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Fireworks? Just Say No!
IT IS ILLEGAL TO POSSESS, TRANSPORT, RECEIVE, ADVERTISE, USE, MANUFACTURE, PURCHASE, SELL, DISCHARGE (OR CAUSE TO BE DISCHARGED) ANY PYROTECHNICS ON OCRACOKE ISLAND OR THE CAPE HATTERAS NATIONAL SEASHORE.
Back in 2002, visitors staying in a rental cottage discharged a pyrotechnic on a windy day. The conditions had been dry for a while due to lack of rain. The visitors aimed the device out over the water but the wind blew it back onto the shore into a large marsh area next to the rental house sparking a fire that very nearly took out several homes (rental houses and private homes). A large area of marsh was destroyed and took quite some time to recover. If you look in the right places you can still see evidence of that disaster to this day. Luckily, our fantastic volunteer fire department, along with many, many other residents who came to assist, was able to keep the fire from jumping the road to cause more (costly) damage. This was quite a challenge because not only were they fighting the fire...they were also fighting very strong winds. If this had happened late at night it could have been absolutely devastating.
It was a very scary day and there was much relief once the fire was out. There was also a lot of anger. It only takes a little common sense to know that you don't discharge pyrotechnics into a strong wind during a dry season. Soon after this incident an ordinance was passed banning all pyrotechnics on Ocracoke Island, including sparklers.
Why do I keep using the term pyrotechnics? Because it covers the wide range of devices included in that category...fireworks, bottle rockets, sparklers and any other type of explosives which are used for exhibitions or amusement purposes.
You will see signs all over Ocracoke and on every beach entry ramp reminding you that pyrotechnics are illegal. The close proximity of most of the homes and businesses here, the high percentage of exterior wood or wood based siding, decks, porches and patios; along with the denseness and nearness of underbrush and other vegetation, the constancy of wind and the aridness of the climate make it extremely dangerous to shoot flaming objects into the air.
Please don't think that no one will report you if decide to break this law. This is a very serious issue on Ocracoke and the entire Outer Banks. The ordinance states as follows:
A. Criminal Penalty: Any person violating this ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days or both. Each day's violation is treated as a separate offense.
B. Civil Penalty: Any person who is found in violation of this ordinance shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $500 as provided in G.S. 153-A-123. Each day's violation shall be treated as a separate offense.
And don't forget that all pyrotechnics are illegal everywhere on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Violations on the Seashore are federal offenses and can result in a fine of $175 and/or a possible mandatory appearance in Federal Court.
All pyrotechnics are illegal on Hatteras Island and in Nag's Head. There have been incidences in those areas that have resulted in house, yard and marsh fires. Beaches in those areas are also a part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Finally...I just want to remind everyone one more time that ALL PYROTECHNICS, INCLUDING SPARKLERS, ARE ILLEGAL ON THE ENTIRE OUTER BANKS!! Don't take the chance! A single spark can cause a lot of heartache for a lot of people!
For your enjoyment...several areas along the Outer Banks, including Ocracoke Island, will have professional firework displays on the 4th of July...so gather with the family and friends, find a spot right for viewing and enjoy the show!
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!
July 4th On Ocracoke
July 4th is fast approaching and it is always a celebration on Ocracoke! There are many fun and interesting things to see and do from morning till night. It is always a little crazy here on July 4th but when it falls on a turnover day (Saturday or Sunday) it is a special challenge. Visitors who are at the end of their vacation are reluctant to leave and visitors who are just arriving are anxious to get started. If you are arriving or departing on July 4th please bear with us. The houses still have to be cleaned and maintenance performed. Getting you into your vacation home as quickly as possible is always our goal but especially on July 4th because the sooner we get your house ready for you...the sooner we can go out and enjoy the day too!
If you are arriving (or already here) on July 4th there are many things you can do until your vacation home is ready for you. Stop by our office, or most any business on the island, and pick up the agenda for the day and a walking tour map and just have fun!
