Welcome to America

Yesterday I was in Morehead City with an Ocracoke friend, car shopping. We also went to Wal-Mart. An enormous Wal-Mart, the kind with a grocery store. The kind of store that's so big you end up calling each other. We actually had three separate phone conversations while in the store, acres of plastic merchandise separating us. Being from Ocracoke, huge stores are both thrilling and mystifying. What does it cost to air condition that place? Who buys CD's at Wal-Mart? What marketing genius could make me want yet another beach towel?

I bought a stand up fan, a summer's supply of toilet paper, and pop tarts. Then, because there is still a limited selection on Ocracoke, I ran errands at the liquor store. News flash: the genial people at the ABC in Morehead bat not an eye when you purchase what struck me as a huge amount of vodka by an array of distillers. Now that was fun.

The ship! the ship!

The NOAA boat that's been berthed at the public NPS docks for weeks now is going to be open to the public today. I'm totally going. I hope it's cool and I learn something. Pleeeasse don't disappoint me, NOAA.

more is more

Summer is officially here, accompanied by a variety of fashion statements. I'm half in love with the gentleman I saw the other day who had just gone all out with the vacation vibe: loud Hawaiian shirt, banded straw hat, Madras shorts. Why not?

People who rock the Imperialist look, with seersucker and loafers, also score points with me. So crisp, so aloof, you deserve a gin and tonic.

There are so many cute sundresses in the world!! Shade your shoulders: the best straw hats on the island are sold at Bella Fiore Pottery on Back Road.

How glad are you that jumpsuits are easier to wear than ever? Not nearly as glad as I am. One of my sartorial heros took hers from beach to bar the other day just by adding a belt and necklace.

Mercy

It is rather warmish out, maybe to make up for what was, by all accounts, a long, cold winter. All that means is that hopping in the ocean is a good idea, as is idling away an afternoon on a breezy porch.

Get some relief. Call Blue Heron Realty and someone friendly, like Lynn or Cheri or Jennifer or Judy will pick up the phone and help you determine which vacation home on Ocracoke best suits your needs.

I don't have air conditioning, which makes me feel environmental and holy, but also lends itself to some sluggish behavior. Sticky and slow, that's me.

summer skies

While sunsets are routinely more spectacular in the winter, the way the sky deepens to dark during lingering dusks in the summer is one of my favorite sights ever. It always makes me feel as if something wonderful could happen at any moment.

Did I mention the coquinas?

Such a magnificent abundance of them. I don't know why I find coquinas so fascinating. Their tenacity, maybe. Or is it their powerful arms?

Tonight is the 2nd annual WOVV Women's Arm Wrestling SmacDown at SmacNally's. I still have no costume, but I know it's gonna be fun. Give Ocracokers an excuse to dress up, and they will come. Mostly, I hope we raise a pile of $$$ to support WOVV operations, to pay rent and bills and fun things like that.

Robert has worked on this for over 3 years, devoting countless hours and also, quietly, a lot of money. We are one engineering test from being on the air! If you see him, thank him.

Also thank Blue Heron Realty for being a corporate underwriter for WOVV. Jennifer didn't hesitate when I asked for financial support for the station, and I've noticed that she also donates to many other island non-profits and community service groups.

Better yet, book your rental cottage on Ocracoke Island through Blue Heron Realty, stop by the radio studio on Silver Lake across from the Anchorage Inn, and make your own show of support!

stew, anyone?

There are great profusions of coquina clams on the beach. They are mesmerizing to watch and admirably strong. Edible, too. Dig in!

Wow

Ocracoke community radio should be on the air any day now. What do you want to hear?

magical fairy island

I like eavesdropping. Snippets of converation are often best. Today I overheard a what appeared to be an extended family negotiating transportation. They kept referring to a "ferry boat," as in, "I think they'll let you ride on the ferry boat even if you don't have a car," and "Why don't you just check the ferry boat schedule?"

Thank you, tourists, for putting the "boat" back in ferry. I will try to remember how fun it is to ride on boats the next time I leave the island.

the eternal om

Every morning this dapper mockingbird perches near my window and makes every noise it knows, over and over, preventing me from rolling over and returning to sleepy bliss. I try to think of it as the bird of mindfulness.

Nighttime temperatures are great for sleeping with the windows open. Rent an Ocracoke vacation home, and get truths from a bird of your own.

Festival

New festival favorite: Trent Wagler and his band. Like Mandi said, "Nothing is sexier than a stand up bass."

Favorite aspect of festival: the way the musicians listen to one another and seem to really enjoy being part of a supportive, enthusiastic audience.

Skye Zentz warning: this woman will try to make you cry, and possibly succeed. She's good.

crabbing with Max

Max is five. He likes the pretty colors, especially the blue that deepens to purple on the jimmy crabs' claws. No one got pinched, and we had crab for supper!