Captain Marvin Wyche Howard

I suppose nearly everyone has a favorite uncle...that special person who treats you kindly, smiles easily, teaches you how to tie knots, or helps you over rough spots in childhood. Marvin Howard, my father's oldest brother, was that uncle for me.

Uncle Marvin was more. He excelled in his profession (he was once described as the "best dredge operator in America"), loved Ocracoke, was an accomplished equestrian, gave many hours of volunteer service to his community, and organized Ocracoke's outstanding mounted Boy Scout troop.

For several years I have wanted to honor Uncle Marvin with an article about his life and accomplishments. This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to Captain Marvin Wyche Howard, and his Life Well Lived. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052113.htm.

Oxalis

A small clump of Oxalis plants with pink flowers has been growing in my yard for several years. I did not plant them, but they are thriving. Every morning I look out to see them blooming cheerfully (or so it seems).

Oxalis

In the evening the flowers close up and the plants hang their heads to sleep. It is a delightful cycle that makes me wonder: why do some flowers "sleep" at night? Maybe some of our readers know.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

Mid-70s

Spring has arrived...in many ways. The temperature has finally reached the mid-70s, and visitors are returning. Boats are venturing out into the sound in pursuit of fish, bicyclists are exploring the village, walkers are enjoying the beauty of Howard Street, and sunbathers are lining the beach. A few braver souls are even frolicking in the ocean.

This morning the Friends of Portsmouth Island will be meeting and listening to a presentation by Dr. Stan Riggs. After lunch many of them will be taking a boat ride to Portsmouth. I may be among them. And I believe the weather will be perfect.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

Bowline

My blog post of a couple of days ago (about an eye splice) has prompted me to mention the bowline today. The bowline is one of the most versatile of knots -- easy to tie, very secure...and easy to untie.

A Loosely Tied Bowline

To tie a bowline, use the working end (the "active" end of the line) to make a loop (landlubbers can think of this as a rabbit hole). Bring the working end (let's now call that the rabbit) out of his hole, around the back of the standing end (the longer section of the line; we'll call that the tree), and back down the rabbit hole.

Capt. Rob says he can tell you are a seasoned sailor if you can tie a bowline without moving your lips!

The bowline is a great knot to know. It can be used in so many ways. Go ahead...try it.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

Diastematic

I have a habit of leaving my ball cap at neighbors' houses, on chairs at community meetings, in friends' cars. But the cap is distinctive, so folks usually know to bring it back to me.

If you click on the photo to see a larger image you can read the word on the cap. It says "diastematic" but the middle "e" is intentionally faded.

For our readers who may be like my spell checker, and don't know the definition of diastematic, it means "having a space between one's teeth." From the photo you can understand why this is my favorite cap. If you see it lying about somewhere, you now know to return it to me.

And, if you want one for yourself or a gap-toothed friend, you can purchase one here:  http://www.cafepress.com/+black_cap,3673797. (I have no financial interest in the sale of these caps, by the way.)

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

A Not-Quite-Forgotten Skill

When I was a teenager my father taught me how to splice rope. I don't use this skill often, but every now and again it comes in handy. A few days ago I needed to replace several dock lines for my boat. One of them needed a brass hook attached to the end. I needed to put an eye splice in the line.

Eye Splice

 I haven't taught Lachlan how to splice yet, but he can tie a bowline (with a little help sometimes!).

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

Spider

I am not arachnophobic, but I'm not a big fan of spiders either. A few days ago Lachlan was sliding down my porch banister...numerous times, as he often does. Amy and I were sitting in rockers catching up on the day's news, when Lachlan said, "I think that's a black widow spider."

On his next slide down the banister he repeated, "I think that's a black widow spider."

On his third slide (and third pronouncement) I got up to take a look.

The spider was tiny, but I could clearly see the red spot on its back. The spider was busily working on a small web at the intersection of the banister and the porch railing. I captured him (or her) in a jar, and took a look through a magnifying glass. The spider is small, and the glass jar is thick and irregular, but I'm sure it's a black widow. Unfortunately I can't get a good photo, but I found this one on Wikipedia by "Trachemys":

 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Trachemys

Now I'm wondering what I might find if I haul out the old windows under my house...or even the lawn mower or power washer!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.