Finally feels like fall

Recently, the days have been warm and sunny, with clear blue skies and light breezes. The nights have been cool and starry.

This morning was a bit chilly, which only made my walk on the beach even lovelier. The water is still warm enough to walk or swim in, and the cool morning air makes it feel even warmer. The beach was quiet, with only a few other people there. I knew I loved fall for a reason!

Like wine?

Zillie's Island Pantry is hosting a series of wine tastings on Saturday nights for the next two months. Here's the info. from the flyer I received in email recently.

Fall Wine Tastings
in October & November
Every Saturday night at 6 PM

5 Wines for $15
paired with light hors d' oeuvres from the Pantry

Selections change weekly --- Reservations Required

10% off all sampled wines during the tasting

Storytime with Bill

Yesterday at the OPS Museum, Bill Jones told stories on the porch to an appreciative crowd of supporters. Afterwards, DeAnna graciously served traditional Ocracoke fig cake and lemonade. It was a lovely way to spend part of a Sunday afternoon!

The Wedding

As you may have heard, Ocracoke was host to a big wedding this weekend. In case you don't know yet, North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue's son Emmett got married here last night. A commenter left a post asking about it, so here's absolutely everything I know, which is not much at all.

- The rehearsal dinner on Friday night was at the Back Porch. They had reserved the entire place, and there were over 100 guests (just for the rehearsal dinner!) Music was provided by our very own Molasses Creek.

- The wedding was held at the Methodist Church with Pastor Joyce presiding. My friend Jamie, the usual church pianist, provided the music. The bride's uncle sang one song. The groomsmen wore brown suits with blue ties (yes, you read that right). Governer Perdue wore a royal blue 3/4 length two piece dress. The bride wore a white dress with red shoes. (Those last three details courtesy of Leslie Lanier at Books to Be Red, who saw them as they crossed her lawn on the way to the church. I am seriously curious about the story behind the bride's red shoes...)

- The reception location had to be moved on Saturday morning, as the original site was too wet from recent rains. It was moved to the Wahab house lawn (in a tent, luckily, since there were some rain showers yesterday).

During Governor Perdue's time on the island, she apparently visited the school.

That's all I know!

To answer the specific questions left in the comment:
- as far as I know, there was no special ferry for Governor Perdue; I assumed she was flown in, but I honestly don't know for sure
- no roads were closed that I'm aware of
- I don't know for sure how many people attended the wedding, although just judging from the fact that the rehearsal dinner had over 100 people there, I assume it was a rather large event!

Fire Department Open House

If you have ever wanted to see the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department facility up close, next Sunday is your chance.

As part of Fire Prevention Week (October 4th to 10th), the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting an Open House on Sunday October 4th from 1:00PM to 4:00 PM at the fire station. Everyone is welcome. Bring the kids for an up close visit with our firefighters and fire trucks.

Squeaky sand

This morning, my walk on the beach was accompanied by a soundtrack of squeaking sand. If you've done much walking on the beaches here, you've probably also heard it, and maybe you've wondered what causes the sound. As it was explained to me, it happens when two types of sand granules rub against one another. It's more prevalent when the sand is dry.

So there you go - that's your bit of useless trivia for the day!

September?

It has been seriously hot and humid here the last couple of days. It feels more like late July or anytime in August than September. I was standing stock still on the porch at the Child Care this morning, chatting with Connor's teachers, when I suddenly realized I was sweating. Ugh. You know it's hot when just standing outside brings on sweating!

Along with the general heat and mugginess, the mosquitoes have been plentiful recently, too.

I'm hoping for some cooler more-fall-like weather in the near future. Well, actually, I'm hoping for a freak freezing snap which kills off all the mosquitoes but only lasts a few hours, followed by our usual gorgeous fall days, but that's unlikely, so I'll take what I can get!

Mmmmm....Mexican food!

John, Connor and I went to Dajio tonight, for their special authentic Mexican night menu (with Hispanic guest chefs, so you know it was the real thing). I ordered the fish empanada, and was mildly surprised when I received something which didn't seem to be an empanada and had shrimp in it. I wasn't 100% sure it was incorrect, since I'm not the world's foremost expert on Mexican food, plus it was delicious, so I decided I didn't care if was wasn't what I ordered, I was just going to eat it anyway. A few minutes later, our server Masado came out with another plate, and said "it's your lucky Mexican food night!" This second plate was the empanadas. They were delicious, too! Between the two of us, we ate all three entrees and thoroughly enjoyed every bite. I should say between the two and a half of us - Connor helped a bit, too (he loved the rice).

