Well, the most recent weekend here in eastern North Carolina was a wedding wipeout. Weddings at virtually every place that would take a reservation were conducted. The Center itself, played host to one, too. However Chris Sova and his new bride were married Saturday in Belvidere, North Carolina at the Onley Place...and it was great. Everything from the buffet to the bride were beautiful, and even the groom looked better than normal! As a member of the wedding party, my time was spent posing for pictures, getting in line first for the food, and offering a toast to the new couple. I even had the responsibility of not losing the ring, which I held up admirably. Sara Biggs is now Sara Sova, and Chris Sova is now a pretty lucky dude.
What makes their union so special is that the two of them met while working as Camp counselors atthe Eastern 4-H Center. I was in the remarkable position of knowing each of them before they ever knew of each other, and well before Chris could properly pronounce Tyrrell County. Apparently, the wedding was coming almost too late for Chris who said that he could have married Sara many months ago. Even a Court House wedding would have suited him, but I'm glad he waited. Otherwise I would not have enjoyed what might have been the greatest rehearsal and reception meals of my illustrious groomsman career. Friday night Montero's of Elizabeth City pulled out the good chicken and beef loins and cooked them like I never could have. I ate the share of myself and my date. Saturday night's collards, eastern style barbecue, and fried chicken were phenomenal but fell well short of the most immaculate pie I have ever ate too many pieces of...Magnolia Pie. Lips were sealed on the recipe, but I'm certain I can track it down.
Nevertheless, the two of them were great counselors while here. They have an incredible gift with not only children, but all people. Too kind to care, Chris has always been a wonderful friend of mine, despite the silliness I can conjure on a waterfowl hunt. I wish them both the very best...
The upcoming week at the Center will be busy, especially next weekend with the Emmaus Walk. Our Community Fun Day is scheduled for October 29, and rumor has it that it will be the bggest and boldest yet. As more details emerge, I'll post them here...
Enjoy the day...
October 10, 2011
October 3, 2011
The Cool Snap
Welcome to Fall. We, and it, have arrived. It's my favorite time of year - the mornings are nice and crisp and the days are comfortable. Even the wildlife enjoy this time of year. Torch-hot days mean that animals can actually walk around in the daylight hours, should they choose to do so. Reptiles and amphibians burrow into the warm, awful smelling mud, only to erupt around noon in search of drowsy insects. Birds, too, fly around looking for food, friends, and reclusive resting spots. People, however, create festivals.
If the fall foliage fails to suit you, if the phenomenal fishing falls behind yard-work, then you, my reader, are lost. Still, even you, the morbidly refuter, would enjoy the festivals that befall Fall. I'm not sure where the tradition started, but I like it. The North Carolina Seafood Festival, The Chowan County Fair, the North Carolina State Fair, the Collard Green Festival, and many, many more transpire virtually every weekend from late August right up to Christmas. The Scuppernong River Festival, Columbia's very own version of a festival, will have us all searching for parking, paddles, and popcorn come Saturday. The Eastern 4-H Center will be represented with canoe and kayak clinic in front of the Walter B. Jones Visitor Center. I think there's also a firework show, too. Still, the parade, complete with four-wheelers and motorcycles will strafe the downtown thoroughfare, passing out pre-packaged candy to the kids and to the adults who need to quit acting like kids. The weather should be impeccable for the entire occasion.
A small town parade though is something to behold. Absent are the cartoon character uber-floats. What you will find , though, is a linear display of Columbia's varsity athletic teams (cheer squads included), several tractors, a couple of fire trucks, a giant pirate ship on wheels, ATV's (which become street legal for parades, apparently), and a convertible or two bearing the local politicians and their smiles. And of course, 4-H will have a presence, too. Either way, I also grew up in the cradle of small town parades in Alabama's Rough Country. Our Rockford parade was slightly bigger, only because Rockford's Main Street was four lanes. But the participants were all identical. Blaring sirens, costumed walkers, high school bands, and tractors serenaded our locals in the same fashion. It sure beat the heck out of the New York City parade that appears on television every Thanksgiving Thursday...it was OUR parade.
Still, the cool weather creates a lot of mental confusion...since April, we have all dreamed of cool bed sheets. Last night, cool-turned-cold linens were not so great anymore. There's nothing more comforting than snuggling into the fetal position to warm the bed and body...but toes are an unwarmable object. Sleeping with socks does no better. I could have let the windows up, but that would have been heresy. Perfect weather like this only happens about 10 days a year...so I'll keep trying to enjoy it as warmly as I can...
Enjoy the day...
If the fall foliage fails to suit you, if the phenomenal fishing falls behind yard-work, then you, my reader, are lost. Still, even you, the morbidly refuter, would enjoy the festivals that befall Fall. I'm not sure where the tradition started, but I like it. The North Carolina Seafood Festival, The Chowan County Fair, the North Carolina State Fair, the Collard Green Festival, and many, many more transpire virtually every weekend from late August right up to Christmas. The Scuppernong River Festival, Columbia's very own version of a festival, will have us all searching for parking, paddles, and popcorn come Saturday. The Eastern 4-H Center will be represented with canoe and kayak clinic in front of the Walter B. Jones Visitor Center. I think there's also a firework show, too. Still, the parade, complete with four-wheelers and motorcycles will strafe the downtown thoroughfare, passing out pre-packaged candy to the kids and to the adults who need to quit acting like kids. The weather should be impeccable for the entire occasion.
A small town parade though is something to behold. Absent are the cartoon character uber-floats. What you will find , though, is a linear display of Columbia's varsity athletic teams (cheer squads included), several tractors, a couple of fire trucks, a giant pirate ship on wheels, ATV's (which become street legal for parades, apparently), and a convertible or two bearing the local politicians and their smiles. And of course, 4-H will have a presence, too. Either way, I also grew up in the cradle of small town parades in Alabama's Rough Country. Our Rockford parade was slightly bigger, only because Rockford's Main Street was four lanes. But the participants were all identical. Blaring sirens, costumed walkers, high school bands, and tractors serenaded our locals in the same fashion. It sure beat the heck out of the New York City parade that appears on television every Thanksgiving Thursday...it was OUR parade.
Still, the cool weather creates a lot of mental confusion...since April, we have all dreamed of cool bed sheets. Last night, cool-turned-cold linens were not so great anymore. There's nothing more comforting than snuggling into the fetal position to warm the bed and body...but toes are an unwarmable object. Sleeping with socks does no better. I could have let the windows up, but that would have been heresy. Perfect weather like this only happens about 10 days a year...so I'll keep trying to enjoy it as warmly as I can...
Enjoy the day...
September 26, 2011
Reigning Outside
The rain we have received in recent days is probably equal to what Hurricane Irene brought, but it just hasn't come in two days...instead it's been 7 days of hazy, lazy drizzle, which as many of you know is terrible for the hairdo. Not that it matters to me, but the ladies in the office have doubled the hairspray.
The past couple of weeks have been busy, with NC L.I.N.C., Haw Branch Soul Sister Retreat, Ongoing Tyrrell Middle School, and Wilson Chamber of Commerce Dynamic Leadership. None of which were spared by the rain.
The Wilson Retreat, which features about 12 hours of teambuilding was mostly done indoors, until we ventured out in the inch deep standing water to do some elements on the Challenge Course...the brave souls enjoyed All Aboard and the Whale Watch, despite the thick drizzle and even thicker mosquitoes. Do mosquitoes ever disappear? Mosquitoes generally make their first appearance in April and subside the following March. There is no respite. Either way, High Ropes with Wilson was pretty spectacular, and the mosquitoes don't fly 35 feet into the air where the participants spent the morning. Mosquitoes also can't follow anyone down the zipline, where participants can reach 40 miles per hour...
The Haw Branch Soul Sisters visited over the weekend...we led them through teambuilding, archery, and rock climbing while it rained non-stop. We had to make some programmatic adjustments to accommodate on account of the weather, but it was still fun. We even got to use the "indoor" climbing wall, which is under the roof of the climbing wall, on the interior grotto. I can't explain it much better than that, but it's worth a look if you're interested.
In general life and football news, Auburn pulled out a victory this weekend, while East Carolina defeated UAB. Alabama also beat Arkansas, while the LSU Tigers became the # 1 team in the Associated Press Poll. I'm headed to Columbia, South Carolina this weekend to see Auburn and the University of South Carolina play. It should be fun!
Early Teal and Resident Goose hunting seasons expire this week. I haven't pursued much fowl, but did get into the geese and saw only a few teal. North Carolina's early duck season comes in on October 5, and the Gun Deer comes in on October 15. With the opening of these seasons, Tyrrell County will begin to fill with non-resident hunters who come to experience the remoteness and abundance of this county's wild game.
