Ocracoke Island is not just fishing, sunbathing, and swimming. It is also music, delicious dinners, water sports, storytelling, history, community, and much more. Sometimes visitors forget about our soundside attractions. Here are a few photos I took a few days ago.















































 Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.

I recently started a new book, The Great Hunger, Ireland 1845-1849, by Cecil Woodham-Smith.

On page 24 I read this re. the pre-famine Irish peasants:

"Dancing was the universal diversion, and Lord George Hill, who owned property in Donegal, has left an account of removing a cabin with dancing and fiddling. 'The custom on such occasions is for the person who has the work to be done to hire a fiddler, upon which engagement all the neighbours joyously assemble and carry in an incredibly short time the stones and timber upon their backs to the new site; men, women and children alternately dancing and working while daylight lasts, at the termination of which they adjourn to some dwelling where they finish the night, often prolonging the dance to dawn of day.'"

Dancing has been an important part of island social life since the very first Irish, English, and Scottish settlers arrived on Ocracoke. Over the last half century rock & roll dancing has mostly supplanted traditional Ocracoke Island square dancing (a type of "big circle" dance).

Traditional Ocracoke Square Dance, 2012












But the old style dance, which was once popular throughout coastal Carolina, still survives only on Ocracoke. Ocracoke Alive, local non-profit cultural, artistic, educational, and environmental organization, will be sponsoring several dances in upcoming months. Look for more information soon. 

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.

If you haven't read yesterday's post about a riddle my father used to recite, you might want to take a look at it now. Below is a version of the riddle that I believe comes closer to being the original:

Twelve pears hanging high,
Twelve knights passing by,
Each took a pear,
And left eleven hanging there.
How could that be?

I discovered a query seeking the solution to this riddle in an interesting 19th century compendium of newspapers and journals entitled Notes and Queries, A Medium of Intercommunication For Literary Men, General Readers, Etc.  The relevant London newspaper in the volume is dated Saturday December, 3 1887.

A respondent named Ellen I. Delevingne provided the correct solution: "The answer is that the [knight's] name was 'Each.'" She then adds, "I always thought it a most unsatisfactory solution."

I concurred until I read one of the other remarks: "The 'twelve knights' must have been Spenser’s 'doucepere,' F.Q.,’ iii. 10, 31. The name has reference to the 'twelve peers' of France, but the context shows that there was only one of him."
The respondent is referring to Edmund Spencer's (ca. 1552-1599) The Faerie Queen, book 3, Canto 10, stanza 31: "Big looking like a doughty Doucepere," 
Spencer's doucepere (fr. OF doze pers, doze per, lit., twelve peers) is "an illustrious noble; specif: one of the twelve peers of Charlemagne." So my guess is that this was a literary riddle that came out of the British Isles during the Victorian period, was originally a pun on the "twelve peers" ("twelve pears"), and included a nod to Spencer's "Doucepere" (just one of the twelve knights).

Maybe the original version of the riddle actually went something like this:

Twelve pears hanging high,
Twelve peers passing by,
Twelve peers took a pear,
 And left eleven hanging there.

How could that be? The solution: Twelve peers (Doucepere) was the name of one of the peers.
When the riddle was passed down in the colonies (including Ocracoke), "twelve" sometimes became "ten," and the literary reference (and the accompanying pun) was lost...resulting in "Each," not "Doucepere," becoming the name of the single knight, and the riddle becoming, as Ms. Delevingne remarks, "most unsatisfactory."
Perhaps there was more to this riddle than I ever imagined as a child. Maybe the "riddle" of the riddle has been solved!

