The 4-H Center is starting the annual 60 day slow-down...we have lots of holiday parties booked, though! There are still a couple of dates available, with the last being December 21st, so book soon. We'll also host a 4-H Retreat on the weekend of the 11th...slow is a relative term.
Thanksgiving was great for me, and I hope it was for all of you...Here's what I did, as if you give a toot.
Wednesday 6:00 am - Duck hunted
Wednesday 11:30 am - leave Edenton for Alabama
Wednesday 11:30 pm - Arrive at the Luker Family Compound, sleep on couch
Thursday 7:00 am - Wakeup to two schnauzers licking my exposed fingertips
Thursday 8:30 am - groan at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thursday 12:00 pm - arrive at Country Club to eat buffet with family. Stuffed my head with oysters, shrimp, prime rib, turducken, a vegetable, and pecan pie
Thursday 2:30 pm - settle in to sleep in recliner.
Thursday 3:30 pm - awake and begin to wish we had the usual leftovers, lounge around for hours on end
Thursday 9:30 pm - go sleepytime
Friday 4:00 am - arise, exercise, feed, and load the vehicle for the Auburn - Alabama game
Friday 6:15 am - watch my dad oversleep, then arise.
Friday 7:00 am - board the car and set out towards Jordan Hare Stadium West, in Tuscaloosa, AL.
Friday 11:00 am - arrive, park, and immediately get misdirected towards the restrooms. I would have done the same to an Alabama fan at Auburn, though.
Friday 1:30 pm - Iron Bowl kickoff. I'll spend the next hour watching Alabama trample my Auburn Tigers and see my dad fall down a bleacher or two, in his own attempt to recover an Alabama fumble.
Friday 3:30 pm - Auburn mounts its comeback.
Friday 5:30 pm - Auburn beats Alabama, overcoming the largest Auburn deficit in 118 years of football. I'll call this game "Choke Bama Choke".
Friday 9:15 - Arrive at home and immediately fall asleep.
Saturday 8:00 am - Wakeup, exercise and feed.
Saturday 10:00am - head to Auburn to find a scoreboard shirt from the game, take pictures of Toomer's Corner, and eat at Country's Barbecue.
Saturday 3:00 pm - return to home, sleep.
Saturday 5:00 pm - begin packing, and the prepare bison steaks on the grill while the rest of the fam apears to be sick or sick of it...
Saturday 10:00 pm - sleep
Sunday 4:30 am - arise, exercise, feed.
Sunday 6:00 am - depart and spend the next 14 hours in a car and traffic.
Sunday 8:00 pm - return to Edenton, the Columbia.
The most important thing about the previous 30 lines of drivel was that Auburn beat Alabama in the Iron Bowl. Auburn "allegedly" couldn't do it. But as allegations have gone for this Auburn football team, even this one was scoffed at. Against a good team in a hostile environment, Auburn cemented it's place in history. War Eagle...
PS - I have used a lot of vacation time to waterfowl hunt...the ducks are around, you just have to know where to go...I have taken more ducks this year (already) than I have the past two years...so buy a duck stamp and licenses and go "grocery shopping"...We feasted on redhead duck last night...they really do taste like bacon!
Enjoy the day...
November 30, 2010
November 18, 2010
Sloppy blogging
I apologize for my absence and tardiness. But, hey, I have been busy taking time off. Friday we did have River Road in for some Challenge Course, Climbing Wall, and Giant Swing...It, as always, is great to have River Road Middle come across the Sound to hang with us. Since their group is soooo large, I had to bring in some help from Summer Staff - but we took care of "bidness."
Last Saturday was the Waterfowl opener (late season, split #1). I took some of my staff for a little fowlin' and we struck out. The marsh was splendid, though and we saw lots of Black Ducks, which come in "season" on December 1, 2010. I'll be ready for 'em...
Since then, I hunted the flats at Bodie Island and had one good "hunt" (more on that later), and one fun hunt. There are few more historical and scenic places to throw your decoys than the Outer Banks, though. Nevertheless my "hunt" was all but...when I arrived at the check station with my crew in tow, it was discovered by the Ranger thatI dod not have my HIP certification. This is required by federal law to hunt mimgratory game birds. It's FREE and I have no idea why it wasn't placed on my license. Nevertheless, I tried to use the smart phone to quickly download it, but alas, the system was down. So I just observed and called. It was fun for me and my blind partner to "snatch" ducks away from other, unsuspecting blinds through my capable calling. My hunting companion bagged a few, though and he is fairly new to the sport. OK, I'm probably just OK at calling, but I was the best on the beach that day! Day two at the flats was hot and all ducks flared at our meager spread of plastic ducks.
Yesterday, I thought that maybe my luck would change if I revisted my bread and butter spots around the Scuppernong. Goose eggs prevailed as no ducks showed themselves within range. To understand why I saw 1000's of ducks but none within range, please google the term "skybusting."
Today I hit the ope water marsh at Swanquarter. My first honest to goodness shot at a pintail would have been legal, had it flown by two seconds later. But I waited for legal shooting time...
Wigeons also flew well this morning, but I never could get them to commit in numbers. I did bag a bluebill, which is by far, my favorite duck to harvest.
Auburn is being rocked by scandal, too - which continues to occupy my mind. Who knows what happened, but Auburn throttled Georgia last weekend, earning a berth in the SEC Championship Game. We get to play Alabama at their stadium before making the trip to Atlanta to play in the title game. Last year I posted my favorite Iron Bowl memories...revisit that fun article with this link.
Enjoy the day...
Last Saturday was the Waterfowl opener (late season, split #1). I took some of my staff for a little fowlin' and we struck out. The marsh was splendid, though and we saw lots of Black Ducks, which come in "season" on December 1, 2010. I'll be ready for 'em...
Since then, I hunted the flats at Bodie Island and had one good "hunt" (more on that later), and one fun hunt. There are few more historical and scenic places to throw your decoys than the Outer Banks, though. Nevertheless my "hunt" was all but...when I arrived at the check station with my crew in tow, it was discovered by the Ranger thatI dod not have my HIP certification. This is required by federal law to hunt mimgratory game birds. It's FREE and I have no idea why it wasn't placed on my license. Nevertheless, I tried to use the smart phone to quickly download it, but alas, the system was down. So I just observed and called. It was fun for me and my blind partner to "snatch" ducks away from other, unsuspecting blinds through my capable calling. My hunting companion bagged a few, though and he is fairly new to the sport. OK, I'm probably just OK at calling, but I was the best on the beach that day! Day two at the flats was hot and all ducks flared at our meager spread of plastic ducks.
Yesterday, I thought that maybe my luck would change if I revisted my bread and butter spots around the Scuppernong. Goose eggs prevailed as no ducks showed themselves within range. To understand why I saw 1000's of ducks but none within range, please google the term "skybusting."
Today I hit the ope water marsh at Swanquarter. My first honest to goodness shot at a pintail would have been legal, had it flown by two seconds later. But I waited for legal shooting time...
Wigeons also flew well this morning, but I never could get them to commit in numbers. I did bag a bluebill, which is by far, my favorite duck to harvest.
Auburn is being rocked by scandal, too - which continues to occupy my mind. Who knows what happened, but Auburn throttled Georgia last weekend, earning a berth in the SEC Championship Game. We get to play Alabama at their stadium before making the trip to Atlanta to play in the title game. Last year I posted my favorite Iron Bowl memories...revisit that fun article with this link.
Enjoy the day...
November 5, 2010
Skills
The temps are falling, and so is the rain. Fall weather is here...and to stay, hopefully. Swans are beginning to fill the sky, which is one of the eeriest and most joyful sounds to echo among the clouds.
Yesterday, I took the day off to do some layout hunting. I couldn't get my phone to upload pictures, but it was stupendous. The fog that we encountered on the way to the shooting grounds was thick like a milkshake. But it was salty. However, using my GPS, I was able to navigate the fog and open water. I learned how to use a GPS while in 4-H. It's interesting that 4-H'ers can often trace back personal and professional skills that are in their individual repertoires to 4-H. Through 4-H I also acquired my boating certification in Alabama. I know how to safely operate my boat...and how to light it up like a holiday tree when navigating in low and no lighting. I also learned how to properly anchor and equip my boat with the safest items around. Only two of us hunted, but I could have saved another party of an ill-prepared three had the situation arose. Two fire extinguishers, 5 lifejackets, two throw cushions and two anchorscomfort me, and should now comfort you, the reader, should I ever appear to save you and your helpless craft.
Once we set our decoys - which we instruct at 4-H Camp Canvasback - my hunting partner and I moored the layout boat, checked our radios, and waited until legal shooting time. The fog was so thick, that I could barely read my watch. Thank goodness it has an illuminating function. My companion motored into the milkshake, and I watched, and waited...and watched and waited. Thirty minutes into shooting time, the hidden sunrise finally shown enough water surface for trading fowl to spot the stool of hand painted decoys that I had prepared in the spring. My time in the boat was up, though, and I radioed my pal for a swap.
He got into the layout boat (the layout boat is a boat that is disguised to look like the surface of the water buy maintaining a low profile and flat gray color). Time in the layout boat is best spent watching the horizon, since that's about all there is to look at in a layout. Sitting on a fiberglass, pumpkinseed-shaped saucer in the middle of the Pamlico Sound can be unnerving to some. But it's peaceful to us who anticipate a churlish dawn. Woe is the person afraid of the terrible beauty of Mother Nature in a mood swing. Nevertheless, my pal was the first to expedite cold steel. He bagged a jet black scoter - a tough, heavy bird that prefers the nasty swells. We swapped out and I duplicated his success. Afterwards, the flurry became blurry. We took a heavy bag yesterday.
Roughly 5% of the American population pursues wild game. We do this at the pleasure of the other 95% of American humanity, yet, hunters are the original conservationist. They understand that to have quarry, it must be managed, loved, and yes - hunted. Teddy Roosevelt once said that if you want to save a species, you should make it huntable. I agree. There should be laws that limit takes and methods, though - and there are. Another way to save a species is to buy a duck stamp. Everyone should do it.
Enjoy the day...
Yesterday, I took the day off to do some layout hunting. I couldn't get my phone to upload pictures, but it was stupendous. The fog that we encountered on the way to the shooting grounds was thick like a milkshake. But it was salty. However, using my GPS, I was able to navigate the fog and open water. I learned how to use a GPS while in 4-H. It's interesting that 4-H'ers can often trace back personal and professional skills that are in their individual repertoires to 4-H. Through 4-H I also acquired my boating certification in Alabama. I know how to safely operate my boat...and how to light it up like a holiday tree when navigating in low and no lighting. I also learned how to properly anchor and equip my boat with the safest items around. Only two of us hunted, but I could have saved another party of an ill-prepared three had the situation arose. Two fire extinguishers, 5 lifejackets, two throw cushions and two anchorscomfort me, and should now comfort you, the reader, should I ever appear to save you and your helpless craft.
Once we set our decoys - which we instruct at 4-H Camp Canvasback - my hunting partner and I moored the layout boat, checked our radios, and waited until legal shooting time. The fog was so thick, that I could barely read my watch. Thank goodness it has an illuminating function. My companion motored into the milkshake, and I watched, and waited...and watched and waited. Thirty minutes into shooting time, the hidden sunrise finally shown enough water surface for trading fowl to spot the stool of hand painted decoys that I had prepared in the spring. My time in the boat was up, though, and I radioed my pal for a swap.
He got into the layout boat (the layout boat is a boat that is disguised to look like the surface of the water buy maintaining a low profile and flat gray color). Time in the layout boat is best spent watching the horizon, since that's about all there is to look at in a layout. Sitting on a fiberglass, pumpkinseed-shaped saucer in the middle of the Pamlico Sound can be unnerving to some. But it's peaceful to us who anticipate a churlish dawn. Woe is the person afraid of the terrible beauty of Mother Nature in a mood swing. Nevertheless, my pal was the first to expedite cold steel. He bagged a jet black scoter - a tough, heavy bird that prefers the nasty swells. We swapped out and I duplicated his success. Afterwards, the flurry became blurry. We took a heavy bag yesterday.
Roughly 5% of the American population pursues wild game. We do this at the pleasure of the other 95% of American humanity, yet, hunters are the original conservationist. They understand that to have quarry, it must be managed, loved, and yes - hunted. Teddy Roosevelt once said that if you want to save a species, you should make it huntable. I agree. There should be laws that limit takes and methods, though - and there are. Another way to save a species is to buy a duck stamp. Everyone should do it.
Enjoy the day...
November 3, 2010
Do Whatever You Want
Today, I proclaim, Do Whatever You Want Day! Other than two stipulations (must be legal and must be appropriate), all else goes.
Why? Well, for the past three months I have lost control over my television. Instead of hearing commercials about a Double Bacon Sandwich from Mc Burger Queen, I have had to hear about how all of these old men and women have broken the law, will improve my life, and improve your life. WHATEV.....
So today, I'll watch TV and know that I will not be grossly grossed out. Moreover, it is funny to see a few late placed commercials about candidates a few days after the election is over! It always happens and proves or reinforces the fact that some people can't pay attention and manage finances or plan accordingly.
While there were lots of races yesterday, most of the Old Guard held on to their seats. I like offensive guards, Right Guards, and yes, the Old Guard. But I'm open to the New Guard, too.
One of the most intriguing, but nonsensical votes of yesterday was to prohibit convicted felons of running for Sheriff in North Carolina counties. The measure passed 80-20. It makes sense that felons shouldn't be sheriffs on two accounts. I don't think felons can have firearms - and I definitely want my sheriff packing heat. Also, the sheriff should UPHOLD the law. Sure people can change, but the sheriff shouldn't wear flip-flops...
South Carolina elected a woman governor. What does she have in common with Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal? You find out, but I think it's refreshing...
So today, do whatever you want. I'm probably going to avoid the rain, use the restroom at my discretion (walk out of meetings when I HAVE to do so...), and finish all of next year's camp registration forms. Soon they'll be out and ready for your printing pleasure. Well ahead of the competition...but since I like competition almost as much as I like winning competitions, I'll always be two steps ahead...
Enjoy the day...
Why? Well, for the past three months I have lost control over my television. Instead of hearing commercials about a Double Bacon Sandwich from Mc Burger Queen, I have had to hear about how all of these old men and women have broken the law, will improve my life, and improve your life. WHATEV.....
So today, I'll watch TV and know that I will not be grossly grossed out. Moreover, it is funny to see a few late placed commercials about candidates a few days after the election is over! It always happens and proves or reinforces the fact that some people can't pay attention and manage finances or plan accordingly.
While there were lots of races yesterday, most of the Old Guard held on to their seats. I like offensive guards, Right Guards, and yes, the Old Guard. But I'm open to the New Guard, too.
One of the most intriguing, but nonsensical votes of yesterday was to prohibit convicted felons of running for Sheriff in North Carolina counties. The measure passed 80-20. It makes sense that felons shouldn't be sheriffs on two accounts. I don't think felons can have firearms - and I definitely want my sheriff packing heat. Also, the sheriff should UPHOLD the law. Sure people can change, but the sheriff shouldn't wear flip-flops...
South Carolina elected a woman governor. What does she have in common with Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal? You find out, but I think it's refreshing...
So today, do whatever you want. I'm probably going to avoid the rain, use the restroom at my discretion (walk out of meetings when I HAVE to do so...), and finish all of next year's camp registration forms. Soon they'll be out and ready for your printing pleasure. Well ahead of the competition...but since I like competition almost as much as I like winning competitions, I'll always be two steps ahead...
Enjoy the day...
November 2, 2010
Community Fun Day Wrap Up
Community Fun Day has come and gone. The Annual Weenie Roast, as I like to call it had plenty of visitors, ice cream, hot dogs, and activities. The weather was perfect for Community Fun Day - mid 70's, light wind, and sunny! I enjoyed seeing all of the visitors and staff that came out...the staff did a great job matching the demand of the activities. The climbing wall can always throw a kink in it, though.
Nevertheless, Patrick, Josh, Broadwell, Casper, Kali the Beast, Mea, Kristen, and Sydney came out to help me pull of the unpredictable amount of guests. Everything from the registration table to archery went really well. Hopefully, the community members that attended had a great time.
I won a door prize! My virtual lack of luck seems to have ended as I won the final door prize, which meant that I could had my choice of a coffee table book, too. I like books, so I took that bad boy. Aside from that, it's like a 3 month reunion when I have some of the staff come back. What was most interesting is that all of the staff are considered the "New Guard" at the 4-H Center...yeah - the ones that will set the tone for the present and future and they also are "mine". Yes, I lay claim to people. But they claim me, too!
Auburn / College Football rant:
This week was "Road Block" Saturday. All of the talking heads gave it this name in hopes that all teams would lose and lay a red carpet out for the university of Alabama. Sure the pretenders lost. Oregon and Auburn won in high style, though. Still, Auburn dropped to number two in the BCS, which determines the pecking order of who plays for the national championship. Our week at number one was fun and shortlived, but we will return. If you are an Auburn fan, please enjoy this and brag to everyone you know and don't know. The last time it happened was in 1985 - I was 2 years old. If Auburn wins out, they'llplay for the whole ball of wax. The pundits have all but declared Alabama the winner of the Iron Bowl. One pundit said just yesterday that Auburn can't go to Alabama the day after Thanksgiving and beat Alabama in a stadium named for Bear Bryant. He was wrong. Auburn has won an ASTOUNDING 86% of games against Alabama in the stadium named after Bear Bryant.
