Post-Thanksgiving

What a bust it was this year! The plans were to eat at Elly's (my mom) ..... she would be making the turkey, dressing & pies. Katie & I would cook all of the side dishes and carry them over to Elly's. On Wednesday I went to the market and purchased all that I needed for the feast. That evening I began cooking - snapped the green beans, candied the yams, whipped up the sauce for the cauliflower and mashed the 'taters.

Thursday morning I was up bright & early, to make my traditional Thanksgiving dish of corn pudding. This recipe is from Colonial times .... I found it in a reprint of a 1770's cookbook from the James River, Virginia area. It took a few times to finally modernize/modify the ingredient amounts - measurements were somewhat vague back then. A spoon full, a hand full, a teacup full, a wineglass full, a gill. And what is fair water, rose water, treacle water or new milk?

But, I digress - back to my story.

Elly called and she's feeling poorly. Lots of chest congestion, harsh cough, stuffy head. I said we should hold off a day, since she wasn't well - no big deal. But, oh no .... she'd struggle through it. About 30 minutes later, Chris calls. Same malady as his Grandma, but also with a sore throat & chills. Hmmmm ..... this is definitely not going to be a festive meal! I called Elly back, told her Chris was down and out and we really should wait until Friday to have the Thanksgiving meal.

She agreed.

I awoke Friday a.m. to a pounding headache, sore throat, cough, and general aches and pains.

Wonderful.

I call Elly and tell her that I've caught whatever she & Chris has - the only thing that I can figure out is the Sunday before we had all met for brunch. Did we infect one another that day? I can't get warm and I don't want to leave my bed, so I would send my foods over with Bugs. Elly got a little pissy .... what .... everyone can get sick except me?

I put the green beans, ham hock and onion on to boil, steamed the cauliflower, heated up the cheese sauce, put the pudding in to bake along with the mashed potato dish. The candied yams could just be reheated in the microwave. I went back to bed.

I had some leftovers yesterday, but it sure wasn't the same as sitting down to a wonderful meal with your family on a holiday. Sigh ..............

Here's my recipe for the pudding:

James River Corn Pudding

4 cans of white corn, drained well;

5 tablespoons of flour;

1 & 1/2 cups of half & half;

3 large eggs, beaten;

1/2 teaspoon of salt;

4 tablespoons of butter;

Mix together flour and light cream until smooth. Add in the eggs, salt and butter. Stir well, then add in the corn. Pour into a round, flat bottom bowl - like a souffle dish. Sprinkle top with about 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 and 1/2 hours.

Vacation Day: Still Day 12

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Jen & I finished up touring the village and decided to head back to Hatteras. We were hoping to make the inlet crossing at sunset. Before we reached the landing, we pulled over to check out the beach.

I know that I've said this ad nauseam, but if you haven't visited the beaches on Ocracoke, put it on your "Things to Do before I Die" list. Seriously. Below is a photo of Ocracoke Beach.

No! Not this picture, silly! This photo was taken at the beach in Santa Monica, CA. According to the Santa Monica Board of Tourism, "For many the single greatest reason to visit Santa Monica is to enjoy the ultimate Southern California beach. Santa Monica has 3.5 miles (5.6 km) of well-maintained California beach locations and enjoys on average 340 days of sunshine a year plus a nearly constant gentle ocean breeze. Santa Monica Beach in particular is a natural asset that we take great care to preserve; the city of Santa Monica cleans and rakes the sand daily, and even offers a “trash valet” service on Fridays, weekends and holidays. Nothing beats simply sticking your feet in the fine sand, sitting in the sun and observing the ocean swell, or watching your kids frolic. The simple pleasures."

Simple pleasures? That's just wrong. It looks more like a cattle feed lot than a beach.

This is Ocracoke Beach! It looks pretty darned empty compared to Santa Monica Beach. And, that's the way I like it. But, I guess to each his own.

The next pic is by Dan Carmichael. I hope he doesn't mind that I've "borrowed" his work, but it conveys how magical Ocracoke beach is.

I even got Jennifer to pose for an "official" portrait while we were at the beach.

We stopped at one more shop before boarding the ferry. Most of you have heard, or heard of, the Ocrocoke Brogue. Jen encountered it first hand at this shop. As she was paying for her merchandise, I could see her looking at the clerk somewhat askance ..... Once in the parking lot, Jen said, "Did you hear her?" I replied that I hadn't ..... why? Jen thought the clerk had an Irish lilt, but yet it wasn't quite Irish ..... she was confused as to the origin of the accent. It just so happened that I had just that day purchased the book "Hoi Toide on the Outer Banks," a book explaining the Ocracoke brogue. As we sat in line for the ferry, I read aloud some passages from the book. Jen stated that was exactly how the clerk had spoken. Darn. I wanted to go back and listen. I'll explain in a later post about the brogue - after I read the book. I'd hate to mommuck any o'cocker and git 'em all quamish if, as a dingbatter, I'd make mistakes.

