyable: the "laugh at myself and my foibles...and then learn and move on" type, which is offensive to no one and acessible to everyone. There was plenty of that shared this evening and, once again - as at the morning porch talk yesterday - I looked around the audience and saw the smiles.
Stories are good. Tell yours!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Full day
This is another one of my "how to have a perfectly marvelous day" blogs. I had a terrific, full one today.
I started out with a walk through Springer's Point nature preserve with some of the participants from the storytelling workshop group. It was a lovely morning, and I very much enjoyed hearing Merle's stories of Sam Jones.
By the end of the walk, it was starting to heat up for the day. I had about an hour before I needed to be anywhere, so I went to Ocracoke Coffee Company and had a smoothie. There, I enjoyed people watching (and my smoothie, of course).
I liked the image of all the colorful mugs, lined up and ready for someone to take them home.
After finishing my smoothie, I biked over to the OPS museum to listen to three of the storytelling workshop participants tell their tales. This was the first official "porch talk" at the museum for the season, and it was a good one. The crowd was around 75 people, and they were greatly appreciative of the stories. I looked around at the listeners during the telling, and saw a smile on every face.
After the storytelling, the workshop group ate lunch at the Flying Melon, one of my very favorite restaurants.
We then went back to the house called Full Catch, where we have been meeting, and spent the afternoon in workshop time. That consists primarily of listening to, and learning from the stories of others. Learning both about the art and craft of storytelling, and also about life itself, for every good story is a teacher.
After the workshop, I was inspired to work on my own story which I might like to tell during one of the group sessions. I came home and wrote out the ideas I had, which helped me to firm them up in my head, and also to see what I had learned from the time in my life which the story is about.
After my writing session, I joined the workshop group at Bill & Lyda's house for wine and snacks, a lovely segue into the evening meal. Most members of the group had ordered take out from Thai Moon, and after picking it up we took it to a dock on Silver Lake and enjoyed it (and each other's company) there while watching the sunset.
Not too bad a day, huh? Hope you are enjoying your summer days too, wherever you are...
I started out with a walk through Springer's Point nature preserve with some of the participants from the storytelling workshop group. It was a lovely morning, and I very much enjoyed hearing Merle's stories of Sam Jones.
By the end of the walk, it was starting to heat up for the day. I had about an hour before I needed to be anywhere, so I went to Ocracoke Coffee Company and had a smoothie. There, I enjoyed people watching (and my smoothie, of course).
I liked the image of all the colorful mugs, lined up and ready for someone to take them home.
After finishing my smoothie, I biked over to the OPS museum to listen to three of the storytelling workshop participants tell their tales. This was the first official "porch talk" at the museum for the season, and it was a good one. The crowd was around 75 people, and they were greatly appreciative of the stories. I looked around at the listeners during the telling, and saw a smile on every face.
After the storytelling, the workshop group ate lunch at the Flying Melon, one of my very favorite restaurants.
We then went back to the house called Full Catch, where we have been meeting, and spent the afternoon in workshop time. That consists primarily of listening to, and learning from the stories of others. Learning both about the art and craft of storytelling, and also about life itself, for every good story is a teacher.
After the workshop, I was inspired to work on my own story which I might like to tell during one of the group sessions. I came home and wrote out the ideas I had, which helped me to firm them up in my head, and also to see what I had learned from the time in my life which the story is about.
After my writing session, I joined the workshop group at Bill & Lyda's house for wine and snacks, a lovely segue into the evening meal. Most members of the group had ordered take out from Thai Moon, and after picking it up we took it to a dock on Silver Lake and enjoyed it (and each other's company) there while watching the sunset.
Not too bad a day, huh? Hope you are enjoying your summer days too, wherever you are...
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Garage band
I spent a couple of hours this evening in a garage listening to a band play. This was no typical "garage band", however. There were no teenage boys hoping to become the next great rock and roll sensation. It wasn't loud or grungy. There weren't even any drums. The only thing that made this group a garage band at all was that they happened to be playing this evening in a garage. Merle and Donald's garage, to be exact.
The band was Martin Garrish, Speedy Price, Jackie Willis, Marcy Brenner and Lou Castro. All professional musicians, and not a teenager in the bunch.