Enjoy the day...
The past couple of weeks have been busy, with NC L.I.N.C., Haw Branch Soul Sister Retreat, Ongoing Tyrrell Middle School, and Wilson Chamber of Commerce Dynamic Leadership. None of which were spared by the rain.
The Wilson Retreat, which features about 12 hours of teambuilding was mostly done indoors, until we ventured out in the inch deep standing water to do some elements on the Challenge Course...the brave souls enjoyed All Aboard and the Whale Watch, despite the thick drizzle and even thicker mosquitoes. Do mosquitoes ever disappear? Mosquitoes generally make their first appearance in April and subside the following March. There is no respite. Either way, High Ropes with Wilson was pretty spectacular, and the mosquitoes don't fly 35 feet into the air where the participants spent the morning. Mosquitoes also can't follow anyone down the zipline, where participants can reach 40 miles per hour...
The Haw Branch Soul Sisters visited over the weekend...we led them through teambuilding, archery, and rock climbing while it rained non-stop. We had to make some programmatic adjustments to accommodate on account of the weather, but it was still fun. We even got to use the "indoor" climbing wall, which is under the roof of the climbing wall, on the interior grotto. I can't explain it much better than that, but it's worth a look if you're interested.
In general life and football news, Auburn pulled out a victory this weekend, while East Carolina defeated UAB. Alabama also beat Arkansas, while the LSU Tigers became the # 1 team in the Associated Press Poll. I'm headed to Columbia, South Carolina this weekend to see Auburn and the University of South Carolina play. It should be fun!
Early Teal and Resident Goose hunting seasons expire this week. I haven't pursued much fowl, but did get into the geese and saw only a few teal. North Carolina's early duck season comes in on October 5, and the Gun Deer comes in on October 15. With the opening of these seasons, Tyrrell County will begin to fill with non-resident hunters who come to experience the remoteness and abundance of this county's wild game.
Enjoy the day...
September 15, 2011
Teal Season
According to the weathermen and weatherwomen of Eastern North Carolina's newscasts, today should be out last day of 90 degree weather...and we all know, that those folks only report the most accurate facts. Either way, the month of September ushers in early hunting seasons for North Carolina's sportsmen. The weather is perfect for doves and teal, both of which are migratory game birds that pass right through our coastal communities and sounds.
Teal are a type of duck...they are also America's smallest dabbling ducks....dabbling ducks, unlike diving ducks, feed in foot deep water on plants and seeds. Teal are divided into three differens species...there's the Green-winged teal (a hardy little puddle duck that can withstand the late winter temperatures and is a late migrator), the Cinnamon teal (probably the most beautiful duck in all the world, but an early migrant), and the Blue-winged teal (America's second most abundant duck, behind the mallard, and the earliest of all migrators).
Scientists and researchers eventually discovered that not all species of ducks migrate at the same time. Some, like the Blue-winged teal (BWT hereafter) migrate from their nesting grounds in Canada and the Dakotas as soon as August. For hunters to have a chance at these speedy, tasty, and very abundant ducks, state game commissions created the early teal season, which generally falls in early-September. No other ducks may be harvested, either. It's a great chance to practice shooting and identification skills. But, it's not always that easy. BWT's are tiny for ducks...about the size of a fat cardinal. They also fly at about 40 miles per hour and in the most zig-zaggery of fashions. They commit easily to meager decoy spreads of 10-20 fakes. But they also leave them as quick as they arrive. What complicates teal hunting even more, is that they are "first flight" birds. They fly right at legal shooting light, then no more. Additionally, they are literally here one day, and gone the next. yo uhave to get lucky just to spy them in flight anywhere.
With a continental population of approximately 6 million BWT, many northern hunters will still never see them. I have never bagged one, but I've seen a friend bag one. I've seen less than a thousand in my illustrious career as a waterfowler. Either way, I still try to go and catch teal several times each September...I have harvested early green-winged teal, but not many. Still, I'll have lots of fun swatting the copious amounts of mosquitoes. The pint of blood I'll need after the mosquitoes have fed on me will be tucked gently into the corner of my ammunition bag. Ditto for the spf 50. I don't have alligator repellent, so I'll have the space. Still, it's worth every waterfowler and birder's effort to go out in September, along the coastal marshes to see these tiny, beautiful ducks, that most will never see...for those wanting to pursue these ducks...scout shallow marshes with lots of food. The daily bag limit is 4...
Here are some pictures of the 3 different types of teal...
Green-Winged Teal
Blue-Winged Teal
Cinnamon Teal
Enjoy the day...
Teal are a type of duck...they are also America's smallest dabbling ducks....dabbling ducks, unlike diving ducks, feed in foot deep water on plants and seeds. Teal are divided into three differens species...there's the Green-winged teal (a hardy little puddle duck that can withstand the late winter temperatures and is a late migrator), the Cinnamon teal (probably the most beautiful duck in all the world, but an early migrant), and the Blue-winged teal (America's second most abundant duck, behind the mallard, and the earliest of all migrators).
Scientists and researchers eventually discovered that not all species of ducks migrate at the same time. Some, like the Blue-winged teal (BWT hereafter) migrate from their nesting grounds in Canada and the Dakotas as soon as August. For hunters to have a chance at these speedy, tasty, and very abundant ducks, state game commissions created the early teal season, which generally falls in early-September. No other ducks may be harvested, either. It's a great chance to practice shooting and identification skills. But, it's not always that easy. BWT's are tiny for ducks...about the size of a fat cardinal. They also fly at about 40 miles per hour and in the most zig-zaggery of fashions. They commit easily to meager decoy spreads of 10-20 fakes. But they also leave them as quick as they arrive. What complicates teal hunting even more, is that they are "first flight" birds. They fly right at legal shooting light, then no more. Additionally, they are literally here one day, and gone the next. yo uhave to get lucky just to spy them in flight anywhere.
With a continental population of approximately 6 million BWT, many northern hunters will still never see them. I have never bagged one, but I've seen a friend bag one. I've seen less than a thousand in my illustrious career as a waterfowler. Either way, I still try to go and catch teal several times each September...I have harvested early green-winged teal, but not many. Still, I'll have lots of fun swatting the copious amounts of mosquitoes. The pint of blood I'll need after the mosquitoes have fed on me will be tucked gently into the corner of my ammunition bag. Ditto for the spf 50. I don't have alligator repellent, so I'll have the space. Still, it's worth every waterfowler and birder's effort to go out in September, along the coastal marshes to see these tiny, beautiful ducks, that most will never see...for those wanting to pursue these ducks...scout shallow marshes with lots of food. The daily bag limit is 4...
Here are some pictures of the 3 different types of teal...
Green-Winged Teal
Blue-Winged Teal
Cinnamon Teal
Enjoy the day...
September 14, 2011
A Columbia Icon
Let's face it, Columbia, North Carolina is about as famous as, well, Creswell, North Carolina. Famous, to many of us has a positive connotation that means likable, good, and happy. Columbia is all of the above, but it's still not famous. Within Columbia, there are likable landmarks, people, and places...all things that make the town so favored by it's residents and so intriguing to the literal millions that strafe through on the major highway. Columbia and it's waterways have long been known as a fisherman's paradise. Some people believe it's a great place to come and see sunsets. And some people like the downtown galleries that are only discovered with a little vacationing gumption. But to me, there is one true symbol that epitomizes the town and it's people.
Mr. Bobby, as he is commonly called, is one of a couple of town barbers. Mr. Bobby is older than most of us will ever live to enjoy. Either way, he's still hard at it, in his shop downtown. It's where I get my hair cuts. For the longest time, I avoided getting my hair cut at a traditional barber shop. I guess I thought the treatment of a salon was what I merited most. Either way, becoming a Columbian rubbed of on me. Sensible, practical, and comfortable is how most people would describe me, and it's how I often describe the good people of this area. They do what it takes to get it done, and they do it at their pace, which is somewhere around a speed of "just right"...not too fast or too slow. And that's why Mr. Bobby is as much a part of this community as he is a representative of it.
Main Street in downtown Columbia is marked by tiny concrete buildings. There's an art gallery, a couple of restaurants, a drug store, a non-profit, and a few skeletons of commerce's past. It's an easy place to navigate. There's always someone walking in downtown, and they are headed somewhere. Mr. Bobby's shop is on the west end of Main Street, just outside of casting distance to the Scuppernong River...the same river that only weeks ago shoved two feet of water through his door and up his wall. So what...he cut my hair two days later. His shop is incredibly non-descript, but everyone knows where it is...parking near the barber shop is tough, though. Still, the other slots up and down Main Street can serve you, if you can serve yourself to walk. Rarely have I gone in for a cut, when Idid not have to wait a bit. But part of that is due to Mr. Bobby's deliberate nature. It's also a place for other men to congregate and carry on, whether or not they will be getting a haircut. More times than not, it's only familiar faces within the walls of the shop. I've been here 5 years, and that's only a minute to a lot of these people. Still, I listen contently to the stories and gossip. Or Rush Limbaugh. While I'm sitting on the red wooden bench that holds the graying customers, I usually occupy myself with a day-old copy of the Raleigh paper. I'm glad that some people still keep quarters and know how to use them!