We loaded onto the ferry just as the sun began its slow descent into the sound. This was the first time I'd been on the ferry during sunset .... it won't be the last time. All of us tourists ooh'd and ahh'd at the glorious colors ..... first deep blues and purples, highlighted with gold tints. Just before the sun disappeared, the sky flamed bright orange. I swear, you could imagine hearing the sun sizzle as it hit the dark waters of the sound. Incredible.

Vacation: Day 12 con't.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

After lunch, Jen & I walked along the main thoroughfare of Ocracoke, wandering in and out of galleries, shops and stores. Since high season was over, nearly everything was on sale. One store had a tumble table and I picked up a fleece sweatshirt and a swimsuit coverup for Alexa for $5 each. One of my favorite places to shop in Ocracoke is the Village Ragpicker. They have the most beautiful rag rugs ..... I'll be sending off for 2 of them for Elly's Christmas present.

After contributing to the island's economy, we decided to take a driving tour of the village. We began our exploration on Howard Street.

Howard Street is one of the oldest street in the village. Originally a simple foot path, in 1835 the court ordered it to be widened. Still, up until recently, Howard Street was a sandy lane - now it is "paved" with a crushed shell mixture.

Mr. Phil Howard writes in his Ocracoke Newsletter, "According to a legal petition of 1835 this public road "served the purpose of all the inhabitants since [its establishment], however the population of Ocracoke have greatly increased." The petitioners were requesting permission to lay out a public road on the North side of Cockle Creek, from "just North of Thomas Bragg's House" to "John Pike's garden" and then all the way to the Sound, about a half mile. Originally this was merely a foot path, but now it was to be widened and would include what became historic Howard Street. Apparently the Northern side of Cockle Creek had, by that time, "become thickley settled and the business of the Island both Public and Private have become much divided and where formerly there was no store, there is now three."

We headed towards the south end of the island. That's where the lighthouse stands. I've taken so many pictures of this lighthouse over the years, we didn't even stop. I felt kind of guilty. If I were Catholic, I suppose not stopping could be likened to not genuflecting at the altar.

We explored the narrow lanes and beaches along the sound. Does anyone know what kind of flowers these are? One section of a street was lined with them.

We parked the car and followed a likely looking pathway to the sound. After navigating our way around the wind-stunted trees and shrubs, exposed roots half buried in the sand, we came to a narrow little beach, totally deserted. The sound was "slick cam" and off in the distance we could see a ferry making its way to the mainland. Jennifer insisted climbing out onto a rock jetty for a photo op - I was concerned that she would slip on the sharp rocks, but she made it out a goodly way.

To be continued in next post .....

And now .... for something different .....

Blog Updates

I've added some new elements to my page. The sidebar now contains links to Outer Banks web cams. If I've missed any good ones, please let me know.

Also, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page. Occasionally, I'll be adding more "stuff" there. Melody's newest video has been posted there - a wonderful plane ride from Kitty Hawk to Currituck Beach Light at sunset. I'm also considering posting slide shows of previous vacations.

Comments? Questions?

Flowers along Howard Street by Jeff

Vacation: Day 12

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

First, thank you to those who participated in my poll. I was not surprised to see that 70% would rather have an ocean front home on the Outer Banks as opposed to world peace. There's some profound statement regarding our society with those results, I'm just not sure what it is.

Jennifer & I decided to hit Ocracoke Island for the day. Even though the ferry was directly across the street from us, we still didn't time it right and had to wait for the next loading. I don't mind sitting in line for the ferry .... it definitely could have been worse, as these old photos show .....

You see a lot of interesting things as you sit in line. Here's a motor home with a decidedly red neck motif.

I love riding the ferry between Hatteras and Ocracoke. And, instead of paying $30 for an hour boat ride from one of the marinas, you get a 45 minute ride for free! There's usually some sort of activity in the sound ..... folks with their rakes, clamming, or boats anchored for fishing. Often, dolphins swim along side of the ferry, leaping out of the water.

After landing on the north end of the island, we drove south towards the little village of Ocracoke. To our left, we caught glimpses of white beaches and azure waters, between the dunes. On the right, acres of salt marshes stretched to the sound. Crossing numerous creeks, we'd occasionally observe small boats tied up at the shore. A few miles north of the village, a grande allee of loblollies tower over the road. The sight of these pines never cease to amaze me. They look so out of place on this wind swept strip of sand.

Route 12 ends at Silver Lake, once known as Cockle Creek. In 1931, Cockle Creek was dredged to form the picturesque harbor. Narrow lanes meander throughout Ocracoke, seemingly with no rhyme nor reason in their direction. Many of the streets are little more than sandy pathways, lined with massive live oaks. Small cottages are tucked behind weathered picket fences, with family cemeteries in their side yard.