Anyway - pundits - let Auburn play it out. End your love affair with the WAC and MW teams. Sure the schedule is not their fault. But it's not mine or yours. A two loss SEC team can beat ANYONE.
Enjoy the day...
Nevertheless, Patrick, Josh, Broadwell, Casper, Kali the Beast, Mea, Kristen, and Sydney came out to help me pull of the unpredictable amount of guests. Everything from the registration table to archery went really well. Hopefully, the community members that attended had a great time.
I won a door prize! My virtual lack of luck seems to have ended as I won the final door prize, which meant that I could had my choice of a coffee table book, too. I like books, so I took that bad boy. Aside from that, it's like a 3 month reunion when I have some of the staff come back. What was most interesting is that all of the staff are considered the "New Guard" at the 4-H Center...yeah - the ones that will set the tone for the present and future and they also are "mine". Yes, I lay claim to people. But they claim me, too!
Auburn / College Football rant:
This week was "Road Block" Saturday. All of the talking heads gave it this name in hopes that all teams would lose and lay a red carpet out for the university of Alabama. Sure the pretenders lost. Oregon and Auburn won in high style, though. Still, Auburn dropped to number two in the BCS, which determines the pecking order of who plays for the national championship. Our week at number one was fun and shortlived, but we will return. If you are an Auburn fan, please enjoy this and brag to everyone you know and don't know. The last time it happened was in 1985 - I was 2 years old. If Auburn wins out, they'llplay for the whole ball of wax. The pundits have all but declared Alabama the winner of the Iron Bowl. One pundit said just yesterday that Auburn can't go to Alabama the day after Thanksgiving and beat Alabama in a stadium named for Bear Bryant. He was wrong. Auburn has won an ASTOUNDING 86% of games against Alabama in the stadium named after Bear Bryant.
Anyway - pundits - let Auburn play it out. End your love affair with the WAC and MW teams. Sure the schedule is not their fault. But it's not mine or yours. A two loss SEC team can beat ANYONE.
Enjoy the day...
October 27, 2010
Community Fun Day, Auburn, Ducks
For several reasons and excuses, I have failed to blog in a couple of weeks. Kitchen duty, vacation, and internet connections have hampered my ability to type about nothing.
So here's what you need to know about the northeastern NC, the Eastern 4-H Center, and the Fall Flight of waterfowl.
Our little corner of the state is trying to shake the grip of summer - it's tough when the humidity and the temps mirror each other at 80. Personally, I believe there is a time and a place for everything. These temperatures belong here from June to August. Rapid and confusing weather changes also confuse the body and a lot of people get a little sick. I am getting a small head cold. We also stand to get a little more rain. Where was this stuff when we needed it in the summer? There's nothing worse than pulling out the lawnmower one more time.
The Eastern 4-H Center is on the backside of 8 consecutive busy weekends! It's actually about 35, but I don't count the summer and since the summer doesn't count, the spring's consecutive weeks can't count, but obviously we have just been plain busy, especially on the weekends. I was away this weekend - I went to see Auburn play LSU in football. More on that later. Lee was left to attend to the Wedding rehearsal and reception over the weekend. Nothing says pressure quite like 250 hungry people. Apparently it was one of the finest matrimonious meetings in epochs!
This upcoming weekend implies that if you are a member of the community and you enjoy fun days then you should bring you and yours to the Eastern 4-H Center for Community Fun Day. Here's the thing - you do not have to be from our community. You can come from any community in the galaxy. There will be camp activities, a blodd drive, and a weenie roast. Nope, we are not roasting Lee. But everything is free (for you the visitor) and fun (for you and us). I have a collection of summer staff returning to facilitate the fun. Some of our full time staff will be here, too. The fun kicks off at 9:00 (it used to be 10:00, but 9:00 this year) and ceases at 3:00.
The annual fall migration of waterfowl is officially underway. The Great Lakes Cyclone that swept, then mopped the midwest left blizzard conditions in the upper midwest. Freezing temperatures will freeze up many small lakes, ponds, and rivers overnight! This will create a unique situation many call the grand passage. This is when virtually all ducks, geese, coots, swans, and shorebirds migrate at once. I have never seen this, but I'll be on the lookout. Many birds had already moved down here for the winter - evidence such as the 2000-3000 pintails and wigeons I saw at Pea Island a week ago strengthens that case. I got the banding information back from a wood duck I harvested earlier in the season - it was banded in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania - yep, Amish Country. This duck was obviously a migrant and probably moved into North Carolina in mid-September. Alas, it's time to dust of the decoys, check the boat for safety equipment, and secure the honey hole. The first split of the "late" waterfowl season is November 13.
On to Auburn. Three weeks ago, all of the pundits said that Auburn would not make it throug the three game stretch of Arkansas, Kentucky, and LSU. If they did, they would deserve, and thus, receive respect. Well pundits, it happened. The BCS computers have Auburn ranked number 1. Computers have always outsmarted humans. Pundits are barely human. One of the most detestable things about college football (other than the lack of a playoff) if the influence many of these talking head "experts" have on poll voters.
All of a sudden, they have deemed Auburn an "incomplete" team, referring to the apparent lack of defense. I don't know much about football, but I know an offenses job is to score more points than the other team's offense. A defenses job is to restrict the other team from scoring more points than that of their own team's offense. Auburn has scored more points than every team it has played. Using logic, one can determine that Auburn's offense and defense have both been successful...more successful than every team in the toughest conference in the country. Auburn's success seems to peak only when the conference is "down". This makes little sense to me. If traditional powers like Alabama are undefeated, the natural order of things must be correct. Also, pundits on television feel that college football is destined for a Boise State v. Alabama championship game. When Auburn beats Alabama, will Auburn finally be called a "complete" team, or will they determine that Alabama was "down" this year. The point being if pundits believe Alabama and Boise State are the best two teams in the country, please rank them that way now. That way, when Auburn beats Alabama, we can "earn" our top ranking.
It's also interesting that each Friday all of the "experts" predict an Auburn loss. After an Auburn win, all of the pundits are pleased to report that Auburn's latest victim was "overrated". Pundits, you are overrated. War Eagle! Cam for Heisman!
Enjoy the day...
So here's what you need to know about the northeastern NC, the Eastern 4-H Center, and the Fall Flight of waterfowl.
Our little corner of the state is trying to shake the grip of summer - it's tough when the humidity and the temps mirror each other at 80. Personally, I believe there is a time and a place for everything. These temperatures belong here from June to August. Rapid and confusing weather changes also confuse the body and a lot of people get a little sick. I am getting a small head cold. We also stand to get a little more rain. Where was this stuff when we needed it in the summer? There's nothing worse than pulling out the lawnmower one more time.
The Eastern 4-H Center is on the backside of 8 consecutive busy weekends! It's actually about 35, but I don't count the summer and since the summer doesn't count, the spring's consecutive weeks can't count, but obviously we have just been plain busy, especially on the weekends. I was away this weekend - I went to see Auburn play LSU in football. More on that later. Lee was left to attend to the Wedding rehearsal and reception over the weekend. Nothing says pressure quite like 250 hungry people. Apparently it was one of the finest matrimonious meetings in epochs!
This upcoming weekend implies that if you are a member of the community and you enjoy fun days then you should bring you and yours to the Eastern 4-H Center for Community Fun Day. Here's the thing - you do not have to be from our community. You can come from any community in the galaxy. There will be camp activities, a blodd drive, and a weenie roast. Nope, we are not roasting Lee. But everything is free (for you the visitor) and fun (for you and us). I have a collection of summer staff returning to facilitate the fun. Some of our full time staff will be here, too. The fun kicks off at 9:00 (it used to be 10:00, but 9:00 this year) and ceases at 3:00.
The annual fall migration of waterfowl is officially underway. The Great Lakes Cyclone that swept, then mopped the midwest left blizzard conditions in the upper midwest. Freezing temperatures will freeze up many small lakes, ponds, and rivers overnight! This will create a unique situation many call the grand passage. This is when virtually all ducks, geese, coots, swans, and shorebirds migrate at once. I have never seen this, but I'll be on the lookout. Many birds had already moved down here for the winter - evidence such as the 2000-3000 pintails and wigeons I saw at Pea Island a week ago strengthens that case. I got the banding information back from a wood duck I harvested earlier in the season - it was banded in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania - yep, Amish Country. This duck was obviously a migrant and probably moved into North Carolina in mid-September. Alas, it's time to dust of the decoys, check the boat for safety equipment, and secure the honey hole. The first split of the "late" waterfowl season is November 13.
On to Auburn. Three weeks ago, all of the pundits said that Auburn would not make it throug the three game stretch of Arkansas, Kentucky, and LSU. If they did, they would deserve, and thus, receive respect. Well pundits, it happened. The BCS computers have Auburn ranked number 1. Computers have always outsmarted humans. Pundits are barely human. One of the most detestable things about college football (other than the lack of a playoff) if the influence many of these talking head "experts" have on poll voters.
All of a sudden, they have deemed Auburn an "incomplete" team, referring to the apparent lack of defense. I don't know much about football, but I know an offenses job is to score more points than the other team's offense. A defenses job is to restrict the other team from scoring more points than that of their own team's offense. Auburn has scored more points than every team it has played. Using logic, one can determine that Auburn's offense and defense have both been successful...more successful than every team in the toughest conference in the country. Auburn's success seems to peak only when the conference is "down". This makes little sense to me. If traditional powers like Alabama are undefeated, the natural order of things must be correct. Also, pundits on television feel that college football is destined for a Boise State v. Alabama championship game. When Auburn beats Alabama, will Auburn finally be called a "complete" team, or will they determine that Alabama was "down" this year. The point being if pundits believe Alabama and Boise State are the best two teams in the country, please rank them that way now. That way, when Auburn beats Alabama, we can "earn" our top ranking.
It's also interesting that each Friday all of the "experts" predict an Auburn loss. After an Auburn win, all of the pundits are pleased to report that Auburn's latest victim was "overrated". Pundits, you are overrated. War Eagle! Cam for Heisman!
Enjoy the day...
October 13, 2010
Golf Pro Lee Scripture
It's tough to blog from behind a stove. That was my excuse yesterday. Monday, my computer had issues with the web...sorry!
Last weekend, we hosted a wedding. And Reception! Receptions are much better than weddings. This is where one can gorge themselves on tiny bits of food, rather than large restaurant style meals and home cooking. The tiny bits of food can be stacked and ordered into a belly much easier, and sometimes at a faster rate. And who dislikes punch? Nobody.
Lee and I played in the Tyrrell County Chamber of Commerce Golf tournament on Friday. I have decided to quit the game for good. But not for the many reasons that many people quit such as injuries and ineptitude. I am healthy and possess enough skill to be a viable partner on any golf course. As my luck would have it, I played pretty good golf. Nice long drives, well-shaped approaches, tack-driving wedges, and better then (my) average putting, Lee still found away to better me. Lee is like the Les Miles of the Golf World. He either knows something we all don't, or is just plain lucky...but certainly not good - and he'll admit it. His swing isn't bad, but his aim at both the ball and with the ball leave something to be desired. On numerous occasions Iwatched my fearless leader clean the dirt clods form his club heads, traipse through jungles, and whiff - if not double whiff - on recurring golf shots. And while starting golf late in life is tough, playing with Lee is even tougher, at least from a competitive standpoint. Conversely, there is no one (other than Johnny Spencer) who can keep you more "loose" on the links. It's always fun to watch him play - he can luck up and make incredible golf shots (as is the case with this blog entry), but he also never gets mad at golf. I stay mad at golf. I know how to make shots, but the 90% of the game that is played between the ears impedes my abilities to often.
Lee's commentary after hitting what I call "German Shots" can be hysterical. His reactions, such as peering into the distance, well beyond his 30 foot tee shot, is down right comical. These poor shots are not fromlack of skill, only practice. And he'll get there - he let some fly, too. But hearing about his failures is much better, right?
However, this tournament also had other games such as "Closest to the Pin" and "Longest Drive". The "Longest Drive" game is played, generally on the longest hole of the course. the person who hits the longest drive, places a sign there to signify the accomplishment. The winner gets a nice prize. The "Closest to the Pin" game is played on par 3's and requires that the winner's shot be closest to the pin while still being on the putting surface...
Now that the semantics are out of the way, here we go. The 7th Hole at the Edenton Chowan Country Club is a 150 par 3 - the site of "Closest to the Pin" fot his year's tournament. I played a nice 8 iron, but put too much "Anglish" on it only to have a nice shot roll back of the front of the green. The rest of the group played their tee shots and then it happened. Lee, addressed the ball (which is comical in itself) and wielding a DRIVER, laces a golfball as straight as an interstate. The 150 yards were covered in short order and the ball came to a stop a 152 yards, not an inch or degree of the straight line between he and the flagstick. Lo and behold, as we approach the green, the "Closest to the Pin" stake was almost identical in accuracy to Lee's. After measuring, it was determined that Lee was in fact the closest to the pin out of the 100 or so people that played the hole prior to us...and with only one team left to play the hole, it looked as if Lee would wear the crown.
At the cookout following the tournament, it was discovered that no one played a shot closer than Lee. A look at the records of all golf might also state that no person has ever one "closest to the pin" while utiliaing a driver. But he's that lucky. I have never had a hole-in-one. I have only holed out one shot from outside of a hundred yards. I have lots of flagsticks from between 50-75 yards, but the Closeset to the Pin when it counts avoids and evades me.
Enjoy the day...
Last weekend, we hosted a wedding. And Reception! Receptions are much better than weddings. This is where one can gorge themselves on tiny bits of food, rather than large restaurant style meals and home cooking. The tiny bits of food can be stacked and ordered into a belly much easier, and sometimes at a faster rate. And who dislikes punch? Nobody.
Lee and I played in the Tyrrell County Chamber of Commerce Golf tournament on Friday. I have decided to quit the game for good. But not for the many reasons that many people quit such as injuries and ineptitude. I am healthy and possess enough skill to be a viable partner on any golf course. As my luck would have it, I played pretty good golf. Nice long drives, well-shaped approaches, tack-driving wedges, and better then (my) average putting, Lee still found away to better me. Lee is like the Les Miles of the Golf World. He either knows something we all don't, or is just plain lucky...but certainly not good - and he'll admit it. His swing isn't bad, but his aim at both the ball and with the ball leave something to be desired. On numerous occasions Iwatched my fearless leader clean the dirt clods form his club heads, traipse through jungles, and whiff - if not double whiff - on recurring golf shots. And while starting golf late in life is tough, playing with Lee is even tougher, at least from a competitive standpoint. Conversely, there is no one (other than Johnny Spencer) who can keep you more "loose" on the links. It's always fun to watch him play - he can luck up and make incredible golf shots (as is the case with this blog entry), but he also never gets mad at golf. I stay mad at golf. I know how to make shots, but the 90% of the game that is played between the ears impedes my abilities to often.
Lee's commentary after hitting what I call "German Shots" can be hysterical. His reactions, such as peering into the distance, well beyond his 30 foot tee shot, is down right comical. These poor shots are not fromlack of skill, only practice. And he'll get there - he let some fly, too. But hearing about his failures is much better, right?
However, this tournament also had other games such as "Closest to the Pin" and "Longest Drive". The "Longest Drive" game is played, generally on the longest hole of the course. the person who hits the longest drive, places a sign there to signify the accomplishment. The winner gets a nice prize. The "Closest to the Pin" game is played on par 3's and requires that the winner's shot be closest to the pin while still being on the putting surface...
Now that the semantics are out of the way, here we go. The 7th Hole at the Edenton Chowan Country Club is a 150 par 3 - the site of "Closest to the Pin" fot his year's tournament. I played a nice 8 iron, but put too much "Anglish" on it only to have a nice shot roll back of the front of the green. The rest of the group played their tee shots and then it happened. Lee, addressed the ball (which is comical in itself) and wielding a DRIVER, laces a golfball as straight as an interstate. The 150 yards were covered in short order and the ball came to a stop a 152 yards, not an inch or degree of the straight line between he and the flagstick. Lo and behold, as we approach the green, the "Closest to the Pin" stake was almost identical in accuracy to Lee's. After measuring, it was determined that Lee was in fact the closest to the pin out of the 100 or so people that played the hole prior to us...and with only one team left to play the hole, it looked as if Lee would wear the crown.
At the cookout following the tournament, it was discovered that no one played a shot closer than Lee. A look at the records of all golf might also state that no person has ever one "closest to the pin" while utiliaing a driver. But he's that lucky. I have never had a hole-in-one. I have only holed out one shot from outside of a hundred yards. I have lots of flagsticks from between 50-75 yards, but the Closeset to the Pin when it counts avoids and evades me.
Enjoy the day...
October 7, 2010
Duck season, wedding season
This weekend the 4-H Center is hosting another wedding. We must be good at those. It might just be the waterfront location, but there are rumors that our food and service is as good as anywhere...just saying.
Duck season opened yesterday, October 6...me and Casper took some time and hunted at the Futch Tract outside of Columbia. This place is typically a haven for the "big" ducks that arrive in December, but it can hold spectacular amounts of locally hatched wood ducks. Wood ducks were at one time a pretty threatened species - with all of the logging an dpollution in the 60's and 70's. Nevertheless they are considered recovered and a three bird limit is one of the best ever. Nevertheless, I didn't take my limit, nor did Casper but we killed a pair of full plumage woodies. Mine sported a federal band - it's my second banded bird and it's always a nice treat to see a little sparkle on the leg when you recover a duck.
