A few days ago Lachlan (who is almost six) had a friend from off the island visiting. While they were playing, discussion turned to their birthdays (they were both born in August).

"Are you a Leo or a Sagittarius?" the friend inquired.

"Neither," replied Lachlan, "I am a scientist."

The exchange tells us as much about their parents as it does about the children!

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to independent spirit and island character Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Several days ago I took Lou Ann out in the boat for a short ride. As always, she had her camera with her, and she took several pictures. Here are a few for your enjoyment. Click on any photo to view a larger image.

Just about ready to cast off:



A visiting schooner lies at the Community Store dock:



Nets & boats at the Fish House dock:



The Lighthouse and houses "Down Point":



The Captain Thomas home, and dock:



Laundry hanging out to dry:



Pamlico Sound ahead:



Ferries passing:



Kayakers:



This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to independent spirit and island character Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Ocracoke is one of those rare places where you can savor the splendor of sunrise and sunset over the water.

Many thanks to Lou Ann (who is much more of a morning person than I am) for sharing these photos she took a few days ago.

Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean:



Sunset over Pamlico Sound:



Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to independent spirit and island character Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Several days ago I took Lou Ann out for a little cruise in my 18' skiff. She wanted to make some photographs of Ocracoke village from Silver Lake, so we motored around slowly looking at the lighthouse, historic homes "down point," sailboats anchored in the harbor, and other sights. On our second pass by Captain's Landing Motel we were hailed by the captain of a large motor yacht tied up to their dock.

"Where did you get that skiff?" he wanted to know. I told him my dad had built it about 35 years ago.

"Here on the island?" he asked. I said it was one of the last wooden skiffs built right here on Ocracoke. He told me several times how beautiful it was, and how much he enjoyed seeing us go by.

I guess you don't have to be the captain of a large, expensive vessel to garner attention from other boaters!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to independent spirit and island character Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Enoch Ellis Howard (1833-1897) was appointed keeper of the Ocracoke Lighthouse in 1862 when he was just 29 years old. He served until he died, thirty-five years later. His annual salary in 1862 was $560.00. The year he died his salary was still $560.00!

Enoch Ellis and his wife Cordelia Williams* are pictured below, standing beside the keeper's quarters.



*Enoch Ellis Howard and his two brothers, Perry Coleman & James W. (my great-grandfather) each married sisters, Cordelia Williams, Elizabeth Williams, and Zilphia Williams.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to independent spirit and island character Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Lou Ann and I were off the island all day yesterday (thus no blog). It wasn't a very exciting trip (the main reason to go was my six-month visit to the dentist), but we did get some essential shopping done -- supplies for the Village Craftsmen, a replacement phone cord, a much needed pair of shoes, a few clothes, and some paper products.

We were gone eleven hours (returned home on the 6:30 ferry), but enjoyed the time to be together in the car, chatting and listening to 50s and 60s music on satellite radio. The best part of the trip was standing on the ferry on our way home, feeling the spray nip at our legs, smelling the scent of salt in the air, and watching Ocracoke grow larger as we approached the dock.

It is always good to be home on our little island in the sea.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to an interesting island character, Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Many thanks to Ruth Fordon who forwarded more Ocracoke July 4th photos -- parade floats, beachgoers, sand scuptures, and classic antique cars. Click on any photo to view a larger image.


















































Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to independent spirit Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Ruth Fordon, editor of the Ocracoke Observer, sent me the following photos she took of the July 4th Ocracoke Squaredance (click on any photo to view a larger image). I thought our readers would enjoy seeing how much fun folks were having. Afterwards the Aaron Caswell Band kept a crowd of hundreds enthralled with two hours of classic rock and roll. As they say, "A good time was had by all!" Notice the range of ages of people dancing.
































Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to the memory of indepent islander Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

We hope all of our readers had a safe and happy Independence Day. There was so much going on here yesterday on Ocracoke Island. Following are a few photos (I'm sorry, but I don't have pictures of the sand sculptures, the classic cars, most of the parade floats, etc., but I hope you enjoy these). Click on any photo to view a larger image.