Our first stop was at the Jolly Roger. It's a great place to grab lunch and a beer, all the while watching the busy little harbor. We had the same waitress we've had for the past 3 years. Jen & I ordered a platter of nachos and some burritos. They were very good! Of course, the resident ducks were begging for a hand out. It's verboten to feed the quackersin the dining area. I always feel so sorry for them.

After lunch, we began our tour of Ocracoke. I shall continue with Ocracoke in my next post.

Steaks Gone Missing

Vacation Day: 11

Monday, October 6, 2008

Once in a while, though very seldom, one craves something other than seafood for dinner. I know it's rare, but it's true. Sometimes, a big, juicy steak just hits the spot after a day at the beach.

I have yet to find any market on the Outer Banks that sells good beef, so other than hamburger, I don't buy it out there. Since Darrin would be visiting, it was decided that she'd pack up a cooler full of ribeye steaks from Big Ed's and fly them out to Hatteras to grill. Big Ed's is the steak house that Darrin and Eddie own in Thayer, Kansas. If you ever want a great steak, this is the place to go.

Darrin had attempted to check the cooler along with the rest of their luggage and was told that the cooler was small enough for a carry on. Of course, it was too big for the overhead rack, so the stewardess took possession of the cooler, assuring Darrin that the steaks would make the connecting flight to Norfolk International.

They didn't.

This was Saturday evening and we had planned on grilling the steaks Sunday - just in case any thawing had occurred during the flight. Darrin made a number of phone calls that night and was told that the steaks would be arriving on the next flight, care had been taken to keep the meat cold and a driver would bring them to the Lightship sometime after midnight.

Wouldn't ya know? The flight the ribeyes were on got in late and missed the courier service. More phone calls ensued on Sunday and finally around 11 o'clock Sunday night, the steaks arrived! Still frozen. I was amazed. We'd be grilling Monday evening!

Everyone except for Jennifer and me went to Ocracoke Monday. Levi and Alexa enjoyed the ferry ride.

And feeding the ducks at Silver Lake.

They even got to visit with Blackbeard!

Soon, it was time to leave Ocracoke and return to Hatteras.

Once back at the Lightship, Jeff & Jen grilled the steaks. What a great meal!!

Kiddles Are Here!

Vacation: Day 10

Sunday, October 5, 2008

This year, it seemed as though my housemates all arrived after sunset. As many of you know, it's a long drive from the Wright Bridge to the Bonner Bridge, but there's so much to see and at night, the bright lights of the restaurants and cottages light up both sides of the bypass. But then, it's a very dark, very long drive from the Bonner to Hatteras Village. I always wonder what first timers to the island think when they awaken their first morning, after arriving in the dark of night.

Darrin, Darcie, Levi & Alexa pulled in after the sun sank into the sound, both of the young ones still wide awake and ready to start their beachy adventures. Since Alexa was already a self proclaimed "Island Gurl," she knew what fun awaited. Levi, however, had not visited previously, so he was eager to see the ocean. We managed to delay the short walk to the sea until the next morning.

It was so wonderful to have the girls and kiddles with me! We so seldom get together, except for holidays - and now I'd have the Kansas Kids for an entire week!

Surprisingly enough, it was quiet the next morning when I got up to make the coffee. As I sat down to watch ... you got it ..... the Weather Channel, I could hear the sound of little footsteps tippy toeing on the stairs, followed by a tousled head of dark hair and two huge brown eyes appearing over the railing. I could hear Darcie whispering up the steps to Alexa - "Now, don't you wake up Grandma!" - and Alexa yelling back down, "It's okay! She's up!" And, now so was everyone else.

Alexa and I caught up on the past year's gossip & doings while Darcie made breakfast. Levi and Darrin joined us. Both of the kids were raring to go to the beach. Alexa somewhat impatiently. Once out of jammies and dressed in swimwear, they took off down the street to the walkover.

It was a good day to shell - with all of the recent rough surf, the beach was full of the sea's offerings. Returning with 2 bags of shells and deceased little aquatic creatures, we washed and sorted them. Quite a haul!

After a long day of shell hunting, it's always good to unwind, kick back and spend some time in the pool. I swear, Levi and Alexa are just a couple of little fish!

They both slept well that night.

Chris & Katie are Expecting!

Tao, born October 12th, will be arriving from Colorado to Chris & Katie's December 11th. We are all very excited!

Tao's momma is Maggie ....

and Papa is Kicker

Dawn's New Pet

Octopus in the Pamlico River?

Vacation: Still Day 9

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Before I was so rudely interrupted .... where was I? Oh yes ......

There was a moment of silence. Then .....

"Omigod, oh no! What happened? Lynnea, are you okay?"