As I sat listening to them play, I realized I had a goofy grin on my face. At first, I was self conscious and thought I probably looked like an idiot. Then I looked around the room and realized I was by no stretch of the imagination alone. I saw many grins and smiles. This was a night of music that makes people smile. I rode home on my bike under a sky full of stars, grinning ear to ear the whole way.
Wishing you music and happiness, wherever you are...
The band was Martin Garrish, Speedy Price, Jackie Willis, Marcy Brenner and Lou Castro. All professional musicians, and not a teenager in the bunch.
As I sat listening to them play, I realized I had a goofy grin on my face. At first, I was self conscious and thought I probably looked like an idiot. Then I looked around the room and realized I was by no stretch of the imagination alone. I saw many grins and smiles. This was a night of music that makes people smile. I rode home on my bike under a sky full of stars, grinning ear to ear the whole way.
Wishing you music and happiness, wherever you are...
Monday, June 2, 2008
Defining community
I often use the word "community" when talking about one of the things I love most about Ocracoke. This week, multiple people have asked me to explain what I mean by that; to give them some examples of what the community does that is so meaningful to me. I just happen to have heard two great stories recently which are perfect illustrations.
Merle Davis told me about how her house was built. She was given the lot as a birthday gift (yes, really...this was before lots on Ocracoke were worth a small fortune), but did not have anything built on it for a while. She and her son would stay with friends, sometimes sleeping on couches, when visiting the island. Then Merle moved here full time to teach at the school, but still didn't have a home of her own. Until her students decided that simply was not acceptable. So they built the beginning of her place for her (a small house at first, it has been added to several times and is now much larger than the original). She said they had a "raising", similar to what the Amish do with barns, where a large group of students spent a weekend working together to put up the walls to create the shell of the house. They continued working on the project over the next while until the house was completed, including plubming and electricity. That's community.
The other story is more recent. Toward the end of last year, a lovely lady named Karen who lives on the island was diagnosed with cancer. (She has since received treatment and is doing very well, in case you're wondering. But that's not the point of this story.) Karen told me that her health insurance is through the water plant here on the island. In early December, the board of that company had voted to change insurance carriers, a move which would save the corporation money. When they heard about Karen's diagnosis, and the concern that there could be a lapse in coverage during the change, or that she might not be able to get insurance at all from the new company due to pre-existing conditions clauses, they voted NOT to change insurance carriers after all. That's community too.
So now you know what I mean! Hope you are surrounded by "community" in your life too, wherever you are.
Merle Davis told me about how her house was built. She was given the lot as a birthday gift (yes, really...this was before lots on Ocracoke were worth a small fortune), but did not have anything built on it for a while. She and her son would stay with friends, sometimes sleeping on couches, when visiting the island. Then Merle moved here full time to teach at the school, but still didn't have a home of her own. Until her students decided that simply was not acceptable. So they built the beginning of her place for her (a small house at first, it has been added to several times and is now much larger than the original). She said they had a "raising", similar to what the Amish do with barns, where a large group of students spent a weekend working together to put up the walls to create the shell of the house. They continued working on the project over the next while until the house was completed, including plubming and electricity. That's community.
The other story is more recent. Toward the end of last year, a lovely lady named Karen who lives on the island was diagnosed with cancer. (She has since received treatment and is doing very well, in case you're wondering. But that's not the point of this story.) Karen told me that her health insurance is through the water plant here on the island. In early December, the board of that company had voted to change insurance carriers, a move which would save the corporation money. When they heard about Karen's diagnosis, and the concern that there could be a lapse in coverage during the change, or that she might not be able to get insurance at all from the new company due to pre-existing conditions clauses, they voted NOT to change insurance carriers after all. That's community too.
So now you know what I mean! Hope you are surrounded by "community" in your life too, wherever you are.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Swap update
In case you were wondering how the "baby stuff swap" went, here's an update. The event was well attended on both ends, both in the morning for dropping things off and in the afternoon for pick up time. There were several large items donated (a stroller, seat that goes onto a table, swim ring, and others), as well as quite a few books and mounds of clothes.
Well, mounds of BOY clothes. The girl section was significantly less overflowing. It was actually funny to see, and a definite indicator of the fact that the vast majority of babies born on the island for the last few years have been male. Must be something in the water!
This is the boy clothing side: 4 tables, stacked to overflowing.
And the girls side, one and a half tables worth. These tables were all empty until Sundae brought Mariah's hand down items.