Cooling temperatures are finally starting to cool the water, which will go a long way to getting rid of the duck weed and alligator weed that is choking off our local waterways. The tropical storm of last week brought tooooo much rain and turned Columbia and Creswell into toxic and noxious swimming pools. FEMA personnel has been in the area to assess the damage. Lee, our fearless leader hates that his yard has been flooded, but has thoroughly enjoyed the accessories of a flood. Extra flashlights, knives, axes, and chest waders were donned by Lee and since there was a flood, his wife allowed him to wear the items in public. Yesterday, Casper and I had to help Lee load a lawnmower on a trailer. Pooshing a lawnmower through the mud may sound like fun, and it IS. Sike.
Next week, the Center will cleanup from the wedding and host several groups - Emmaus and the Quilters.
NC State lost to Virginia Tech last weekend. Obviously this old news. Carolina walloped ECU. Everybody has a chance at redemption this weekend and it should be sought. Auburn takes on Kentucky in the BLuegrass. I had expected to go, but I'll be splitting time between the kayak demos at the Scuppernong River Festival and the Wedding....
Enjoy the day...
Duck season opened yesterday, October 6...me and Casper took some time and hunted at the Futch Tract outside of Columbia. This place is typically a haven for the "big" ducks that arrive in December, but it can hold spectacular amounts of locally hatched wood ducks. Wood ducks were at one time a pretty threatened species - with all of the logging an dpollution in the 60's and 70's. Nevertheless they are considered recovered and a three bird limit is one of the best ever. Nevertheless, I didn't take my limit, nor did Casper but we killed a pair of full plumage woodies. Mine sported a federal band - it's my second banded bird and it's always a nice treat to see a little sparkle on the leg when you recover a duck.
Cooling temperatures are finally starting to cool the water, which will go a long way to getting rid of the duck weed and alligator weed that is choking off our local waterways. The tropical storm of last week brought tooooo much rain and turned Columbia and Creswell into toxic and noxious swimming pools. FEMA personnel has been in the area to assess the damage. Lee, our fearless leader hates that his yard has been flooded, but has thoroughly enjoyed the accessories of a flood. Extra flashlights, knives, axes, and chest waders were donned by Lee and since there was a flood, his wife allowed him to wear the items in public. Yesterday, Casper and I had to help Lee load a lawnmower on a trailer. Pooshing a lawnmower through the mud may sound like fun, and it IS. Sike.
Next week, the Center will cleanup from the wedding and host several groups - Emmaus and the Quilters.
NC State lost to Virginia Tech last weekend. Obviously this old news. Carolina walloped ECU. Everybody has a chance at redemption this weekend and it should be sought. Auburn takes on Kentucky in the BLuegrass. I had expected to go, but I'll be splitting time between the kayak demos at the Scuppernong River Festival and the Wedding....
Enjoy the day...
September 30, 2010
rainin'
We have had at least 10" of rain since Sunday. Today is going to add at least 2"...
This weekend NCState plays Virginia Tech in Raleigh. It's supposed to be the toughest ticket in town. Please allow me this opportunity to be smug about Deep South Fotball. Selling out a 60,000 seat stadium once a decade is not noteworthy. It's great for State, trust me. But major Land Grant universities south of here consistenyl sell out 80,000 seat arenas for every game. I hope State can get there one day, especially before UNC! ECU probably has the most rabid fan base, but that's because they don't shoot hoops well in Greenville!
Emmaus comes in today, hopefully under the use of umbrellas...
The weekend is supposed to be dry (except for the ground) and cool, fall-esque temperatures are en route. The first split of duck season opens Wednesday. It's a good chance to take a youngster on a hunt with a chance to bag our most commond duck - the wood duck or Aix Sponsa...I love to use scientific names when speaking with game wardens. There are also lots of local mallards and teal still in the area, which always brighten up a game strap and dinner plate.
Enjoy the day...
This weekend NCState plays Virginia Tech in Raleigh. It's supposed to be the toughest ticket in town. Please allow me this opportunity to be smug about Deep South Fotball. Selling out a 60,000 seat stadium once a decade is not noteworthy. It's great for State, trust me. But major Land Grant universities south of here consistenyl sell out 80,000 seat arenas for every game. I hope State can get there one day, especially before UNC! ECU probably has the most rabid fan base, but that's because they don't shoot hoops well in Greenville!
Emmaus comes in today, hopefully under the use of umbrellas...
The weekend is supposed to be dry (except for the ground) and cool, fall-esque temperatures are en route. The first split of duck season opens Wednesday. It's a good chance to take a youngster on a hunt with a chance to bag our most commond duck - the wood duck or Aix Sponsa...I love to use scientific names when speaking with game wardens. There are also lots of local mallards and teal still in the area, which always brighten up a game strap and dinner plate.
Enjoy the day...
September 29, 2010
More and More
This week, like last week, is another busy one...Northeastern Workforce d\Development is hosting two seminars this week. Emmaus will be here from Thursday - Sunday. I'll be cooking a lot, including today.
Resident Canada Goose season is on it's way out, just as a tropical depression arrives. I took my last chance at a Canada yesterday. Watching 500 geese pour into a pond is amazing, but disappointing when it happens 300 yards from my handmade decoys. I also might have missed a golden opportunity to dine on goose by failing at a close shot. Sea Duck season comes in on Friday. I look forward to it arriving so that I can take them from my layout boat. I've got 100 handpainted scoter decoys that will fool a genius.
My dad turns 61 years young today....Happy Birthday Poppa! My dad has seen a lot of things, most of them from the Courthouse Doors in Coosa County. I enjoy hearing stories about the Cuban Missile Crisis, Auburn in the late 60's, me in the 80's, and stories about him and his pals. We'll rendezvous in late October to see Auburn beat LSU!
Enjoy the day...
Resident Canada Goose season is on it's way out, just as a tropical depression arrives. I took my last chance at a Canada yesterday. Watching 500 geese pour into a pond is amazing, but disappointing when it happens 300 yards from my handmade decoys. I also might have missed a golden opportunity to dine on goose by failing at a close shot. Sea Duck season comes in on Friday. I look forward to it arriving so that I can take them from my layout boat. I've got 100 handpainted scoter decoys that will fool a genius.
My dad turns 61 years young today....Happy Birthday Poppa! My dad has seen a lot of things, most of them from the Courthouse Doors in Coosa County. I enjoy hearing stories about the Cuban Missile Crisis, Auburn in the late 60's, me in the 80's, and stories about him and his pals. We'll rendezvous in late October to see Auburn beat LSU!
Enjoy the day...
September 27, 2010
Coastal Fall Fashions
Listen - err, read-up. Summer is finally over. So is the incessant wave of heat that rode it's coattails on the way out. Fall is here. Fall is the best time of year, in the marshes anyway. The waters stay mild, the air begins to dry out, and the days begin to shorten more noticeably. Here in the pocosin, clothing follows suit. It's fun to analyze what people where in different places and try to understand why they do it. Hopefully, it should all be driven out of function and not fashion, but even better is when it satisfies both categories.
While growing up in Alabama, we had two seasons - summer and Christmas Holidays. It is almost always hot except for a three week period in the middle of December and January. So yeah, we all had a gigantic coat to help us cope. Thermal undies, toboggans, gloves, and fleece lined boots collected dust in closets and retail shelves for most of the year, but were worth their weights in titanium when the cold snap arrived.
The pocosin has, for the most part, four seasons. Summer is dominated by hot and muggy temperatures, mosquitoes, and thunderstorms. Fall is generally mild with cool nights - and hopefully, in my case, lots of ducks. Winter is windy and bitter and spitting snow and rain is not uncommon, but large doses of either are rare. Spring is often early, but still windy and can surprise one with a late burst of airish air.
The fall can usher in noreasters and early cold fronts. These are my favorite. For some reason or another, I have always had an affinity for odd and violent weather. Fall in the marsh grants me this pleasure.
I, like others, have learned to properly outfit myself for the conditions, some of which can change by the hour. Most folks hold on to their bermuda shorts as long as bearable, and I do the same. And while we live near the coast, folks around hear disdain the coastal and tropic print shirts for preppy plaids in nautical colors such as red, navy, green, and white. However, these plaids must be comfortable in windy and cool weather, too. I have stocked my closet with lots of flannel, but not the Nirvana flannel of the 90's. Also - many of the local fishermen like to let the top two buttons go unused. I lack the bravado to allow my chest hair blow inthe wind, but it's an entertaining look.
Sometimes, a light jacket might be needed. Since I am cold-natured, I often wear a hoodie throughout the year. However, I prefer sweaters over jackets as the autumn arrives. No v-necks here, though. Woolen sweaters are an excellent way to sweat your life away, so I prefer cotton. Slim fitting attire appears to be fashionable, though I have mostly always preferred this style (it makes me look taller) and will continue to wear clothing in this manner. Cumersome clothes make one look frumpy and gross. Don't figure out a way to hide that figure! Neverhtheless, I like to wear colors that appear in nature in fall: brown, dark green, and sage (whatever that is). The sartorialist in me also allows the use of a shawl-collared sweater. Men are beginning to wear these, but alas, I have kept one at hand for several years, fashion be danged.
When covering our feet, pocosin men and women are often fairly ambivalent. Boat and deck shoes are acceptable throughout the year, even with tuxedoes, should the topsiders be black. I, too, fail victim to the boat shoe, but have since branched out. I recently procured a pair of red wing chukkas. They are guaranteed for life...but I'm not sure whose life. Nevertheless, they are fashioned after the boat shoe, and have canvas uppers so that my feet don't melt away. folks that know me understand my propensity to wear duck boots, too. These are always acceptable. In my dreams, my dream lady also sports a pair of these sporty boots.
Obviously, one must cover themselves with pants. And as I mentioned earlier in this literary waste of time, many people continue to wear shorts as long as possible - possible meaning above freezing. However, when the time is right, I will prefer long pants over shorts. I have never worn lots of dednim, but have always preferred selvage and dark rinse denim that was straight and slim fitting. this look is also fashionable in more metropolitan areas. Yet, the color of khaki most often appears over my legs. Cargo pants are for cops and forest rangers, and I am neither of those. However, cotton khakis are the most comfortable. I like them in darker colors because they do not show dirt and can be worn several times or months without washing. Like jeans, I prefer that they be trim looking. Frumpy clothes are for the holiday buffet season.
Their you have it...it's interesting how mainstream fashion begins to follow function every time there is a chill in the economic climate. On this blog, I predicted in January of 2009 that beards would be back in force, and I was right. Beards are a primitive way to keep the face and eyes warm. I also predicted that the military crew cut would be back...right again. It's traditional and reminds us of more pleasant times - the 50's! I was not around then... People are looking for a return to normalcy and uniform-style work clothes help folks remember what making an honest living was all about. Now everyone wants to look honest and hard-working - like the folks in the pocosin...
PS - Auburn obliterated South Carolina - although the scoreboard says the game was not quite an obliteration. Nevertheless, Auburn won, the Establishment is restored, and the New Guard is repressed. War Eagle. My sister also passed the bar exam and she's a full fledged attorney.
Enjoy the day...
While growing up in Alabama, we had two seasons - summer and Christmas Holidays. It is almost always hot except for a three week period in the middle of December and January. So yeah, we all had a gigantic coat to help us cope. Thermal undies, toboggans, gloves, and fleece lined boots collected dust in closets and retail shelves for most of the year, but were worth their weights in titanium when the cold snap arrived.
The pocosin has, for the most part, four seasons. Summer is dominated by hot and muggy temperatures, mosquitoes, and thunderstorms. Fall is generally mild with cool nights - and hopefully, in my case, lots of ducks. Winter is windy and bitter and spitting snow and rain is not uncommon, but large doses of either are rare. Spring is often early, but still windy and can surprise one with a late burst of airish air.
The fall can usher in noreasters and early cold fronts. These are my favorite. For some reason or another, I have always had an affinity for odd and violent weather. Fall in the marsh grants me this pleasure.
I, like others, have learned to properly outfit myself for the conditions, some of which can change by the hour. Most folks hold on to their bermuda shorts as long as bearable, and I do the same. And while we live near the coast, folks around hear disdain the coastal and tropic print shirts for preppy plaids in nautical colors such as red, navy, green, and white. However, these plaids must be comfortable in windy and cool weather, too. I have stocked my closet with lots of flannel, but not the Nirvana flannel of the 90's. Also - many of the local fishermen like to let the top two buttons go unused. I lack the bravado to allow my chest hair blow inthe wind, but it's an entertaining look.
Sometimes, a light jacket might be needed. Since I am cold-natured, I often wear a hoodie throughout the year. However, I prefer sweaters over jackets as the autumn arrives. No v-necks here, though. Woolen sweaters are an excellent way to sweat your life away, so I prefer cotton. Slim fitting attire appears to be fashionable, though I have mostly always preferred this style (it makes me look taller) and will continue to wear clothing in this manner. Cumersome clothes make one look frumpy and gross. Don't figure out a way to hide that figure! Neverhtheless, I like to wear colors that appear in nature in fall: brown, dark green, and sage (whatever that is). The sartorialist in me also allows the use of a shawl-collared sweater. Men are beginning to wear these, but alas, I have kept one at hand for several years, fashion be danged.
When covering our feet, pocosin men and women are often fairly ambivalent. Boat and deck shoes are acceptable throughout the year, even with tuxedoes, should the topsiders be black. I, too, fail victim to the boat shoe, but have since branched out. I recently procured a pair of red wing chukkas. They are guaranteed for life...but I'm not sure whose life. Nevertheless, they are fashioned after the boat shoe, and have canvas uppers so that my feet don't melt away. folks that know me understand my propensity to wear duck boots, too. These are always acceptable. In my dreams, my dream lady also sports a pair of these sporty boots.
Obviously, one must cover themselves with pants. And as I mentioned earlier in this literary waste of time, many people continue to wear shorts as long as possible - possible meaning above freezing. However, when the time is right, I will prefer long pants over shorts. I have never worn lots of dednim, but have always preferred selvage and dark rinse denim that was straight and slim fitting. this look is also fashionable in more metropolitan areas. Yet, the color of khaki most often appears over my legs. Cargo pants are for cops and forest rangers, and I am neither of those. However, cotton khakis are the most comfortable. I like them in darker colors because they do not show dirt and can be worn several times or months without washing. Like jeans, I prefer that they be trim looking. Frumpy clothes are for the holiday buffet season.
Their you have it...it's interesting how mainstream fashion begins to follow function every time there is a chill in the economic climate. On this blog, I predicted in January of 2009 that beards would be back in force, and I was right. Beards are a primitive way to keep the face and eyes warm. I also predicted that the military crew cut would be back...right again. It's traditional and reminds us of more pleasant times - the 50's! I was not around then... People are looking for a return to normalcy and uniform-style work clothes help folks remember what making an honest living was all about. Now everyone wants to look honest and hard-working - like the folks in the pocosin...
PS - Auburn obliterated South Carolina - although the scoreboard says the game was not quite an obliteration. Nevertheless, Auburn won, the Establishment is restored, and the New Guard is repressed. War Eagle. My sister also passed the bar exam and she's a full fledged attorney.
Enjoy the day...
September 23, 2010
More fun groups!
It's been a few days since I have been able to blog, but if I am busy in the morning I will never get around to it by the afternoon - that's when it really gets busy!
Today we have Wilson Chamber of Commerce and the Quilters coming in for for teambuilding and, well, quilting, obviously.
I'll be with Wilson throughout the day...I'll make them sweat! I am so AWESOME at Challenge Course facilitation and that's probably why they (and others) come back so often.
This weekend is survival Saturday in College Football. Auburn plays South Carolina. UNC suspended 2 more players in their tryst with NCAA violations...
Enjoy the day...
Today we have Wilson Chamber of Commerce and the Quilters coming in for for teambuilding and, well, quilting, obviously.
I'll be with Wilson throughout the day...I'll make them sweat! I am so AWESOME at Challenge Course facilitation and that's probably why they (and others) come back so often.
This weekend is survival Saturday in College Football. Auburn plays South Carolina. UNC suspended 2 more players in their tryst with NCAA violations...
Enjoy the day...
September 20, 2010
Big Weekend, Auburn wins thriller
This past weekend the 4-H Center hosted the Ironmen Retreat for the guys out of Great Bridge...we also had a wedding rehearsal and wedding reception for Brandy Mann (Basnight before Saturday at 5:00 pm)! The weekend put the wraps on what was a big week. This week will be just as busy, though! Wilson Chamber of Commerce will come in for a Challenge Course "gauntlet", along with a big Friday luncheon for some judges, and the Perquiman's Quilting women!
The wedding was lots of fun, but hectic in the final hours leading up to service. SIKE! We have totally got stress free food service down to an art. But we also have some talented servers and prep staff that make it so much easier. Comments like "SOOO Good!" and "That was the best D@?*# wedding foo I have EVER had" put the proof into the proverbial pudding, though...
Saturday was also a big day in college football, but not the monstrous day that was the prior weekend. Only NC State won and that was on Thursday night. UNC lost to the Ramblin Wreck, while ECU's wheels fell off in Blacksburg. At least Virginia Tech has recovered from their horrific, embarrasing genesis. Duke was also ripped by Alabama.
