Cookies galore!

The annual Friends of the Library cookie swap is one of the sweetest events of the holiday season. This year, I made three dozen cookies, so I could bring home a wider variety. I also had been instructed (by my sister) to bring home at least two of every cookie, so that we could both have one. I followed directions, getting a lovely assortment of delicious baked goods in pairs.


Yummy!

Brrr!

It has suddenly gotten really cold around here. Yes, I know winter is nearly here, but somehow I just wasn't quite ready. The trip to sunny Florida combined with some recent unseasonably warm days on the island lulled me into a place of denial about the fact that winter is...well, cold. Brr! I'm staying indoors. Except oh wait, there's no way that's an option this time of year, with all the holiday activities and events coming up in the next few weeks.

Christmas show

Last night, a large group of talented Ocracoke performers entertained a large crowd with plenty of Christmas songs, one story, and one poem. It was a terrific show!


Katie and Leslie got things started with a flute duet of Away in a Manger.


Then Noah Paley sang two songs: a Noah original and the traditional "Christmas Song".


Ingeborg joined the show for the first time this year, playing two pieces.


Ivey, Laura and their daughter Hannah sang "The Name of Jesus", which is not a Christmas song per se, but which Ivey's grandparents always used to sing at Christmas, so they sang it in honor of them.


Rob read his hilarious new (just written this week!) poem about Christmas on Ocracoke.


Roger Garrish sang Silent Night, accompanied by Jamie on the piano.


Molasses Creek - a combination of the former and current members - ended the first set.


Gary sang a sweet song called Scarlet Ribbons.


Fiddler Dave and Caroline played Deck the Halls.


Marcy and Lou were great as always.


Molly and Emmet reprised their hilarious Ocracoke version of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen"...which is, of course, "God Rest Ye Merry, Fishermen". Save us all from flounder and drum!


Jamie and Bob rocked on Blue Christmas.


Lachlan obviously enjoyed the show so much that he passed out from happiness. :)

If you would like to watch the show, it's available on Ivey's youtube channel, here.

Gorgeous sunset

I went to the OPS museum for a meeting today, and was lucky to be in the area of the harbor as the sun was setting, since that meant I got to see this lovey sunset.

I almost forgot...

...about these cool pictures I took on the early morning ferry to Swan Quarter back on November 20, when we left for our trip to Disney.

I have no idea how many thousands of birds were flying along the water, but it was lovely to see.

Don't miss the show!

The Community Christmas Concert is tomorrow night. Hope you can be there!

Here's the official info, from the email I received today.

Ocracoke Community Christmas Concert
Thursday, December 10th
Ocracoke Community Center
7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30)
Come out to hear holiday stories and wonderful Christmas music!

Performers include Marcy Brenner, Lou Castro, Bob Ray, Echo Bennink,
Molly Lovejoy, David Tweedie, Leslie Gilbert, Kati Wharton, The
MadriGals, DeAnna Locke, Gary Mitchell, Molasses Creek, Caroline
Temple, Katie O'Neal, Philip Howard, Roger Garrish, Noah Paley,
Ingeborg Frye, Sundae Horn, Rob Temple, Aaron Caswell, Jamie Tunnell,
Ivey and Laura Belch, Serge Gracovetsky, Robert Raborn, and Emmet
Temple.

This festive holiday event is FREE, but don't forget to bring money
along for the bake sale (benefitting Ocracoke School's 3rd and 4th
grades), calendar sale (benefitting Ocracoke Child Care), drink sale
(benefitting Ocracoke Youth Center) and candy booth sale (benefitting
Ocracoke Girl Scouts).

New Year's Eve dinner at Dajio

If you're going to be on the island on New Year's Eve, you might be interested in this. Enjoy if you go, and Happy 2010 in advance!

Dajio's New Year's Eve Buffet 2009

If you liked the Thanksgiving Buffet, you will love the
New Year’s Buffet even more…..

Starting with passed Petit Fours tableside; then the Buffet will include:
Oyster Chowder
Caesar Salad
Black-eyed Pea Salad
Sweet Potato-Pine Nut Rissoto
Oven Braised Lamb Shanks
Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Brown Oyster Gravy
Grilled Tuna with Melted Leeks and Oven Dried Tomatoes
Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Rosemary Gravy
Horseradish Mashed Potatoes
Carol’s Collards
Ocracoke Shrimp Stew
Homemade Desserts

Of course a glass of Champagne will be included !!

Seatings at 5:30, 7:00 and 9:00 Make your reservations early in person or by calling 928-7119.

Cost is $40 per person