The thing I enjoyed most about the swap was the sense of support and community I got being there. Amy especially kept bringing me items for Connor, saying "you need this". Marcy explained to me why some bibs have plastic corners (for teething, in case you don't know as I didn't). I felt lifted up and cared for by this community of women. What a blessing.
Well, mounds of BOY clothes. The girl section was significantly less overflowing. It was actually funny to see, and a definite indicator of the fact that the vast majority of babies born on the island for the last few years have been male. Must be something in the water!
This is the boy clothing side: 4 tables, stacked to overflowing.
And the girls side, one and a half tables worth. These tables were all empty until Sundae brought Mariah's hand down items.
The thing I enjoyed most about the swap was the sense of support and community I got being there. Amy especially kept bringing me items for Connor, saying "you need this". Marcy explained to me why some bibs have plastic corners (for teething, in case you don't know as I didn't). I felt lifted up and cared for by this community of women. What a blessing.
The summer switch
As I've mentioned previously in this space, we have been blessed by a lovely, long spring. It was a bit late in coming (or maybe it just seemed that way, since Easter was so early), but when it finally arrived, it lingered. We turned off the heat in early April and didn't turn it back on (or the air conditioning on), for the next several weeks. Instead, we had long sunny days with temperatures in the 70s, dropping down sometimes to the low 50s but usually the 60s at night (terrific sleeping weather). It was marvelous.
Well, it's over now. On May 31st, God (or mother nature, whichever you prefer) flipped the switch from spring to summer, and it is now officially hot. There was no gradual increase, no slight rise each day. It was just suddenly hot. I tried fighting the urge to turn on the air conditioning, but when simply standing in Connor's nursery sorting through clothing (preparing for the baby stuff swap) was making me break out in a sweat, I gave it up and started up the system.
Unfortunately, it didn't work (our AC system, that is). Yikes! After the house ratcheted up to broiling temperature, we retreated to the den, which isn't on the central AC but has a wall unit instead. Thank goodness for that room! Luckily, the AC company who had replaced the air handler for us shortly after we bought the house has a scheduled trip to the island (they are from up the beach) on Monday June 2. They've added us to their rounds and hopefully will get us all fixed up and the cool air flowing.
Hope you are not too hot, wherever you are...
Well, it's over now. On May 31st, God (or mother nature, whichever you prefer) flipped the switch from spring to summer, and it is now officially hot. There was no gradual increase, no slight rise each day. It was just suddenly hot. I tried fighting the urge to turn on the air conditioning, but when simply standing in Connor's nursery sorting through clothing (preparing for the baby stuff swap) was making me break out in a sweat, I gave it up and started up the system.
Unfortunately, it didn't work (our AC system, that is). Yikes! After the house ratcheted up to broiling temperature, we retreated to the den, which isn't on the central AC but has a wall unit instead. Thank goodness for that room! Luckily, the AC company who had replaced the air handler for us shortly after we bought the house has a scheduled trip to the island (they are from up the beach) on Monday June 2. They've added us to their rounds and hopefully will get us all fixed up and the cool air flowing.
Hope you are not too hot, wherever you are...
Story time...
I am incredibly blessed to be attending a storytelling workshop taught by Donald Davis this week. The participants met for dinner at Donald and Merle's house tonight, to kick off the week of learning. In listening to the conversations around the tables, I noticed how everyone was telling stories - about their lives, their families, how they came to be at the workshop, and so on.
Initially, I thought: well, of course. This is a group of people who are interested in storytelling; that's whey they are here. But then I realized that was not the only factor at work. Very often in everyday life and conversation, people who aren't planning to take a storytelling workshop nevertheless tell their own stories. I was reminded of a lady I met a couple of years ago, who had written a book about how to write your autobiography. Her motto, and what she wrote when signing the book for me, was "Life is story." So true.
Enjoy the unfolding of your life story, wherever you are...
Initially, I thought: well, of course. This is a group of people who are interested in storytelling; that's whey they are here. But then I realized that was not the only factor at work. Very often in everyday life and conversation, people who aren't planning to take a storytelling workshop nevertheless tell their own stories. I was reminded of a lady I met a couple of years ago, who had written a book about how to write your autobiography. Her motto, and what she wrote when signing the book for me, was "Life is story." So true.
Enjoy the unfolding of your life story, wherever you are...
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