Auburn, my favorite, played Clemson in Round 1 of the South Carolina State Championship this weekend. Round 2 is next week when we take on the South Carolina Gamecocks, future alma mater of Sydney the Pool Lifeguard.
Nevertheless, ESPN's Gameday Television show was on hand to make the day even bigger. Since Auburn's tradition of "All Auburn, All Orange" was not going to take place (Clemson has the same color and we hate being confused with them), Auburn fans decided to wear all Navy in a operation called "True Blue". I have always like Auburn's navy over Orange when it comes to fan dress. The stadium looked spectacular. Also, fans toted navy shakers, or pom-pom's, which gave the stadium a "black out" feel. I wish I could have been there, but alas, I could not. However my sister and dad apparently had a great time.
Auburn started mortifyingly slow. Clemson did not. Auburn's offense never got going and Clemson was playing over their head. Until about :02 seconds left in the first half. Auburn's Wes Byrum kicked a simple field goal to make the score 17-3 at the half.
Auburn came out in the second half and moved the ball with ease. Auburn Quarterback Cam Newton completed a pass in the endzone. It was to a Clemson defender.
Newton rebounded. Auburn immediately scored 21 more points and in dramatic fashion. Clemson eventually scored scored a tying touchdown which propelled the game into overtime. Auburn could not punch it in and settled for a field goal. Clemson marched directly to the endzone only to have Auburn defenders halt their advances in the closing yards. Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker, who was apparently hurt, also missed an open receiver in the endzone that would have nailed Auburn's coffin shut. Clemson kicks a field goal, but was called for an illiegal snap. The do-overhooked to the left and Auburn won. WHEW!
Enjoy the day...
The wedding was lots of fun, but hectic in the final hours leading up to service. SIKE! We have totally got stress free food service down to an art. But we also have some talented servers and prep staff that make it so much easier. Comments like "SOOO Good!" and "That was the best D@?*# wedding foo I have EVER had" put the proof into the proverbial pudding, though...
Saturday was also a big day in college football, but not the monstrous day that was the prior weekend. Only NC State won and that was on Thursday night. UNC lost to the Ramblin Wreck, while ECU's wheels fell off in Blacksburg. At least Virginia Tech has recovered from their horrific, embarrasing genesis. Duke was also ripped by Alabama.
Auburn, my favorite, played Clemson in Round 1 of the South Carolina State Championship this weekend. Round 2 is next week when we take on the South Carolina Gamecocks, future alma mater of Sydney the Pool Lifeguard.
Nevertheless, ESPN's Gameday Television show was on hand to make the day even bigger. Since Auburn's tradition of "All Auburn, All Orange" was not going to take place (Clemson has the same color and we hate being confused with them), Auburn fans decided to wear all Navy in a operation called "True Blue". I have always like Auburn's navy over Orange when it comes to fan dress. The stadium looked spectacular. Also, fans toted navy shakers, or pom-pom's, which gave the stadium a "black out" feel. I wish I could have been there, but alas, I could not. However my sister and dad apparently had a great time.
Auburn started mortifyingly slow. Clemson did not. Auburn's offense never got going and Clemson was playing over their head. Until about :02 seconds left in the first half. Auburn's Wes Byrum kicked a simple field goal to make the score 17-3 at the half.
Auburn came out in the second half and moved the ball with ease. Auburn Quarterback Cam Newton completed a pass in the endzone. It was to a Clemson defender.
Newton rebounded. Auburn immediately scored 21 more points and in dramatic fashion. Clemson eventually scored scored a tying touchdown which propelled the game into overtime. Auburn could not punch it in and settled for a field goal. Clemson marched directly to the endzone only to have Auburn defenders halt their advances in the closing yards. Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker, who was apparently hurt, also missed an open receiver in the endzone that would have nailed Auburn's coffin shut. Clemson kicks a field goal, but was called for an illiegal snap. The do-overhooked to the left and Auburn won. WHEW!
Enjoy the day...
September 15, 2010
more of the same
Cooked Breakfast and lunch for out retreat group today...will do the same today. I went overboard with the cheese on my lasagna, but is that a bad thing... I think not.
My playlist for the kitchen:
Pearl Jam
Metallica - From the Load Album
Sparks the Rescue
Bush - the first album
Ryan Bingham
Tom Petty
It adds inspiration to the meal. In the kitchen I'm like a firefighter and a juggler - putting out fires and catching a lot of stuff.
Enjoy the day... Fall Fashion Guide coming on Friday...
My playlist for the kitchen:
Pearl Jam
Metallica - From the Load Album
Sparks the Rescue
Bush - the first album
Ryan Bingham
Tom Petty
It adds inspiration to the meal. In the kitchen I'm like a firefighter and a juggler - putting out fires and catching a lot of stuff.
Enjoy the day... Fall Fashion Guide coming on Friday...
September 14, 2010
Busy morning thus far...
Here's the Chase Luker highlight reel for Tuesday, Sept 14:
24 eggs
32 honey wheat pancakes
2 lbs. bacon
34 hamburgers
4 lbs of salad
1 turkey burger
2 gallons potato salad
40 Cookies
25 Lemon Bars
Coffee, tea, water
Auburn is playing in 3D on Saturday night!!!!
After lunch clean-up, I'll be the Program Director...
Enjoy the day!
24 eggs
32 honey wheat pancakes
2 lbs. bacon
34 hamburgers
4 lbs of salad
1 turkey burger
2 gallons potato salad
40 Cookies
25 Lemon Bars
Coffee, tea, water
Auburn is playing in 3D on Saturday night!!!!
After lunch clean-up, I'll be the Program Director...
Enjoy the day!
September 13, 2010
Big Weekend, Football review, Waterfowl season look-ahead
This weekend we had two class reunions, a youth program group, and a Christian Women's Retreat...WHEW!
Casper and I ran programs for the kids from Kinston who were actually here via the Scuppernong River...they stayed in a river cottage and came on out for some archery, challenge course, and the ever popular climbing wall. The climbing wall is the ultimate challenge for children. The wall has 3 sides, each accelerating in difficulty. I like to belay on the difficult sides and see kids struggle and eventually overcome the challenge of elevation, coordination, and cautious fear. Nevertheless, it was a pretty awesome group and all kids that attempted made it to the top of the wall. Apparently you can see a McDonald's from up there. I never have, though...but I am usually just ready to come back down.
The Class reunions of Columbia High 1960 and Creswell High 1990 turned out to be pretty cool. Yours truly was personally charged with quantitative meat production. I had a mountain of ribeye to climb, but did so with the deftness of Lee Scripture. He is not the only man who can cook 100's of pounds of flesh in short and tasty order. I pride myself on a perfect lattice-work of sear marks, which I happened to achieve this time around. I wish I could cook steaks to order, but it would just involve to much waiting for our hungry patrons. I usually cook half of them medium and the other half well-done - really well-done. Steak should never be eaten well-done, though. But that's my personal preference.
This past weekend was dubbed Monster Saturday by the talking heads on ESPN. Auburn played and won on Thursday night, so my nerves could take a break this weekend and just hope for upsets. The only notable upset was Virginia Tech's loss to James Madison....the Dukes powered out a victory of Tech...much to the Chagrin of our very own Kali Beach. She's our lifeguard/shooting sports/loudmouth du summer. Brittany Farlow, another summer staffer was pleased with the performance of her school and was quick to point out the vistory to Kali via facebook.
NC State and ECU won, which also satisfied the rest of the summer staff, especially Josh Wall who might be one of the greatest sports fans ever to be employed by moi. South Carolina also took it to Georgia (finally), leaving summer staff member Sydney Crawley with tears of joy. Her celebration was apparently interrupted by her duties at the neighborhood smoothie shop. I love to see staffers get "other" jobs during the school year. They are usually begging to come back to summer camp by October.
Waterfowl season is just around the corner, too. Those that know me also know that I will enter a state oc sleepless nirvana as I chase the south-traveling pochards. As automatic as the full moon, so is the annual migration of waterfowl, shorebirds, and other prairie nesting birds. I don't blame them. When the water and shores are frozen, they just head south. Eastern North Carolina is a haven for many wintering waterfowl, most notably the Tundra Swan. Roughly 90% winter in Tyrrell and Hyde counties every year. To see the birds in a field is to think that a snow-white blizzard has blown through. in flight, hundreds of birds sound like a flute and trumpets-only orchestra. Off key, but on point as well. This year should be a great season as the spring of 2009 was very wet in the northern prairies. Breeding duck counts were high. All of the water on the prairies made it tough for predators to eat omelettes, too. Their southern migration in 2009 was met with record rainfall, leaving literally millions of acres (most out of reach to sportsmen and women) under water and providing safety. In turn, more ducks returned to the prairies and were met with wet conditions there, which increased nest success. Some have headed southward already. Mostly teal and some ocean ducks, but soon enough, we'll begin to hear the swans and see the bluebills on the Sound. The addition of a layout boat to my arsenal of paraphenalia will bring added to sport. I also handpainted and burlapped many of my traditional Herter's decoys. The art in this is not painting them specifically, but attempting to mimic nature in the deployment. For those that think hunters have lost touch, I beg to differ. To fool a wary bird into a stool of decoys is like getting a horse to ride a cowboy.
This week we have Opening Doors for several days. The University-based diversity course is pretty cool! I'll also be preparing their daily 1st and 2nd meals. I'll be up early...This weekend there's a wedding, too. Auburn plays Clemson - ESPN's Gameday will be there, which saddens me. I really miss going to the games with my poppa, but we'll rendezvous in late-October for the Auburn - LSU game!
Enjoy the day...
Casper and I ran programs for the kids from Kinston who were actually here via the Scuppernong River...they stayed in a river cottage and came on out for some archery, challenge course, and the ever popular climbing wall. The climbing wall is the ultimate challenge for children. The wall has 3 sides, each accelerating in difficulty. I like to belay on the difficult sides and see kids struggle and eventually overcome the challenge of elevation, coordination, and cautious fear. Nevertheless, it was a pretty awesome group and all kids that attempted made it to the top of the wall. Apparently you can see a McDonald's from up there. I never have, though...but I am usually just ready to come back down.
The Class reunions of Columbia High 1960 and Creswell High 1990 turned out to be pretty cool. Yours truly was personally charged with quantitative meat production. I had a mountain of ribeye to climb, but did so with the deftness of Lee Scripture. He is not the only man who can cook 100's of pounds of flesh in short and tasty order. I pride myself on a perfect lattice-work of sear marks, which I happened to achieve this time around. I wish I could cook steaks to order, but it would just involve to much waiting for our hungry patrons. I usually cook half of them medium and the other half well-done - really well-done. Steak should never be eaten well-done, though. But that's my personal preference.
This past weekend was dubbed Monster Saturday by the talking heads on ESPN. Auburn played and won on Thursday night, so my nerves could take a break this weekend and just hope for upsets. The only notable upset was Virginia Tech's loss to James Madison....the Dukes powered out a victory of Tech...much to the Chagrin of our very own Kali Beach. She's our lifeguard/shooting sports/loudmouth du summer. Brittany Farlow, another summer staffer was pleased with the performance of her school and was quick to point out the vistory to Kali via facebook.
NC State and ECU won, which also satisfied the rest of the summer staff, especially Josh Wall who might be one of the greatest sports fans ever to be employed by moi. South Carolina also took it to Georgia (finally), leaving summer staff member Sydney Crawley with tears of joy. Her celebration was apparently interrupted by her duties at the neighborhood smoothie shop. I love to see staffers get "other" jobs during the school year. They are usually begging to come back to summer camp by October.
Waterfowl season is just around the corner, too. Those that know me also know that I will enter a state oc sleepless nirvana as I chase the south-traveling pochards. As automatic as the full moon, so is the annual migration of waterfowl, shorebirds, and other prairie nesting birds. I don't blame them. When the water and shores are frozen, they just head south. Eastern North Carolina is a haven for many wintering waterfowl, most notably the Tundra Swan. Roughly 90% winter in Tyrrell and Hyde counties every year. To see the birds in a field is to think that a snow-white blizzard has blown through. in flight, hundreds of birds sound like a flute and trumpets-only orchestra. Off key, but on point as well. This year should be a great season as the spring of 2009 was very wet in the northern prairies. Breeding duck counts were high. All of the water on the prairies made it tough for predators to eat omelettes, too. Their southern migration in 2009 was met with record rainfall, leaving literally millions of acres (most out of reach to sportsmen and women) under water and providing safety. In turn, more ducks returned to the prairies and were met with wet conditions there, which increased nest success. Some have headed southward already. Mostly teal and some ocean ducks, but soon enough, we'll begin to hear the swans and see the bluebills on the Sound. The addition of a layout boat to my arsenal of paraphenalia will bring added to sport. I also handpainted and burlapped many of my traditional Herter's decoys. The art in this is not painting them specifically, but attempting to mimic nature in the deployment. For those that think hunters have lost touch, I beg to differ. To fool a wary bird into a stool of decoys is like getting a horse to ride a cowboy.
This week we have Opening Doors for several days. The University-based diversity course is pretty cool! I'll also be preparing their daily 1st and 2nd meals. I'll be up early...This weekend there's a wedding, too. Auburn plays Clemson - ESPN's Gameday will be there, which saddens me. I really miss going to the games with my poppa, but we'll rendezvous in late-October for the Auburn - LSU game!
Enjoy the day...
September 10, 2010
Auburn wins, staff disappointed
Last night, my beloved Auburn Tigers took the field for a Thursday night prime time game against Mississippi State....a school that is favored by several of my summer staff, ladyfriend, and other friends. In what was supposed to be an offensive showcase for both teams, it turned out to be a dirty and nasty defensive battle. I think. For the past 13 games, Auburn's defense appeared to be the football version of a wet paper sack. Teams tore through them, only impeded by their own incompetence. A new defensive scheme, young ball players, and a host of other things contributed to this abberration. Auburn's defense is usually as stout as a gorilla or 3. Mississippi State has been on tough times since the departure of Jackie Sherril back in the early part of the decade. He was a funny guy. He often accused other teams of filling footballs with helium. He was a good coach and fun to watch, though. Dan Mullen, the new coach at MSU appears to have wrighted the ship, which makes me nervous...there's already plenty of competition in the SEC West.
Nevertheless, Auburn's offense fired up right out of the gates only to stall once the intermission was reached. That's when Auburn's defense stepped up and pushed down the Dogs. I heard lots of cowbells ringing last night on TV, which is supposed to warrant a fine. But the loudest bell that was heard was the poor ball carrier's that was leveled by Auburn linebacker Josh Bynes.
Today, Camtech, a group pf students from Camden County will make their way to the Center for a little teambuilding and a Giant Swing. Casper and I will facilitate lots of fun games and initiatives before the participants have to challenge themselves on the Giant Swing.
This weekend, we are hosting Kingdom Kids for programming, a Christian womens' retreat, a 50 year class reunion, and a 20 year class reunion. I think my 10 year class reunion is next year. I hope I can go to it! Many people in my rural Alabama school system sat in class with me everyday from Kindergarten 'til Commencement...and I haven't seen them since. I know that many of them have already conceded their lives to the mundane hum-drum of adulthood with marriages and baby carriages, but some haven't...their the ones with the tattoos and Lamborghini's. I have a Jeep and no tattoos, but as always, I'm the exception to acceptable.
Enjoy the day...
Nevertheless, Auburn's offense fired up right out of the gates only to stall once the intermission was reached. That's when Auburn's defense stepped up and pushed down the Dogs. I heard lots of cowbells ringing last night on TV, which is supposed to warrant a fine. But the loudest bell that was heard was the poor ball carrier's that was leveled by Auburn linebacker Josh Bynes.
Today, Camtech, a group pf students from Camden County will make their way to the Center for a little teambuilding and a Giant Swing. Casper and I will facilitate lots of fun games and initiatives before the participants have to challenge themselves on the Giant Swing.
This weekend, we are hosting Kingdom Kids for programming, a Christian womens' retreat, a 50 year class reunion, and a 20 year class reunion. I think my 10 year class reunion is next year. I hope I can go to it! Many people in my rural Alabama school system sat in class with me everyday from Kindergarten 'til Commencement...and I haven't seen them since. I know that many of them have already conceded their lives to the mundane hum-drum of adulthood with marriages and baby carriages, but some haven't...their the ones with the tattoos and Lamborghini's. I have a Jeep and no tattoos, but as always, I'm the exception to acceptable.
Enjoy the day...
September 9, 2010
Mittie turns 21
On Monday, our beloved Ms. Mittie turned 21 years young, at least according to the sinful cake prepared by Nikki, our Reservationist. We celebrated the occasion with a frying of fish (and fried hotdogs), hushpups, coleslaw, and boiled potatoes. Lee and Terri fried the mullet (nope, it didn't taste muddy), Teresa provided the cole slaw, Charles made the potatoes (which were peeled beautifully), Sara brought decorations (and maybe food), and I made the Coca-Cola.
Interestingly enough, Lee does not eat fish. He does like to take control of virtually every situation to establish dominance. He likes to provide to meet our needs, such as nutrition, when the opportunity arises. Nevertheless, the mullet, which I was terribly skeptical about, was as good as any flounder I've sunk my gums into. The hushpups were a different story, but we'll revisit that on a later blog.