The American Flag flying from my front porch:



The Herd Skydivers Coming in for a Landing:



Lou Ann, Jim, & I on our Float (The "De-Hyde-Ration Co. ABC Store" -- sold out of everything...but only local folks got the joke!):



The Queens (and Buccaneers) of Ocracoke:



Evening Squaredance at the Community Store:



Even the Dogs were Celebrating:



Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute of the spirit of independent islander Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

We were sitting around a picnic table last night (enjoying a July 4th Ocracoke potluck dinner), and Katy & Ingrid were telling us about their recent bicycle trip across the US. They and several friends left Ocracoke February 1, biked to St. Augustine, Florida, then headed west. They arrived in San Diego, California on June 1. It was quite an adventure, especially biking across the desert at night. Katy said she would do it again, but would take a different route next time just so they could see another part of the country.

At the end of their tale Katy made it clear that the most spectacular nighttime sky was right here at home, on Ocracoke Island. When Lou Ann and I came back to our cottage on Lawton Lane (after a brief detour to enjoy the sunset over Pamlico Sound) we stood out in the yard and looked up in the heavens. What a scene! Stars were scattered everywhere. The Milky Way and numerous constellations were spread out across the sky. In short order a shooting star pierced the canopy. We walked up the steps and into the house, happy to be home.

Happy Independence Day to all of our readers. We hope to see you around the village, enjoying the celebrations.

The Ocracoke Civic & Business Association has asked me to publish this photo to remind all of our residents and visitors that private fireworks displays (including sparklers and bottle rockets) are prohibited on Ocracoke Island, both on National Park Service land, and in the village.


This ordinance was enacted prior to last year's tragic explosion, and was designed to protect our beautiful island from fires started by private fireworks displays.

Please enjoy our July 4th celebration, and especially our evening music and dance activities at the Community Store parking lot.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is another tribute to islander and independent spirit Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

The Ocracoke Civic & Business Association and the Ocracoke Preservation Society have planned a number of fun events for all day in honor of Independence Day. Here is Sunday's schedule:

• 9 am -- Flag Raising Ceremony (with moment of silence) at Ocracoke School circle.
• 10 am -- Sand Sculpture Contest at Lifeguard Beach.
• 10 am - 2 pm -- Classic Cars at Pony Island Motel.
• 10 am - 2 pm -- Ocracoke Lighthouse open for public viewing.
• 11 am -- Church services at Methodist & Assembly of God churches.
• 11 am - 2 pm -- View Ocracoke Ponies with a NPS ranger at the Pony Pen.
• 1 pm -- Skydiving onto Pony Island Motel lawn.
• 3 pm -- Old Time Ocracoke Parade
• 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm -- Ocracoke Squaredance at the Community Store Square.
• 8:30 pm - 10 pm -- Aaron Caswell band and dance at the Community Store Square.

Bring a folding chair to the Community Store Square...but don't let that stop you from dancing! The Ocracoke squaredance is fun and easy to learn (no fancy steps, and there's a good teacher!)...and the Aaron Caswell Band will be playing many of your favorites. Come on out and have a wonderful time.

Here are a few photos to document Saturday's historic wedding of my brother, Bud Howard, and Jamie, on my back porch. All photos by Lou Ann. Click on any image to enlarge.

Enjoy.

The Floral Arrangement (from cousin Blanche's back yard):



The Officiant Preparing for the Event:



Bare Feet are an Island Tradition:



Reciting Their Vows:



The Kiss:



Sharing the Wedding Cupcakes:



"Best Man"? & Witness Mark with Bud:



Sister-in-law & Witness, Tana, with Jamie:



The Groom & the Officiant Hamming it up with Cousin Blanche at Howard's Pub:



Cousin Blanche & Philip:



Lachlan & Locke:


Lou Ann's Mama:

A Thorn Between Two Roses:

What a whirlwind week with family & friends -- delicious dinners, walks on the beach, clamming in the sound, late night visits with island friends, storytelling & music shows, stargazing, sightseeing in the boat, walks to Springer's Point...and, of course, Bud and Jamie's wedding (photos will be posted eventually).

Everyone has headed back home (except Lou Ann, of course), so now it's time to relax a bit...and to catch up on all the chores we've neglected for more than a week. I just don't know where to begin. Maybe I'll finish this post and go sit on the pizer! (Just kidding...I'll save that for later this afternoon.)