Here is the schedule for this year's Fourth Of July Celebration:
9:00 AM---FLAG RAISING CEREMONY---School Road, School Circle
Ocracoke Boy Scouts
9:30 AM till Noon---33rd ANNUAL SAND SCULPTURE CONTEST---NPS "Life Guard Beach"
10:00 AM till Noon---OCRACOKE PONIES---behind Ocracoke Preservation Museum
National Park Service
10:00 AM till 2:00 PM---CLASSIC CARS---Lawn at Pony Island Motel pool area
Sponsored by Jimmy Jackson
10:00 AM till 2:00 PM---OCRACOKE LIGHTHOUSE-11TH YEAR---Open for Public Viewing
Your Guides--Chester Lynn & Dale Mutro
(walking suggested, very limited parking)
10:00 AM till 10:30 AM---THE HERD SKY DIVING TEAM---Pony Island Motel lawn
(time may vary due to weather conditions)
3:00 PM---OLD TIME OCRACOKE PARADE---must pre-register by 6:00 PM, July 2
Forms available at the Post Office or Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum
CALL 252-928-6622 FOR MORE INFORMATION
Parade Route---Line up on Hwy 12-beginning just past "Jimmy's Seafood Buffet", follow Hwy 12, left onto
Lighthouse Road, right onto Creek Road, right onto Silver Lake Drive, follow road around Silver Lake Harbor
to the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum.
Entertainment and awards will follow parade.
JUDGING WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ISLAND INN BALCONY
AT PARADE'S END---NPS PARKING LOT---National Anthem, Entertainment, Awards for parade entrants
Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum
9:00 PM---FIREWORKS
NCCAT CAMPUS---(OLD COAST GUARD STATION)
(WALKING IS SUGGESTED---THE LARGE NPS PARKING AREA WILL BE BLOCKED OFF)
RAIN DATE---JULY 5TH
Ocracoke Ferry Schedule Returns to Normal Summer Schedule
June 25, 2009
UPDATE:
FERRY RUNS AT SWAN QUARTER,
The ferry runs between Cedar Island-Ocracoke and Swan Quarter-Ocracoke will return to the normal Summer schedule effective Friday, June 26.
The U.S. Coast Guard has cleared the repaired vessel for service. Assistant Ferry Director Don Chapman praised the maintenance staff for getting the vessel back up and running quickly after it experienced damage to one of its main engines.
For a complete schedule of departure times visit the Ocracoke Ferry Division website or call
800-By-Ferry (1-800-293-3779).
Enjoy your stay on Ocracoke. Don't forget to make an advance Ferry Reservation on your trip between Ocracoke and Cedar Island or Swan Quarter!
IMPORTANT: SEVERAL RUNS SUSPENDED AT SWAN QUARTER, CEDAR ISLAND AND OCRACOKE FERRY ROUTES!!!!
JUNE 22, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
IMPORTANT: SEVERAL RUNS SUSPENDED AT SWAN QUARTER, CEDAR ISLAND AND OCRACOKE FERRY ROUTES...Motor Vessel Carteret experiencing mechanical difficulties.
MANNS HARBOR--The North Carolina Department of Transportation's Ferry Division today announced that several runs at the Swan Quarter-Ocracoke and Cedar Island-Ocracoke routes will be suspended until at least June 29, while mechanics work to fix problems on the Motor Vessel Carteret.
The following runs have been suspended:
The 7 a.m. run from Ocracoke to Swan Quarter; The 10 a.m. run from Swan Quarter to Ocracoke; The 2 p.m. run from Ocracoke to Cedar Island; and the 5 p.m. run from Cedar Island to Ocracoke.
The following runs will continue as scheduled:
The 7:30 a.m. runs from both Ocracoke and Cedar Island; The 10:30 a.m. runs from both Ocracoke and Cedar Island; The 1 p.m. run from Ocracoke to Swan Quarter: The 2 p.m. run from Cedar Island to Ocracoke; The 5 p.m. run from Ocracoke to Cedar Island; and The 5 p.m. run from Swan Quarter to Ocracoke.
A return to the normal year-round schedule will occur as soon as the MV Carteret is fixed and running safely. Travelers with reservations for any of these runs during this week should call the reservations center at 1-800-BY-FERRY to make alternative arrangements.
***NCDOT***
Ocracoke High School Class Of 2009
Well, it's official. The Ocracoke High School Class Of 2009 has graduated and they are one happy bunch!
Graduation was held Sunday, June 14, 2009, in the Ocracoke School Gym. The gym was filled with family and friends all eager to watch these wonderful young people receive their diplomas and prepare to move on to the next steps in their lives. The graduates were beginning to realize that the end of 14 years of school was finally here. Family and friends from far and wide had come to witness this wonderful event. I had a brother and 2 of his young sons come all the way from Albuquerque, New Mexico. And the real kicker is that we had never met them before. He and I have the same father and different mothers. That was a real treat! I wish we had been able to spend more time together but the time we did spend was great and I am sure we will be seeing each other again really soon!