Nikki's cake was the show stopper. Apparently the icing was made with Crisco. I didn't think I liked to eat Crisco, but I'm now willing to recant that statement. With the smug clarity I extend in the culinary arts, I had condemned the icing to less than memorable things. Wrong. It was as good as any buttercream icing that I can beat out...or buy.
Speaking of cooking, I'll be doing plenty of that next week. On Monday night, I'll be cooking for a smallish group. Obviously, it's much easier to cook for small groups - but I like to take it seriously. I'll be baking chicken (Robuchon-style), mashed potatoes (1 lb potato to 1/4 butter) - then I'll put them through a sieve. I'll also crank out some green beans and maybe a cheesecake. I'll also have the opportunity of serving the food, so that I can get immediate feedback. Cooking is an art, not a service. Bernice - one of our cooks - epitomizes this in it's highest regard. Bernice is often requested by user groups to prepare her greens and fried foods...nobody ever requests me. Anyway, Bernice enjoys her work as much as I enjoy being Program Director...I'm glad we have her around.
She'll be preparing food for the upcoming class reunions this weekend, but I'll take my rightful place behind the grill. While Lee contends that he is the Master of the Flame, I hold that he is Master of the Lame. I turn out perfectly cooked Ribeye's, but I hold no responsibility for those who seek a well-done steak. Good luck chewing...
Enjoy the day...
Interestingly enough, Lee does not eat fish. He does like to take control of virtually every situation to establish dominance. He likes to provide to meet our needs, such as nutrition, when the opportunity arises. Nevertheless, the mullet, which I was terribly skeptical about, was as good as any flounder I've sunk my gums into. The hushpups were a different story, but we'll revisit that on a later blog.
Nikki's cake was the show stopper. Apparently the icing was made with Crisco. I didn't think I liked to eat Crisco, but I'm now willing to recant that statement. With the smug clarity I extend in the culinary arts, I had condemned the icing to less than memorable things. Wrong. It was as good as any buttercream icing that I can beat out...or buy.
Speaking of cooking, I'll be doing plenty of that next week. On Monday night, I'll be cooking for a smallish group. Obviously, it's much easier to cook for small groups - but I like to take it seriously. I'll be baking chicken (Robuchon-style), mashed potatoes (1 lb potato to 1/4 butter) - then I'll put them through a sieve. I'll also crank out some green beans and maybe a cheesecake. I'll also have the opportunity of serving the food, so that I can get immediate feedback. Cooking is an art, not a service. Bernice - one of our cooks - epitomizes this in it's highest regard. Bernice is often requested by user groups to prepare her greens and fried foods...nobody ever requests me. Anyway, Bernice enjoys her work as much as I enjoy being Program Director...I'm glad we have her around.
She'll be preparing food for the upcoming class reunions this weekend, but I'll take my rightful place behind the grill. While Lee contends that he is the Master of the Flame, I hold that he is Master of the Lame. I turn out perfectly cooked Ribeye's, but I hold no responsibility for those who seek a well-done steak. Good luck chewing...
Enjoy the day...
September 8, 2010
Dogs and Cats
I hope everyone that reads this has a dog. A cat will do. I also hope that everyone that reads this blog intends on keeping their pet at home and not taking it to any restaurant I'll be dining at in the near future. Why do hold this smug wish? According to the friendly news lady on the television set last night, North Carolina law now allows for folks to take their pets (not service animals) in to restaurants, as long as the restaurant has a pet-friendly atmosphere. You can rest assured that service animals are only welcome at the Eastern 4-H Center...
Don't get me wrong, my favorite little dog in the world, Olivia, can sit below the table I'm eating at, as long as it as at a private residence. Miss Olivia will not be approaching the table looking for dinner. Actually, she will. That's why I wouldn't take her anywhere to eat. Dogs lick, sniff, and bark at any food item. Just like a crying baby, it gets annoying. I will never take a crying baby into a restaurant, either...especially one with dogs.
Who needs to take their dog out to eat anyway? My parents had 30 cows as pets...are they welcome at a restaurant? Animals belong in a restaurant...on a plate....especially livestock.
I once ate at a restaurant that had a proficient amount of felines in and around the restaurant. The former restaurant served decent eats, but I always left sneezing. Sure, the 6-toed cats of Key West may be cute, but they belong on the streets, keeping the rat population in control.
Service dogs should be in restaurants. They can behave themselves, as long as humans can behave themselves. It's not a good idea to touch a service animal, either. They might actually be working. I don't like to be touched while I'm working?
I'll get off that tangent and begin another act of randomness. Fellow Bulls Bay Blogger Mega Jones has "Take it or Leave it Tuesdays"....I look forward to these. And I generally agree with her. And while Megan takes lots of wonderful pictures (www.memory-lane-photos.blogspot.com) her music recommendations always leave me curious. Eric Church is good, but my all time favorite band, Bush, is finally releasing a new record!
Today, I'm trying mullet for the first time. Terri, our housekeeper, says it tastes like Rock (rockfish, striper, whatev) but that it can also taste muddy. Here's to that. I think Rockfish season is just around the corner, too. Prevalent visitors to this blog have read all too much about my shortcomings as a fisherman. However, it is time for North Carolina's resident Canada Goose season. East of HWY 17 (my location) has a generous limit, but it is far more restrictive than those that live in the piedmont and westward. Resident Canada Geese my look docile, but they are far from it. They terrorize local grops and vegetation, as well as golfers. They have few enemies, too. Their willingness to live in your backyard is conducive to keeping predators at bay. Canadas also nudge out other herbivorous species that were long native to the area. They also go to the bathroom too much. So if you have the opportunity to harves a goose or 7, do so. It's help native species out and put a little meat on the table. Also - these are the "Giant" race of Canadas, so they are the biggest. Some scientists think that there are as many as 12 "races" of Canadas, ranging from the 2 pound Aleutian (which numbered only in the hundreds 20 years ago) to the 15 pound giants. The smaller the race, the more shrill the honk, too. Nevertheless, they are all flocked up on big water and feeding on local farmers waste grain fields at the moment. The grain helps to "clean out" the birds normal summer diet of animal matter and swamp seeds. These items give the animal and it's meat an extra strong flavor. The animal matter is high in protein, which is needed to recover from nesting and raising a brood, but it also makes the meat extremely lean...find a way to cook it, though! I once prepared snow goose as I do other species of waterfowl...big mistake. It lacks the fat of other birds, but if there's a way, I'm gonna find it...
Enjoy the day
Don't get me wrong, my favorite little dog in the world, Olivia, can sit below the table I'm eating at, as long as it as at a private residence. Miss Olivia will not be approaching the table looking for dinner. Actually, she will. That's why I wouldn't take her anywhere to eat. Dogs lick, sniff, and bark at any food item. Just like a crying baby, it gets annoying. I will never take a crying baby into a restaurant, either...especially one with dogs.
Who needs to take their dog out to eat anyway? My parents had 30 cows as pets...are they welcome at a restaurant? Animals belong in a restaurant...on a plate....especially livestock.
I once ate at a restaurant that had a proficient amount of felines in and around the restaurant. The former restaurant served decent eats, but I always left sneezing. Sure, the 6-toed cats of Key West may be cute, but they belong on the streets, keeping the rat population in control.
Service dogs should be in restaurants. They can behave themselves, as long as humans can behave themselves. It's not a good idea to touch a service animal, either. They might actually be working. I don't like to be touched while I'm working?
I'll get off that tangent and begin another act of randomness. Fellow Bulls Bay Blogger Mega Jones has "Take it or Leave it Tuesdays"....I look forward to these. And I generally agree with her. And while Megan takes lots of wonderful pictures (www.memory-lane-photos.blogspot.com) her music recommendations always leave me curious. Eric Church is good, but my all time favorite band, Bush, is finally releasing a new record!
Today, I'm trying mullet for the first time. Terri, our housekeeper, says it tastes like Rock (rockfish, striper, whatev) but that it can also taste muddy. Here's to that. I think Rockfish season is just around the corner, too. Prevalent visitors to this blog have read all too much about my shortcomings as a fisherman. However, it is time for North Carolina's resident Canada Goose season. East of HWY 17 (my location) has a generous limit, but it is far more restrictive than those that live in the piedmont and westward. Resident Canada Geese my look docile, but they are far from it. They terrorize local grops and vegetation, as well as golfers. They have few enemies, too. Their willingness to live in your backyard is conducive to keeping predators at bay. Canadas also nudge out other herbivorous species that were long native to the area. They also go to the bathroom too much. So if you have the opportunity to harves a goose or 7, do so. It's help native species out and put a little meat on the table. Also - these are the "Giant" race of Canadas, so they are the biggest. Some scientists think that there are as many as 12 "races" of Canadas, ranging from the 2 pound Aleutian (which numbered only in the hundreds 20 years ago) to the 15 pound giants. The smaller the race, the more shrill the honk, too. Nevertheless, they are all flocked up on big water and feeding on local farmers waste grain fields at the moment. The grain helps to "clean out" the birds normal summer diet of animal matter and swamp seeds. These items give the animal and it's meat an extra strong flavor. The animal matter is high in protein, which is needed to recover from nesting and raising a brood, but it also makes the meat extremely lean...find a way to cook it, though! I once prepared snow goose as I do other species of waterfowl...big mistake. It lacks the fat of other birds, but if there's a way, I'm gonna find it...
Enjoy the day
September 7, 2010
Labor Day weekend, College football!
Labor Day has come and gone...but with it, we had fantastic weather and even better college football games! While Earl ruined our early weekend groups (we had to postpone until October 29 for Operation 4-Heroes Wounded Warrior Family Camp), it got out in time for the skies to clear and the temps to cool. Labor Da weekend also saw the Dove season opener, too.
Dove hunting is a great way to introduce a new sportsman - young or old - to hunting. Doves are small migratory birds that feature understated, but beautiful sandy-bronze plumage. They make for challenging targets, especially with an Eastern NC tailwind, but none are too swift for yours truly. Sike. I missed more than I harvested, but how may doves can one dude eat, anyway! All total, I think we bagged around 20 at a public hunting location, pretty good for some of the antics that can be experienced from other hunters at such places. Speaking of eating - there may not be a milder game bird in the sky. Doves taste a lot like chicken wings - just not as greasy. I like them deep fried or wrapped in bacon and grilled to medium rare. One of the highlights was taking summer staff member Kali Beach on a dove shoot. She bagged 3...but her best talent serves as a retreiver. She had a knack for finding downed birds in cover and "huntin' 'em up"...
East Carolina and NC State both had big wins over the weekend. NC State beat an overmatched Western Carolina team - but everybody likes cupcakes on Labor Day weekend. East Carolina sent Hurricane Earl Packing on Friday and welcomed the Tulsa Golden Hurricane to Dowdy-Ficklen. The game was back and forth the entire time, but the coffin was nailed shut when an East Carolina receiver caught a Hail Mary touchdown pass with no time left. It was Coach Ruff's debut game...I expected to see a little more defense from a former Defensive Coordinator, but was just as pleased with the final outcome.
UNC took a punch to the guts from LSU. LSU took it to the 'Heels early on, but like all good teams (even those down a pile of starters), they came back and had chances to win in the final seconds.
My Auburn Tigers opened their season with a throttling of Arkansas State - a tricky Sun Belt conference team that's known for taking good teams wire-to-wire. Auburn hung 52 on the Red Wolves, with new Auburn Quarterback Cam Newton Stealing the show and turning in a highlight reel. Auburn plays Mississippi State in PRIMETIME on Thursday night...my lady friend is a Bulldog friend, but proclaims this game a win-win situation for her...not so fast...pick one or the other.
My personal Labor Day activities included the above noted dove shooting, a trip to the flats at Oregon Inlet, and quick ride up and down the Scuppernong, and seeing some friends and watching football...typical, but fun.
The Eastern 4-H Center is celebrating Mittie Hamilton's birthday - I'm not telling her age, though...she's still very feisty! This week, we'll entertain youth groups from Camden and Washington County, as wel as two reunions and a Christian Women's Retreat. The going's on here are really going and breaks are few and far between on the weekends. Weddings are also taking up several of our weekends...so the food is going from good to great (good is ambitious according to camp staff who ate camp food for 10 weeks - but they don't like anything except chicken fingers and iPods).
Enjoy the day...
Dove hunting is a great way to introduce a new sportsman - young or old - to hunting. Doves are small migratory birds that feature understated, but beautiful sandy-bronze plumage. They make for challenging targets, especially with an Eastern NC tailwind, but none are too swift for yours truly. Sike. I missed more than I harvested, but how may doves can one dude eat, anyway! All total, I think we bagged around 20 at a public hunting location, pretty good for some of the antics that can be experienced from other hunters at such places. Speaking of eating - there may not be a milder game bird in the sky. Doves taste a lot like chicken wings - just not as greasy. I like them deep fried or wrapped in bacon and grilled to medium rare. One of the highlights was taking summer staff member Kali Beach on a dove shoot. She bagged 3...but her best talent serves as a retreiver. She had a knack for finding downed birds in cover and "huntin' 'em up"...
East Carolina and NC State both had big wins over the weekend. NC State beat an overmatched Western Carolina team - but everybody likes cupcakes on Labor Day weekend. East Carolina sent Hurricane Earl Packing on Friday and welcomed the Tulsa Golden Hurricane to Dowdy-Ficklen. The game was back and forth the entire time, but the coffin was nailed shut when an East Carolina receiver caught a Hail Mary touchdown pass with no time left. It was Coach Ruff's debut game...I expected to see a little more defense from a former Defensive Coordinator, but was just as pleased with the final outcome.
UNC took a punch to the guts from LSU. LSU took it to the 'Heels early on, but like all good teams (even those down a pile of starters), they came back and had chances to win in the final seconds.
My Auburn Tigers opened their season with a throttling of Arkansas State - a tricky Sun Belt conference team that's known for taking good teams wire-to-wire. Auburn hung 52 on the Red Wolves, with new Auburn Quarterback Cam Newton Stealing the show and turning in a highlight reel. Auburn plays Mississippi State in PRIMETIME on Thursday night...my lady friend is a Bulldog friend, but proclaims this game a win-win situation for her...not so fast...pick one or the other.
My personal Labor Day activities included the above noted dove shooting, a trip to the flats at Oregon Inlet, and quick ride up and down the Scuppernong, and seeing some friends and watching football...typical, but fun.
The Eastern 4-H Center is celebrating Mittie Hamilton's birthday - I'm not telling her age, though...she's still very feisty! This week, we'll entertain youth groups from Camden and Washington County, as wel as two reunions and a Christian Women's Retreat. The going's on here are really going and breaks are few and far between on the weekends. Weddings are also taking up several of our weekends...so the food is going from good to great (good is ambitious according to camp staff who ate camp food for 10 weeks - but they don't like anything except chicken fingers and iPods).
Enjoy the day...
September 3, 2010
Earl
Dear Hurricane Earl,
I really enjoyed your "visit" on Thursday night. I went to the grocery store yesterday to prepare for your visit. It looks like everyone else had invited you, too - they were all at the grocery store with me. I am sure you visited a lot of houses - sorry about the ones that were boarded up, though. I guess they just didn't want you inside the house. You were a big ole' fellow the last time I saw you on television!
I am not sure what everyone was preparing for you...I saw a lot of milk, eggs, and bread...and some water - but you brought plenty of water with you, right? I didn't know hurricanes liked milk and eggs. I planned something special for you...I had coolers of ice water, a lantern, fruit roll-ups, nectarines, pretzels, and spaghetti sauce. I figured you would like the variety...and every time a hurricane visited me in Alabama, we always had spaghetti or soup - we even made spaghetti on the grill...only to have the electricity power back on the minute after we blessed our meal.
Anyway - I put away all of my valuables - I heard that you can be a pilferer. However, I did leave somethings out for you...a sink full of dirty dishes and an old N'SYNC cd...I need somebody to take that away. It's funny, I put all of my things away, tied down the boats, and tied up the decoys and I really believe you didn't stop by our neighborhood...I'm quite alright with that, but you really should have called if you weren't coming. Even the people on the TV set said you would be by here...you were one rude fellow...it looks like you have taken your friends Fiona and Gaston with you, too. Did they not want to come, either? Since you were so rude this time, I have declared that you, or none of your other buddies are invited to return. We got all ready for YOU. Did you think we would not be prepared? Silly you... us folks on the coast are always ready for a guest, wanted or not. I am sorry the boarded windows appeared uninviting. Nevertheless, don't waste your time in New England...they really are ready for you, but are not interested in seeing you come in as a lesser storm, and whisper wind and rain on their prime real estate. Anyway - you may even run into an early Nor'easter up there one day...they make a silly little hurricane like you appear weak. If you do go, please take lot's of pictures. Nevertheless, thanks for not coming by...
Thanks,
Chase
I really enjoyed your "visit" on Thursday night. I went to the grocery store yesterday to prepare for your visit. It looks like everyone else had invited you, too - they were all at the grocery store with me. I am sure you visited a lot of houses - sorry about the ones that were boarded up, though. I guess they just didn't want you inside the house. You were a big ole' fellow the last time I saw you on television!
I am not sure what everyone was preparing for you...I saw a lot of milk, eggs, and bread...and some water - but you brought plenty of water with you, right? I didn't know hurricanes liked milk and eggs. I planned something special for you...I had coolers of ice water, a lantern, fruit roll-ups, nectarines, pretzels, and spaghetti sauce. I figured you would like the variety...and every time a hurricane visited me in Alabama, we always had spaghetti or soup - we even made spaghetti on the grill...only to have the electricity power back on the minute after we blessed our meal.