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is another tribute to the memory of islander and independent spirit Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Saturday night, after the wedding*, several of us took a ride out to the beach. As soon as we turned from Lawton Lane onto NC Highway 12 everyone gasped in awe at the huge orange ball suspended above the village in the east.

On the beach we stood in silence or talked quietly as we stared at the moon, watched its reflection shimmer and float upon the waves, and felt the tide waters lap at our toes. It was a magical experience...so much so that we returned last night right after sunset.

Gradually a few stars became visible, then a pale light appeared in the east. About 9:30 the moon peeked it's pumpkin head above the Atlantic Ocean, and slowly drifted up to join the big dipper and several other visible stars. It was truly spectacular.

*Wedding photos will follow in a day or so.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is another tribute to the memory of islander and independent spirit Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Sure, it can be a little tiring...but it's always fun to have family and friends share life on Ocracoke. We've walked on the beach, boated out to Teach's Hole, toured the village, enjoyed fresh, steamed shrimp, shared stories, and played a little music. This afternoon we'll gather at my house for Bud & Jamie's wedding...so I'd better get back home and start putting things in order!

Well, Lou Ann is settling into her island home. This winter I made space for her in my outbuilding. Not space to sleep. Oh, no...space to do research, and to write. I moved out all of the junk that was piled up inside, and made a few improvements -- put on a new roof, insulated, installed heat & A/C, and repaired the windows and the door. Lou Ann is over there writing an article as I compose this blog. It's still Spartan in the outbuilding; she didn't even have a place to write. So I stacked some large paint buckets, laid a piece of plywood on top of them, and created a "desk." She is as happy as a clam at flood tide!

Lou Ann's mother is having a super time at Ocracoke, her first visit. We've been to the beach, to Springer's Point, and around the village to inspect gardens and chicken pounds (our long-time readers will remember the lively discussion we once had about chicken pounds [chicken yards]). Friends Cathy & Mark came in late last night. Buddy and Jamie arrive sometime later today. (Not everyone is staying in my tiny house!)

A couple of people have asked for photos of the wedding on Saturday. Maybe. This is going to be a very simple, uncomplicated affair. No frills or big parties. And only a few attendees. Buddy has made it abundantly clear that he wants it short and simple. Jamie concurs...so there may not even be photos. And if so, they may not want them published. We'll see.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is another tribute to the memory of islander and independent spirit Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

This is going to be a busy (but wonderful) week for me. Lou Ann arrived late last night. Amy brought her down (she had flown into Norfolk). Lou Ann's mother, Phyllis, came too. This is her very first visit to Ocracoke. They just made the 10 pm ferry...with only seconds to spare. This morning we drove out to the Pony Pen beach, walked north to the exposed shipwreck (the George W. Wells??), then stopped for a quick dip in the ocean. The water feels chilly at first, but after diving in it is so extraordinarily refreshing! And it's so nice to have Lou Ann back on the island.

Friends from the Midwest arrive on Thursday, then my brother Buddy and his fiancee Jamie will be here on Friday. Buddy & Jamie will be married on my front porch Saturday afternoon. Did I mention that it will be a busy week?

I'll do my best to post on this blog regularly, but if I miss a day or two I hope you'll understand.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is another tribute to the memory of islander and independent spirit Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

I know I've mentioned this before, but this morning I share an interesting bit of Ocracoke island trivia. Whelks and conchs come in both right-handed & left-handed versions, depending on which side the opening is on.

If you look at this knobbed whelk in any shell book (the photo below is from Wikipedia), it will be identified as a right-handed shell, by far the most common configuration.



Ocracokers, on the other hand (pun intended!) will call this a left-handed whelk.

The reason? In the days before our municipal water system (which was constructed in the mid 1970s) all drinking water on the island was collected from rain water in cisterns. In addition to a hand pump attached to the cistern, most islanders kept two shells nearby, one right-handed, and one left-handed. As you can see from the photo above, this shell would serve beautifully as a dipper for a left-handed person. Hence, it was identified as a left-handed whelk.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is another tribute to the memory of islander and independent spirit Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Well, we've done it again. We've published our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. This month we share more stories about island character, Don Wood, remembered and told by his friend Robert (Jake) Thornbury. Jake even sent a number of old photos to go along with his tribute to this very interesting independent spirit.

You can read Jake's article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.