Mothers of the graduates planned ahead to shed plenty of (happy) tears but I think we all did pretty good! No one used more than one package of tissues. The ceremony actually went pretty quick. I think it was planned that way so that we wouldn't have a chance to cry too much. The Valedictorian (Michelle Cartwright) and Salutatorian (Tristan Bennink) gave very nice speeches and so did the guest speaker, Marissa O'Neal Gross. I think we cried more at the assembly on the last day of school when a couple of the high school teachers got teary talking about the senior class.
Pre-K
Sandy & Rebecca-middle of back row. Tristan-middle of front row. Rebecca, Tristan & Sandy-Seniors
Three of the graduates...Sandy, Rebecca and Tristan...have been together since daycare. Through the years some classmates have moved away and others have joined them. Emma would have graduated with the class of 2008 but she spent a year in Denmark as an exchange student and joined this years seniors when she returned to Ocracoke. Three of the graduates...Sandy, Ansley and Dellanira...are the offspring of Ocracoke Island Realty employees.
Sandy, Rebecca, Dellanira
Sandy, Rebecca and Dellanira...also known as "The Three Amigas" have been friends "forever"! Sandy & Rebecca have been friends since they were babies and Dellanira joined the crew somewhere during middle school. Usually when you see one of them, you also see one or both of the others. I can't imagine how many text messages they have sent through the years. We are proud of all three of these beautiful young women but especially proud of Dellanira. Near the end of her Sophomore year, Dellanira gave birth to a handsome baby boy, Nathen. She was determined to finish school and continue playing basketball for the Ocracoke Dolphins if possible. Her family, friends and teachers were determined to help her do just that. She continued to play basketball for the Dolphins and she continued going to school. Now she is a high school graduate. Her son, Nathen, is a wonderful child. He is happy, healthy and everybody loves him wherever he goes. Rebecca's mom and myself consider him our grandbaby as much as Dellanira's mom does. My daughter has recorded his hearty laugh and uses it as a ring tone for her cell phone. He always inspires smiles and he is a smart, loving child. Any parent knows that it isn't easy raising children but Dellanira has done a fantastic job raising a wonderful child. Kudos, Dellanira!! Keep that determination and hold onto those great friends! Keep up the good work with Nathen so he can grow up to be as great as you are!!
Dellanira & Nathen
Dellanira & Nathen
The Class of 2009 is a very diverse group. More than one teacher said that there are nine different students and nine different opinions in this class. They also agreed that before starting class they would ask the students what was on their minds because if they didn't let them clear the air they wouldn't be able to get anything else accomplished. My daughter would talk to me about the graduation planning now and then and they seemed to take forever to finalize anything because they all wanted something different. I don't think they argued too much about things but they did a lot of discussing. We are all very, very proud of the graduating Class of 2009 and wish them well in all they do!
And now...I present to you the Ocracoke High School Class of 2009:
Sandra Marie Lukefahr
Daughter of Jerry & Terry (OIR Maintenance Coordinator).
Sandy has been working at Ocracoke Child Care for over a year now. Full time in the summer and part time during the school year. She really enjoys working at the day care and plans to continue working full time for another year or two (or until Nathen starts school). She will take online classes offered by the day care and save as much money as she can. After that...who knows!
I LOVE YOU, SANDY!!
Ansley Richard Robinson
Son of Doreen (OIR Vacation Specialist) and Scotty
Ansley is an avid hunter and fisherman. He plans to continue these activities for as long as possible and to do them as often as possible. He will also continue to be a role model for his younger brother, Eldon, and make his family very proud!
LOVE YOU, ANS!!
Dellanira Gonzalez Romero
Daughter of Margarita Gonzalez (OIR Housekeeping Field Supervisor) and Rene Flores (OIR Beach Outfitters Specialist & Maintenance Tech)
Dellanira plans to continue working hard and raise her son, Nathen. She hopes to do some traveling, including going to Mexico to see family and have them meet Nathen. She also wants to try to save money until she decides what to do in the future.
I LOVE YOU, DELLANIRA!!