Masado told us that the plan is to have Mexican night every Thursday. So if you're on the island and looking for dinner on a Thursday night some time, head over there and enjoy!

Ocrafolk School update

I haven't mentioned anything about Ocrafolk School recently, mostly because I'm bummed that I can't participate this year. (I've used up or already planned the use of all my available vacation time.) :(

Anyway, today's a good day to bring it up, because I got the following information about it in my inbox. (For those of you paying attention, yes, I got a bunch of email today!)


local press release 9/21/09

"Ocrafolk School" offering discount for locals

The Ocrafolk School is accepting registrations for its third year of week-long workshops and activities for adults at Ocracoke Island, NC. Ocracoke's full-time residents are now being offered a discounted registration fee of $200 (without group meals) or $325 including group meals. Classes with space still available are "Making Ships in Bottles" and "The Ocrafolk Sampler". Instructor Jim Goodwin has been making ships in bottles for almost 10 years, and has since been preserving this rare and amazing maritime craft by giving demonstrations at museums and selling his work at regional coastal festivals, as well as at the Village Craftsmen on Ocracoke Island. Jim was a guest craftsman on PBS's Woodwright's Shop with Roy Underhill, and his work will be seen this December in the Dreamworks film, "The Lovely Bones."

"The Ocrafolk Sampler", led by local historian Philip Howard, naturalist David Senseney and Capt. Rob Temple, is an exploration of island history and culture through porch talks, walkabouts, sailing aboard the schooner Windfall, and more.

This year's other offerings, "Island Cooking" with Debbie Wells, "Pottery" with Wes Lassiter and Rhonda Bates, "Songwriting" with Marcy Brenner of Molasses Creek, and "Island Photography" with Ann Ehringhaus, are currently taking registrations on a waiting-list-only basis. All classes are limited to 6-8 students, and the registration deadline is Oct. 5.

In addition to the workshops, students may participate in group meals, music and other activities throughout the course of the week. The Ocrafolk School is sponsored by the Ocracoke Preservation Society. For more information, email , call 252-928-4280 or visit www.ocrafolkschool.org.

Story hour

I love stories - telling them, and listening to them as well. Last year, I enjoyed (and learned a great deal from) attending Donald Davis' storytelling workshop. One of the great things about that experience was getting to know my friends Bill and Lida Jones a little better, and especially getting to hear Bill tell some stories. I had no idea before the workshop that Bill had recorded several storytelling CDs. If you would also like to hear some of Bill's stories, read below (another email I got today) for an upcoming opportunity to do just that.

On Sunday, September 27th at 3:00 the community will have a special opportunity to come to an end-of-season Porch Talk at the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum!


Bill Jones, storyteller and president of the Executive Committee of OPS, had the wonderful idea to offer some relaxing, family-friendly entertainment, combined with fundraising for the organization. On Sunday afternoon he will share his talents with us. Bill takes events from his own life and shapes them into stories that entertain and explore universal themes. Hearing his humorous, thought-provoking tales might just make you start paying attention to the stories in your own lives! In addition to the storytelling, Jamie Tunnell will provide music.


Bring a chair and join us on the front lawn of the museum. The program will last approximately an hour.

No admission will be charged, but donations are appreciated and Bill’s CDs will be sold. All proceeds will go to the Ocracoke Preservation Society.

Free entertainment

I have written often in this space about the terrific shows at Deep Water Theater, and frequently recommended them to locals and visitors alike. Well, now (for the next few shows), there's a really good reason to go if you're local: it's free! Here's the email I received earlier today announcing this wonderful deal.

Free seats at the Opry and Molasses Creek Shows!!

The following Ocrafolk Opry and Molasses Creek performances at Deepwater Theater, School Road will be free to island residents. Seating is first come, so please plan to be at the door by 7:30 PM.

Wednesday, Sept 23 ~ Ocrafolk Opry, 8:00 PM
Thursday, Sept 24 ~ Molasses Creek, 8:00 PM
Wednesday, Sept 30 ~ Ocrafolk Opry, 8:00 PM
Thursday, Oct 1 ~ Molasses Creek, 8:00 PM

Happy fall!

