This week's column, arriving on Ocracoke and much more!

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Dear Friends,

Yesterday was a full day as I settle back into my Ocracoke life. It is as if I snap my fingers and I am an Island girl.

The Mad Mag Studio is all set up and ready for work. It is a lovely work space with twinkle lights and other small lamps and treasures from the sea. It also has all the necessary tools of any writer...laptop, camera, phone, printer, pens, pencils, tablets....

It was our first adventure out in Philip's boat as well and great swimming in Teach's Hole. No, we did not find gold, but had a great time.

We spent the late night hours out at the beach with Bill and Lida looking for the Northern Lights. We did not see the lights, but the stars were magnificent. The constellations were clear and Philip and Lida saw shooting stars as well.

The Milky Way was in clear view last night as well. I guess you could say it was a magical, poetic evening. I was the most reluctant to go home, but there will be other nights.

Today's video features a little scud in the harbor in Philip's boat. Enjoy.

Sun Setting on Ocracoke Island

Last night I was walking around the harbor. It had been cloudy all day, actually it has been cloudy and a bit rainy since I arrived. All of a sudden the sky parted and we were able to watch this splendid sunset.

Ocracoke is one of the few places where you can watch the sun come up over the Atlantic and set over the Sound. Notice the marshy areas and smooth stillness of the water.

During the day there was a funeral on the Island. Frankie O'Neal was just a young man of 43 who loved this Island so much. He did not live here as his profession took him off into the world to seek his fortune, but he always intended to retire here.

The Methodist Church was full of family and folks who loved him. The O'Neal family name is prominent here along with many others. This sunset seemed to be a tribute to this young man who who used to walk the sandy lanes while reading a book.

I am also adding a photo for those of you unable to see the video. As always thank you for enjoying this blog.

Video Blogging on Ocracoke Island with Philip and Bill

Dear Friends, After a very busy spring and summer, I have made it to Ocracoke Island. It was an easy trip this time...a drive to Fort Wayne, two quick flights (oh, and thanks to Karen or I would still be in Fort Wayne), a long ferry ride, and as if by magic my other life begins. Many of my friends and acquaintances (and brothers and sisters) have not visited Ocracoke Island. Therefore I thought it would be fun this summer to do a daily video blog of life here on the Island. My first video is in one of the many cemeteries on the island. This one is off of historic Howard Street. I am joined by Philip Howard and Bill Jones. Let's have a listen in to what they are saying! As always, thanks for reading and watching! Lou Ann

A Love Story

 Click on for the link to this week's story: This week's story.

Good Morning Everyone! Today's blog is dedicated to Bill and Shirley Lonsbury who celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on Sunday. They were married here in Angola, Indiana at the Marriage Mill.

They truly have a love story so enjoy the photos, videos and story!

Lou Ann

What else is there to say?

Out and about with my neighbor Mike!

Enjoy the video and a look at the Grand Lakes canoe. I love Mike's story which you can read on the previous blog site! As always, thanks for reading and viewing!

My neighborhood boat builder, Michael Byers

Click here for this week's column.

This week's column is about my neighbor, an extraordinary man. As always, thanks for reading!