Tristan Harm Bennink
Son of Howard and Daphne. (Howard is a teacher at Ocracoke School. He and Daphne own the Back Porch Restaurant)
Tristan is the Salutatorian for the Class of 2009. He is an avid surfer, basketball player and musician. A few years ago Tristan wrote a song called "Eating Chicken" and it continues to be popular at the school to this day. He will be attending UNC at Wilmington in the fall.
LOVE YOU, TRISTAN!!
Rebecca Erin Jones
Daughter of Rick and Mandy. (Rick is in construction and Mandy works at the Variety Store)
Rebecca (Becca) has also worked at Ocracoke Child Care during the summer last year and again this year. She plans to continue to work at day care so she can save money to travel. She also plans to turn the world around with her smile.
I LOVE YOU, BECCA!!
Emma Ocie Frum Lovejoy
Daughter of David Frum and Karen Lovejoy. (David works for the Ocracoke Sanitary District and the Park Service. Karen is very active with the island youth and is involved with the Ocracoke Youth Center)
Emma was home schooled until she started high school. She then attended Ocracoke School except for last year when she traveled to Denmark as an exchange student. She continues to be active in many community activities. She will be attending Guilford College in Greensboro, NC this fall. She is interested in Peace and Conflict Studies and International Studies. She would like to study abroad again and travel more in the future.
LOVE YOU, EMMA!!
Michelle Dawn Cartwright
Daughter of Ingeborg Frye and John Cartwright. (Ingeborg works at the Ocracoke School Library)
Michelle is the Valedictorian of the Class of 2009. Michelle plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall. She may possibly major in education and science.
LOVE YOU, MICHELLE!!
Seth Nils Huppert
Son of Valerie and Bill Huppert
Seth plans to work this summer and save some money. He wants to attend a community college in the fall and one day own a really nice car.
LOVE YOU, SETH!!
Robert Stephen Chestnut
Son of Bob and Jane. (Bob and Jane own and operate Ride The Wind Surf Shop)
Robert is an avid photographer. He has taken hundreds of pictures...many of which have been used in local publications. He plans to attend Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC and major in photojournalism. He would like to travel the world with National Geographic or a surfing magazine (go figure!). He will continue to work summers at Ride The Wind.
LOVE YOU, ROBERT!!
CONGRATULATIONS, YOUNG WOMEN!!
CONGRATULATIONS, YOUNG MEN!!
GOOD LUCK IN ALL THAT YOU DO!!
LOOK OUT WORLD!!
Save 10% on Your Next 2009 Ocracoke Island Realty Reservation
Ocracoke Island
....more than just a beach
Photo by Ray Matthews
Those that visit on a regular basis have experienced the magic of Ocracoke Island. Whether it is the charm of village life, the natural beauty of the island, our laid back family friendly atmosphere or delicious seafood … Ocracoke keeps calling you back.
For those that have never visited our island, we invite you to explore all that Ocracoke has to offer. Stroll or bike around the village, visit our unique shops and galleries, enjoy the creations of island artists and craftsmen, savor our fresh seafood, discover Ocracoke’s rich history or simply enjoy one of our spectacular sunsets.
Ocracoke Island Realty offers the finest selection of vacation rentals on the island.
As a reader of our blog, we would like to offer a "discount opportunity" to you. Mention that you saw this offer and receive 10% off your next new 2009 full week reservation (available on select homes).
This offer applies to new reservations only, those made starting today and through June 23rd, 2009. Applies to any new 2009 full week reservation, any time of year. To take advantage of this offer, you must simply reserve and confirm your reservation by June 23rd. Offer is not available in combination with any other advertised discounts. You can preview all of our homes and availability online at
www.findocracoke.comTo take advantage of this savings, you must call us at 877-264-2224 (toll free) and mention to one of our reservation agents that you saw the "More than just a beach" special when you call. We will verify that your selected home is participating in this offer.
As captured in the above photo, Ocracoke truly is "more that just a beach." The beauty and charm of Ocracoke Village and miles of National Park Service natural areas inspire the desire to capture Ocracoke in photos.
Ocracoke Island Realty is sponsoring our Second Annual Photo Contest. We invite you to join the fun. There is no purchase or reservation required to participate in the contest. The rules are few (we prefer to keep things laid back and "easy" here on Ocracoke). To keep things fair, a) No professional photographers please and (b) the subject has to be something on Ocracoke Island. That can be people, pets, places, things, events and good times...anything. The winner will receive a free 2 night stay at The Castle Bed & Breakfast on Silver Lake.