Today is the first full day of autumn, which (in my opinion) is the best time to visit Ocracoke. The weather is still warm (most days), the water still comfortable for swimming, the village quieter than it is during summer, there's still music at Deep Water Theater most nights (as well as at the Jolly Roger, Creekside, and Howard's Pub), and most restaurants are still open. About the only thing we don't have for a fall vacation is changing leaves. But I think that everything we do have more than makes up for that minor shortcoming.

I've been going to the beach every morning, sitting in my chair and reading a book, and it has been difficult to pull myself away. I envy the people who are here on vacation and can spend hours (or all day) there.

Happy fall, wherever you are...

One lane

I received the following press release today, which will be of interest if you are planning a trip to Ocracoke via Hatteras Island (or, of course, if you're just going to Hatteras).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 21, 2009
Contact: Dara Demi, (919) 733-2522

LANE CLOSURES SCHEDULED TO START TOMORROW ON HERBERT C. BONNER BRIDGE

Closures will allow crews to continue repair work on the bridge

RALEIGH — Starting tomorrow, motorists traveling across the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge, which spans the Oregon Inlet and connects Hatteras Island to the mainland in Dare County, will encounter lane closures during the day.

The N.C. Department of Transportation is in the process of making repairs to the bridge, and lane closures are necessary to complete the work. They will occur from 7 a.m. to dusk Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, they will run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be no closures on the weekends.

Solar-powered temporary stoplights will control the flow of traffic during the closures. Flagmen may also guide vehicles through the work zone. The lane closures will remain in effect until June 15 when tourist season begins.

At no time will all lanes of the bridge be closed.

The $14.7 million Bonner Bridge rehabilitation project started in March 2008, with final completion set for November 2010. The work includes making improvements and repairs to the bridge’s support system and repairing the underside of the bridge’s road surface. Most of the remaining work will take place on the north end of the bridge. Crews will also conduct some repairs at water level.

To view photos of the rehabilitation project, visit ncdot.org/projects/bonnerbridgerepairs/gallery.

***NCDOT***

Dara Demi
Senior Communications Officer
N.C. Department of Transportation

Did ye remember?

To talk like a pirate today? It's International Talk Like a Pirate Day.

I would try to write this blog in pirate-speak except a) I am terrible at it (although I heartily enjoy listening to and/or reading it) and b) I am really tired since I had the lovely experience of going to yet another of our friendly regional Emergency Rooms yesterday (this time Nags Head). They still don't know what's causing the chest pain/pressure and shortness of breath, which recurred on Friday morning. I'm hoping that it either stops happening or they figure out what's causing it soon!

Contemplation

You're doing it right.

Upcoming special concert

If you like banjo...you should plan to be here for this.

Meet the newest (and shortest) member of the Ocrafolk Opry

I went to the Opry tonight and was pleasantly surprised to discover there's a new member of the show. He's quite short, certainly the youngest member of the Opry, but very cute, and did a terrific job performing with his Daddy.

Don't get flu!

There will be a flu shot clinic at the Ocracoke Health Center from 8 am - noon this Saturday, Sept. 19. Walk-ins only. No appointments needed. The cost is $20.

We will file Medicare, Medicaid, BCBS, and Medcost. Please bring your insurance information with you.

Connor and I will be there, so if you are too, see you then!

My big adventure

We got back from Colorado yesterday, shortly before midnight. I was home for all of about 30 minutes and then left again. In an ambulance.

I had been having pretty severe chest pain for about 2 hours, so I called (and woke up) Dr. Moore. He told me to call 911, which I did, and our wonderful paramedics and EMTs came to check on me. They very quickly (before we even left the house) verified that it did not seem to be a cardiac event (EKG looked fine), but it was scary and painful enough that I decided to let them take me to the Health Center anyway since a) I wanted to know what it was, if possible and b) I had already woken up poor Dr. Moore, the least I could do was go see him!