It was obvious what happened and it was obvious I wasn't okay. If I were okay, I'd not be laying face down in a parking lot between two cars, moaning & clutching my knee.

I felt like Nancy Kerrigan.

I quickly took a mental inventory of my injuries. The hinterland region of my brain was checking in with an update. Seems it wasn't just my right knee screaming with pain, but also my left palm and left knee.

Carrie & Jennifer were fussing all about me - I was content to just lay there and not move ..... ever.

I slowly opened my eyes and my surroundings swam back into view. I gingerly rolled up to a sitting position. Glancing at my palm, I fully expected to see gravel embedded in the flesh, but no ...... it was intact.

"Ohhhhhh, I don't even want to look at my knees," I groaned. Carrie & Jen assured me that they were okay - my crop jeans were not torn, nor was there any visible bleeding.

How can that be? Such pain MUST be accompanied by blood & gore. Warily, I hiked my jeans over my knees. Well, damn, Gina! They look just fine!

I finally felt steady enough to get in the car with some assistance. My day of shopping was definitely over.

Hobbling around the cottage for the rest of the day, I could feel my right knee worsening with every passing minute. Jen insisted that I keep walking around so it wouldn't stiffen up. I really think it would have felt better had I let it stiffen up. I never wanted to bend my knee again.

Checking on it later that evening, I was concerned to see it looking like this .......

Wile E. Coyote's Law of Gravity

Vacation: Day 9 Saturday, October 4, 2008 Jennifer arrived last night and after we had a couple of beers, we got her settled into her quarters. It's such a long drive from Newport News to Hatteras Village, especially in the dark. Once you're south of the Bonner, there isn't much to see at night. I'm sure she was tuckered out and would sleep in the next morning. The windows had been left open last night and I awoke, huddled under the blankets. I had remembered to drop the blinds, but a stiff, steady breeze from the east was blowing them inward. Sunlight was pouring into the room. I finally forced myself to leave the warm cocoon of bedding and rummaged through drawers until I found my flannel jammies. I headed for the kitchen and found the coffee brewing and the Weather Channel on TV. Hmmm .... I must be slipping - who was up before me? Grabbing a cuppa Joe, I went to the deck to check out the ocean. Yep, it was still there and it was just as riled as yesterday. And, Jen was walking back from the beach already! So much for sleeping in! As she entered Lightship, Carrie exited for her morning walk. I've never seen 2 people walk so much in my life. Maybe if I took up the habit I could make it to the 3rd landing before stopping to rest. Plans for the day were made. Jen, Carrie & I were going shopping. Our first stop would be Wings. Now, if anyone has visited the Outer Banks, they'll know that on practically every street corner, there is a Wings store. These stores carry nothing but the finest (cough, cough) merchandise showcasing the beauty of the area. Okay, that's a lie. They are gaudy - nay, garish - architectural monstrosities filled with every cheap souvenir ever made for beachy locations. T-shirts, sweat shirts, swim suits, beach towels, beach chairs, beach umbrellas, shot glasses, sun glasses, sun lotions, water rafts, water wings, water noodles, and one of my all time favorites ..... the Virgin Mary artfully crafted with shells, painted in pearly pastels with "Nags Head" emblazoned at the base in neon pink. If the Virgin Mary wasn't kitsch enough for you, how about a bright blue, leaping dolphin with a clock embedded in its abdominal area. Thanks to Wings stores, China has no unemployment. However, that's not to say that you can't get a good deal there! The Wings store in Hatteras Village is slightly less tawdry & tasteless than its northern counterparts. It's also a much smaller than the others, but just as packed full of ..... stuff. As we squeezed our way around the racks & racks of beach wear, counters of mini lighthouses, key chains, shark teeth and postcards, I happened across beach towels on sale. End of season clearance - buy one, get one free - $5. Can't pass that up! Loaded with bags, we left the store. Jen expressed her concern about exiting the parking lot. Immediately as you back up, you are on Route 12. Then, add in the curve in the road right next to Wings, and you have a tricky situation viewing oncoming traffic. I glanced towards the curve, judging the distance from our car. And, then it happened. That God awful feeling when you take a step and there's no terra firma under foot. No, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. No, I didn't see the little 2 inch high curb of the sidewalk. No, I was not prepared for the pain that followed. I stepped off into thin air, and for a moment, I hung suspended. Seriously, there was a moment where I actually levitated before pitching forward into a 1 point landing. I felt like Wile E. Coyote ....... you're only delaying the inevitable as you hover inches above the ground. You're gonna land and it's gonna be accompanied by pain. The fall, which had started so very slowly, rapidly increased in velocity. I hit with a dull thud and for a nanosecond, I felt nothing. Okay, maybe I was alright. Then my world turned black as wave after wave of pain traveled from my right knee to my brain. There was a moment of silence.