An Occasional Journal of Daily Island Life.Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01572532603071469799noreply@blogger.comBlogger2957125
Updated: 5 hours 43 min ago
Riddle (Part I)
As a child I remember my father reciting the following riddle:
Ten pears hanging high,
Ten men riding by,
Each took a pear.
How many were left?
The answer, my father said, was nine, but why?
Recently I did a little Internet research (sometimes as good a mental exercise as doing crossword puzzles) and learned the following (likely original) version of the riddle.
Twelve pears hanging high,
Twelve knights passing by,
Each took a pear,
And left eleven hanging there.
How could that be?
The solution, according to both my father and the Internet: "Each" was the name of one of the men/knights.
I always thought this was a lame riddle!
There is more to my "academic research" into this profound subject, but you will have to wait until tomorrow for more insights.In the meanwhile, if any of our readers remember hearing this riddle when you were children, please leave a comment. Thanks.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
Ten pears hanging high,
Ten men riding by,
Each took a pear.
How many were left?
The answer, my father said, was nine, but why?
Recently I did a little Internet research (sometimes as good a mental exercise as doing crossword puzzles) and learned the following (likely original) version of the riddle.
Twelve pears hanging high,
Twelve knights passing by,
Each took a pear,
And left eleven hanging there.
How could that be?
The solution, according to both my father and the Internet: "Each" was the name of one of the men/knights.
I always thought this was a lame riddle!
There is more to my "academic research" into this profound subject, but you will have to wait until tomorrow for more insights.In the meanwhile, if any of our readers remember hearing this riddle when you were children, please leave a comment. Thanks.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
A Minor Adventure
About twenty-five years ago my cousin Robert came back to the island with some buddies for a week of fishing. Even though his grandfather was born on Ocracoke, Robert decided he needed a guide to take him out in the sound.
Robert enlisted my father to accompany him and his friends in their small boat. They motored out the ditch, then continued past Teach's Hole and out toward Ocracoke Inlet. At the first sea buoy Robert turned to my dad and asked, "What should we do now?"
"I don't know," replied my father, "I've never been out this far."
As David Cecelski relates in his book, The Waterman's Song, Slavery and Freedom in Maritime North Carolina, "...only a few [Outer Banks] boatmen bothered to venture beyond local sounds into the Atlantic." He elaborates by noting that "[e]ven on the Outer Banks, fishing was rarely a serious vocation,...[it] was a subsistence enterprise,..."
Times have changed, of course. Charter boat captains now routinely carry sport fishermen out to the Gulf Stream, and Ocracoke has a thriving fishing industry, but most commercial fishing is still done in Pamlico Sound.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
Robert enlisted my father to accompany him and his friends in their small boat. They motored out the ditch, then continued past Teach's Hole and out toward Ocracoke Inlet. At the first sea buoy Robert turned to my dad and asked, "What should we do now?"
"I don't know," replied my father, "I've never been out this far."
As David Cecelski relates in his book, The Waterman's Song, Slavery and Freedom in Maritime North Carolina, "...only a few [Outer Banks] boatmen bothered to venture beyond local sounds into the Atlantic." He elaborates by noting that "[e]ven on the Outer Banks, fishing was rarely a serious vocation,...[it] was a subsistence enterprise,..."
Times have changed, of course. Charter boat captains now routinely carry sport fishermen out to the Gulf Stream, and Ocracoke has a thriving fishing industry, but most commercial fishing is still done in Pamlico Sound.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Henry
On Sunday, December 5, 1819 the sloop Henry wrecked on the south end of Ocracoke Island. Captain Hand was the only person of the seven on board who survived. We are fortunate that a letter he wrote from Ocracoke five days later was published on January 15, 1820 in the Norfolk Beacon and Portsmouth Advertiser.
Capt. Hand's six paragraph letter describes in detail the horrific storm, the demise of his vessel, and his near-miraculous survival. I will publish the entire letter in a future Newsletter, but today I just quote a few lines:
/* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} I...am gaining [strength], having received the kindest treatment, and every possible care from the inhabitants. My chest has been picked up, but it had been opened, and all my clothes of value taken out. I am here almost naked...."