 Hey, at least I found this all quite interesting, even if most of our readers are rolling their eyes.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of windmills on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012113.htm.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Saturday, July 18, 2009 BRBRBy Jennifer Preyss BRStaff Writer for The A href="http://www.dailyadvance.com/news/vacationers-help-needy-families-726249.html"Daily AdvanceBR/A DIV class=subheadline H3Pa. families give 2 families $1,400/H3BRWhen Currituck locals get the urge to complain about tourists this summer, they might want to consider what three families vacationing from Pennsylvania are doing to make life a little easier for the area’s neediest residents. BRBRFor the second year in a row, the Malagise family of Freedom, Pa., the O’Donnell family of West Mifflin, Pa., and the Wilson family of Bethel Park, Pa., have donated money to help an area family struggling to make ends meet. BRBRAccording to Ginger Candelora, executive director of Interfaith Community Outreach, the families were vacationing on the Outer Banks last summer when they discovered that behind the Outer Banks’ beautiful beaches and tourist attractions, there was a rising unemployment rate and hundreds of families in dire financial straits. BRBR“They were just talking one night around the pool and said, 'It’s hard to believe you’ve got so many poor people living in the middle of paradise,’” Candelora said. BRBRCandelora isn’t sure how the families learned about ICO, but they contacted her office and inquired about making a donation to local family in need. BRBR“They said they wanted to donate money, but they wanted to write the check themselves and give it to the person, rather than go through ICO,” Candelora said. “We don’t usually do that, so we found a Currituck lady who was in the hospital, she had contracted a virus, and was facing eviction from her home. We told (the families) they could write a check to her landlord.” BRBRThe vacationers agreed, and wrote a $400 check to the woman’s landlord. BRBRWhen the families returned for a vacation this summer in Duck, they again contacted ICO and inquired about making a donation to another family. This time, they wanted to donate an even larger sum: $1,000. BRBRAs Candelora went through her 44 faith outreach networks and the Departments of Social Services in Currituck and Dare, one family rose to the top as a perfect candidate for the donation. BRBRA young Dare County family was struggling to pay bills after the husband had lost his construction job. Their troubles mounted after his hours at a local restaurant — where he had found another job — were cut. BRBR“He finally found full-time work at Food Lion, but they were hurting with their finances and about one and one-half months behind in their rent,” Candelora said. BRBRInterfaith was familiar with the family because that’s what it does: helps needy families in Dare and Currituck counties by providing them with emergency services and funding. Since January, the ecumenical outreach program and its network of donors between Moyock and Hatteras have helped more than 500 families in the two counties. BRBRThe families left quietly about a week ago, and requested their donations remain anonymous. But Candelora, touched by their giving, begged them to go public. BRBR“They wanted to give anonymously, but we wanted to let folks see that our visitors care so much for our paradise,” Candelora said. “And they’re so young. I was impressed with that. It gives us hope."BRBRA href="http://www.dailyadvance.com/news/vacationers-help-needy-families-726249.html"Link to the ArticleBR/A/:OD/DIV

BRBRIMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/41500-38006/SunsetonSoundBEAUTIFUL.jpg"BRBRSTRONGEMFONT face="Courier New" size=3Simple Pleasures of the Outer BanksBRBR/FONTSunsets BRBRSunrises with a great cup of coffee or teaBR/EM/STRONGBRSTRONGEMFresh, Sweet Corn with real butterBRBRPink Crepe Myrtles in downtown ManteoBRBRSmelling the Russian Olive Trees as you drive the road to CorollaBRBRCustard cone from Kill Devils BRBRPicking up lunch from Stop and Shop and eating it at the Avalon Pier parking lotBRBRDriving home with your car windows down on the beach road BRBRChilling on the porch during a rain stormBRBRThe baby rabbits you see in the yard BRBRHaving breakfast at Nags Head PierBRBRWhile you are in Corolla, you see some of the Corolla Wild HorsesBRBRThe new soundside park in DuckBRBRPelicans flying over the oceanBRBRCrossing the Wright Memorial Bridge after being out of town ...whether it is for an hour or a week /EM/STRONG

BROne thing I never hear is "the beach was crowded" when people are referring to the beaches here on the OBX.nbsp; OK, there can be a lot of people on the beaches at any given time but still, there is always lots of room to spread out and even play volleyball, cook out, etc. BRBROne of my co-workers sent me some pictures the other day of a beach in China.nbsp; Two of those are below.nbsp; My questions are:BR1. Where are the bathrooms ... how many are there? BR2. How do they even get wet ...is there enough water? BR3. Where do they all park?BR4. Do they have lifeguards and if so ...how could they possibly see someone in trouble?BRBREnjoy and have a great week,BRYour OBX BloggerBRBRBRBRSPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"IMG height=450 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/41500-38006/beachinchina.bmp" width=676BRBRIMG style="WIDTH: 677px; HEIGHT: 342px" height=355 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/41500-38006/beachinchina2.bmp" width=711/SPAN

