It's Over

Thanksgiving is over, "Courage" is at Disneyland, and Alabama slipped by Auburn in a thrilling rendition of the Iron Bowl. From all accounts, everyone here at the Center had a safe and fun Thanksgiving - with the exception of Nikki's husband...uber-man fell while retrieving the Christmas tree, but he's a tough guy, and we all hope he recovers quickly....he turned one of his ankles.

My trip was filled with fun and food, and despite the cliche' it really was filled with fun and food.

The menu for the Luker Thanksgiving included Ham, Saffron Rice Casserole, Green Beans, Something else that escapes my memory, and Lemon Ice Box Pie...my mom also likes to cook back-up desserts like Date-Rolls and Hummingbird Cake (which is not made with hummingbirds). It was all delicious. My mother does an amazing job around the holidays - she goes from feeding only my dad, to a whole horde of Luker-folk. I don't see how she holds it together, but she had some help form my sister Amanda...Penelope did not help, but she is a dog...she does help sweep the floor clean after meals, though.

It's now time to look towards Chrishannukwanzaadan. Hopefully, everyone you know will be celebrating some type of gift-giving holiday. Make sure you are on everyone's guest list, and make double-sure that you are not making a guest list...take a year off from throwing your own party.

A lot of folks around here have decided that the staff, food, and amenities of the Eastern 4-H Center are more than capable of throwing to gether a holiday feast, forage, or party. We still have some openings for holiday parties...think middle of the next couple of weeks. Prices range from about $14 - $25 per person...and you can pick from our menu options, or customize your own, if you dare. We will even provide festive decorations and a Christmas tree, complete with lights...Lee has stated that he will NOT be singing carols while diners partake...

The second split of the North Carolina Waterfowl season is about wrap - up...sportsmen and women should take full advantage of the full flight by: (1) buying a federal waterfowl stamp (this is the last year they will only be $15 dollars, thankfully) (2) Properly and safely equip your hunting friends, which hopefully includes a kid or three, and (3) finding a place that holds birds, harvest them, and then enjoy their taste...Gamey meats are traditional around the holidays, as they are rich in protein and go good with the seasonal vegetables like parsnip, collards, and pumpkin.

Enjoy the day...

Thanksgiving Blog

I haven't had much time to blog...so here is a Thanksgiving Blog, since I will be out next week.

The past 5 days have been spent cleaning up after the storm. Yesterday, we all raked pine straw in shifts so that we could mulch our flower beds. Pine straw is a good choice...any pine oil that is in them will ward of some bugs, but it also keeps roots nice and warm in the winter. Every morning I have arisen at 4:00 am to go and try to "catch some ducks...we have been fortunate for the most part, despite the warm, cloudy, still weather. Next week it is supposed to cool off, so maybe some more ducks will come on down and join me in the Sound.

Today is Friday! It is nasty foggy outside - Today was also Casper and Stephanie's last day on the job. The staff house will be strangely quite for 36 hours, then nicely quite until some one else arrives...in the mean time - the refrigerator is MINE MWUHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Saturday always comes after Friday - I will probably try to "catch" some more ducks somewhere, but I am going to make sure to check out the first ever Hyde County Waterfowl Festival! I love a waterfowl festival - especially those in small towns where waterfowl are woven into the cultural of the place...And Lake Mattamuskeet is probably the second most important sight for waterfowl on the East Coast, with the exception of the Chesapeake Bay. There will be carvers, callers, vendors, oysters, and shrimp - all of which I hold in high regard...I'll use the festival to try and find some campers and instructors for Camp Canvasback 2010!

Sunday I will attempt to knock out some Christmas shopping. My lady friend's birthday is also in December, and she continues to remind me that I cannot "combine" gifts - not that I do. I really try to put a limit on what she spends - so she sets the limit, but goes over it every time because "she likes to do it..." I set a limit for myself and always try to come in under the limit...it's sorta like budgeting.

My Christmas list includes:
A Million Dollars
A beard
Time with family (cliche listing?)
An Honorary Doctoral Degree from an esteemed institution

I will be glad if I get just one of those, while one is highly unlikely - I have to shave for holiday pictures.