This letter is a testimony to the empathy islanders had towards the victims of shipwreck (they provided "the kindest treatment, and every possible care"), but also the feeling of entitlement to any material goods that washed up on the beach.They were kind and generous, but also poor.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
Capt. Hand's six paragraph letter describes in detail the horrific storm, the demise of his vessel, and his near-miraculous survival. I will publish the entire letter in a future Newsletter, but today I just quote a few lines:
/* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} I...am gaining [strength], having received the kindest treatment, and every possible care from the inhabitants. My chest has been picked up, but it had been opened, and all my clothes of value taken out. I am here almost naked...."
This letter is a testimony to the empathy islanders had towards the victims of shipwreck (they provided "the kindest treatment, and every possible care"), but also the feeling of entitlement to any material goods that washed up on the beach.They were kind and generous, but also poor.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Cousins
Ocracoke guitarist, Martin Garrish, sometimes performs the 1947 song, "I'm My Own Grandpa" written by Dwight Latham and Moe Jaffe. It is a clever, funny song that is guaranteed to bring smiles to nearly everyone in the audience.
Not long ago I was doing some genealogical research for an Ocracoke Preservation Society museum display. Since I am related to most of the historic island families, my line popped up here and there. At one point I discovered that my children are also my cousins! That's right, Amy & Stefen are my 7th cousins. Of course, that makes my father, my grandparents, and my grandchildren my cousins also. Looked at from another line, since one set of my great grandparents were 2nd cousins, I am my own 5th cousin!
It's too complicated to explain in detail. I'm just glad my mother's family was from Hungary!
Here are the lyrics to "I'm My Own Grandpa":
Many, many years ago when I was twenty-three
I was married to a widow who was pretty as could be
This widow had a grown-up daughter who had hair of red
My father fell in love with her and soon they too were wed
This made my dad my son-in-law and really changed my life
For now my daughter was my mother, 'cause she was my father's wife
And to complicate the matter, even though it brought me joy
I soon became the father of a bouncing baby boy
My little baby then became a brother-in-law to dad
And so became my uncle, though it made me very sad
For if he were my uncle, then that also made him brother
Of the widow's grownup daughter, who was of course my step-mother
Father's wife then had a son who kept them on the run
And he became my grandchild, for he was my daughter's son
My wife is now my mother's mother and it makes me blue
Because although she is my wife, she's my grandmother too
Now if my wife is my grandmother, then I'm her grandchild
And every time I think of it, it nearly drives me wild
'Cause now I have become the strangest 'case you ever saw
As husband of my grandmother, I am my own grandpa
I'm my own grandpa, I'm my own grandpa
It sounds funny, I know but it really is so
I'm my own grandpa
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
Not long ago I was doing some genealogical research for an Ocracoke Preservation Society museum display. Since I am related to most of the historic island families, my line popped up here and there. At one point I discovered that my children are also my cousins! That's right, Amy & Stefen are my 7th cousins. Of course, that makes my father, my grandparents, and my grandchildren my cousins also. Looked at from another line, since one set of my great grandparents were 2nd cousins, I am my own 5th cousin!
It's too complicated to explain in detail. I'm just glad my mother's family was from Hungary!