Nevertheless, while I read the paper, I'll find myself surrounded by relics of yesteryear. Mind you, this place has no decorum. It's a building whose purpose is one. Either way, I'll admire the bottles of hair tonic, which are for sale. There's also a strop hanging on the wall and it hordes dust. Nobody ever asks for a straight blade shave, anymore. I'd like to have just one in my life. There a pictures on the wall of Mr. Bobby's friends and family. Most of which live nearby. There's even a poster which showcases the bust of all of our American Presidents, the newest being Ronald Reagan. It's not a timeless place, but it is a place to pass the time. It's a building built for utility.
After waiting for a bit, I usually just step up, then plop down into the barber's chair. Oddly enough, hair cut recipients don't face the wall-sized mirror. In fact, you face the patient waiters. You can enjoy the conversation without having to stare at yourself. When he asks how I'd like my haircut, I tell him simply. The first time, I tried to raise my voice, because I thought he might not hear me. He whispered back and said "I can do that." My first few cuts were the traditional crew cuts that he doled out while in the military. Each one was perfect and precise. Since then, he has offered to me that women like hair on the "full" side. Now he just trims it.
There's a tremendous gap between Bobby and I. Obviously, our age difference is grand. He's a member of America's Greatest Generation. I know hard work, but all he knows is hard work. He's polite and sincere as if it is the only option, and sometimes, I can be either or neither. Either way, after I pay the grand total sum of $5 for my haircut, I feel a little closer to him and Columbia. And as Bobby would say, I feel "a little lighter", too.
Enjoy the day...
Mr. Bobby, as he is commonly called, is one of a couple of town barbers. Mr. Bobby is older than most of us will ever live to enjoy. Either way, he's still hard at it, in his shop downtown. It's where I get my hair cuts. For the longest time, I avoided getting my hair cut at a traditional barber shop. I guess I thought the treatment of a salon was what I merited most. Either way, becoming a Columbian rubbed of on me. Sensible, practical, and comfortable is how most people would describe me, and it's how I often describe the good people of this area. They do what it takes to get it done, and they do it at their pace, which is somewhere around a speed of "just right"...not too fast or too slow. And that's why Mr. Bobby is as much a part of this community as he is a representative of it.
Main Street in downtown Columbia is marked by tiny concrete buildings. There's an art gallery, a couple of restaurants, a drug store, a non-profit, and a few skeletons of commerce's past. It's an easy place to navigate. There's always someone walking in downtown, and they are headed somewhere. Mr. Bobby's shop is on the west end of Main Street, just outside of casting distance to the Scuppernong River...the same river that only weeks ago shoved two feet of water through his door and up his wall. So what...he cut my hair two days later. His shop is incredibly non-descript, but everyone knows where it is...parking near the barber shop is tough, though. Still, the other slots up and down Main Street can serve you, if you can serve yourself to walk. Rarely have I gone in for a cut, when Idid not have to wait a bit. But part of that is due to Mr. Bobby's deliberate nature. It's also a place for other men to congregate and carry on, whether or not they will be getting a haircut. More times than not, it's only familiar faces within the walls of the shop. I've been here 5 years, and that's only a minute to a lot of these people. Still, I listen contently to the stories and gossip. Or Rush Limbaugh. While I'm sitting on the red wooden bench that holds the graying customers, I usually occupy myself with a day-old copy of the Raleigh paper. I'm glad that some people still keep quarters and know how to use them!
Nevertheless, while I read the paper, I'll find myself surrounded by relics of yesteryear. Mind you, this place has no decorum. It's a building whose purpose is one. Either way, I'll admire the bottles of hair tonic, which are for sale. There's also a strop hanging on the wall and it hordes dust. Nobody ever asks for a straight blade shave, anymore. I'd like to have just one in my life. There a pictures on the wall of Mr. Bobby's friends and family. Most of which live nearby. There's even a poster which showcases the bust of all of our American Presidents, the newest being Ronald Reagan. It's not a timeless place, but it is a place to pass the time. It's a building built for utility.
After waiting for a bit, I usually just step up, then plop down into the barber's chair. Oddly enough, hair cut recipients don't face the wall-sized mirror. In fact, you face the patient waiters. You can enjoy the conversation without having to stare at yourself. When he asks how I'd like my haircut, I tell him simply. The first time, I tried to raise my voice, because I thought he might not hear me. He whispered back and said "I can do that." My first few cuts were the traditional crew cuts that he doled out while in the military. Each one was perfect and precise. Since then, he has offered to me that women like hair on the "full" side. Now he just trims it.
There's a tremendous gap between Bobby and I. Obviously, our age difference is grand. He's a member of America's Greatest Generation. I know hard work, but all he knows is hard work. He's polite and sincere as if it is the only option, and sometimes, I can be either or neither. Either way, after I pay the grand total sum of $5 for my haircut, I feel a little closer to him and Columbia. And as Bobby would say, I feel "a little lighter", too.
Enjoy the day...
September 13, 2011
Pocosin Grapes
This blog is well overdue. Rarely do I write about anything that I don't value. I'm not the great writer that can pick a social topic, hash it out, and walk away. Life's to long to do that, even once. Still, when I go to that Giant Rock Wall in the sky, I hope to find many of the things I love in this galaxy. One of my favorite things is the humble scuppernong grape. It's the perfect snack for those of us who prefer mosquitoes to malls.
Growing up in Alabama, my parents had a few muscadine vines. They were not cultivated by them, and for all I know, they might have just been wild and matured. A muscadine is similar to a scuppernong...it's a wild grape that has a leathery shell. They're purple, though, unlike the greenish-bronze scuppernong. Sometimes, though, Deep Southerner's called muscadines "scuplins" or "scuflins"...I was always confused and cravenous. I even had friends whose parents made muscadine wine. Personally, though, there is no better way to enjoy a wild grape, than to plop the fruit into your mouth, straight up.
Upon my arrival in pocosin country, I quickly got my bearings by cruising the front and back roads of the area. I got lots of tips from new friends on great places to go. Upon crossing the Scuppernong River, I recognized the name from childhood. And so began my quest for the wild grape vine. They were literally everywhere, but finding one that produces sweet fruit was the challenge. I found lots that offered smaller, tarter grapes. I had to learn to like them, and did. On occasion, someone would bring a carton of them by the office - the good kind. I ate more than my fair share, but I had to make up for years lost.
Eventually, I hit the motherload. And apparently, this motherload was from the mothervine, which added additional mystique to this abundant, but almost unknown grape.
Quick Interjection Here: My computer mysteriously shut-off without saving the last 25 lines of this blog, so I'll attempt to finish...again.
Anyway, the grapevines, yeah...so now I don't pick any grapes...I buy them from a local grower, Scuppernong Produce. Gosh Almighty are they perfect. Giant grapes, with minimal seeds. If you want some from Scuppernong Produce, you'll have to let me know, or you can find Scuppernong Produce on Facebook. They'll let you know how you can get them, but I have a connection. They are worth every 250 pennies per quart. But remember the law of supply and demand when purchasing!
Once you pick or buy your grapes, you need to enjoy them the purist's way...that means (1)putting the entire grape in your mouth, (2)squeezing with your teeth until the pulp erupts, (3)sorting (by tooth) the seeds from the pulp, (4)spitting the seeds back to the earth (or into a cup if enjoying indoors), (5) swallowing the pulp, (6) chewing the skin, (7) swallowing, and finally, (8)smiling. If you are going to spit out the skin, just don't bother with the grapes. The skin is where the protein and fiber are...either way, scuppernongs are healthier, tastier, and even less expensive than an equal amount of chocolate.
Most of my favorite snacks are broken up by seasons....here's a calendar year rundown:
January through mid-February: Conversation Hearts
Mid-February through mid-April: Cadburry and Robin Eggs
Mid-April through August: Granola
August through mid-October: Scuppernong Grapes
Mid-October through mid-November: Candy Corn
Mid-November through late December: Haystacks and fudge
Remember, eat all sweets in moderation! Your waistline and teeth will thank you. And it's all just to good to over-do, except for scuppernongs!
Enjoy the day...