Well, after just a few minutes, some drugs, and a bunch of questions at the Health Center, I was feeling loads better (I assume that was the drugs!), but Dr. Moore had decided I needed to go to a hospital for further testing. It was now about 1 AM, and I needed to get to a facility quickly (explanation on that in a moment), so I got a ride with the Marines in their speedy Chinook helicopter. Health East from Pitt Memorial in Greenville, and Nightingale from Sentara General in Norfolk both couldn't fly due to ground fog, but the USMC ("Pedro", as they are called...I don't know why and would love to find out, so if you know, leave a comment!) will fly when others won't. They agreed about the ground fog, though, so they took me to New Bern. They took wonderful care of me. Plus, they were really strong and good looking to boot! (Nothing wrong with having a handsome guy to look at when you are generally not feeling wonderful, in my opinion.) But seriously, I was hugely appreciative of them. God bless all our men and women in uniform.

Anway, after a sleepless night in the ER (the poor guy next to me called out repeatedly in his sleep, plus the lights were on and I was wondering what the heck was wrong with me, so snoozing wasn't happening), a chest x-ray, and a CAT scan including contrast dye pumped through my IV (which was a sneak preview of a hot flash), the ER Dr. (Lavine) was able to rule out a pulmonary embolism, which was the reason Dr. Moore wanted me to go to a hospital quickly (to verify that wasn't the issue, since those can be fatal).

At the moment, I'm not sure what the cause was, although Dr. Lavine recommended checking my gall bladder next. Luckily, I think can do that by driving to the hospital in Nags Head for an ultrasound. Although...there's something to be said for helicopter travel - the flight was smooth, the landing was wonderful (unlike airplane landings, which often make me feel really sick), and it was the fastest I've ever gotten to New Bern!

No, this adventure is not the reason the blog is so terribly far behind - my trip to Colorado is. I will get it caught up eventually, though, I swear!

Hope your life has been smooth and free of helicopter rides (at least for emergencies) recently, wherever you are!

A day at a castle

My mom, her friend Pam and I spent several hours today visiting Glen Eyrie Castle. It is a lovely, huge place with a fascinating history, and if you ever find yourself in Colorado Springs, I highly recommend a visit and a tour. Or, if you really like old castles, you might even want to stay there (it's also a Bed and Breakfast). Here are a few pictures.

Like many older homes, the interior features were lovely and ornate.

My favorite was the stained glass designs in the transoms above each bedroom door.

I adored these windows.

I seriously covet this sunroom!

High and dry

We're visiting my sister in Colorado for the week, and I had forgotten how dang dry it is at this altitude. I love the mountains, but I'm definitely a sea level kind of girl. Bring me some humidity!

Community Cemetery

Did you know that there are more than 80 cemeteries on Ocracoke? Most are small family locations, and they are spread throughout the village. There are even a handful in some back yards.

The largest one is the Community Cemetery, which happens to be just down the street from my house. I was out walking the other day and snapped a couple of photos because I liked the quality of the light. Here's one, in case you haven't seen this one of the island's many final resting places.

Goin' to the grotto

I spent the afternoon at The Spa at Merle Norman in Greenville today, being pampered with a facial and a trip to "the grotto", a type of body wrap treatment which was very relaxing. If you enjoy treating yourself to spa appointments, I definitely recommend this location. It doesn't beat my favorite spa ever (that's the Spa at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville), but it is quite enjoyable, and reasonably priced as well.

Aaarrrgggghhhhh!

No, that's not pirate speak. That's Kati-speak for "I have 47,312 things to do to get ready for our trip to Colorado and not nearly enough time to do them all!" Well, okay, 47,312 might be a minor hyperbole. It's probably really only 47. But that's still plenty!

I am good at the planning part of getting ready for a trip, but when it comes to the actual packing, I'm the world's foremost procrastinator. So it will be a late night for me, followed by an early morning ferry...not a particularly good combination, but at least we aren't going far tomorrow (just to Greenville, then we'll continue the trip from there on Saturday morning). I'll try to post some blogs during the trip about what we're up to as we travel.

Labor Day weekend concert

Sorry for the total lack of blogs recently. I have several in draft, and I'll get caught up eventually. Here's a quick one just to let you know about an upcoming event.

Martin and Friends
Saturday 9/5
Deep Water Theatre and Music Hall

Doors open for ticket sales at 7:30, show starts at 8:00.

If I was going to be here, I would go!

Coming soon

I have been hearing for years about plans to put a historical marker of some sort at Loop Shack Hill, the site of a Navy building used in World War II to monitor submarines off the Outer Banks.

Well, apparently things are finally beginning to move forward on this front. I noticed what appears to be the base of a future marker on the site as I drove by today.



I'll keep you posted and put an updated picture on the blog as soon as the marker is completed.