End of January...

The final week of January is upon us and so begins the exodus of sportsmen who seek the inner banks of North Carolina as their winter hideaway. As soon as the summer ends and fall begins, the quaint hotels and bed & breakfasts are charged with birders, hunters, fishers, and even surfers. Now that the weather and water is to cold for the surfers, they head back to the big city. The expiration or hunting season sends all of the brave bear hunters, hardy waterfowlers, and seasoned deer hunters back to their respective burgs outside of our little slice of heaven. Farmers are beginning to warm up the tractors, and with the spring rains comes the spring planting season. This time of year, Tyrrell County entertains few visitors, but most notably the Tundra Swan. For those of you who have never seen a wild swan - it is a sight to behold. The bird is the size of an average 9 year old and twice as raucous! Here at the Center, we are enjoying a peaceful stretch this last week, but will kick-off as soon as February appears on our desktop calendars. On February 3, we will be hosting a blood drive for the American Red Cross...please donate blood! While many are skittish around needles (like me), the demand for stocked blood banks is high. There are many wonderful ways to help save a life, and giving blood is one of those...some come by, give blood, have refreshments (try Ms. Mittie's pimento cheese!), and feel good about what you do!