Growing up in Alabama, my parents had a few muscadine vines. They were not cultivated by them, and for all I know, they might have just been wild and matured. A muscadine is similar to a scuppernong...it's a wild grape that has a leathery shell. They're purple, though, unlike the greenish-bronze scuppernong. Sometimes, though, Deep Southerner's called muscadines "scuplins" or "scuflins"...I was always confused and cravenous. I even had friends whose parents made muscadine wine. Personally, though, there is no better way to enjoy a wild grape, than to plop the fruit into your mouth, straight up.
Upon my arrival in pocosin country, I quickly got my bearings by cruising the front and back roads of the area. I got lots of tips from new friends on great places to go. Upon crossing the Scuppernong River, I recognized the name from childhood. And so began my quest for the wild grape vine. They were literally everywhere, but finding one that produces sweet fruit was the challenge. I found lots that offered smaller, tarter grapes. I had to learn to like them, and did. On occasion, someone would bring a carton of them by the office - the good kind. I ate more than my fair share, but I had to make up for years lost.
Eventually, I hit the motherload. And apparently, this motherload was from the mothervine, which added additional mystique to this abundant, but almost unknown grape.
Quick Interjection Here: My computer mysteriously shut-off without saving the last 25 lines of this blog, so I'll attempt to finish...again.
Anyway, the grapevines, yeah...so now I don't pick any grapes...I buy them from a local grower, Scuppernong Produce. Gosh Almighty are they perfect. Giant grapes, with minimal seeds. If you want some from Scuppernong Produce, you'll have to let me know, or you can find Scuppernong Produce on Facebook. They'll let you know how you can get them, but I have a connection. They are worth every 250 pennies per quart. But remember the law of supply and demand when purchasing!
Once you pick or buy your grapes, you need to enjoy them the purist's way...that means (1)putting the entire grape in your mouth, (2)squeezing with your teeth until the pulp erupts, (3)sorting (by tooth) the seeds from the pulp, (4)spitting the seeds back to the earth (or into a cup if enjoying indoors), (5) swallowing the pulp, (6) chewing the skin, (7) swallowing, and finally, (8)smiling. If you are going to spit out the skin, just don't bother with the grapes. The skin is where the protein and fiber are...either way, scuppernongs are healthier, tastier, and even less expensive than an equal amount of chocolate.
Most of my favorite snacks are broken up by seasons....here's a calendar year rundown:
January through mid-February: Conversation Hearts
Mid-February through mid-April: Cadburry and Robin Eggs
Mid-April through August: Granola
August through mid-October: Scuppernong Grapes
Mid-October through mid-November: Candy Corn
Mid-November through late December: Haystacks and fudge
Remember, eat all sweets in moderation! Your waistline and teeth will thank you. And it's all just to good to over-do, except for scuppernongs!
Enjoy the day...
September 12, 2011
The Day the World Changed
Over the weekend, the somber celebration of 9/11 transpired across America and it's foreign bases. Virtually everyone on Facebook took the opportunity to use the words "we will never forget" in their statuses. Not me. September 11, 2001 was not the day that the world changed. It was the day that changed the world. And there's a difference.
Where were you on 9/11/01? Odds are you know exactly where you were, and research has proven that dramatic events generally mark our minds in a way other than how the trivial things may be memorized. I don't have the slightest idea of what I did on September 10, 2011. I imagine I was preparing for my college-girlfriend-at-the-time's impending birthday, which was on September 13. I think we went to a restaurant. I 'm sure I did as I was asked. Nevertheless, I know exactly what I did on September 11, 2001.
I woke up around 7:30 am Central Time in the morning...I ate a Toaster Strudel, blueberry I'm sure. I cut on the TV, hoping to see good weather for the day. I was planning to go to the marina I worked at after class and wash some boats. The day would be easy, I was sure. Except for Dr. Pulliam's philosophy class. As soon as I cut on the television, I walked to the bathroom for a shower. This shower was just like all the others. I walked out, dressed, and met my dad in the den, where he wasn't supposed to be. He told me that a plane had just crashed into the World Trade Center. I thought "what a terrible accident." Then, I watched live at about 8:05 am Central Time as another plane smashed into a skyscraper I had only seen in pictures. I was captivated and confused. Terrorism was something that I never could digest, but my dad mentioned the possibility immediately, and as non-nonchalantly as anyone who would have lived through the Cuban Missile Crisis. Other planes fell that day. Fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and neighbors died that day. I didn't know anyone in that building that day. I doubt I know anyone that works near that place, either. I was naive enough to think that it didn't matter to me. It was just one terrible incident that I was not affected by...at 18 years old, most young men are fairly dumb. And I had bleach blonde hair at the time.
The rest of the day was a blurry catastrophe. Planes were grounded. Enemies were named. Threats were realized. In the days since then, flags were hoisted on anything with a high point. Even the remnants of the brave skyscrapers held a flag. I had a flag, too. All of a sudden, I was American and very proud of it.
Since that day, it seems as if every day brings a mention to 9/11/01. Our current financial crisis is linked. The long lines at airports, football games, and military recruitment centers are all linked to 9/11/01, too. Everyone became patriotic, and some still are, thankfully.
Unfortunately, the patriotism eroded and was replaced with stoic, ridiculous cautiousness. Many of us have become frustrated with security at large public gatherings, the never-ending forms that must be completed to bear arms, and the continuing war in Asia. But why be mad at American's for doing what American's do best? We are cautious, much more cautious than we used to be. Americans are no longer the braggart-over-the-top-rebellions that forged this country's eastern border. For the past 10 years, we have become nostalgic and careful. I hope that American's can be brave enough to stop looking inside the purses and pockets of it's own country folk, and begin to look inside the countries who harbor and hide terrorists.
9/12/2001 was the day the world changed. It woke up and had to change. On 9/11/2001, we leaned on shoulders. The next day we looked over our shoulders...and haven't stopped since.
Enjoy the day...
Where were you on 9/11/01? Odds are you know exactly where you were, and research has proven that dramatic events generally mark our minds in a way other than how the trivial things may be memorized. I don't have the slightest idea of what I did on September 10, 2011. I imagine I was preparing for my college-girlfriend-at-the-time's impending birthday, which was on September 13. I think we went to a restaurant. I 'm sure I did as I was asked. Nevertheless, I know exactly what I did on September 11, 2001.
I woke up around 7:30 am Central Time in the morning...I ate a Toaster Strudel, blueberry I'm sure. I cut on the TV, hoping to see good weather for the day. I was planning to go to the marina I worked at after class and wash some boats. The day would be easy, I was sure. Except for Dr. Pulliam's philosophy class. As soon as I cut on the television, I walked to the bathroom for a shower. This shower was just like all the others. I walked out, dressed, and met my dad in the den, where he wasn't supposed to be. He told me that a plane had just crashed into the World Trade Center. I thought "what a terrible accident." Then, I watched live at about 8:05 am Central Time as another plane smashed into a skyscraper I had only seen in pictures. I was captivated and confused. Terrorism was something that I never could digest, but my dad mentioned the possibility immediately, and as non-nonchalantly as anyone who would have lived through the Cuban Missile Crisis. Other planes fell that day. Fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and neighbors died that day. I didn't know anyone in that building that day. I doubt I know anyone that works near that place, either. I was naive enough to think that it didn't matter to me. It was just one terrible incident that I was not affected by...at 18 years old, most young men are fairly dumb. And I had bleach blonde hair at the time.
The rest of the day was a blurry catastrophe. Planes were grounded. Enemies were named. Threats were realized. In the days since then, flags were hoisted on anything with a high point. Even the remnants of the brave skyscrapers held a flag. I had a flag, too. All of a sudden, I was American and very proud of it.
Since that day, it seems as if every day brings a mention to 9/11/01. Our current financial crisis is linked. The long lines at airports, football games, and military recruitment centers are all linked to 9/11/01, too. Everyone became patriotic, and some still are, thankfully.
Unfortunately, the patriotism eroded and was replaced with stoic, ridiculous cautiousness. Many of us have become frustrated with security at large public gatherings, the never-ending forms that must be completed to bear arms, and the continuing war in Asia. But why be mad at American's for doing what American's do best? We are cautious, much more cautious than we used to be. Americans are no longer the braggart-over-the-top-rebellions that forged this country's eastern border. For the past 10 years, we have become nostalgic and careful. I hope that American's can be brave enough to stop looking inside the purses and pockets of it's own country folk, and begin to look inside the countries who harbor and hide terrorists.
9/12/2001 was the day the world changed. It woke up and had to change. On 9/11/2001, we leaned on shoulders. The next day we looked over our shoulders...and haven't stopped since.
Enjoy the day...