Thanksgiving Day will be spent at my parents' house - Turkey, Ham, Saffron Rice Casserole, Green Beans, and maybe a lemon icebox pie....

Friday is the most important day of the year for Alabama residents. Nope - not deer season opener or black friday...THE IRON BOWL - Auburn University vs. The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa. This is also the 20th anniversary of the "first-time ever" game...where UAT located their road map and drove the bus to Auburn, the loveliest village on the plain. For years, the Iron Bowl was played in Birmingham - the name "Iron Bowl" is from the old steel mills and such that the Birmingham economy was based on - I hated going to play Alabama in Birmingham...it was supposed to be a neutral sight, but Birmingham is known as an "Alabama" town - very few Auburn fans...even the vendors and ticket-takers were Alabama hats at Auburn "home" games. Tickets were split 50-50 between the Universities, and teams alternated wearing home colors year in and year out...I have been to every Iron Bowl since 1994, and one in 1990. I went to the second "first-time" game in Tuscaloosa (UAT's campus location).

I have seen them play in snow, rain, sun, and heat. I have seen Auburn win the majority of these games. I have seen games form the field as a student manager. I have many great memories of the Iron Bowl:

1993 - Never saw this game in person - it was the last football game my late grandmother ever saw in person...the game wasn't televised because Auburn was on probation, but we won 22-14, spearheaded by a "back-up quarterback Pat Nix - to - Frank Sanders" touchdown connection...Jason Miska also sacked UAT quarterback Jay Barker for a safety.

2000 - First time in 99 years - Auburn beats UAT in Tuscaloosa - in the snow and sleet...my dad forfieted his ticket to Lindsey Waters, a friend of mine...it was his attempt at bribing her into a "pre-arranged marriage"...we had a blast.

2003 - Auburn was supposed to be whipped in this one...Coach Tuberville had all but "resigned"...then Cadillac Williams (Auburn's running back" scooted 80 yards on the first play...aside from an incident involving acorns, this was a great day...Auburn won 28-18.

2004 - Auburn whips Alabama in Tuscaloosa...my dad told an Alabama fan that he liked his "hair-do", and my best friend Adam Coleman wore Black Patent Leather Shoes...a Classic...Auburn went undefeated and was awarded the "People's National Championship" and "Golf Digest National Championship", adding fuel to the conspiracy - against - Auburn Theory".

1997 - Me and dad made a critical error by leaving when we thought Auburn had been defeated. As we were 300 yards from the stadium, it was an error by a player that made dad and I erroneous...UAT fullback Ed Scissum coughed up the ball, fumbled, spilled the bean, dropped the pill, got butterfingers, with 3 minutes to play...Auburn kicked a game winning field goal.

2005 - This was my last game as a student manager for the football team...managers have the duty of being on the sidelines, carrying microphone cords and telephones for coaches to communicate with players...nevertheless Auburn beat Alabama in dramatic and traumatic fashion...UAT quarterback Brodie Croyle was sacked twelve times...I also walked the "Tiger Walk" (Google it, seriously) as a senior team member and was assaulted by old ladies. My mom even went to this game!

Those are my top Iron Bowl memories, but there are better ones from other generations - "Punt Bama Punt" is one of the most famous for Auburn Fans, but UAT enjoys "Wrong Way Bo" and "Van Tiffin's Kick", both of which UAT fans embraced later in paintings...

Anyway, Dad and I will be back at it again on Friday, hoping to pull out another victory. Regardless of the outcome, I will give "Thanks" that Dad and I can carry on this tradition, and all of the other mischievous traditions it entails on gameday itself...

These are Iron Bowl pictures...





















This is from the stands...with 87, 000 of your closest pals...

























From the locker room....




















That's me on the left! compare me with the players...



























I was in the huddle!!!!





















This is the game where we sacked UAT 12 times....

Enjoy your Thanksgiving...