Here are the lyrics to "I'm My Own Grandpa":
Many, many years ago when I was twenty-three
I was married to a widow who was pretty as could be
This widow had a grown-up daughter who had hair of red
My father fell in love with her and soon they too were wed
This made my dad my son-in-law and really changed my life
For now my daughter was my mother, 'cause she was my father's wife
And to complicate the matter, even though it brought me joy
I soon became the father of a bouncing baby boy
My little baby then became a brother-in-law to dad
And so became my uncle, though it made me very sad
For if he were my uncle, then that also made him brother
Of the widow's grownup daughter, who was of course my step-mother
Father's wife then had a son who kept them on the run
And he became my grandchild, for he was my daughter's son
My wife is now my mother's mother and it makes me blue
Because although she is my wife, she's my grandmother too
Now if my wife is my grandmother, then I'm her grandchild
And every time I think of it, it nearly drives me wild
'Cause now I have become the strangest 'case you ever saw
As husband of my grandmother, I am my own grandpa
I'm my own grandpa, I'm my own grandpa
It sounds funny, I know but it really is so
I'm my own grandpa
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Memento, TGA, & Ocracoke
Some time ago I watched the video, Memento, a complex, often confusing movie that was rewarding, but hard work to watch. This was my second time watching Memento, and I have to admit it made a lot more sense the second time. One more time would help, too! At least two things make it a difficult movie to watch. It proceeds backwards in time, in a series of relatively short segments...and the main character (with whom the viewer identifies) has lost his recent short term memory, so it's a challenge to follow the action and make sense of what is going on.
The first reason I mention this movie (and the main reason I chose to watch it a second time) is that I have had a series of TGA (Transient Global Amnesia) episodes. Although not as severe as the disorder portrayed in the movie, and very short-lived (TGA typically lasts only about 4-5 hours), the symptoms are otherwise quite similar.
During a typical TGA episode I am unable to recall recent, mostly new information (names, numbers, dates...during my last encounter I had no idea what year it was, though I knew it was sometime in the 2000s), but am totally connected to who I am, where I live, etc. and have no trouble functioning (talking on the telephone, making decisions, etc.). Still, I can't remember certain details afterwards, and I repeat questions and comments over and over again (like an Alzheimer's patient) because I can't remember that I already said the same thing just moments ago.
Happily, this disorder generally manifests only once (although sometimes more often -- I have had it about six times), doesn't seem to be connected to any other physical or mental disorders, and as far as I know, is not predictive of any future cognitive problems.
The second reason I mention TGA is that I know of two other people on Ocracoke who have had TGA. My understanding is that it is an uncommon disorder. Information on the Internet suggests that the worldwide incidence of TGA is between 3 & 30 for every 100,000 people. The first doctor I consulted had no idea what was going on. But it seems strange to me that at least three people in this small community of about 950 people have had at least one TGA episode. There may be more, of course. But still, that's somewhere between 10 and 100 times the worldwide average. I'm wondering if the statistics for Ocracoke really are unusual. If you've had it, do you know of other family members or friends who have had it? Just curious.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
The first reason I mention this movie (and the main reason I chose to watch it a second time) is that I have had a series of TGA (Transient Global Amnesia) episodes. Although not as severe as the disorder portrayed in the movie, and very short-lived (TGA typically lasts only about 4-5 hours), the symptoms are otherwise quite similar.
During a typical TGA episode I am unable to recall recent, mostly new information (names, numbers, dates...during my last encounter I had no idea what year it was, though I knew it was sometime in the 2000s), but am totally connected to who I am, where I live, etc. and have no trouble functioning (talking on the telephone, making decisions, etc.). Still, I can't remember certain details afterwards, and I repeat questions and comments over and over again (like an Alzheimer's patient) because I can't remember that I already said the same thing just moments ago.
Happily, this disorder generally manifests only once (although sometimes more often -- I have had it about six times), doesn't seem to be connected to any other physical or mental disorders, and as far as I know, is not predictive of any future cognitive problems.
The second reason I mention TGA is that I know of two other people on Ocracoke who have had TGA. My understanding is that it is an uncommon disorder. Information on the Internet suggests that the worldwide incidence of TGA is between 3 & 30 for every 100,000 people. The first doctor I consulted had no idea what was going on. But it seems strange to me that at least three people in this small community of about 950 people have had at least one TGA episode. There may be more, of course. But still, that's somewhere between 10 and 100 times the worldwide average. I'm wondering if the statistics for Ocracoke really are unusual. If you've had it, do you know of other family members or friends who have had it? Just curious.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Wavy Glass
My house was built in the 19th century. It still has a few original window panes ("lites" or "lights" as they are still called on Ocracoke). The original lights can be identified because they are wavy. If you look out the window and move your head from side to side the trees and fences across the lane seem to shimmer and sway.