For more information on our photo contest
Click Here. You can enter as many photos as you like.
Ocracoke School Prom 2009
Friday, May 29, was the night of the Ocracoke High School 2009 Prom. Since Ocracoke School is so small the entire high school is allowed to attend the prom...not just Juniors and Seniors. For the past few years the prom has basically consisted of the kids getting dressed up and having dinner together at a local restaurant. After that the kids kind of went out and did their own thing.
Don't get me wrong...there have been dances held in the past but the dances were just for the students and the school is so small that the kids didn't hang out there very long because they "are with the same ole people every day" or whatever their reasons were...so the prom eventually became a nice dinner that the high school got all dressed up to attend.
This year the high school students decided to raise the money, put together their own dance and invite the whole community. They had a couple of bake sales and a car wash (which was a huge success) and raised enough money to rent the Community Center and hire a DJ and a limo for the night. They worked really hard. They did all of the planning and made all of the arrangements themselves. Their parents were very proud of their efforts and their accomplishments.
Dinner was at the Back Porch Restaurant. A long, elegant table was set up for the students. The school principal and a few teachers chaperoned and sat at a table nearby. Before dinner the parents were allowed to take pictures outside. It was like a red carpet event. The guys were all handsome in their suits or dress pants and dress shirts...hair combed...cologne applied. The girls had on beautiful dresses. Their hair and makeup all done just so. They were all beautiful.
Everywhere there were cameras flashing as the attendees arrived smiling. They are alway so gracious about giving us this opportunity to take pictures of them all dressed up. The mood seemed to be happy and festive. Leslie Cole, one of the high school teachers who helps plan this event, always gets the students organized for her own picture taking. I was able to position myself nearby and got some pretty good pictures myself...after cropping out an elbow or two. It was great fun for us Moms!
After everyone had their pictures taken at least a dozen times the students and chaperon es went inside to have dinner. Once they got inside the students cast their votes for Prom King, Prom Queen, Prom Prince and Prom Princess. The winners were crowned after dinner. I understand that there were menu choices given to the students ahead of time and they had their choice of 3 (I think) different delicious entrées.
Ocracoke Island Realty is very proud to announce that three out of the four students who were crowned for the Royal Court were the offspring of Ocracoke Island Realty employees:
Prom King Robert Chestnut
Prom Queen Sandra Lukefahr (daughter of me)
Prom Prince Ansley Robinson (son of Doreen Robinson, vacation specialist)
Prom Princess Dellanira Romero (daughter of Housekeeping Field Supervisor, Margarita Gonzalez and Beach Outfitter specialist/maintenance tech, Rene Flores)
I have said before that I love to post blogs with lots of pictures and this is one of those blogs. I hope you enjoy the pictures posted below. You can see how beautiful and handsome our high school students are...especially when they get all dolled up for a party!
I hope you enjoy the pictures!
And now, I present to you...Ocracoke High School 2009 Prom:
FRESHMEN: Molly Lovejoy, Virginia Downes (daughter of OIR vacation specialist, Dee Whitehead & OIR general manager, Jack Whitehead), CJ Wynn, Cassandra Hagins, Echo Bennink & Leslie Espinoza
SOPHOMORES: Mitchell Ibarra, Maddie Payne, Joseph Chestnut, Chante Mason, Chase Garrish, Jasmine Flores (daughter of OIR housekeeping field supervisor, Margarita Gonzalez & Beach Outfitter specialist/OIR maintenance tech, Rene Flores), Mike Vankovich & Cody Smith
JUNIORS: Aaron Caswell, DJ Lukefahr (son of me), Jordan Jones & Samantha VanderMyde
SENOIRS: Emma Lovejoy, Sandra Lukefahr (daughter of me), Dellanira Romero (daughter of Margarita Gonzalez & Rene Flores), Rebecca Jones, Michelle Cartwright-Frye, Tristan Bennink, Seth Huppert, Ansley Robinson (son of OIR vacation specialist, Doreen Robinson) & Robert Chestnut
ROYAL COURT: Prince Ansley Robinson, Princess Dellanira Romero, Queen Sandra Lukefahr, King Robert Chestnut
Molly & Chase Teddy & Virginia
Cassandra & CJ Leslie & Mitchell
Joseph & Maddie Aaron & Chante
Rebecca & Jasmine Mike & Emma
Jordan & Tristan Seth & Sandra
Dellanira & Ansley Randolph & Michelle
Robert & Katelyn (daughter of OIR Echo & DJ
housekeeping supervisor, Cyndi Gaskill)
Samantha & Nick
Beautiful Young Women...Friends Forever!