Anyway - I put away all of my valuables - I heard that you can be a pilferer. However, I did leave somethings out for you...a sink full of dirty dishes and an old N'SYNC cd...I need somebody to take that away. It's funny, I put all of my things away, tied down the boats, and tied up the decoys and I really believe you didn't stop by our neighborhood...I'm quite alright with that, but you really should have called if you weren't coming. Even the people on the TV set said you would be by here...you were one rude fellow...it looks like you have taken your friends Fiona and Gaston with you, too. Did they not want to come, either? Since you were so rude this time, I have declared that you, or none of your other buddies are invited to return. We got all ready for YOU. Did you think we would not be prepared? Silly you... us folks on the coast are always ready for a guest, wanted or not. I am sorry the boarded windows appeared uninviting. Nevertheless, don't waste your time in New England...they really are ready for you, but are not interested in seeing you come in as a lesser storm, and whisper wind and rain on their prime real estate. Anyway - you may even run into an early Nor'easter up there one day...they make a silly little hurricane like you appear weak. If you do go, please take lot's of pictures. Nevertheless, thanks for not coming by...
Thanks,
Chase
August 31, 2010
Busy Again / Rendezvous with Earl
Summer is now considered over in my mind...program groups and conferences the past couple of weeks, along with several meetings, has helped to extradite the FUN summer camp season. This weekend, I'll have several camp staff in as we host Operation Military Kid Family Camp...better knows as our own Operation: 4-Heroes!!!! We have a bunch of families coming over to canoe, swim, hike, and a host of other activities.
Earl is also en route to the Outer Banks...let's hope it stays enough offshore to prevent evacuations, and most importantly, property and personal damage. In the event Earl decides to tango with the Eastern 4-H Center - we have a full action plan that we will put into motion. Basically anything that can take flight will be secured.
This past weekend, we hosted the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast and the Edenton Baptist Church Youth retreat...Rock climbing satiated their energy reserves, and helped to build a spirit of camaraderie.
Nevertheless, it's time to start tying down items - just in case!
Enjoy the day...
Earl is also en route to the Outer Banks...let's hope it stays enough offshore to prevent evacuations, and most importantly, property and personal damage. In the event Earl decides to tango with the Eastern 4-H Center - we have a full action plan that we will put into motion. Basically anything that can take flight will be secured.
This past weekend, we hosted the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast and the Edenton Baptist Church Youth retreat...Rock climbing satiated their energy reserves, and helped to build a spirit of camaraderie.
Nevertheless, it's time to start tying down items - just in case!
Enjoy the day...
August 20, 2010
A Break?
So over the past few days, virtually everyone I know has asked me if I was ready for my "break"...the "break" being the time between the end of camp and the pre-camp planning which usually begins in mid-September. My retort is "What break?!"
Sure, I will take some time off when possible, but to be honest, I get a little bored when I have nothing to do. And there is no "break." This weekend (starting at noon Friday), We have 4 different groups using the facility! It is great to be busy...the Northeast Regional Directors are meeting and eating today, along with two overnight groups - the Laymen's League, and The North Carolina Association of Student Councils...following on their heels are the ECU Williams Leadership retreat...we are doing programming for NCASC and Williams...it'll be tons of fun.
The weekend is supposed to have nice weather. Granted, weather has been pretty good for camp activities all summer, we can use the rain, if it is not too late. Most of the corn has shriveled up and beans are still short, like me.
Next week, I'll be in and out of the office tending to a variety of matters...I'll also take some time off, too!
My sister was just up for a visit with my lady friend, who moved from Pittsboro to Edenton over the summer. We hosted my sister and took her all over the region. I even took her out in the D.S. Yella Dog (Duck Ship Yella Dog). We rode throughout the Northwest fork and the lower reaches of the Alligator - in hopes of seeing an alligator. Only one possible sighting occured in the form of a slim wake...when gators plunge from the shoreline muck, they immediately dive and leave a wake much like a ski boat...followed by ominous bubbles. We also spotted several eagles, a few resident wood ducks and black ducks, along with a nutria. I enjoyed describing the pocosin environment to her...she really enjoyed the stark beauty of such a remote and wild place - a place theat Tyrrell County should be proud of...
Nevertheless, it's time to get back to work!
Enjoy the day...
Sure, I will take some time off when possible, but to be honest, I get a little bored when I have nothing to do. And there is no "break." This weekend (starting at noon Friday), We have 4 different groups using the facility! It is great to be busy...the Northeast Regional Directors are meeting and eating today, along with two overnight groups - the Laymen's League, and The North Carolina Association of Student Councils...following on their heels are the ECU Williams Leadership retreat...we are doing programming for NCASC and Williams...it'll be tons of fun.
The weekend is supposed to have nice weather. Granted, weather has been pretty good for camp activities all summer, we can use the rain, if it is not too late. Most of the corn has shriveled up and beans are still short, like me.
Next week, I'll be in and out of the office tending to a variety of matters...I'll also take some time off, too!
My sister was just up for a visit with my lady friend, who moved from Pittsboro to Edenton over the summer. We hosted my sister and took her all over the region. I even took her out in the D.S. Yella Dog (Duck Ship Yella Dog). We rode throughout the Northwest fork and the lower reaches of the Alligator - in hopes of seeing an alligator. Only one possible sighting occured in the form of a slim wake...when gators plunge from the shoreline muck, they immediately dive and leave a wake much like a ski boat...followed by ominous bubbles. We also spotted several eagles, a few resident wood ducks and black ducks, along with a nutria. I enjoyed describing the pocosin environment to her...she really enjoyed the stark beauty of such a remote and wild place - a place theat Tyrrell County should be proud of...
Nevertheless, it's time to get back to work!
Enjoy the day...
August 19, 2010
Summer Camp Highlights
The summer camp season has officially come to an end...Between the start and finish there were hundreds of special moments for campers, staff, and volunteers. Generally, I lean more towards the funny moments as some of my favorites...kid's say the darndest things, right?
The smallest staff I have ever trained strafed right through one of the most dramatic and diverse programs in the summer. I am so proud of the job they did. And while no summer staff is ever perfect, this one came close on most occasions. One of the most difficult jobs I have is to manage 25 different personalities. It is IMPOSSIBLE to manage every one the same way...though that's how many would say it has to be done. When working conditions call for 100 degree heat, rambunctious children, and a healthy, tasty - but redundant - menu, people will become hyper-stressed...all while trying to figure out what the heck they will be doing in school in the coming months. I enjoy the challenge. I like to watch people dig deep. Even better, it's nice to know that they are doing it for me (or the paycheck that I provide to them)...
Nevertheless, the two funniest things I heard a child say this year were:
(1)
"Lemme shoot that boom-a-lang!" This was in reference to our International Night program...our Aussie counselor showcased a boomerang...her New Zealand counterpart was a whiz at tossing it...the results were impressive, obviously motivating a 9 year old American to do the same, and immediately. Obviously because of the dangers, the "boom-a-lang was not tossed by a child, but they were allowed to hold it and examine it...
(2)
"The bottom of the Pool smells like my cat..." Not sure if the kid was being truthful or not. Can you smell the bottom of the pool without taking in a nare full of water? Probably not...though all of the staff, including myself, went to the bottom for a sniff. Also - It would have helped us, though, if we knew what the feline smelled like. The cat might have smelled like nothing. Nevertheless, the campers announcement was made in public...I saw 8 year old children contemplate the blurt...all left scratching their heads...
Also - campers would wear funny shirts, staff had crazy nicknames, and some staff became vegetarians on certain days...There are many joys of operating a summer program, but the Grand Poobah is seeing children have fun and enjoy the freedom of being a kid...
Enjoy the day...
The smallest staff I have ever trained strafed right through one of the most dramatic and diverse programs in the summer. I am so proud of the job they did. And while no summer staff is ever perfect, this one came close on most occasions. One of the most difficult jobs I have is to manage 25 different personalities. It is IMPOSSIBLE to manage every one the same way...though that's how many would say it has to be done. When working conditions call for 100 degree heat, rambunctious children, and a healthy, tasty - but redundant - menu, people will become hyper-stressed...all while trying to figure out what the heck they will be doing in school in the coming months. I enjoy the challenge. I like to watch people dig deep. Even better, it's nice to know that they are doing it for me (or the paycheck that I provide to them)...
Nevertheless, the two funniest things I heard a child say this year were:
(1)
"Lemme shoot that boom-a-lang!" This was in reference to our International Night program...our Aussie counselor showcased a boomerang...her New Zealand counterpart was a whiz at tossing it...the results were impressive, obviously motivating a 9 year old American to do the same, and immediately. Obviously because of the dangers, the "boom-a-lang was not tossed by a child, but they were allowed to hold it and examine it...
(2)
"The bottom of the Pool smells like my cat..." Not sure if the kid was being truthful or not. Can you smell the bottom of the pool without taking in a nare full of water? Probably not...though all of the staff, including myself, went to the bottom for a sniff. Also - It would have helped us, though, if we knew what the feline smelled like. The cat might have smelled like nothing. Nevertheless, the campers announcement was made in public...I saw 8 year old children contemplate the blurt...all left scratching their heads...
Also - campers would wear funny shirts, staff had crazy nicknames, and some staff became vegetarians on certain days...There are many joys of operating a summer program, but the Grand Poobah is seeing children have fun and enjoy the freedom of being a kid...
Enjoy the day...
August 6, 2010
August 3, 2010
Takeoff 4-Health Week 2
Sorry I haven't put any updates in a while, but I'll catch up soon!
We are smack down in the middle of Takeoff 4-Health - a great summer camp program and partnership between Brody School of Medicine and North Carolina 4-H! We have some of the brightest minds in the world concerning childhood obesity hanging out in our office tackling one of the most important health challenges of the generation!
I'll try and post some pictures soon! Nevertheless, with our reduced staff, Lee and I have spent considerable time in the kitchen, too. Lee made an incredible (and healthy) black bean salsa that the staff and campers are still raving about. Activities include kayaking, rock climbing, Zumba dancing, yoga, swimming, water aerobics and a bunch more!
Enjoy the day...
We are smack down in the middle of Takeoff 4-Health - a great summer camp program and partnership between Brody School of Medicine and North Carolina 4-H! We have some of the brightest minds in the world concerning childhood obesity hanging out in our office tackling one of the most important health challenges of the generation!
I'll try and post some pictures soon! Nevertheless, with our reduced staff, Lee and I have spent considerable time in the kitchen, too. Lee made an incredible (and healthy) black bean salsa that the staff and campers are still raving about. Activities include kayaking, rock climbing, Zumba dancing, yoga, swimming, water aerobics and a bunch more!
Enjoy the day...
July 23, 2010
Canvasback and Sailing Camp, great success!
Canvasback and Sailing Camp were pretty amazing this week! Special Thanks to Roger Morgan, our Sailing Instructor for the great information, lessons, and fun that he provided to our staff and campers. He is the reason our Sailing camp is SOOO much fun.
Camp Canvasback is not possible with out the hekp of the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission! Hunter Education Specialist David Denton helps recruit instructors and arrange special field trips that add a lot to the camp. Also Kevin Briggs of Noah's Ark Waterfowl and Caro Coviello brought ducks and dogs, respectively, that help to round out the program.
See all the pictures below!
Here's Carl and a Camper with Carl's star retriever, Jack. Find out more about Carl at http://www.blackwaterkennels.com/
Here's Kevin with a "Pillard" - half Pintail, half Mallard. Kevin operates Noah's Ark Waterfowl in Edenton!
Here are our sailors picnicin' at the mouth of the Scuppernong...They really loved Captain Morgan!
Enjoy the weekend!
Camp Canvasback is not possible with out the hekp of the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission! Hunter Education Specialist David Denton helps recruit instructors and arrange special field trips that add a lot to the camp. Also Kevin Briggs of Noah's Ark Waterfowl and Caro Coviello brought ducks and dogs, respectively, that help to round out the program.
See all the pictures below!
Here's Carl and a Camper with Carl's star retriever, Jack. Find out more about Carl at http://www.blackwaterkennels.com/
Here's Kevin with a "Pillard" - half Pintail, half Mallard. Kevin operates Noah's Ark Waterfowl in Edenton!
Here are our sailors picnicin' at the mouth of the Scuppernong...They really loved Captain Morgan!
Enjoy the weekend!
July 19, 2010
Lost
Last week, blogging was totally lost in my mind. I apologize! Last week we entertained the North Carolina Grange Summer Camp. I really look forward to them marching in with their rich tradition and fun campers, who return year after year.
Speaking of returning campers...this week we have Cloverbud Camp, which is for 5-8 year old children. Hopefully they will all be return campers. Marine Science and Sailing is also this week. Many of them are back for a second run. Camp Canvasback, my heavily biased favorite is entertaining many children that have been here three times!
Sailing Camp will learn to sail (obviously)...so I hope they all expect to learn. Roger Morgan is our Sailing instructor and always builds a great rapport with the teens.
Camp Canvasback is for the aspiring waterfowler. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission teaches Hunter Education and Firearm Safety. My staff will teach Rock Climbing, Canoeing, Kayaking, and a host of other things. Kevin Briggs, a local State Trooper will be bringing live ducks for Waterfowl ID. I will be teaching an activity on decoy history, making, painting, restoring, and tactics. I may know more than anyone because I have learned through trial and error. Anyway - it'll be a fun week. After this, we only have three more weeks of camp to go...
Enjoy the day...
Speaking of returning campers...this week we have Cloverbud Camp, which is for 5-8 year old children. Hopefully they will all be return campers. Marine Science and Sailing is also this week. Many of them are back for a second run. Camp Canvasback, my heavily biased favorite is entertaining many children that have been here three times!
Sailing Camp will learn to sail (obviously)...so I hope they all expect to learn. Roger Morgan is our Sailing instructor and always builds a great rapport with the teens.
Camp Canvasback is for the aspiring waterfowler. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission teaches Hunter Education and Firearm Safety. My staff will teach Rock Climbing, Canoeing, Kayaking, and a host of other things. Kevin Briggs, a local State Trooper will be bringing live ducks for Waterfowl ID. I will be teaching an activity on decoy history, making, painting, restoring, and tactics. I may know more than anyone because I have learned through trial and error. Anyway - it'll be a fun week. After this, we only have three more weeks of camp to go...
Enjoy the day...
July 5, 2010
4-H Week 2
Believe it or not, but just go ahead and believe it when I tell ya' that we are in our FOURTH week of Summer Camp. Yesterday was the anniversary or America's departure from the Queen...better know n as Independence Day.
The weekend around the Sound is always fun on big holidays...especially July 4 weekend. On July 3, I took out the DS Yellow Dog (DS is Duck Ship)...the Sound had a chop, but the river was NICE. That night I went to a pg pickin' on the Sound...beautiful sunset, bug free, and delish...
Yesterday, the 4th, we opened our doors to counties like Hyde, Tyrrell, Durham, Perquimans, Northampton, Halifax, Gates, Bertie, Hertford, and Beaufort to 4-H Camp...last night we had our Opening Ceremony. Afterwards, we all watched firworks on the Boardwalk. The only thing better than a fireworks show is SIX FIREWORKS shows! That's right! Edenton, Hertford, Plymouth, Edenton, Albemarle Plantation, and our friendly neighbors all put on dazzling displays...we could see and hear firworks in a 180 degree plane, all over the Albemarle....
Today, Lee is cooking a pig...another pig picking! This is to much for me to bear, but don't worry about me, I'll "suffer" through... check out the pics...
Enjoy the day...
The weekend around the Sound is always fun on big holidays...especially July 4 weekend. On July 3, I took out the DS Yellow Dog (DS is Duck Ship)...the Sound had a chop, but the river was NICE. That night I went to a pg pickin' on the Sound...beautiful sunset, bug free, and delish...
Yesterday, the 4th, we opened our doors to counties like Hyde, Tyrrell, Durham, Perquimans, Northampton, Halifax, Gates, Bertie, Hertford, and Beaufort to 4-H Camp...last night we had our Opening Ceremony. Afterwards, we all watched firworks on the Boardwalk. The only thing better than a fireworks show is SIX FIREWORKS shows! That's right! Edenton, Hertford, Plymouth, Edenton, Albemarle Plantation, and our friendly neighbors all put on dazzling displays...we could see and hear firworks in a 180 degree plane, all over the Albemarle....
Today, Lee is cooking a pig...another pig picking! This is to much for me to bear, but don't worry about me, I'll "suffer" through... check out the pics...
Enjoy the day...
June 28, 2010
4-H Week!
We are already into week 3 of summer camp and our first batch of 4-H'ers is in the house! Last noghts Opening Ceremony was dubbed the Greatest Show on Earth by a multitude of campers. Many of our campers are from the western part of the state and have never seen the flat portions east of I-95.
Big events arescheduled throughout the week...our adventure campers are looking forward to spending the night in the wilderness after paddling one of the great blackwater rivers of the coast.
Talent shows, dances, and Scavenger hunts round out the night activities.
Enjoy the week...
Big events arescheduled throughout the week...our adventure campers are looking forward to spending the night in the wilderness after paddling one of the great blackwater rivers of the coast.
Talent shows, dances, and Scavenger hunts round out the night activities.
Enjoy the week...