Storm Update with pictures

After last night, winds have picked up...items from the northern shore of the Albemarle have made it down to our side...I am considering starting a "Lost and Found" for this storm...on the list now:

22' section of pier
"I'm Retired, so leave me alone" trucker hat.
Expired Cormorant
Two pink beach balls
Numerous crab pot buoys, two are 10 feet up in the trees

Never have I been so impressed by nature's fury. Those that question the importance of wetlands, I invite you to come down and enjoy the view and work that our on-site wetlands are doing...they are quite a sponge! The normal shoreline has extended up to 200 yards in some places. Local farmers have said that this is the most water they have EVER SEEN!

Here are some pictures of our pier and wetlands...

The picture below is on a "Good Day"


















You can see the over wash through the runners on the pier...
















Here's a little furious wave action...
















You can see where there was some pier...





















And here's where the pier ended up...

















Some wetland overwash...people should really pick up before a storm!

































This is what was in Hertford, now in Bulls Bay...





















The waters have finally receded from the top of our Interpretive Boardwalk

















This will be a storm that is talked about for quite some time....and now it's Ida, not Lee Scripture who will determine our tasks for some time now. The cleanup will begin as soon as the "mess-up" concludes.

"Walking sideways"

The last 48 hours here have entailed an impressive show of weather...and "Ida" just sounds like a wimpy name...on my excursions yesterday, I found wyself fording "road rivers". Some of the places around here, like Cross Landing and Deep Creek, are so deep in water, that crossing these roads should only be done with extreme care. I have been in coastal North Carolina for 3.5 years, and had yet to see a true storm. We have had some odd snows, some blowing nor'easters, but nothing like this. Field are underwater, ditches are full of water and cars, and some houses look like islands.

I have discovered that walking sideways is the best way to stay perfectly upright in these types of storms. Yesterday morning, the electricity went out, but returned around 2:00 pm. It is certain to go out today. The gusts are up to around 50, but a steady gust hangs in there at 25 miles an hour. My cup of coffee is currntly whitecapping, just like the toilets in the bathroom. We have sustained no damage, but some of the trees have finally buckled. A storm like this gets rid of those dead and dying trees, and creates new habitat on the ground for rabbits, squirrels, quail, and snakes.

Hopefully it will not destroy any human habitat, though some "beach boxes" have washed into the ocean. The storm should break tomorrow. This storm put a damper on all of those bear hunts that many of friends had planned on doing, too. I am not sure what these does for tomorrow's waterfowl opener, but water never hurt a duck. Every piece of land is wet or under water. Ducks should be everywhere, but howling winds, especially those coming from the north can only inspire waterfowl to draft on these winds and head towards calmer waters. Boaters on the southsides of Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds should be VERY CAUTIOUS. If I go, it will be because the water is off the roads, but that doesn't look like it's gonna happen. I do not want my boat to float of the trailer while its on the highway.

Nevertheless, stay inside if you can and Enjoy the day...

Showcasing Johnny Spencer's Shooting Skills

It's mid-November, which means that the leaves have fallen, turkeys are sweating, and Johnny Spencer hosts his annual EWWN meeting...they have a little oyster roast and then the group strolls over to shoot skeet at our 5-Stand. Normally, a group that comes here to shoot isn't overly-noteworthy. What makes Johnny so noteworthy is his ability to show up, talk about his shooting prowess, and find lots of empty air with "Ol' Betsy"...

I have gone afield with Johnny, and find him to be a "fair-to0-middlin" marksman, in fact, he's pretty good. He also claims to be the best Swan Caller on the peninsula, but that's another story. Today, Johnny will have the opportunity to revisit his fate on the dreaded, difficult, and demanding 5-Stand. The 5-Stand is a flurry of clay action, with targets being thrown from machines in all directions...shooters get 5 clays from 5 locations, for a total of 25 total targets...A score of 20 is good. A score of 15 is generally what my personal tally adds up, unfortunately. Yesterday I shot an 18...Nevertheless, Johnny will be able to face his Water Works foes, tournament-style. Good Luck, and thrower number 5 is moving at about 65 miles per hour!

