Christmas on Ocracoke

Philip and I drove back to Ocracoke for Christmas. We meandered through the mountains, enjoying the drive, yet keeping an eye on the weather. We arrived on Christmas Eve in time for dinner with family and the Christmas Eve service at the United Methodist Church here on the Island. The church was packed with children and parents and was reminiscent of an old-fashioned Christmas of the past. It was good to see Philip's family and friends once again.

The nor-easter blew in on Christmas day with sleet and snow and gale winds shutting down the ferries for two days. There is something quite primitive to be on a an Island with the wind blowing, fire in the fireplace and dinner with family.

Today the sun is shining so there will be a late afternoon walk on the beach and homemade soup for supper.

The above picture is of The Community Store. The inside boasts of a real Christmas tree, burning pot belly stove and all the groceries and supplies we would ever need here. Yes, it is romantic and lovely here in the winter.

Winter Solstice

Dear Folks,
I think the Winter Solstice is my favorite Holiday, at least I make it so. This year was so spectacular with the full moon, the total lunar eclipse and the Solstice colliding in the Universe. My friend Laura and I decided to rent a cabin at Pokagon for the event. We also invited our friends, Philip and Fritz. (We are both in the dating scene these days!)

We all had dinner early and then headed out to the cabin in the park. We immediately filled the kitchenette with amaretto, chocolate and cookies!

The cabin was built with knotty pine on the inside, cozy and comfortable and it was as if we were on vacation! We played games on the large table, and watched movies til 2:00. Actually to be honest, they all watched the movies, I immediately fell asleep!

The cloud cover was thick and all the events planned by Fred Wooley were canceled, however at 2:00 Philip went outside and announced that it was clear enough to see. We put on boots and scarfs and gloves and out into the early morning quiet hours we walked. The haze surrounded the moon and night sky, but we could still see the moon and the eclipse. It was probably the most magical night of my light under this cosmic phenomenon.

It was as if it were the night for miracles. I think this evening will be in the top ten list of my life forever. Hope you were able to enjoy it as well!

Lou Ann

"Can't we all just get along?"

So the news in my small town is the controversy with Dana Thompson and City Hall. On Wednesday evening Thompson put the above message on his marquis at the Strand Theatre. " We survived Depression, WW2, TV, DVD, 911 and fire, but will we surviv City Hall?"

During this past year Angola has experienced a downtown revitalization project. Thompson apparently missed a few meetings and ended up with one of the new planters outside his theatre. With these planters, it is difficult to change the corner lights on the marquis.

Thompson has been charged with putting popcorn in the planters and using the wrong kind of salt for the new pavers. Photos of the salt and grains of salt have been collected as evidence. A surveillance camera has also been installed to keep an eye on Thompson.

This will all go to court on February 25th.

So, Angola, where do you stand on this matter?

I am a frequent visitor of the Strand, which was built in 1932. It is an integral part of our downtown area. I hope these issues with Thompson and City Hall can be worked out. In the meantime, come on over to Angola and visit the Strand or the Browkaw. You won't be disappointed. Oh, and if you get a chance to talk to Thompson (and you will), crying will get you a free pop!

Trans-Siberian Orchestra and a half-marathon!

On Friday Philip and I took the late night flight from Fort Wayne to  St. Pete, Florida to be with Adam and Tonya. Even though it is Florida, the chilly wind (and Tonya) met us at the airport. Their house is so lovely and decorated for Christmas. My room is like a bed and breakfast with the timber-frame bed with a handmade quilt and a gift basket on the small wooden dresser.

We spent Saturday touring the beautiful farmer's market here in St. Pete. We spent hours tasting, sampling and buying great food, bread, and coffee.

We spent the evening having dinner in Gulfport and then traveling to Tampa for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I must admit I have never seen the show and was in total amazement. I don't think there are enough words to describe the show!

Today Adam, Philip and I volunteered at the Holiday-Half Marathon and cheered for Tonya all the way. Yes she made it! I am so proud of her! Yea!

Enjoying the rest of the day with friends coming over for football, games and a cookout.

Too bad there is snow at home, can't even think about it!!

Making Gingerbread Houses and Thanksgivng

Time passes by with family and the coming of winter as the blog always slips away into the late night wind and snow. Here are the last two columns to help catch you up and then maybe, just maybe, we can be back in the running!
Just click on the links!

Thanksgiving in my small town!

Making Gingerbread Houses!

Sunday Thoughts

This morning drizzle and fog blanket this part of the Midwest as I pull open the shades and peer into this November day.

Family has started to arrive for Thanksgiving, my favorite Holiday, known just for family and stories and good food.

The old lavender house welcome Adam and Tonya back from Florida. Of course, both are from this area so there are lots of folks and family to see for them.

We always put together a packet of events and possibilities so that we know where we are all going.

As for me, I usually just stay in the center of the house as they come and go.

So, wherever you are, Thanksgiving has just started in this small town.

Pre-Thanksgiving Thoughts

This week's column.

So, here we are a few days before Thanksgiving and my house is slowly taking on the feel of this holiday.  Pumpkins on the porch, orange twinkle lights still adorning trellis in garden, clean sheets on all the beds, and quilts aired out.

This weeks column is all about giving thanks for what we have. Enjoy!

Autumn in my yard....

Just a few photographs taken in my yard this Autumn. It has been stunning!

Enjoy this week's column!

A few years ago I met a young man on the steps of the Cultural Arts Building in Chicago while waiting for the train. This is about that day.

This week's column!

Post Halloween Ghost Stories...

Monday night and the girl's show up for girl's pot luck. We love this night, not a male in sight and the stories, gossip and wine flow! We never plan the food, we just let the pot luck take care of that.

This past Monday night women of all ages and generations filled this old lavender house. The food was great, and vegetarian as usual.

With candles burning and darkness deep upon us the talk turned to ghost stories. One of the girls had just returned from Salem, Massachusetts where she went on ghost and cemetery walks. Her stories were wonderful and certainly makes me want to get out to Salem. I was there a few years ago and did love it!

This prodded other ghost stories and before long it was late, the candles were dripping wax and it was time for my guests to leave. With bowls and dishes in hand, I bid my friends adieu, lock up the house and let the whispers of ghost stories settle into the bones of this old house.

Just a few photos out of hundreds from Halloween week in my home town..

Thirteen of us went to the Children's

Philharmonic Concert at the Embassy

in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We were so glad

to have Mom join us from Texas!

 Brandy made the beautiful birthday cake

for Mom's 81st birthday! It was absolutely

as wonderful as it looks!

Here is a picture of the northern Indiana crew

celebrating the birthday!

Jessie and I adorning our Mom and wishing them

a bon voyage as they were boarding the Queen Mary

in the morning out of New York.



A windy stormy night found us in the kitchen

making Halloween cookies. It was a mess

but so worth the effort! Matthew and Jonah and

Avrie had a great time!



This is Jonah's first school Halloween. They had

to dress up as book characters. Here he is

as Stellaluna. Great job on the costume, Karen! 

Just a photo of all the boys in Jonah's class!

Mrs. Doerr does have her hands full and is such

a wonderful teacher. We are so lucky to know her!

The family after the scary stories at Pokagon. They only

stayed for the kids show...

We were in the Pavilion with the huge fireplace!

Telling stories at Pokagon. Steve Etheridge and I

have been there for 19 years. That is

unbelievable! Folks still keep coming for stories!

This week's column...performances and the tornado warnings...

October 30th column!
Just click on the link!

End of October haiku

  brocaded raindrops

erases Autumn's facade

leaving stark bare limbs