September 7, 2011
Columbia Middle School
The Eastern 4-H Center is now the temporary home of Columbia Middle School. As much of an inconvenience it is for the students, teachers, and parents to have their school flooded, we hope to provide an easy transition for all of them. I'm glad we can do it...not many places in the county can offer such relief! Extension agents and facilities have really come through for the people of Tyrrell County in the aftermath of Irene...some of them while their own personal lives were turned bottom up. But that happened to lots of folks. They're not feeling sorry for themselves around here. They're feeling helpful.
Either way, the middle school will be here for an undetermined amount of time...but they hope to be out by the 23rd of September.
East Carolina has a big game against Virginia Tech this weekend...here's hoping they can pull of the upset...Auburn is a touchdown dog to Mississippi State AT HOME! But I don't gamble, so I don't care...but never bet against Auburn. Never bet on them, either...
Enjoy the day...
Either way, the middle school will be here for an undetermined amount of time...but they hope to be out by the 23rd of September.
East Carolina has a big game against Virginia Tech this weekend...here's hoping they can pull of the upset...Auburn is a touchdown dog to Mississippi State AT HOME! But I don't gamble, so I don't care...but never bet against Auburn. Never bet on them, either...
Enjoy the day...
September 6, 2011
Labor Day Weakened
The hurricane clean-up at the Center is virtually complete. I imagine we picked up a couple of tons of former flotsam from our beach and yard...the timber that was felled is to numerous to weigh, though. Either way, lots of people in Tyrrell and surrounding counties are putting the left-behind pieces back together...and Katia appears to be steaming away from our coast...thank goodness.
Other notes of interest since my last blog:
The September Resident Canada Goose season came in on September 1st. This is a great way to control the burgeoning population or resident geese. I have blogged several times on the destruction these geese can cause to neighborhoods, fish communities in local ponds, and even destroy themselves through overpopulation and overgrazing. Either way, I was lucky enough to bag some geese with a good friend. My first ever goose was in that mix...additionally, may I please add how delicious a grilled goose is...especially one that has fattened itself on the struggling farmers corn crops. Wild Game is a great way for picky eaters to know where there food came from and to know how it was handled. Yet, grilled a perfect medium rare on Saturday, these geese tasted BETTER than the steaks prepared alongside them...simple preparation is easiest and delivers, to me, the very best results.
The college football weekend has also come and gone, with some surprises. East Carolina was thrashed by South Carolina...very disappointing, but the Pirates still hold lots of promise. UNC-CH won with ease, as did NC State. My beloved Auburn struggled quite a bit with a team that shall remain nameless...Auburn needed two touchdowns with 2:00 minutes remaining...it pulled of the impossible, while making a below .500 season very possible. Auburn will turn many fans into insomniacs this year, and the road only gets tougher with Mississippi State this upcoming weekend.
The 4-H Center is expecting guests now...we even have a big wedding this weekend on our newly-restored waterfront. Speaking of weddings, Charles Midgette, our Maintenance Supervisor was wed this weekend. Congrats to him and his bride!
Ms. Mittie, our glowing receptionist had another birthday...this morning, in fact. Somehow, though, it was she who gifted me with the Krispy Kreme doughnut. Anyway, Ms. Mittie is timeless and ageless, but she does have an age, and she's not telling. I surmise that despite her age, she looks at least 15 years younger...
But with all of this news, work, and play, I was a bit drained for the Labor Day Weekend...I guess I'll have to wait another year for Labor Day.
Enjoy the day...
Other notes of interest since my last blog:
The September Resident Canada Goose season came in on September 1st. This is a great way to control the burgeoning population or resident geese. I have blogged several times on the destruction these geese can cause to neighborhoods, fish communities in local ponds, and even destroy themselves through overpopulation and overgrazing. Either way, I was lucky enough to bag some geese with a good friend. My first ever goose was in that mix...additionally, may I please add how delicious a grilled goose is...especially one that has fattened itself on the struggling farmers corn crops. Wild Game is a great way for picky eaters to know where there food came from and to know how it was handled. Yet, grilled a perfect medium rare on Saturday, these geese tasted BETTER than the steaks prepared alongside them...simple preparation is easiest and delivers, to me, the very best results.
The college football weekend has also come and gone, with some surprises. East Carolina was thrashed by South Carolina...very disappointing, but the Pirates still hold lots of promise. UNC-CH won with ease, as did NC State. My beloved Auburn struggled quite a bit with a team that shall remain nameless...Auburn needed two touchdowns with 2:00 minutes remaining...it pulled of the impossible, while making a below .500 season very possible. Auburn will turn many fans into insomniacs this year, and the road only gets tougher with Mississippi State this upcoming weekend.
The 4-H Center is expecting guests now...we even have a big wedding this weekend on our newly-restored waterfront. Speaking of weddings, Charles Midgette, our Maintenance Supervisor was wed this weekend. Congrats to him and his bride!
Ms. Mittie, our glowing receptionist had another birthday...this morning, in fact. Somehow, though, it was she who gifted me with the Krispy Kreme doughnut. Anyway, Ms. Mittie is timeless and ageless, but she does have an age, and she's not telling. I surmise that despite her age, she looks at least 15 years younger...
But with all of this news, work, and play, I was a bit drained for the Labor Day Weekend...I guess I'll have to wait another year for Labor Day.
Enjoy the day...
August 29, 2011
Vocabulary Lesson
Before I go any further with this blog - The 4-H Center is fine. It's battered, but not broken. Others in the county, however, did not fare as well as the Center.
As easy at it has generally been for me to put pen to paper and elaborate on stories I have seen, this one leaves me a little puzzled, humbled, and curious. Hurricanes and other natural disasters look different on TV, than in person. They sound, smell, and feel different, too. And if I wanted to stretch this a bit, they even taste different, than they do in front of a television screen. The easiest way to relate the story of Irene is to help you understand the "sounds" of the storm. I'm not sure what CNN or NBC have said. My connection to the newsworthy world has been local public and simulcast radio...
This ordeal has been curious to me because it's very strange how neighbors fared better than the one's next door. Counties fared better than the ones next door. States fared better than the ones above and below. There will be lots of news cameras and helicopters come and go, but not in Tyrrell County. Or Hyde County. Sorry, you just can't get in Mr. Media. But hey, if you can't help, you can't visit. We don't need cameras, we need compassion, thank you very much. If you want a story, I can tell you about the local farm-to-plate farmer who watched his family pumpkin crop float away with the storm surge. I can tell you about the rural family who could not be reached when the storm became unpredictable. I can also tell you about the families who threw out furniture, carpet, and family pictures.
Anyway, as I grew up in Alabama, we too, were the recipient of frequent tropical weather...usually tropical storms, depressions, or disturbances...and a couple of hurricanes, like Opal. There was and is something very special about the home I grew up in. Mainly, I think, was that it was run by my father and mother...both special in their own ways. The house was a home. We never evacuated. Ever. Tyrrell County is now home to me and it all makes sense, even if it doesn't to anyone else. Me and 3500 other people love this place as much as we do our own families. It's a big home for all of us. There are three seasons for me and most of my friends in Tyrrell County: Summer Camp, Waterfowl Season, and Hurricane Season. I love two and hate the other one because of this. I remember only Tropical Storms Erin, Hanna, and Nor' Ida.
Still, after all of that, I never imagined that it could get much worse. As the insurance companies would have you believe, this is certainly an act of God. No person, or group of 'em could alter the landscape of life so quickly. Cleaning up, too, is an act of God. And us.
So how bad was it? Here's your vocabulary lesson for Hurricane Season 2011...
Outer Bands - Nope, not the opening act at a concert. The first squall lines of rain actually. With these bands came the first of 30 hours of non-stop 39 mile per hour winds or better. I imagine that we had several gusts of 85 miles per hour.
Storm Surge - This is the "wall" of water that comes with a tropical weather maker. Straight from the Cape Verdes off of Africa came 7 feet of extra water. Most of it has stayed behind in low grounds of Columbia.
Welfare Check - Naw, not that "welfare". This term was used to often by rescue teams looking for storm victims. A welfare check is simply checking to determine whether or not someone is well and living.
Curfew - A curfew is serious for teenagers, but for storm-stricken towns, it could keep you out of the jail or hospital. Columbia had and has a curfew. Who wants to walk around in waist deep wastewater in the dark anyway?
EOC - Emergency Operation Center. This place was manned by emergency management and volunteer rescue services. The Tyrrell County EOC ran like a sewing machine, and I am very proud to know the people who run an efficient and empathetic EOC.
CUFN - Closed Until Further Notice, that is. Few things close under this auspice...usually after a fire or other disaster. Tyrrell County Schools are closed until further notice. That means that they have absolutely no idea when families and children can move out of the school and bathe, cook, clean, and live normally. Oh yeah, did I mention the school is the shelter. Yes, I did.