Handsome Young Men With The Bling! Proud of those class rings!
A special thank you to all of my friends that provided pictures for me! And to all of the high school students who were so patient during the photo shoot! You are all WONDERFUL!
Memorial Weekend Wrap-up
The Ocracoke Volunteer Firemen's Ball was a great success! I don't have any final figures but I have heard through the grapevine that both the silent auction and the live auction raised a lot of money. The BBQ plates sold out by around 6:00 or so and they were delicious. For $10 you definitely got your money's worth with BBQ ribs, a generous portion of chopped BBQ, cole slaw, potatoes and a roll. Fine eating for sure! The Community Center was packed for the dance and live music. A great time was had by all!
All weekend there were people walking, biking, shopping, eating, cooking out...lots of smiling faces and laughter. Hopefully this is just a taste of what is to come. We are picking up lots of last minute bookings and expect to continue doing so. I think it will be a busy summer.
How could anyone not want to visit Ocracoke...great beaches, sunshine, fishing, shopping, entertainment, history, wildlife, parasailing, boating and let's not forget....great food everywhere you look. Many times I hear people say that a bad day on Ocracoke is better than a good day anywhere else!
Want more information about Ocracoke? Just ask and if I don't already know I will try to find out.
Make Your Plans Now!
Buddy, one of our "office cats" admiring this newly bloomed flower. Not sure what the flower is but I'd like to know...
Memorial Weekend is coming up so don't forget about the Fourth Annual Ocracoke Volunteer Firemen's Ball on Saturday, May 23 at the Community Center. The pig picking and silent auction will begin at 5:00 pm. Live auction begins at 7:00 pm and the dance begins at 8:30 pm with live music provided by the Ocracoke Rockers and The Dune Dogs. Dinner plates are $10 and donations are welcome and appreciated.
Coming up June 5, 6 & 7 is another event that has become very popular. More and more people come each year from all around for the Ocrafolk Festival. This year will be the 10th year of the festival featuring music, artisans and story telling. This is always lots of fun and very interesting. Many of the same performers/artists and many new performers/artist come each year to show off their talents.
Here is the schedule of events for this year's festival:
Friday, June 5, at 6:00 PM there will be a Potluck, Auction and Music at the Ocracoke School Gym on School Road. Some main dishes will be provided for suggested donation but please bring a side dish, dessert or drink.
Saturday, June 6, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM there will be Music, Stories and Artisans on School Road and on Howard Street. Then at 8:00 PM there will be a Squaredance at the Ocracoke School Gym and Evening Music at the Deepwater Theater and the Community Center.
Sunday, June 7 there will be a Gospel Sing at 9:30 AM...then from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM there will be Performances and Flotsam. These events will be at the Live Oak Stage on School Road.
For a full schedule of events and performances visit www.ocrafolkfestival.org and remember to make your plans now to attend both of these exciting events...Fourth Annual Ocracoke Volunteer Firemen's Ball on May 23 and the 10th Annual Ocrafolk Festival June 5, 6 & 7. You will be glad you came!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!
I hope all of the Mothers, Mothers-to-be and Grandmothers have a wonderful Mother's Day today! Don't forget to honor your Mothers and Grandmothers today in some way.
I started the day watering my garden and flowers. My son treated me to breakfast from the Pony Island Restaurant where he works. Personally, I think all Mothers should get the day off from work on Mother's Day but it isn't possible (how would the world go on?!).
I didn't have to work for the last 2 days and in my absence the jasmine has bloomed so I was greeted by the wonderful aroma of Carolina jasmine this morning upon my return to the office. That sweet smell is so wonderful and refreshing. My husband and children will be preparing dinner for me this evening which means that I can spend that time in my garden...without feeling that I should be preparing dinner or washing dishes. I am looking forward to it. Mother's Day is my last little reprieve before our world becomes consumed with graduation preparation.
Meanwhile...I hope you enjoy these pictures of some of the flowers in front of our office.