June 23, 2010
June 22, 2010
Sweltering...
Heat index today: 103
Heat index tomorrow: 103
It's just so hot down here...this summer we have had 22 days of 90 degree (or better) weather. Last year we had 4 at this point.
Tonight is the Scavenger hunt. Last night, staff members discovered my first name, which to this point, had been as secretive as the Manhattan Project.
The week is going well, despite the heat. Next week, we have 4-H groups coming from several different counties. We are really looking forward to it, but will certainly miss the wonderful campers brought to us during Operation Purple Camp!
Enjoy the day...
Heat index tomorrow: 103
It's just so hot down here...this summer we have had 22 days of 90 degree (or better) weather. Last year we had 4 at this point.
Tonight is the Scavenger hunt. Last night, staff members discovered my first name, which to this point, had been as secretive as the Manhattan Project.
The week is going well, despite the heat. Next week, we have 4-H groups coming from several different counties. We are really looking forward to it, but will certainly miss the wonderful campers brought to us during Operation Purple Camp!
Enjoy the day...
June 21, 2010
Week Deaux!
Operation Purple Camp is in Week 2! Roughly 105 campers, 29 staff (including Lee and I) are enjoying the warm temps outside and the cool temps inside.... Last night's Opening Ceremony was pretty amazing, complete with a "Purple" sunset. After a quick poll of the campers, I have decided that virtually all children attending here are of the Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Army, and Navy persuasion, while few if any are linked to NOAA, the Public Health Service, or the national Guard.
Military Experience Day this week will be akin to last weeks - two or three static displays, an awesome speaker, and Top 10!
Campers will enjoy the Giant Swing, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, teambuilding, ecology, and FEFA soccer (FEFA = Fourh Entertaining "futbol" Activity). Oh yeah, the pool, just as last week, is still abuzz with fun...it's always a hit! Tonight is International Night...Our counselors from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Scotland will lead activities about the homelands...
This week, we'll have the Eastern 4-H Center Hunt for Scavengers, Talent Show, and Dance, too. Me no like dance. Me like talent show. Campers like dance...
I posted staff pictures in digitized format on the Eastern 4-H Ctr facebook page, too - so look at them - and add us as a "fan"...
In unrelated decoy news...I have restled coated my first-ever made from scratch decoys. The are virtually impervious to chemicals, water, and other items of potential destruction in the foul world of fowling. just need to get the paint, matte finish, keel, and heads on and I'm done!
This past weekend, Lee, me, and several staff also went to the Edenton Music and Water Festival. It was hot and we all got a lil' sunburned. We still had lots of fun!
Enjoy the day...
Military Experience Day this week will be akin to last weeks - two or three static displays, an awesome speaker, and Top 10!
Campers will enjoy the Giant Swing, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, teambuilding, ecology, and FEFA soccer (FEFA = Fourh Entertaining "futbol" Activity). Oh yeah, the pool, just as last week, is still abuzz with fun...it's always a hit! Tonight is International Night...Our counselors from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Scotland will lead activities about the homelands...
This week, we'll have the Eastern 4-H Center Hunt for Scavengers, Talent Show, and Dance, too. Me no like dance. Me like talent show. Campers like dance...
I posted staff pictures in digitized format on the Eastern 4-H Ctr facebook page, too - so look at them - and add us as a "fan"...
In unrelated decoy news...I have restled coated my first-ever made from scratch decoys. The are virtually impervious to chemicals, water, and other items of potential destruction in the foul world of fowling. just need to get the paint, matte finish, keel, and heads on and I'm done!
This past weekend, Lee, me, and several staff also went to the Edenton Music and Water Festival. It was hot and we all got a lil' sunburned. We still had lots of fun!
Enjoy the day...
June 14, 2010
Operation Purple Camp UNDERWAY!!!!
Operation Purple Camp, a camp for children whose parents are deploy(ed, ing) is well underway. Day 1 was very strong!
A speedy check-in was facilitated by a new process...the Dining hall was nice and quiet...If Summer Camp was a football game, a key to controlling the tempo would be "control the dining hall."
Opening Ceremonies saw the introduction of staff, expectations, meaning of Purple (which is all the colors of the different military branches), an in-depth discussion of Leave No Trace, and more....
Special thanks to the National Military Family Association, Sierra Club, and Sierra Club Foundation for making this week possible.
I'll be brief, but consistent with updates this week...tonight is INTERNATIONAL NIGHT!!!
Enjoy the day...
A speedy check-in was facilitated by a new process...the Dining hall was nice and quiet...If Summer Camp was a football game, a key to controlling the tempo would be "control the dining hall."
Opening Ceremonies saw the introduction of staff, expectations, meaning of Purple (which is all the colors of the different military branches), an in-depth discussion of Leave No Trace, and more....
Special thanks to the National Military Family Association, Sierra Club, and Sierra Club Foundation for making this week possible.
I'll be brief, but consistent with updates this week...tonight is INTERNATIONAL NIGHT!!!
Enjoy the day...
June 9, 2010
Staff TRaining underway
Staff training started over the weekend...so far so good. Long hours has them focused and attentive...and appreciative of that 2 hours of free time at night!
Some of the highlights:
We have a mascot, a black panther as "performed" by Ross, our New Zealand counselor. His international night program dealt with the question "Where is Old Zealand".
Liam our Scottish counselor showed a picture of himself in a kilt. He also showed a picture of an exotic animal in Scotland - a pigeon.
CPR and First Aid was yesterday....special thanks to Lee who taught all day long. I had the lifeguards...so I put them through the rigors of swimming with anchors and such. Raymond set the all time record with the anchor swim - 36 seconds, followed by Maria at 38 seconds, who is recovering from a broken foot in February.
We also have done Rock Climbing, Ages and Stages of Development, and a host of other important activities. The new staff members are adjusting well - thanks to leadership of our returners.
Enjoy the day...
Some of the highlights:
We have a mascot, a black panther as "performed" by Ross, our New Zealand counselor. His international night program dealt with the question "Where is Old Zealand".
Liam our Scottish counselor showed a picture of himself in a kilt. He also showed a picture of an exotic animal in Scotland - a pigeon.
CPR and First Aid was yesterday....special thanks to Lee who taught all day long. I had the lifeguards...so I put them through the rigors of swimming with anchors and such. Raymond set the all time record with the anchor swim - 36 seconds, followed by Maria at 38 seconds, who is recovering from a broken foot in February.
We also have done Rock Climbing, Ages and Stages of Development, and a host of other important activities. The new staff members are adjusting well - thanks to leadership of our returners.
Enjoy the day...
June 1, 2010
Pre-Season
Pre-Season is here...Spring training as I like to call it...Summer Staff will arrive later in the week, and we will begin training immediately.
This week, Tyrrell Elementary School will be here today and tomorrow. Thursday I'll head to Greenville to do camper interviews for Takeoff 4-Health...It'll be a busy week. The new cooks are doing well, and survived the Wedding Reception Onslaught, with a great deal of ease, albeit. The reception brought nearly 300 guests to our beautiful facility, and nary a drop of rain fell from the sky as predicted by the Weathermen.
This weekend I managed to take the Yellow Dog out to sea. I put in at Swanquarter Bay, rode the 3 mile ditch into the salty water, took a little used cut through beautiful marsh (the creek is about 2 miles long and 20 feet wide...fun if you have a small nimble craft like the Dog), and turned up in Swanquarter Bay. We rode to Oyster Creek Landing to see all the big shrimp/crab/fishing boats. En Route, we had dolphins playing in the propwash. We also spotted several local black ducks. Black ducks, or Black Mallards, are the wariest of all ducks. They are really tough to decoy, and often look like they don't even trust their fellow flyers. Local ducks are the wariest of all. So decoying a local Black Duck, is virtually impossible...virtually. It has been done.
On the way back a Black Bear, roughly 700 pounds, was spotted in the road. He was absolutely tremendous. We also came across a fox, deer and a 6' Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake.
Yesterday, the program staff and I enjoyed a cookout at the Staff House...Boston Butt, Corn on the Cob, Green Beans, Big Girl's Macaroni and Cheese, Watermelon, and Creamsicle Cake. I cooked, the ate. But I am their provider, at least that's what I tell 'em.
I also finished painting my decoys. I completed a Sleeping Bluebill, encased in masticized burlap and painted to perfection. I have gotten better and better. I also finished a Canvasback, 2 other Bluebills, and 25 Surf Scoters. I have 7 more to do...6 of which are from scratch. I will be Restle Coating from here on out. Burlapping and Restleing provides years of use from decoys. You can only burlap the foam ones. I like the foam ones, though...here's why: Cork co$t$ tons of money, plastic is cheap that's what everyone uses, wood is to heavy. I like to hunt over classic decoys, and hand painting and finishing adds to the thrill.
Enjoy the day...
This week, Tyrrell Elementary School will be here today and tomorrow. Thursday I'll head to Greenville to do camper interviews for Takeoff 4-Health...It'll be a busy week. The new cooks are doing well, and survived the Wedding Reception Onslaught, with a great deal of ease, albeit. The reception brought nearly 300 guests to our beautiful facility, and nary a drop of rain fell from the sky as predicted by the Weathermen.
This weekend I managed to take the Yellow Dog out to sea. I put in at Swanquarter Bay, rode the 3 mile ditch into the salty water, took a little used cut through beautiful marsh (the creek is about 2 miles long and 20 feet wide...fun if you have a small nimble craft like the Dog), and turned up in Swanquarter Bay. We rode to Oyster Creek Landing to see all the big shrimp/crab/fishing boats. En Route, we had dolphins playing in the propwash. We also spotted several local black ducks. Black ducks, or Black Mallards, are the wariest of all ducks. They are really tough to decoy, and often look like they don't even trust their fellow flyers. Local ducks are the wariest of all. So decoying a local Black Duck, is virtually impossible...virtually. It has been done.
On the way back a Black Bear, roughly 700 pounds, was spotted in the road. He was absolutely tremendous. We also came across a fox, deer and a 6' Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake.
Yesterday, the program staff and I enjoyed a cookout at the Staff House...Boston Butt, Corn on the Cob, Green Beans, Big Girl's Macaroni and Cheese, Watermelon, and Creamsicle Cake. I cooked, the ate. But I am their provider, at least that's what I tell 'em.
I also finished painting my decoys. I completed a Sleeping Bluebill, encased in masticized burlap and painted to perfection. I have gotten better and better. I also finished a Canvasback, 2 other Bluebills, and 25 Surf Scoters. I have 7 more to do...6 of which are from scratch. I will be Restle Coating from here on out. Burlapping and Restleing provides years of use from decoys. You can only burlap the foam ones. I like the foam ones, though...here's why: Cork co$t$ tons of money, plastic is cheap that's what everyone uses, wood is to heavy. I like to hunt over classic decoys, and hand painting and finishing adds to the thrill.
Enjoy the day...
May 27, 2010
Updates
Since the week began, we have been really busy. The Tyrrell-Washington Partnership for Children banquet was a monumental success. The patrons raved about Bernice's (our cook) Collards and Smothered Chicken. Not sure if you like collards cooked in with a streak of lean and a streak of fat with red pepper and sugar, but 100 folks did that night. The chicken was phenomenal. The group leader wanted to know if we could save the chicken for a Door Prize. Obviously the answer was "NO!" But we were filled with flattery.
Jackson Middle School came all the way from Greensboro for Environmental Education and Rock climbing activities. The 80 os so kids here had a phenomenal time with our great program staff and fun activities...Kali "The Beast" taught Food Webs, while AJ, Casper, and Lil' MeMe belayed their hearts out at the climbing wall.
On top of all of this action, I have been training our 3 new cooks. Training cooks is a long process, but if done well, can save lots of time down the road. Staff training for Camp Staff, a process I am much more familiar with is just days away!
This weekend, we have a GIANT wedding reception here...I'll be busy all day Saturday...There is also a family reunion on Sunday, and I'll be "On Call" for that, too!
Enjoy the Memorial Day Weekend...
Jackson Middle School came all the way from Greensboro for Environmental Education and Rock climbing activities. The 80 os so kids here had a phenomenal time with our great program staff and fun activities...Kali "The Beast" taught Food Webs, while AJ, Casper, and Lil' MeMe belayed their hearts out at the climbing wall.
On top of all of this action, I have been training our 3 new cooks. Training cooks is a long process, but if done well, can save lots of time down the road. Staff training for Camp Staff, a process I am much more familiar with is just days away!
This weekend, we have a GIANT wedding reception here...I'll be busy all day Saturday...There is also a family reunion on Sunday, and I'll be "On Call" for that, too!
Enjoy the Memorial Day Weekend...
May 24, 2010
The Week ahead
This week at the Eastern 4-H Center, one can expect to see people everyday, everywhere. Today, though, we have a break in the action as the crew turns around buildings for Tuesday nights banquet, Wednesday's Program Group, Thursday's program group, Thursday's Board Meeting, and Friday's & Saturday's Wedding reception set-up and carryout. Sunday there's a family reunion, too.
I have about two weeks to put the finishing touches on my summer camp plans. Registration for many camps is so close to being closed that, well, I t is just really close.
The Scuppernong Gazette named it's monthly Man of the Month. It's Lee Scripture, our very own Center Director, Head of all Honchos, and the Biggest of Cheeses. He's no Cheez Whiz, though. One day, I'll be Man of the Month. I have a sparkling resume'. I once completed the "gallon of milk in an hour" challenge. Lee has earned it, and it maybe overdue, so congralations to him. Also in the Scupernong Gazette, one can find interesting readings on the Red Wolf. There are endagered species, and then there is the Red Wolf. Alligators and Eagles were once endangered, but they recovered enough to rob me of downed waterfowl on the black waters of the Hushmouth. I have seen a few Red Wolves, but never in the Duck Blind. Odds are the Rd won't recover like the aforementioned species. There's plenty of room and board for the wolves right now, but they probably will not cross the western boundaries of Tyrrell County's pocosin.
In related news, my vessel now has a new fuel line. I rarely fix things, in the mechanical sense. This could be one for the books. With Memorial Day around the corner, the craft must be ready for the open waters, though. Those were my marching orders from my lady friend. She ordered, I marched.
Enjoy the day...
I have about two weeks to put the finishing touches on my summer camp plans. Registration for many camps is so close to being closed that, well, I t is just really close.
The Scuppernong Gazette named it's monthly Man of the Month. It's Lee Scripture, our very own Center Director, Head of all Honchos, and the Biggest of Cheeses. He's no Cheez Whiz, though. One day, I'll be Man of the Month. I have a sparkling resume'. I once completed the "gallon of milk in an hour" challenge. Lee has earned it, and it maybe overdue, so congralations to him. Also in the Scupernong Gazette, one can find interesting readings on the Red Wolf. There are endagered species, and then there is the Red Wolf. Alligators and Eagles were once endangered, but they recovered enough to rob me of downed waterfowl on the black waters of the Hushmouth. I have seen a few Red Wolves, but never in the Duck Blind. Odds are the Rd won't recover like the aforementioned species. There's plenty of room and board for the wolves right now, but they probably will not cross the western boundaries of Tyrrell County's pocosin.
In related news, my vessel now has a new fuel line. I rarely fix things, in the mechanical sense. This could be one for the books. With Memorial Day around the corner, the craft must be ready for the open waters, though. Those were my marching orders from my lady friend. She ordered, I marched.
Enjoy the day...
May 21, 2010
LeaderShape update
Quick chance to blog, so I'll take it...
Leadershape is going GREAT....all remarks about the Team Challenge Course, facilitated by our very own Kali, Mea, Casper, and AJ have been stupendous. Even the food is good...which I can take 2/3 credit for, as I have cooked 2 meals a day, every day this week, all while cmpleting staff training lesson plans and hiring. Oh, and planning next weeks activities for Jackson Middle School, 2 banquets, and a wedding. WOW.
In aquatics related news, I took my first 200 m swim of the season yesterday...fininshing at 3:08...that's only 1 minute off the pace of a former world record. Better yet, I demolished the dreams of Kali, professional lifeguard and program staffer. She attempted to beat me. FAIL. In fact, she regailed that it was her best time ever, but it was my first swim of the season. Oh, I beat her in a sprint, too. So, I out-competed a girl! And, YES, I am proud of that. She's not any girl. She's the "beast".
Will try to blog when I can...enjoy the weekend.
Leadershape is going GREAT....all remarks about the Team Challenge Course, facilitated by our very own Kali, Mea, Casper, and AJ have been stupendous. Even the food is good...which I can take 2/3 credit for, as I have cooked 2 meals a day, every day this week, all while cmpleting staff training lesson plans and hiring. Oh, and planning next weeks activities for Jackson Middle School, 2 banquets, and a wedding. WOW.
In aquatics related news, I took my first 200 m swim of the season yesterday...fininshing at 3:08...that's only 1 minute off the pace of a former world record. Better yet, I demolished the dreams of Kali, professional lifeguard and program staffer. She attempted to beat me. FAIL. In fact, she regailed that it was her best time ever, but it was my first swim of the season. Oh, I beat her in a sprint, too. So, I out-competed a girl! And, YES, I am proud of that. She's not any girl. She's the "beast".
Will try to blog when I can...enjoy the weekend.
May 17, 2010
3 weeks and counting...
Only 3 weeks to go until Staff Training starts...things are finally starting to shape up! This past weekend saw the Roanoke Chowan Hospital Board of Directors and the Royal Ambassadors come and go...by all accounts the food, educational programs, and lodgin were fantastic...it's no secret to us, though.