P BRIMG style="WIDTH: 376px; HEIGHT: 452px" height=512 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/41500-38006/10.jpg" width=428BRBRWhat a nice surprise we got today when Lorrie from Outer Banks Epicurean dropped off some gift bags with all kinds of local goodies in them./P PAmy Huggins has started a new business here on the beach and each Tuesday.nbsp; Inside each bag (which you get to keep) is an assortment of items that are grown, caught, roasted, harvested or crafted by hand on the Outer Banks of North Carolina by some of our good neighbor businesses./P PSample 10 homegrown tastes of the Outer Banks; All lovingly packed in a reusable insulated bag. /P PHere are the items featured today/P PSTRONGFood DudesBR/STRONGMilepost 9 on the Beach Road, Kill Devil HillsBRhabenero peppa sauce (spicy!)BR[habenero peppers, red onion, lime juice, tomatoes, brown sugar, BRsalt, garlic, apple cider vinegar]/P PSTRONGFarmer 2 ForkBR/STRONGMilepost 4.5 on the Bypass, Kitty HawkBR2 bean + local tomato summer chiliBR[local tomatoes, kidney beans, white beans, local roasted red peppers,BRorganic cilantro, garlic, chili powder, toasted cumin,BRlocal matamuskeet sweet onions, house ground beef]/P PSTRONGTarheel Produce/Outer Banks HoneyBR/STRONGMilepost 6 on the Bypass, Kill Devil HillsBRlocal honeyBR[raw honey from outer banks bees in wanchese]/P PSTRONGTommy’s MarketBR/STRONGHighway 12N, Village of DuckBRtommy’s secret seasoning blendBR[top secret]/P PSTRONGOuter Banks EpicureanBR/STRONGA href="http://www.OuterBanksEpicurean.com"www.OuterBanksEpicurean.com/Anbsp; BRMobile Outer Banksnbsp;BRmint-ginger-orange slawBR[cabbage, local organic herbs (lime mint, chocolate mint,BRlemon balm, cilantro) orange juice and zest, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar,BRsesame oil, outer banks sea salt, pepper]/P PSTRONGCoastal Provisions MarketBR/STRONGSouthern Shores Crossing, Southern ShoresBRchocolate paveBR[sugar, butter, bittersweet chocolate, egg, brandy]/P PSTRONGBagels to BeefBR/STRONGOuter Banks Kettle CornBRThe Market Place, Southern ShoresBRkettle cornBR[popcorn, sugar, coconut oil, salt, lots of love]/P PSTRONGTarheel Produce/Outer Banks HoneyBR/STRONGMilepost 6 on the Bypass, Kill Devil HillsBRlocal honey [raw honey from outer banks bees in wanchese]/P PSTRONGFatboyz Ice Cream and GrillBR/STRONGMilepost 16, Beach Road, Nags HeadBRchocolate dipped waffle cone bitesBR[secret waffle batter, bittersweet chocolate, sugar]/P PSTRONGOuter Banks Sea Salt BR/STRONGDebuts today! To order: A href="http://www.outerbanksepicurean.com"www.outerbanksepicurean.com/ABRhand harvested local sea saltBR[evaporated water from the atlantic ocean, kitty hawk]/P PSTRONGDistribution Locations:BR/STRONGCoastal Provisions Market Southern Shores Crossing, Southern ShoresBRTommy’s Market Highway 12N, Village of DuckBRFarmer2Fork Milepost 4.5 on the Bypass, Kitty Hawk BRBagels to Beef The Market Place, Southern Shores/P P$20 (includes the bag!)BRspecial pricing available for large orders/P PAVAILABLE ONLY ON TUESDAYS; SUMMER 2009BRAmy HugginsBRA href="mailto:amyhuggins@mac.com"amyhuggins@mac.com/ABR(c) 252.267.7884/P POuter Banks EpicureanBR252.305.0952BRA href="mailto:info@outerbanksepicurean.com"info@outerbanksepicurean.com/ABRA href="http://www.outerbanksepicurean.com"www.outerbanksepicurean.com/A/P

Pnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; /PSTRONGDuck's Annual Fourth of July ParadeBR/STRONGJuly 3rd. Starts at 9 a.m.nbsp; Afterwards there isnbsp; music by Ruth Wyland and Friends at the Duck Town Park. For registration information please contact the Town at 252-255-1234. Website: A href="http://www.TownofDuck.com"www.TownofDuck.com/Anbsp; BRBRSTRONGRoanoke Island Festival Park in ManteoBR/STRONGJuly 4th. 8 p.m. A pre-fireworks show featuring music and dance. Outdoor Pavillion in the Park. 252-475-1500. Website: A href="http://www.roanokeisland.com"www.RoanokeIsland.comBRBR/ASTRONGKill Devil Hills Fireworks DisplayBR/STRONGJuly 4th at dusk.nbsp; Located at the Avalon Pier on Milepost 6 on the Beach Road. Website: A href="http://www.kdhnc.com"www.kdhnc.com/ABRBRSTRONGNags Head Fireworks DisplayBR/STRONG9:25 p.m. Nags Head Fishing Pier at Milepost 11.5 on the Beach Road. Presented by the Town of Nags Head. Website: A href="http://www.TownofNagsHead.com"www.TownofNagsHead.com/ABRSTRONGBRManteo BR/STRONGJuly 4th is a full day of fun featuring children's games, contests and a flea market. That night, enjoy the NC School of the Arts Pops Concert at A href="http://www.roanokeisland.com/"Roanoke Island Festival Park/A.nbsp; Enjoy the fireworks displacy over the Roanoke Sound. Website:A href="http://www.manteo.govoffice.com"www.manteo.govoffice.com/ABRBRSTRONGCorollaBR/STRONGJuly 4th. Saturday from 5 p.m. until ? Free Admission. The fireworks display starts at dusk but come early to enjoy food and music. Please bring a blanket or chairs.nbsp;nbsp; Website:nbsp;A href="http://www.VisitCurrituck.com"www.VisitCurrituck.com/A. Please note that the boat ramp at Currituck Heritage Park will be closed on Saturday, July 4.nbsp;BRBRBRnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; BRIMG height=706 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/41500-38006/fireworks.jpg" width=617A href="http://www.kdhnc.com"BR/AA href="http://www.kdhnc.com"BR/ABR

BRMore Information A href="http://www.firstfriday-roanokeisland.com"HEREBR/ABRIMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/41500-38006/fridayJuly.jpg"

BRSeveral readers sent in more suggestions for the Outer Banks Rules blog that was posted the other day.nbsp;nbsp; They were good ones, so here is Chapter Two.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; BRBRBR UL LIWhen you are in the grocery store, do not wear sunglasses unless you have (a) pink eye (b) a black eye (c) are a fugitive LIHang up your cell phone while you are (a) at lunch in a restaurant (b) in your car unless you are the passenger (c) at dinner anywhere LISit on the deck in the early morning and watch the sun come up LIWhen you are on a bike, please be careful. Look around you. Please stay within the Bike Path--do not go onto the Beach Road proper.nbsp; LIGo to the NC Aquarium and take the kids. LIUse recyclable bags when you go to the store LIFill up your holes that you made at the beach. Someone might break an ankle LIThe sun is brighter and hotter than you think ... wear sunscreen LIDrink lots of water or Gator Ade while you are out in the heat LITip your wait person well LISlow down...there isnbsp; no fire. One good tip---unless you are at a stoplight on the by-pass (the big road); don't even try to make a left turn.nbsp; Take a right, then a left and then a right again or stay on the Beach Road. Trust me on this during the summer months. LITurn down the music at night--your next door neighbors might go to bed earlier than you LIGo get the Fish Tacos at Mama Kwan's in KDH LICheck out the Manteo Waterfront. LIMake sure you know the physical address of the home you are renting LISit on the deck iin the evening and watch the sunset.nbsp;/LI/UL PThank you again for choosing to come to the Outer Banks. BRUntil Next Time, BRJMnbsp;/PIMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/41500-38006/blog.jpg"BRBR