Power Outage - Think two or three hours without power are ridiculous? Yes, you do. I'm going on 56 hours. That means no AC, TV, dishwashing, hot water, internet. But still,I unconsciously turn off light switches when I walk into a room. And unconsciously flip them off when I depart. In the daylight, however, I have been able to help some great friends...and when possible share terrific cups of instant coffee over a barbecue grill and read some terrific books by writers named MacQuarrie, Hochbaum, and Rutledge. Lucky me.
Can Opener - buy yourself one and learn to use it. If it has a plug, you got the wrong thing. Tuna, ravioli, black beans, and more. These are the things that make up the hurricaner's buffet. Oh, and Swedish Fish and granola. And one snickers!
Ice - Yes, it melts after a while.
Red Cross - How surreal is it when you see them in your town? Very. I thought they only went were CNN went.
Salvation Army - Yep, they are here, too - and not to peddle gently used goods. They are giving hot meals away to people who CANNOT find and prepare their own food. It's serious.
Access - This is what you must obtain to reach certain locations in the region. You don't "have" access...you "get" it from someone else. Tourists, locals, and even National Guarders have been denied access from time to time for a variety of reasons. The only thing that stops the Guard, though, is geography. The new inlets on Hatteras Island make road travel tricky...
Flotsam - flotsam is basically floating trash. Bottles, driftwood, plastic parts...this storm has turned jetski's, cars, vinyl siding, cypress trees, pound nets, pumpkins, and piers into flotsam.
In the past 48 hours, I have heard that people lost their: Trees, pets, power, internet, crops, hats, telephone, boats.
Too many people are solving these problems in the next 48 hours: Where will our family sleep tonight? What time is the Salvation Army serving meals? When is the tide going to wash out? Do I have flood insurance? Where do I put my old carpet and furniture?
In the next 48 days, folks in Columbia all be cleaning out, hunkering down, and looking up...come help.
Enjoy the day...
As easy at it has generally been for me to put pen to paper and elaborate on stories I have seen, this one leaves me a little puzzled, humbled, and curious. Hurricanes and other natural disasters look different on TV, than in person. They sound, smell, and feel different, too. And if I wanted to stretch this a bit, they even taste different, than they do in front of a television screen. The easiest way to relate the story of Irene is to help you understand the "sounds" of the storm. I'm not sure what CNN or NBC have said. My connection to the newsworthy world has been local public and simulcast radio...
This ordeal has been curious to me because it's very strange how neighbors fared better than the one's next door. Counties fared better than the ones next door. States fared better than the ones above and below. There will be lots of news cameras and helicopters come and go, but not in Tyrrell County. Or Hyde County. Sorry, you just can't get in Mr. Media. But hey, if you can't help, you can't visit. We don't need cameras, we need compassion, thank you very much. If you want a story, I can tell you about the local farm-to-plate farmer who watched his family pumpkin crop float away with the storm surge. I can tell you about the rural family who could not be reached when the storm became unpredictable. I can also tell you about the families who threw out furniture, carpet, and family pictures.
Anyway, as I grew up in Alabama, we too, were the recipient of frequent tropical weather...usually tropical storms, depressions, or disturbances...and a couple of hurricanes, like Opal. There was and is something very special about the home I grew up in. Mainly, I think, was that it was run by my father and mother...both special in their own ways. The house was a home. We never evacuated. Ever. Tyrrell County is now home to me and it all makes sense, even if it doesn't to anyone else. Me and 3500 other people love this place as much as we do our own families. It's a big home for all of us. There are three seasons for me and most of my friends in Tyrrell County: Summer Camp, Waterfowl Season, and Hurricane Season. I love two and hate the other one because of this. I remember only Tropical Storms Erin, Hanna, and Nor' Ida.
Still, after all of that, I never imagined that it could get much worse. As the insurance companies would have you believe, this is certainly an act of God. No person, or group of 'em could alter the landscape of life so quickly. Cleaning up, too, is an act of God. And us.
So how bad was it? Here's your vocabulary lesson for Hurricane Season 2011...
Outer Bands - Nope, not the opening act at a concert. The first squall lines of rain actually. With these bands came the first of 30 hours of non-stop 39 mile per hour winds or better. I imagine that we had several gusts of 85 miles per hour.
Storm Surge - This is the "wall" of water that comes with a tropical weather maker. Straight from the Cape Verdes off of Africa came 7 feet of extra water. Most of it has stayed behind in low grounds of Columbia.
Welfare Check - Naw, not that "welfare". This term was used to often by rescue teams looking for storm victims. A welfare check is simply checking to determine whether or not someone is well and living.
Curfew - A curfew is serious for teenagers, but for storm-stricken towns, it could keep you out of the jail or hospital. Columbia had and has a curfew. Who wants to walk around in waist deep wastewater in the dark anyway?
EOC - Emergency Operation Center. This place was manned by emergency management and volunteer rescue services. The Tyrrell County EOC ran like a sewing machine, and I am very proud to know the people who run an efficient and empathetic EOC.
CUFN - Closed Until Further Notice, that is. Few things close under this auspice...usually after a fire or other disaster. Tyrrell County Schools are closed until further notice. That means that they have absolutely no idea when families and children can move out of the school and bathe, cook, clean, and live normally. Oh yeah, did I mention the school is the shelter. Yes, I did.
Power Outage - Think two or three hours without power are ridiculous? Yes, you do. I'm going on 56 hours. That means no AC, TV, dishwashing, hot water, internet. But still,I unconsciously turn off light switches when I walk into a room. And unconsciously flip them off when I depart. In the daylight, however, I have been able to help some great friends...and when possible share terrific cups of instant coffee over a barbecue grill and read some terrific books by writers named MacQuarrie, Hochbaum, and Rutledge. Lucky me.
Can Opener - buy yourself one and learn to use it. If it has a plug, you got the wrong thing. Tuna, ravioli, black beans, and more. These are the things that make up the hurricaner's buffet. Oh, and Swedish Fish and granola. And one snickers!
Ice - Yes, it melts after a while.
Red Cross - How surreal is it when you see them in your town? Very. I thought they only went were CNN went.
Salvation Army - Yep, they are here, too - and not to peddle gently used goods. They are giving hot meals away to people who CANNOT find and prepare their own food. It's serious.
Access - This is what you must obtain to reach certain locations in the region. You don't "have" access...you "get" it from someone else. Tourists, locals, and even National Guarders have been denied access from time to time for a variety of reasons. The only thing that stops the Guard, though, is geography. The new inlets on Hatteras Island make road travel tricky...
Flotsam - flotsam is basically floating trash. Bottles, driftwood, plastic parts...this storm has turned jetski's, cars, vinyl siding, cypress trees, pound nets, pumpkins, and piers into flotsam.
In the past 48 hours, I have heard that people lost their: Trees, pets, power, internet, crops, hats, telephone, boats.
Too many people are solving these problems in the next 48 hours: Where will our family sleep tonight? What time is the Salvation Army serving meals? When is the tide going to wash out? Do I have flood insurance? Where do I put my old carpet and furniture?
In the next 48 days, folks in Columbia all be cleaning out, hunkering down, and looking up...come help.
Enjoy the day...
August 26, 2011
Here she comes....
Irene is on her way...I captured the outer bands of the storm this morning...but excuse the condensation, because the tropical humidity is already THICK.
The beach evacuation traffic has been tremendous, which is a good sign. The beach is expecting a 10-11 foot storm surge with waves...it's going to wash away some things. Let's hope it doesn't, though. There will be some incredible dune erosion, too. Crab boats and duck blinds need to be self-righting.
Everything will pass through tomorrow. This thing is serious for people in flood prone and open spaces. Do yourself a favor and evacuate is possible...
Do it today...
August 25, 2011
College Football Preview Part 2
As promised, I will now attempt to offer my prognostications on two of the most enigmatic college football teams in America...also, the Eastern 4-H Center will be closed at noon tomorrow and will remain closed until Monday at the earliest, in lieu of Hurricane Irene.
Last year, Coach Tom seemed to capitalize on a down ACC and pull together a winning season and a bowl win over West Virginia. This year, Former QB Russell Wilson is now playing for the Wisconsin Badgers...so the loss at quarterback is tremendous. The absence of some defensive stars, especially Nate Irving, will be felt early and often, too. However, there is some promise on the offensive side of the football with Mike Glennon, a monster of a man, taking the snaps. He'll be handing the ball off to Mustafa Greene, who was one of the highest rated tailbacks to ever agree to a scholarship at NC State. Also, NFL prospect George Bryan is a phenomenal Tight End that could provide another point of attack for defenses to fret over. Defensively, though, this team has some holes. The defense is built on speed and will require lots of pressure from the linebackers to hurry an opposing team's quarterback into making errors against NC State's very average secondary. JR Sweezy is the defensive line anchor, and he'll help to bulldoze the way for blitzing linebackers. NC State could start of at 6-0, but I expect 5-1 as a loss to Georgia Tech seems predictable. And nope, NC State will not be the Tar Heels. I look for a 7-5 season from the pack.