Tonight, the Program Staff and I will visit Plymouth for the first annual "Goodbye You Crazy Hippies, Let's Eat Some Greasy Pizza" celebration. This season's staff looked strangely similar to the Spring Staff. They have done a wonderful job, and proved their versatility by pitching in at virtually every position at the Center, something few can say...So tonight we have decided to go with two different pizzas, one with Stuffed Crust (since I have never had it), sliced tomato and mushrooms...the other pizza will have peppers and ham on it which is TOTALLY GROSS.

Also today, my dad is having his first (and only, I hope) old man surgery...he swears he's getting old, but that's probably long gone...

Tomorrow, Lee and I will journey to Raleighwood, North Carolina to do a display of our Military Programs, which are probably some of the most expansive in the country...when you take into account our Family Camp for Wounded Veterans, our Specialty Camp for dependents with disabilities, and our Operation Purple Camps (for kids whose parents are deployed), it totals up to an impressive reach of campers...

I have to wear a suit...

Enjoy the day...

Yankees Win...

The New York Yankees won another World Series las tnight...that makes 27 for the franchise's history. I haven't even lived 27 years. According to the locals here, Yankees can be found everywhere. They talk funny...apparently, but so do I and I am not a Yankee, thank goodness I think.

The Tyrrell County Ducks Unlimited Banquet is fast approaching. Tickets can be purchased at the door if you really can't make up your mind just yet. But here are some reasons to go ahead and buy a ticket (or two).

You love waterfowl.
You love the smell of the swamp, no matter how bad it smells.
You love to see waterfowl in those swamps, no matter how early, cold, and/or wet it maybe.
You would love to have your lineage enjoy the same sights and smells of the swamp.

Over 90% of Ducks Unlimited's funds pour directly into wetland conservation - and in some cases - restoration. The Atlantic Flyway, once a storied locale for migrating waterfowl, is now only the "cradle" of waterfowling. It's where it began, and where it could end first. Draining lands for development has eliminated millions of acres for staging, wintering, migrating, and resident waterfowl. If ducks don't have any places to land, they'll just go to anothr flyway - until it dries up, too.

Another good way to save waterfowling is through the procurement of a Duck Stamp. Not only do over 98% of Migratory Waterfowl Stamp funds go directly into land purchases, they also make great collectors items and works of art. I buy two every year, one to use and lose, and another to use and save. This year, the Longtailed Duck is the centerpiece of the Duck Stamp. All huntable waterfowl species have now been used on the cover of the Duck Stamp. A dog even served as the "model" for one Duck Stamp back in the 1950's. And yes, their have also been "fake" ducks to serve as the "model"...this year's stamp has a live Longatiled Duck sitting with a wooden decoy.

Since the Stamp Program began, over 1.5 million stamps have been purchased in North Carolina. Waterfowl Hunters musy but these stamps to legally hunt. Hunters should buy 2 a year if they want to hunt years from now...the Duck Stamp's prices have not adjusted to the skyrocketing land values...

"Birders" - or birdwatchers - also buy some stamps. The $15 dollar price tag is well worth it. Some money raised from Duck Stamp purchases have directly benefited North Carolina habitats.

Currituck NWR, Cedar Island NWR, Great Dismal Swamp NWR, Mackay Island NWR, Mattamuskeet NWR, Pea Island NWR, Pocosin Lakes NWR, Roanoke NWR, and Swanquarter NWR are all regional National Wildlife Refuges that were funded partly with Duck Stamp funds. These are great places for birders to enjoy, usually for FREE. Hunters can also take part in some regulated hunting opportunities at some of these locations.

Ducks Unlimited dollars are used to supplement these wonderful habitats with conservation plans and tools. Pumps, food crops, and other things are funded partly through Ducks Unlimited. The J. Morgan Fuch Waterfowl Impoundment is a Ducks Unlimited Project. It is also the best place for a waterfowler to spot pintails, mallards, teal, and swans if drawn for coveted permit.

Everyone should buy atleast one Duck Stamp in their lifetime...their addicting to collect. Duck Stamps are not only a great collector's investment, but also an investment in protecting our marshes, waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors...

Enjoy the Day...

The Clouds have lifted...

