Potluck and purchasing

The 11th annual Ocrafolk Festival kicked off tonight with a huge potluck, followed by a successful live auction.



There were plenty of people - and loads of food!



Philip is an excellent amateur actioneer. Annie was one of his assistants, with help from the Brownie troop.



There was a bit of a shoe theme going - several auctioned items were arty shoes, and the table centerpieces were all decorated shoes, too.

Writers like to eat

I went to a potluck tonight with the people who write articles for the Ocracoke Observer. The editor Ruth had suggested that we keep it simple on ourselves by bringing food from Thai Moon to share. I have to say, that is one fantastic way to do a potluck. Yum. In addition to all the wonderful Thai options, Pete brought his tart and delicious key lime pie. Double yum. Unfortunately, I was too busy eating and talking to take photos!

THE HAT!

Here - because I promised my friend Jamie - is a photo of my fantastic hat, hanging on the wall in my bedroom, where it matches my decor quite well!

The whole shebang:



A closeup view so you can see all those great details:



And a view in context, so you can see I wasn't kidding when I said it matches my decor.

Getting around

Most years, there are new businesses which start on the island, usually opening up just before the season kicks off at Memorial Day. This year, there are multiple new businesses related to the same theme: transportation (of goods or people) around the island. There are new places to rent bikes and golf carts, a delivery service which will bring groceries or restaurant food to you, and the closest thing we have to cab service: rickshaw rides. The rickshaw enterprise is run by William Howard and his wife Jessie Morrisey, who are in excellent shape and ready to ride you around the village!





(Credit where credit is due: Sundae took these photos.)

Sign of summer?

When I saw this red, white and blue scene on a boat in the harbor, it seemed like a sign that summer had officially arrived.

Sunset sail

John, Connor and I went to Mariah's birthday party on Monday afternoon. John hammed it up by donning the dog ears birthday hat and painting his nose, but unfortunately I didn't get a photo of that! Connor had a blast running around naked and jumping in the pool (we didn't realize it was a swim party and therefore hadn't brought his trunks or a swim diaper), but I don't have photos of that hilarity either. After the party, we hung out for a while chatting with Rob and Sundae, and Rob asked us if we would like to join his sunset sail that evening on Windfall II. Of course we couldn't turn that down! Connor stayed and played with Mariah and Caroline; Sundae fed him dinner and took great care of him - thanks Sundae! - so we could go and enjoy ourselves.

It was slightly windy, but that only made it a more exciting sail, in my opinion. Here are a few photos.

Leaving the harbor, I couldn't help but notice how full of boats it was. Rob said it was particularly busy, even for a holiday weekend.



The other couple on the sail seemed to enjoy it as well. It was her first time sailing.



The new boat has red sails, just like her namesake.



Some sunset shots



Reflected in Emmet's sunglasses...

George Hamilton IV

This morning Grand Ole Opry star George Hamilton IV performed at church, and reminded me Whose opinion of me is the only one that matters.



Some day the silver cord will break,
And I no more as now shall sing;
But oh, the joy when I shall wake
Within the palace of the King!

Chorus:
And I shall see Him face to face,
And tell the story Saved by grace;
And I shall see Him face to face,
And tell the story Saved by grace.

Some day my earthly house will fall.
I cannot tell how soon 'twill be;
But this I know my All in All
Has now a place in Heav'n for me.


At the end of the service, Jamie sang a lovely benediction, which seemed to be a message for me too. It may bless you as well, especially if you ever feel overwhelmed by life like I occasionally do.


May you run and not be weary
May your heart be filled with song
And may the love of God continue to give you hope and keep you strong
And may you run and not be weary
May your life be filled with joy!
And may the road you travel always lead you home.

Be blessed, wherever you are!