Auburn, on the other hand is replacing roughly 80% of it's starters, including punters and kickers. The spring and early fall camps focused on naming a starting quarterback to replace Cam Newton, who is now taking his licks in the NFL. Barrett Trotter has been named the starter, but is backed up by a very capable Clint Moseley, and a highly touted freshman named Kiehl Frazier who looks the part of Cam Newton. Auburn also replaces several NFL'ers on the Offensive Line and must replace several great receivers, namely Darvin Adams. Still, the backfield will host Mike Dyer and Onterrio McCalebb as it's tailbacks...a tremendous combination of Thunder and Lightning, respectively. Despite Cam Newton's All-World numbers, Dyer quietly racked up 1000 yards rushing...as a freshman...in the SEC. McCalebb, the speedster also racked up nearly 800 yards while touching the ball as few as 10 times per game. Both can change the score and the game very quickly. Auburn's receiving corp will be led by Phillip Lutzenkirchen at tight end and Emory Blake in the slot. Lutzenkirchen is reported to have the best hands on the team, and approximately 1/3 of his receptions terminate in the end zone. Blake is a possession type receiver, but can stretch the field fast. Quin Carr and Deangelo Benton are upper classmen that need to catch lots of balls this year, too.
Defensively, the Tigers lost lots of leadership after winning the BCS National Championship last year. But there is still a tremendous amount of talent, speed, and size on the defensive side of the football. Nosa Eguae is a star-in-waiting and is considered the leader on defense. The linebacking crew is almost a total over-haul, but the middle 3 will need Eltoro Freeman to be a leader on defense. The Secondary looks to be fast and talented, yet inexperienced. I look for Erique Florence to have a solid freshman campaign in the defensive back 4.
I look for Auburn to go 9-3 with losses to South Carolina, LSU, and Arkansas...they're all road games in tough stadiums. Auburn gets Bama in Jordan-Hare this year, and thus, a second consecutive Iron Bowl championship. Auburn will go to the Cotton Bowl, where they'll most likely beat Nebraska 42-31.
There you have it...an unbiased and very realistic approach to collegiate football predictions...now I go have another glass of Navy and Orange Kool-Aid...
For those living here on the coast...if you can evacuate, do so. Living without power and running water is called "surviving." After three days it gets tougher. If you are a visitor to this area, GET OUT NOW. For those staying, hide good in sturdy rooms. Use ground anchors on boats and cars. Do not use them on children...
Enjoy the day.
Last year, Coach Tom seemed to capitalize on a down ACC and pull together a winning season and a bowl win over West Virginia. This year, Former QB Russell Wilson is now playing for the Wisconsin Badgers...so the loss at quarterback is tremendous. The absence of some defensive stars, especially Nate Irving, will be felt early and often, too. However, there is some promise on the offensive side of the football with Mike Glennon, a monster of a man, taking the snaps. He'll be handing the ball off to Mustafa Greene, who was one of the highest rated tailbacks to ever agree to a scholarship at NC State. Also, NFL prospect George Bryan is a phenomenal Tight End that could provide another point of attack for defenses to fret over. Defensively, though, this team has some holes. The defense is built on speed and will require lots of pressure from the linebackers to hurry an opposing team's quarterback into making errors against NC State's very average secondary. JR Sweezy is the defensive line anchor, and he'll help to bulldoze the way for blitzing linebackers. NC State could start of at 6-0, but I expect 5-1 as a loss to Georgia Tech seems predictable. And nope, NC State will not be the Tar Heels. I look for a 7-5 season from the pack.
Auburn, on the other hand is replacing roughly 80% of it's starters, including punters and kickers. The spring and early fall camps focused on naming a starting quarterback to replace Cam Newton, who is now taking his licks in the NFL. Barrett Trotter has been named the starter, but is backed up by a very capable Clint Moseley, and a highly touted freshman named Kiehl Frazier who looks the part of Cam Newton. Auburn also replaces several NFL'ers on the Offensive Line and must replace several great receivers, namely Darvin Adams. Still, the backfield will host Mike Dyer and Onterrio McCalebb as it's tailbacks...a tremendous combination of Thunder and Lightning, respectively. Despite Cam Newton's All-World numbers, Dyer quietly racked up 1000 yards rushing...as a freshman...in the SEC. McCalebb, the speedster also racked up nearly 800 yards while touching the ball as few as 10 times per game. Both can change the score and the game very quickly. Auburn's receiving corp will be led by Phillip Lutzenkirchen at tight end and Emory Blake in the slot. Lutzenkirchen is reported to have the best hands on the team, and approximately 1/3 of his receptions terminate in the end zone. Blake is a possession type receiver, but can stretch the field fast. Quin Carr and Deangelo Benton are upper classmen that need to catch lots of balls this year, too.
Defensively, the Tigers lost lots of leadership after winning the BCS National Championship last year. But there is still a tremendous amount of talent, speed, and size on the defensive side of the football. Nosa Eguae is a star-in-waiting and is considered the leader on defense. The linebacking crew is almost a total over-haul, but the middle 3 will need Eltoro Freeman to be a leader on defense. The Secondary looks to be fast and talented, yet inexperienced. I look for Erique Florence to have a solid freshman campaign in the defensive back 4.
I look for Auburn to go 9-3 with losses to South Carolina, LSU, and Arkansas...they're all road games in tough stadiums. Auburn gets Bama in Jordan-Hare this year, and thus, a second consecutive Iron Bowl championship. Auburn will go to the Cotton Bowl, where they'll most likely beat Nebraska 42-31.
There you have it...an unbiased and very realistic approach to collegiate football predictions...now I go have another glass of Navy and Orange Kool-Aid...
For those living here on the coast...if you can evacuate, do so. Living without power and running water is called "surviving." After three days it gets tougher. If you are a visitor to this area, GET OUT NOW. For those staying, hide good in sturdy rooms. Use ground anchors on boats and cars. Do not use them on children...
Enjoy the day.
August 24, 2011
College Football Preview
For the past several years, I have published my very own College Football outlook - I was 100% successful in picking the BCS National Champions - my very own Auburn Tigers! So I have to pick someone else, as Auburn would never, ever dare winning to in a row for me! I'll give the major three in this state a preview, attempt to crown an ACC Champion, preview Auburn, then the BCS National Championship team...
First - East Carolina...Everyone's favorite proverbial little brother has scrapped it's "traditional" offensive attack in favor of a spread attack that is fairly common in high schools and gaining favor in colleges. Dayon Arrington, one of the most underrated receivers in America can change a game at anytime, but is also great as a possession receiver. He runs good routes and has capable hands...and they'll be needed when QB Dominique Davis takes the field. The offense should be able to score with any of it's C-USA opponents, BUT...the defense was putrid last year. Navy could have made it to three digits on the scoreboard last year...the once gritty, physical defense has been replaced by, well I'm not sure. Coach McNeill was the Defensive Coordinator at a school where a good offense was the best defense. The Pirate defense can muster up big plays, but can also give up lots of big plays. For this team to be successful on defense, they'll have to force a lot of turnovers...Still, I imagine that with a good schedule and some lucky breaks, this team could win the East Division of C-USA...a 7-5 record is my prediction, but Game 1 against South Carolina in Charlotte will helped to paint a better picture of what this team is capable and incapable of...
UNC - After firing Butch Davis only weeks ago, the popular opinion is that this season will be in the tank. I tend to agree, but there have been many teams throughout history who were able to capitalize on the "underdog" role...and last year's team did much better than expected after it's tumultuous beginnineg. This year, Bryn Renner steps in to replace the consistent, yet oft-time maligned TJ Yates at quarterback...he could bring two dimensions to the position and lighten the load on the hulking 250 pound running back Ryan Houston. Houston is a marvel in short yardage, but is he durable enough to go the distance. The defense has a lot of speed in the backfield, but the true star might be Quinton Coples at end. There is a lot of speed on this side of the ball, and it's very similar to an SEC style defense...however the offense will have it's growing pains. I look for an 8-4 record...the ACC is just not very strong and home field advantages in most stadiums make road games less-daunting.
Tomorrow, expect t hear about NC State and Auburn!
Enjoy the day...