Glass is a peculiar material. Some call it a solid-like liquid; others call it a liquid-like solid. Although glass does "melt" slowly (very slowly), one mathematician estimates that it would take about ten million years for a window pane to get 5% thicker at the bottom.
In case you are interested in learning a bit more about glass, check out these two links:
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/110/how-come-you-can-see-through-glass
http://www.glasslinks.com/newsinfo/histppg.htm
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
Glass is a peculiar material. Some call it a solid-like liquid; others call it a liquid-like solid. Although glass does "melt" slowly (very slowly), one mathematician estimates that it would take about ten million years for a window pane to get 5% thicker at the bottom.
In case you are interested in learning a bit more about glass, check out these two links:
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/110/how-come-you-can-see-through-glass
http://www.glasslinks.com/newsinfo/histppg.htm
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Window
On Lou Ann's blog she periodically posts a snapshot she calls a "View Out My Window." Recently, as I was taking my morning shower, I thought about the beautiful view from my shower window. And I decided to share it with our readers.
View Out My Shower Window
Only after taking the photo did I realize that Lou Ann made an almost identical picture about a year ago that she posted on her blog.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
View Out My Shower Window
Only after taking the photo did I realize that Lou Ann made an almost identical picture about a year ago that she posted on her blog.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Vendue
A vendue is an auction. This 17th century word derives from the Dutch word vendu, which comes from Old French, and ultimately from the Latin vendere, meaning to sell. The word vendue was used on the Outer Banks to describe a public sale of shipwrecked cargo. This is what Joe A. Mobley has to say in his excellent book Ship Ashore! The U.S. Lifesavers of Coastal North Carolina:
"In 1800 the ever-increasing number of shipwrecks and lost cargoes led North Carolina to establish wreck districts with a commissioner or agent in charge of each of them to take possession of materials that washed ashore as the result of shipping disasters. Those officials, who initially were appointed by the governor and later by the county courts, attempted to determine the owner of the wrecked cargo and convened an auction, known as a vendue, for its disposition. According to the terms of vendue, the owner of the cargo, the person who salvaged it, and the agent all received a share of the selling price."
Wreckage near Gull Shoal (Hatteras Island) after the great storm of August, 1899:
Photo from Carol Cronk Cole Collection, Outer Banks History Center
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
"In 1800 the ever-increasing number of shipwrecks and lost cargoes led North Carolina to establish wreck districts with a commissioner or agent in charge of each of them to take possession of materials that washed ashore as the result of shipping disasters. Those officials, who initially were appointed by the governor and later by the county courts, attempted to determine the owner of the wrecked cargo and convened an auction, known as a vendue, for its disposition. According to the terms of vendue, the owner of the cargo, the person who salvaged it, and the agent all received a share of the selling price."
Wreckage near Gull Shoal (Hatteras Island) after the great storm of August, 1899:
Photo from Carol Cronk Cole Collection, Outer Banks History Center
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Photos
This morning I have three photos to share. My cousin Becky sent them to me a few days ago. Enjoy.
This first picture was taken in front of my house. When I initially published this post I thought the photo was taken about 1930 because my Aunt Thelma had written on the back of the picture, and identified the people as her brothers, Marvin, Enoch, and Homer. Amy looked at the picture and saw another, smaller child holding onto the arm of the man wearing the hat. I had not even noticed the younger child.
So I reconsidered, and thought maybe the photo was taken earlier, and that my dad might have been in the picture. Then I did the smart thing, and carried the photo to Blanche. She recognized the people right away. This is who is in the picture (from left to right): James Enoch Howard (b. 1903), Marvin Wyche Howard (b. 1897), Richard Olin Howard (b. 1920, Marvin's son), and Homer Rodheaver Howard (b. 1917). The photo was taken about 1930. Enoch, Marvin, & Homer were brothers, my uncles.