I spent the majority of the weekend in the Kitchen, again, cooking and serving, along with the Program Staff, who offer to pitch in early and often. They are a giant help to me and the Center as a whole. They are talented, or at least capable of doing almost everything here, with the exception of fixing things. But they would if they could.
Leadershape arrives today! The LeaderShape Institute of NC State comes every spring for a week long training on leadership. I, as well as the program staff, will interact with them heavily. Last year, as I was doing icebreakers with a group of 20 or so, astonished the masses by memorizing everyone's name, hometown, and major - while blindfolded - in alphabetical order!!!!! There's only one way to be the best Challenge Course facilitator - beat me.
I'll be doing some food service training this week, as well as programming...so I'll be busy.
In unrelated Boating news, I took my Skiff out yesterday for the shortest bat ride in history. The fuel line coupling was gunked up...I made it about 200 yards, just long enough for all of the fuel in the outboard motor to burn before halting to a stop. I am glad my paddles require no gasoline. I beat the rain by .0002938 seconds. All the while, saying not so good things about the lineage of my outboard motor. A $4 fix alleviated the problem.
I also spent the better part of Sunday night practicing my new hobby - decoy painting. I think I chose the most difficult decoy to paint - the Surf Scoter (see it here by clicking). Although the body is solid black, the face is ornate and colorful. Little is needed to fool these birds, but a nice paint job should make it even easier! I managed to paint about 15, but still have 29 to go. I converted old, damaged, and dilapidated mallard decoys to form the new fakes. Also - They'll all be "longlined" for easy setting and pick-up when pursuing them in the Pamlico.
Enjoy the day!
I spent the majority of the weekend in the Kitchen, again, cooking and serving, along with the Program Staff, who offer to pitch in early and often. They are a giant help to me and the Center as a whole. They are talented, or at least capable of doing almost everything here, with the exception of fixing things. But they would if they could.
Leadershape arrives today! The LeaderShape Institute of NC State comes every spring for a week long training on leadership. I, as well as the program staff, will interact with them heavily. Last year, as I was doing icebreakers with a group of 20 or so, astonished the masses by memorizing everyone's name, hometown, and major - while blindfolded - in alphabetical order!!!!! There's only one way to be the best Challenge Course facilitator - beat me.
I'll be doing some food service training this week, as well as programming...so I'll be busy.
In unrelated Boating news, I took my Skiff out yesterday for the shortest bat ride in history. The fuel line coupling was gunked up...I made it about 200 yards, just long enough for all of the fuel in the outboard motor to burn before halting to a stop. I am glad my paddles require no gasoline. I beat the rain by .0002938 seconds. All the while, saying not so good things about the lineage of my outboard motor. A $4 fix alleviated the problem.
I also spent the better part of Sunday night practicing my new hobby - decoy painting. I think I chose the most difficult decoy to paint - the Surf Scoter (see it here by clicking). Although the body is solid black, the face is ornate and colorful. Little is needed to fool these birds, but a nice paint job should make it even easier! I managed to paint about 15, but still have 29 to go. I converted old, damaged, and dilapidated mallard decoys to form the new fakes. Also - They'll all be "longlined" for easy setting and pick-up when pursuing them in the Pamlico.
Enjoy the day!
May 12, 2010
Return!
I'm back, but swamped...my blogging will begin to either get shorter or more sporadic!
I enjoyed my trip to Alabama to see my parents. My mom celebrated her 27th Mother's Day, I celebrated my 27th Birthday, my sister graduated Law School, with the Merit of the Order of the Samaritan (whatever that means), I went whitewater kayaking (finally - and I am really awesome at it), a Coosa County Cold Case was solved, I visited my grandfather, ate "real" barbecue, and saw my other sister! Olivia, my lady friend's schnauzer, was bitten by a spider in her mouth. She has been miserable, but is finally recovering.
We have a giant week or three in a row. Opening Doors is here, followed by Roanoke Chowan Hospital doubling with Royal Ambassadors over the weekend. LeaderShape rides in on their coattails Sunday through two Saturdays from now, with two banquets thrown in for good measure. The following Week, Jackson Middle School comes in from the Triad, along with other groups from our local school system. Then Staff Training, then SUMMER CAMP!!!!
I am really excited, but I am also cooking for a lot of our day groups. I am working to train some new cooks and servers, as well.
Enjoy the day...
I enjoyed my trip to Alabama to see my parents. My mom celebrated her 27th Mother's Day, I celebrated my 27th Birthday, my sister graduated Law School, with the Merit of the Order of the Samaritan (whatever that means), I went whitewater kayaking (finally - and I am really awesome at it), a Coosa County Cold Case was solved, I visited my grandfather, ate "real" barbecue, and saw my other sister! Olivia, my lady friend's schnauzer, was bitten by a spider in her mouth. She has been miserable, but is finally recovering.
We have a giant week or three in a row. Opening Doors is here, followed by Roanoke Chowan Hospital doubling with Royal Ambassadors over the weekend. LeaderShape rides in on their coattails Sunday through two Saturdays from now, with two banquets thrown in for good measure. The following Week, Jackson Middle School comes in from the Triad, along with other groups from our local school system. Then Staff Training, then SUMMER CAMP!!!!
I am really excited, but I am also cooking for a lot of our day groups. I am working to train some new cooks and servers, as well.
Enjoy the day...
May 4, 2010
Early Birthday Treat
It is May 4. Raining. Finally. It's also 3 days before my birthday, which is not really important to the staff here, since I will be out of town on my birthday.
Not so fast...Sara, Terri, and Teresa, our resident plotters, foiled my escape attempt. Rarely am I here on my birthday anyway...I go to visit my parents and wish my mom and Happy Mother's Day. This year will be no different. Other than my sister graduating from Law School at Bama, the weekend expects to be docile. And I do deserve a break, from work. 500 hundred working hours in two months is quite a bit. But I work for 4-H, so it actually make s working fun, worthwhile, and, well, tough at times.
So anyway, I appear at my office at 7:32 Eastern...from my door, which is on the left side of the narrow hallway, I notice three balloons - pink, red, and blue. Dang! I had hoped to escape without the "celebration" of another anniversary of the day of my birth...Don't get me wrong, I like to celebrate birthdays around here. Employees are usually treated to special treats. Mine was always cheesecake, but I grew to hate cheesecake - which does NOT make me communist. I like to keep my favorite treats a secret, so that I am not deluged with them at every occasion. Chocolate and biscuits, though, are my favorite. And what do you know, I am surprised with those confections on this rainy morn. Molten chocolate, flaky crumbly biscuits, and a giant strawberry or four can turn a birthday into a bright day. I am lucky to work with folks that take the time to recognize big days and treat them as such...
So anyway, if anyone else wishes to surprise me, do so with these:
Chess Squares
Lemon Icebox Pie
1 Dozen Model 72 Herter's BLuebill Decoys or 1 dozen Church's Superstandard Canvasback decoys
4 Fried Quail
1 Car Wash
A phone call
Enough self indulgency. Would like to re-visit Dock of the Bay, but only briefly. My lady friend was able to wander and wonder about on Saturday night, without me asking her to do anything. She wouldn't be voluntold into work, this time around. According to her, she was the hit of the party, but failed to learn shagging...she insisted on dancing "Mis'sippi" style. And she can dance as well as I run from it. By all accounts, the Dock of the Bay was great, as it follows evolutions route into the greatest fundraiser/party in the world. I had rave reviews for my steamed shrimp. I don't like pats on the back for a good job, as I generally expect to do good, and I am generally disgusted by the prevalence of acceptable mediocrity, but those shrimp were pretty incredible. I warned Lee that putting me in charge of them endangered his slef-proclaimed title of Best Heater of Mass Quantities of Meat...You put a boy from the Deep South in charge of the shrimp, and he'll do it right. I call it Voo-doo Magic. Other folks call it Old Bay... Yet, you have to love every meal you cook, especially if you want the folks eating it to love you back. Sure, I steamed 150 pounds of shrimp, but I personally checked each one for appropriateness and afterwards discarded the unacceptable to a vat located in my belly.
Mother's Day is upcoming...my Mom is pretty much the reason I am here today. Mom is a great mom. In my life I have also watched her be a great sister, wife, and daughter. My dad had a Mom like that, too. And while this will be his first Mother's Day without his mom, I know that he'll be happy for my mom. I wrote "mom" a lot in theat paragraph, but mom's are everywhere and everybody has one. Even Lee. And she's a good one, too.
I'll be out for a bit to check on my parents down in Dixie...I will be back next Monday. This weekend, we have the Prom and Elections here...The following week, two retreats, then Leadershape. Before we know it, Summer Camp 2kX. I am still looking for 1 female cabin counselor. Only those interested in working long hours with loud children need apply.
Congratulations to my sister for a storied academic career who will be earning her Juris Doctorate this weekend. We always knew she was special, and almost as smart as me. I feel sorry for any litigant who dares to oppose her. She has always made straight A's - at least until law school. She would have cried over making a B in college, while my parents and I would have celebrated such an occasion for me.
Oh - I'll be 27 on Friday...yes, Dad, that's old - but not nearly as old as you...
Enjoy the day...
Not so fast...Sara, Terri, and Teresa, our resident plotters, foiled my escape attempt. Rarely am I here on my birthday anyway...I go to visit my parents and wish my mom and Happy Mother's Day. This year will be no different. Other than my sister graduating from Law School at Bama, the weekend expects to be docile. And I do deserve a break, from work. 500 hundred working hours in two months is quite a bit. But I work for 4-H, so it actually make s working fun, worthwhile, and, well, tough at times.
So anyway, I appear at my office at 7:32 Eastern...from my door, which is on the left side of the narrow hallway, I notice three balloons - pink, red, and blue. Dang! I had hoped to escape without the "celebration" of another anniversary of the day of my birth...Don't get me wrong, I like to celebrate birthdays around here. Employees are usually treated to special treats. Mine was always cheesecake, but I grew to hate cheesecake - which does NOT make me communist. I like to keep my favorite treats a secret, so that I am not deluged with them at every occasion. Chocolate and biscuits, though, are my favorite. And what do you know, I am surprised with those confections on this rainy morn. Molten chocolate, flaky crumbly biscuits, and a giant strawberry or four can turn a birthday into a bright day. I am lucky to work with folks that take the time to recognize big days and treat them as such...
So anyway, if anyone else wishes to surprise me, do so with these:
Chess Squares
Lemon Icebox Pie
1 Dozen Model 72 Herter's BLuebill Decoys or 1 dozen Church's Superstandard Canvasback decoys
4 Fried Quail
1 Car Wash
A phone call
Enough self indulgency. Would like to re-visit Dock of the Bay, but only briefly. My lady friend was able to wander and wonder about on Saturday night, without me asking her to do anything. She wouldn't be voluntold into work, this time around. According to her, she was the hit of the party, but failed to learn shagging...she insisted on dancing "Mis'sippi" style. And she can dance as well as I run from it. By all accounts, the Dock of the Bay was great, as it follows evolutions route into the greatest fundraiser/party in the world. I had rave reviews for my steamed shrimp. I don't like pats on the back for a good job, as I generally expect to do good, and I am generally disgusted by the prevalence of acceptable mediocrity, but those shrimp were pretty incredible. I warned Lee that putting me in charge of them endangered his slef-proclaimed title of Best Heater of Mass Quantities of Meat...You put a boy from the Deep South in charge of the shrimp, and he'll do it right. I call it Voo-doo Magic. Other folks call it Old Bay... Yet, you have to love every meal you cook, especially if you want the folks eating it to love you back. Sure, I steamed 150 pounds of shrimp, but I personally checked each one for appropriateness and afterwards discarded the unacceptable to a vat located in my belly.
Mother's Day is upcoming...my Mom is pretty much the reason I am here today. Mom is a great mom. In my life I have also watched her be a great sister, wife, and daughter. My dad had a Mom like that, too. And while this will be his first Mother's Day without his mom, I know that he'll be happy for my mom. I wrote "mom" a lot in theat paragraph, but mom's are everywhere and everybody has one. Even Lee. And she's a good one, too.
I'll be out for a bit to check on my parents down in Dixie...I will be back next Monday. This weekend, we have the Prom and Elections here...The following week, two retreats, then Leadershape. Before we know it, Summer Camp 2kX. I am still looking for 1 female cabin counselor. Only those interested in working long hours with loud children need apply.
Congratulations to my sister for a storied academic career who will be earning her Juris Doctorate this weekend. We always knew she was special, and almost as smart as me. I feel sorry for any litigant who dares to oppose her. She has always made straight A's - at least until law school. She would have cried over making a B in college, while my parents and I would have celebrated such an occasion for me.
Oh - I'll be 27 on Friday...yes, Dad, that's old - but not nearly as old as you...
Enjoy the day...
May 3, 2010
Dock of the Bay wrap
DOB has come and gone...it appeared to be the most attended event ever...early reports say that 360 people were on site for the event. That translates into phenomenal amounts of camp scholarship contributions! Thanks to all of the sponsors and visitors for making the event special!
My DOB duties placed me in the kitchen...here is what we turned out for the evening, food wise:
Steamed Shrimp: 130 pounds (Thanks SYSCO!)
Beef Tenderloin: 100 Pounds (Thanks US FOODS!)
Crab Dip: 5 Gallons (Thanks Capt. Neill's!)
Cocktail Sauce: 1.5 Gallons
Marinated Mushrooms: 4 Gallons
Grilled Veggies: 18 pounds
Fresh Vegetables: about 60 pounds
Mashed potatoes: 50 pounds
Chicken Wings: 75 pounds
Brie: 6 pounds
Chicken Salad: 8 gallons
Seafood Salad: 8 gallons
Rolls: 250
Assorted Cheeses: 24 pounds
Cookies: 520
Blondies: 175
Brownies: 175
Marshmallows: 600
Rice Krispie Sqares: 200
Fruit: about 100 pounds
Drinking cups: about 1250
Plastic plates: about 850
Chocolate Fountain: 30 pounds of molten chocolate
That's literally a TON of food, give or take a shrimp or three...it was a busy and fun night. Servers, cooks, and me grew nervous as the buffet line inched closer to the Washington County line. Eventually, only stragglers and returners made their way into the buffet room. Even the scraps at the end were a fine treat. The cooks and servers worked in heroic fashion to see that only the stacked plates ran low on one occasion. A crowded room, with salivating crowds can be tough for a tiny server to navigate. It takes bravery and gumption...
Enjoy the day...
My DOB duties placed me in the kitchen...here is what we turned out for the evening, food wise:
Steamed Shrimp: 130 pounds (Thanks SYSCO!)
Beef Tenderloin: 100 Pounds (Thanks US FOODS!)
Crab Dip: 5 Gallons (Thanks Capt. Neill's!)
Cocktail Sauce: 1.5 Gallons
Marinated Mushrooms: 4 Gallons
Grilled Veggies: 18 pounds
Fresh Vegetables: about 60 pounds
Mashed potatoes: 50 pounds
Chicken Wings: 75 pounds
Brie: 6 pounds
Chicken Salad: 8 gallons
Seafood Salad: 8 gallons
Rolls: 250
Assorted Cheeses: 24 pounds
Cookies: 520
Blondies: 175
Brownies: 175
Marshmallows: 600
Rice Krispie Sqares: 200
Fruit: about 100 pounds
Drinking cups: about 1250
Plastic plates: about 850
Chocolate Fountain: 30 pounds of molten chocolate
That's literally a TON of food, give or take a shrimp or three...it was a busy and fun night. Servers, cooks, and me grew nervous as the buffet line inched closer to the Washington County line. Eventually, only stragglers and returners made their way into the buffet room. Even the scraps at the end were a fine treat. The cooks and servers worked in heroic fashion to see that only the stacked plates ran low on one occasion. A crowded room, with salivating crowds can be tough for a tiny server to navigate. It takes bravery and gumption...
Enjoy the day...
April 30, 2010
Precedence Set
It has been a tough week for blogging...I have been Food Servicin' all week for the Southern Region Biennial Conference, A collection of 4-H minds from across the South. By all reports, the conference was superb, most notably our "Dinner on the Dock of the Bay" served on Tuesday night. Load after load of shrimp appeared on the buffet, as well as beef and pork loins, fruit and vegetable displays, and my favorite - the dessert bar. The Eastern 4-H Center leads the way as the premier location for camping and conferences.Wonder who will attempt to follow suit?
This weekend is the Dock of the Bay, our annual friend and fundraiser. Tickets are still available, so don't miss out. The Mighty Saints of Soul are playing before a crowd of folks, a massive buffet, and an incredible series of live and silent auction items. A special thanks to all of the volunteers, contribtors, and sponsors of our annual event...without your help there just would not be any other way to raise the funds for camper scholarships.
Got to get to work in the kitchen...so hope to see you tomorrow...
Enjoy the day...
This weekend is the Dock of the Bay, our annual friend and fundraiser. Tickets are still available, so don't miss out. The Mighty Saints of Soul are playing before a crowd of folks, a massive buffet, and an incredible series of live and silent auction items. A special thanks to all of the volunteers, contribtors, and sponsors of our annual event...without your help there just would not be any other way to raise the funds for camper scholarships.
Got to get to work in the kitchen...so hope to see you tomorrow...
Enjoy the day...
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