366!

Well, I "cheated" a few times by posting more than one blog on a day, and sometimes posts didn't get published for a few days, but still...

this is my 366th blog in 2008! Since it was a leap year, that means that I managed to make the blog truly island DAILY. (Well, sorta.)

I do not think that this feat will be repeated in 2009, but we shall see.

Happy New Year to you and yours, wherever you are!

Ways to celebrate New Year's Eve on Ocracoke

In case you are here, or planning to be, I thought I would pass on that there are a couple of options for celebrating New Year's Eve on the island. There's the annual dance at the Community Center, which is a fundraiser for the Fire Department. I can't remember the name of the band which will be playing for that party (I do know that it is not the Ocracoke Rockers this year).

Or you can head out to Howard's Pub for live music there, which I think will be provided by Frozen Head and the Squirrels, a group which has performed there before (I haven't heard them and therefore cannot provide a review or opinion).

Or you could always stay home and watch the ball drop on TV. Or go to bed early and miss the darn ball. That's probably what I'll do, since I have to get up early to feed the baby every day, holiday or not. :)

Have fun, whatever you do to celebrate the new year!

A sad day

I learned today of the death of a friend. He was 86 years old and had been ill, so it wasn't a shock, but it's always sad to lose someone nonetheless. I have no idea what (if anything) is going on around the island today, as I've been inside most of the day hanging out with friends who are visiting (it rained all day, so it was a good one to stay inside). Rain or not, any day is a good one to spend with friends, something I was definitely reminded of with the loss of my friend today. Hope you have time to spend with the people who are important to you, wherever you are...

A farewell potluck

We went to a potluck at the Community Center tonight. The food was terrific (of course!), but the reason for the dinner was a bit sad. Matt, the PA at the Health Center, is leaving to take a job on the mainland. He will certainly be missed.

At the moment, for healthcare on the island, we have Dr. Moore on duty one week, then Matt the next week, then back to Dr. Moore, and so on and so forth. Once Matt leaves, we'll have Dr. Moore one week, and then...well, it's TBD. This is one of the unique things about living on Ocracoke - you simply have to accept that some of your options are limited (unless you go off-island). There's one location for health care, one day care center, one school, one place you can get your hair cut. There are no medical specialists or dentists. I don't mind (in many ways, it makes life simpler), but I certainly can understand that it would make some people nervous about living (or even visiting) here.

We have visitors at the moment, and I don't think they are nervous. On the contrary, they greatly enjoyed the potluck (everyone is invited to an Ocracoke potluck, as long as you bring some form of food!) They commented about how great it must be to go to events like this, where you know everyone's name, and even what they will probably cook to bring and share! Things like that make the little inconveniences seem inconsequential. I would much rather live somewhere with the potlucks and sense of community we have here than in a place with multiple options for services which - while important - don't provide the same sense of belonging.

Hope you have both the services you need to care for your body, and community and friends to care for your spirit, wherever you are...

Oysters galore!

The third annual Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association Oyster Roast was held today at the Fish House. It was good eatin' as usual. And the weather was highly cooperative, as usual. It was sunny and warm, although the fog probably prevented some people from attending, as there were very few ferries running all day (even from Hatteras). But the people who did attend had a good time. John ate many, many oysters (also as usual...this is his favorite annual event).

Boxing day treats

We went to Rob and Sundae's house early this evening to enjoy eggnog and treats in celebration of the holidays. There were some seriously delicious snacks there, including fantastic chocolate and lemon dips we spread on pretzels - the combination of tart, sweet, and salty was scrumptious.

If you don't know about the tradition of Boxing Day, you can read about it here.

Merry Christmas!

Here's wishing you a day (and days to come) filled with peace, joy, and the blessing of hope.