The next photo is of my Aunt Thelma when she was 18 years old (1930). It was taken on the steps of the Ocracoke schoolhouse.
This last picture, of my father (Lawton) and Aunt Thelma was taken about 1990.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
This first picture was taken in front of my house. When I initially published this post I thought the photo was taken about 1930 because my Aunt Thelma had written on the back of the picture, and identified the people as her brothers, Marvin, Enoch, and Homer. Amy looked at the picture and saw another, smaller child holding onto the arm of the man wearing the hat. I had not even noticed the younger child.
So I reconsidered, and thought maybe the photo was taken earlier, and that my dad might have been in the picture. Then I did the smart thing, and carried the photo to Blanche. She recognized the people right away. This is who is in the picture (from left to right): James Enoch Howard (b. 1903), Marvin Wyche Howard (b. 1897), Richard Olin Howard (b. 1920, Marvin's son), and Homer Rodheaver Howard (b. 1917). The photo was taken about 1930. Enoch, Marvin, & Homer were brothers, my uncles.
The next photo is of my Aunt Thelma when she was 18 years old (1930). It was taken on the steps of the Ocracoke schoolhouse.
This last picture, of my father (Lawton) and Aunt Thelma was taken about 1990.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Phone Call
Yesterday afternoon I received a phone call from my grandson, Lachlan. He wanted me to come over to his house and yard...and try to find him and his dad.
I thought they were in the tree house, waiting to ambush me with water balloons, but as it turned out they were quietly sitting on the roof of their house, enjoying a snack! No water balloons. I thought briefly about joining them, but decided instead to walk across the lane to visit Blanche.
There are always exciting adventures when you are 8 years old.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
I thought they were in the tree house, waiting to ambush me with water balloons, but as it turned out they were quietly sitting on the roof of their house, enjoying a snack! No water balloons. I thought briefly about joining them, but decided instead to walk across the lane to visit Blanche.
There are always exciting adventures when you are 8 years old.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
So Close
I hadn't been noticing many dolphins lately, and I'd wondered why.
On Monday afternoon Bill and I went for a walk on the beach.The dolphins were back...in great numbers. There was hardly a moment when we didn't see one or more dorsal fins breaking the surface. At times there were dozens. Some were quite a distance off shore. Others were close in. Several small pods were swimming no more than 20 - 25 feet from the tide line. If it had been summer we might have jumped in for a close encounter.
Of course, it's always a treat when a playful dolphin leaps completely out of the water. We were not disappointed. It was as if they were putting on a show just for us.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
On Monday afternoon Bill and I went for a walk on the beach.The dolphins were back...in great numbers. There was hardly a moment when we didn't see one or more dorsal fins breaking the surface. At times there were dozens. Some were quite a distance off shore. Others were close in. Several small pods were swimming no more than 20 - 25 feet from the tide line. If it had been summer we might have jumped in for a close encounter.
Of course, it's always a treat when a playful dolphin leaps completely out of the water. We were not disappointed. It was as if they were putting on a show just for us.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Smiling Faces
This past weekend's "Winter Assembly," sponsored by Salt Water Connections, brought together leaders from various coastal North Carolina communities. The gathering included presentations about the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, storytelling, catching and growing local foods, planning successful projects, school partnerships, and much more.
Friday, after a full day of presentations and meetings, the 80+ participants met at the Ocracoke Community Center for a home-cooked seafood dinner of shrimp, fish stew, potato salad, and corn bread. Several dozen islanders joined the gathering, in eager anticipation of the traditional Ocracoke square dance which was scheduled for 7:30.
After listening to a brief history of the dance, and an explanation of the primary figures, 20 or more couples joined hands in a circle as the band struck up a lively tune.
"Couples on the floor...and honor your partner," signaled the beginning of the dance.
"All join hands and circle left...halfway 'round, and halfway back."