First - East Carolina...Everyone's favorite proverbial little brother has scrapped it's "traditional" offensive attack in favor of a spread attack that is fairly common in high schools and gaining favor in colleges. Dayon Arrington, one of the most underrated receivers in America can change a game at anytime, but is also great as a possession receiver. He runs good routes and has capable hands...and they'll be needed when QB Dominique Davis takes the field. The offense should be able to score with any of it's C-USA opponents, BUT...the defense was putrid last year. Navy could have made it to three digits on the scoreboard last year...the once gritty, physical defense has been replaced by, well I'm not sure. Coach McNeill was the Defensive Coordinator at a school where a good offense was the best defense. The Pirate defense can muster up big plays, but can also give up lots of big plays. For this team to be successful on defense, they'll have to force a lot of turnovers...Still, I imagine that with a good schedule and some lucky breaks, this team could win the East Division of C-USA...a 7-5 record is my prediction, but Game 1 against South Carolina in Charlotte will helped to paint a better picture of what this team is capable and incapable of...
UNC - After firing Butch Davis only weeks ago, the popular opinion is that this season will be in the tank. I tend to agree, but there have been many teams throughout history who were able to capitalize on the "underdog" role...and last year's team did much better than expected after it's tumultuous beginnineg. This year, Bryn Renner steps in to replace the consistent, yet oft-time maligned TJ Yates at quarterback...he could bring two dimensions to the position and lighten the load on the hulking 250 pound running back Ryan Houston. Houston is a marvel in short yardage, but is he durable enough to go the distance. The defense has a lot of speed in the backfield, but the true star might be Quinton Coples at end. There is a lot of speed on this side of the ball, and it's very similar to an SEC style defense...however the offense will have it's growing pains. I look for an 8-4 record...the ACC is just not very strong and home field advantages in most stadiums make road games less-daunting.
Tomorrow, expect t hear about NC State and Auburn!
Enjoy the day...
August 23, 2011
Hurricane Irene
Like it or now, it looks like Hurricane Irene is on her way to the North Carolina Coast. Meteorologists, TV Anchors, Neighbors, and Strangers all have their own predictions of what the the storm will hit and just how hard the hitting will be. Meanwhile, I'll take steps to protect my place and stuff. I'm pretty sure that today might be the best day to go ahead and gas the tanks, bake the bread, desalinize the water, and, well...yeah.
Unfortunately, some North Carolinians could stand to have their homes inundated twice in the past 300 days, dating back to last October when Tropical Storm Nicole bilged it's clouds into the low streets of Creswell and Columbia. Driving around in it's aftermath, it was comforting to see levels below doorways, but sump-pumping had to be enacted to empty out the crawl spaces. Hopefully, there's enough time and dire warning for folks to clean out the gutters, the crawl space, and even some lower level living spaces. Right here on Bulls Bay, the high ground as many call it, things should get a good soaking than a good lashing, should the storm follow it's anticipated path. Since the Sound is connected to the Atlantic, the storm is expected to push lots of water inland. I'm sure the rivers and streams and sound will rise a day or so before the storm, yet the wetlands, swamps, and marshes should act as sponges to save lots of low-lying coastal burgs...finally, a good use for wetlands. HA!
Also, I am well on my way to knocking out some items on my bucket list...for those that don't understand the term "Bucket List", it's basically a list of things you hope to accomplish in a certain amount of time, which is generally your life span. Nevertheless, a passport is on mine, and should be checked off very soon. I'm not sure why I haven't had this done already. Sure Alabama might as well be a foreign country, but it's not so there was no need to have a passport to visit neighboring states! Either way, I should be able to travel abroad as soon as I provide a horrible, poorly-lit picture, the details of my parent's birth sites, and my physical description. I look forward to stamping the passport with: Canada(!), England, Scotland, Argentina, South Africa, and Switzerland in the coming twenty years. Other bucket list items include strange foods, tough challenges, and famous handshakes. Should they occur throughout the tenure of this blog, they'll be posted.
So, for those of you in the Carolina coast country - heed the warnings, hope for the best, and help your neighbors...
Enjoy the day...
Unfortunately, some North Carolinians could stand to have their homes inundated twice in the past 300 days, dating back to last October when Tropical Storm Nicole bilged it's clouds into the low streets of Creswell and Columbia. Driving around in it's aftermath, it was comforting to see levels below doorways, but sump-pumping had to be enacted to empty out the crawl spaces. Hopefully, there's enough time and dire warning for folks to clean out the gutters, the crawl space, and even some lower level living spaces. Right here on Bulls Bay, the high ground as many call it, things should get a good soaking than a good lashing, should the storm follow it's anticipated path. Since the Sound is connected to the Atlantic, the storm is expected to push lots of water inland. I'm sure the rivers and streams and sound will rise a day or so before the storm, yet the wetlands, swamps, and marshes should act as sponges to save lots of low-lying coastal burgs...finally, a good use for wetlands. HA!
Also, I am well on my way to knocking out some items on my bucket list...for those that don't understand the term "Bucket List", it's basically a list of things you hope to accomplish in a certain amount of time, which is generally your life span. Nevertheless, a passport is on mine, and should be checked off very soon. I'm not sure why I haven't had this done already. Sure Alabama might as well be a foreign country, but it's not so there was no need to have a passport to visit neighboring states! Either way, I should be able to travel abroad as soon as I provide a horrible, poorly-lit picture, the details of my parent's birth sites, and my physical description. I look forward to stamping the passport with: Canada(!), England, Scotland, Argentina, South Africa, and Switzerland in the coming twenty years. Other bucket list items include strange foods, tough challenges, and famous handshakes. Should they occur throughout the tenure of this blog, they'll be posted.
So, for those of you in the Carolina coast country - heed the warnings, hope for the best, and help your neighbors...
Enjoy the day...
August 22, 2011
Back at it...
Summer Camp has now come and gone...and it was fairly fantastic. This year's staff was one for the record books, to put it lightly. Considered a re-loading year after a mass exodus in 2010 (on account of graduations), the 2011 staff put on a clinic! I hope that many of them return for even greater success next season. Next season will be important - we will go through our ACA accreditation next summer, which is no sweat for us, as last time we passed all applicable standards. Woo Hoo. We had nine weeks of camp this year, down a week from last year, but we hosted lots of full to nearly-full weeks of camp.Other highlights included Ohio State University's Cuyahoga County Youth Ambassadors retreat and the return of the Tyrrell County 4-H Day Camp. Takeoff 4-Health Camp, our healthy weight camp, saw great camper success, too. Canvasback was a hit with guests such as the Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild, Allen Bliven of Allen Bliven Calls, Rig'em Right Waterfowl, and Noah's Ark Waterfowl. I have seen lots of those birds that were carved at some of the neighbors homes! A couple of campers have even started carving in wood and cork! Sailing camp was another tremendous hit with Captain Roger Morgan leading the way once again! And last, but certainly not least, 4-H Camp was as strong as ever...and looking to grow to another additional week next year. Our recipe for success? Safe programs, strong programs, and organized programs...it is easy for us to understand and implement - and our tradition is slowly building!
In unrelated, but relevant news, Hurricane Irene appears to be making a run at the coast. Of Florida. Or anywhere between there and New Jersey. Either way, the fickle nature of these storms makes me, and lots of others very nervous...one just cannot plan enough to get the right supplies and equipment. Still, the time to plan is now. You can revisit my older posts to learn about storm preparedness and how to make Survival Paste out of Bottles Water, Milk, Bread, and Eggs.
The Migratory Bird season is also inching closer...Eastern sportsmen and women should begin to gather duck stamps, licenses, and HIP permits, so that everyone is a legal eagle. Also, consider moving to steel shot for Mourning Doves - as it is much more eco-friendly!
Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to get back in to regular blogging. This upcoming weekend will have upwards of 300 people on site...so we'll be slammed with families and friends!
Enjoy the day!
In unrelated, but relevant news, Hurricane Irene appears to be making a run at the coast. Of Florida. Or anywhere between there and New Jersey. Either way, the fickle nature of these storms makes me, and lots of others very nervous...one just cannot plan enough to get the right supplies and equipment. Still, the time to plan is now. You can revisit my older posts to learn about storm preparedness and how to make Survival Paste out of Bottles Water, Milk, Bread, and Eggs.
The Migratory Bird season is also inching closer...Eastern sportsmen and women should begin to gather duck stamps, licenses, and HIP permits, so that everyone is a legal eagle. Also, consider moving to steel shot for Mourning Doves - as it is much more eco-friendly!
Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to get back in to regular blogging. This upcoming weekend will have upwards of 300 people on site...so we'll be slammed with families and friends!
Enjoy the day!
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