And then there was sunshine....After a weekend and Monday full of mist and cool temps, the sky has broken and the sun has passed through. The seasonal temps will be around for quite some time, too. Tyrrell County is beautiful this time of year...The cypress trees have shed their feathery leaves, the poplars and swamp maples are ablaze in orange, red, and yellows, and the wildlife is on the move. The North Carolina Eastern Whitetail Deer season is in full force, and hunters are everywhere - and so are the deer. The Eastern Bear Season is just a few days a way - I hope those that enjoy chasing the bruins get their fill - bear hunting is not for me. But I like that bears are hunted - as it is a great management tool. Our black bear population is one of the densest in the world. The bears are also very healthy, as the weaker bears are generally the ones that are harvested by hunters.

The Eastern Bear Season runs from November 9-14 and December 14-26. Only about three weeks - but that is plenty of time for hunters to find a bear and harvest the animal...they also have time to cook it, which, to me, is a fabulous idea. Bear meat, when cooked properly is very good. Often, it has to be boiled (and that STINKS), but that makes it more tender and less gamy. Folks from all over the country come tou our neck of the woods for a crack at a truly massive bruin. Bears range from 80-800 pounds, but the normal bear is about 200. Of all the bears my buddies have taken, they have all been between 400-600 lbs. MASSIVE! The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission intensively manages for bears, and harvest records are kept. You can read reports on bears at their website (link here).

There are some important things to know about black bears before you go fearin' 'em. Learn these facts, quiz your buddy (or your enemy), and then call them dumb when they miss all of the questions!

1) A Female bear is called a SOW.
2) The world's heaviest wild bear ever harvested was taken in CRAVEN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA.
3) Black Bears are only black...FALSE, THEY COME IN BLONDE, CINNAMON, BROWN, AND BLACK WITH A WHITE CHEST BLAZE.
4) Bears once lived in every state except HAWAII.
5) Bears can sprint at 35 MPH.

Now - here is a good bear recipe...

Two 3 pound rocks
1 old rope
large boiler
Ten Pounds of Bear meat

Fill boiler half way, bring to boil.
Place rope, rocks, and meat in boiling water, reduce heat and cover.
Cook for 2 weeks.
Throw out bear meat, enjoy ropes and rocks with cocktail sauce.

Just kidding, but that's an old joke about bear...here's a legitimate recipe that I like:
Three pounds of ground bear meat
Three cans of Fench Onion Soup
Three eggs
1.5 Cups of Oatmeal
One 10 can of mushrooms
Quarter cp of Ketchup
A little (or a lot) garlic powder
Black Pepper to taste

Just mix it all together and cook at 350 for about 2.5 hours...you can also use swan or snow goose in this recipe!

Enjoy the feast...

Community Fun day....

Community Fun Day has come and gone...turnout was good, but could have had more if it weren't for Halloween...But there were lots of new faces here to enjoy the facility.

All of the staff embers did an excellent job at their activities...Archery was very popular, so props to AJ for doing such a good job. The Climbing Wall was also very popular. Crafts was run by our very own Sara Biggs, but she partnered with Marsha Cady - Troop Leader and HGSIC of Girl Scouts Colonial Coast Manteo.

The hot dog cookout was pretty amazing, but topping that was the homemade ice cream...There were enough leftovers for the staff to enjoy an impromptu ice cream party at the Staff House afterwards.

Concurrent to Community Fun Day, Auburn played a football game against Ole Miss. The Auburn team elected to show up and compete for the first time in abot a month - and pulled out an impressive victory over Ole Miss. Auburn even scored more points against Ole Miss than in-state rival Alabama...so Bama needs to be ready...

The weather has turned sour, too. In the twelve hours after 3:00 pm on saturday there was a 30 degree drop in temperature...so the good weather held out for Fun Day, but arrived just in time to push migrating waterfowl into our neighborhood. Swans are definietly on the move, especially around Northampton, Hertford, and Bertie Counties...another good north west wind will push 'em on down our way.

This week will be quiet around the Center...this weekend we are hosting a large Christian Men's Retreat. November is traditionally a slow month, but it gives us the chance to catch our breath and prepare for all of the upcoming Holiday parties...

Enjoy the day...