In no time at all dancers were promenading, "wringing their dishrags," dancing the star, diving for the oyster & digging for the clam, winding the clock, and falling in line for the march and London Bridge.
The enthusiasm was contagious, as workshop participants, islanders, teenagers, and seniors swung their partners, joined hands, danced with abandon, smiled broadly and made eye contact as they danced the night away.
A grand time was had by all.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
Friday, after a full day of presentations and meetings, the 80+ participants met at the Ocracoke Community Center for a home-cooked seafood dinner of shrimp, fish stew, potato salad, and corn bread. Several dozen islanders joined the gathering, in eager anticipation of the traditional Ocracoke square dance which was scheduled for 7:30.
After listening to a brief history of the dance, and an explanation of the primary figures, 20 or more couples joined hands in a circle as the band struck up a lively tune.
"Couples on the floor...and honor your partner," signaled the beginning of the dance.
"All join hands and circle left...halfway 'round, and halfway back."
In no time at all dancers were promenading, "wringing their dishrags," dancing the star, diving for the oyster & digging for the clam, winding the clock, and falling in line for the march and London Bridge.
The enthusiasm was contagious, as workshop participants, islanders, teenagers, and seniors swung their partners, joined hands, danced with abandon, smiled broadly and made eye contact as they danced the night away.
A grand time was had by all.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Oysters
It has been a busy several days for me here on the island. This weekend the regional non-profit organization, Salt Water Connections, sponsored their first ever "Winter Assembly" on the island (more on that in a day or two), and I was in charge of child care for Lachlan while Amy & David were off the island. So I am a bit behind in reporting about Ocracoke community life.
On Thursday evening several neighbors joined together to purchase a bushel of oysters. As we sat down at the table I realized I had forgotten to bring my camera. I hope the following description helps our readers envision a coastal Carolina steamed oyster dinner.
The kitchen table was covered with newspapers. No plates, forks, spoons, or table knives were set out; just oyster knives. An open box of saltine crackers graced one end of the table. A roll of paper towels served as napkins. One small bowl held cocktail sauce; another, melted butter.
Our host brought a steaming pot from the stove and dumped a quarter of a bushel of oysters into an aluminum baking pan. Seven hands reached out to retrieve oysters. Knives were thrust between the partially opened shells, and plump oysters plucked out. After dipping them into the cocktail sauce or the butter they were simply dropped into open mouths or eaten on saltines.
Bottles of beer were emptied. Lively conversation erupted between mouthfuls. Stories were told. Laughter filled the room. Another pot of steaming oysters was dumped into the soon empty baking pan. This was repeated until the last pan was emptied and everyone had "run ashore." There were no side dishes, and no desserts...just scrumptious Pamlico Sound oysters, a wintertime coastal North Carolina treat of unparalleled flavor; a celebration of a superb regional cuisine.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
On Thursday evening several neighbors joined together to purchase a bushel of oysters. As we sat down at the table I realized I had forgotten to bring my camera. I hope the following description helps our readers envision a coastal Carolina steamed oyster dinner.
The kitchen table was covered with newspapers. No plates, forks, spoons, or table knives were set out; just oyster knives. An open box of saltine crackers graced one end of the table. A roll of paper towels served as napkins. One small bowl held cocktail sauce; another, melted butter.
Our host brought a steaming pot from the stove and dumped a quarter of a bushel of oysters into an aluminum baking pan. Seven hands reached out to retrieve oysters. Knives were thrust between the partially opened shells, and plump oysters plucked out. After dipping them into the cocktail sauce or the butter they were simply dropped into open mouths or eaten on saltines.
Bottles of beer were emptied. Lively conversation erupted between mouthfuls. Stories were told. Laughter filled the room. Another pot of steaming oysters was dumped into the soon empty baking pan. This was repeated until the last pan was emptied and everyone had "run ashore." There were no side dishes, and no desserts...just scrumptious Pamlico Sound oysters, a wintertime coastal North Carolina treat of unparalleled flavor; a celebration of a superb regional cuisine.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.
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