Outer Banks to Roanoke Island, Southern Shores to Marshes Light: exploring life on a barrier island. A guide to fun, family, home, real estate, restaurants, surf, sun and more.
It’s been a gradual change of seasons with lots of things going on on the Outer Banks. I’ve participated in the Outer Banks Triathlon as a member of a relay team – I did the bike portion: 13.1 miles starting at the Dare County Regional Airport over the old Manns Harbor Bridge and back. The ride out was smooth and the views were spectacular, but when I made the turn at Mashoes Road, I hit a wall of wind and it took everything in me to get back across the bridge.
This weekend marked the First Annual Bluegrass Festival at Festival Park in Manteo. This was a sell-out event. Unfortunately I didn’t get to go, but it’s on my calendar for next year. Check out some great photos on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OBXBluegrassFestival?fref=ts.
View from the Duck Soundside Boardwalk
Today marked the 6th Annual Duck Jazz Festival, featuring The Rippingtons with Russ Freeman, Paula Atherton, THE FUZZ BAND, and Emme St. James and Her Jazz Gentlemen.
Today also marked the final day of the 20th Annual Outer Banks Home Builders Parade of Homes. The homes were selected featuring new designs and many incorporate new technologies, best building practices and ‘green’ features.
The Outer Banks is known for its pristine beaches and casual atmosphere. . Known for its fishing, sand dunes and lighthouses, you’ll also find the Outer Banks offer a wide variety of activities for the whole family
I want to highlight a couple of major events taking place in September:
The ESA EASTERNS are the season’s “grand finale” where the best of the best from each national and international district go head to head to declare the overall champions for the year in each division. For more information, visit: www.surfesa.org.
The Third Annual OBX Triathlon includes Half, Olympic and Sprint distance races through a unique coastal setting on Roanoke Island. Swim, bike & run – compete individually or as a relay team. For more information, visit: www.obxmarathon.org.
Yet tucked away from the hustle bustle, is a lovely three bedroom condominium at Marshes Light. Spacious, this lovely top floor home overlooks the Marina to the south and views of Shallowbag Bay and Roanoke Sound to the southeast. Close enough to stroll to restaurants, theater and shopping, the sound-side boardwalk hugs the shoreline while providing a comfortable and picturesque walkway.
Marshes LIght Boardwalk
Perhaps the thing that speaks volumes, though, is the craftsmanship and quality of materials. You’ll notice the solid construction, the Hardi-Plank siding, the Andersen windows, the 10 1/2 ceiling heights, thoughtful use of space, transom windows above interior doors and in the kitchen, stainless appliances, granite countertops and natural maple cabinetry.
Built by Renaissance Construction
The recent TowneBank Red Nose Wine Festival has put Marshes Light on the map! To arrange for a tour, please contact Lee Whitley at 252-475-9863 or email lee@marsheslight.com. Price: $425,000.
The Beach Road took us to the Croatan Surf Club in Kill Devil Hills this past week.
It was on a whim when I responded to an offer by Village Realty on Facebook that they had several condos that weren’t booked. I was floored and completely unprepared when I “won” the condo for the week starting the very next day.
Village Realty makes check-in easy – all I had to do was call for a code to the keyless entry, which was released about an hour before official check-in time. I did not have to stop by their office or pick up a key.
The condo was immaculate and looked as new as it did in 2009 when I attended the grand opening. I was impressed by the quality of construction and materials, such as granite, hardwood floors, stainless appliances and designer fixtures and furnishings. The oceanfront pool was inviting and featured a spa and “spray ground” for kids.
I think the only drawback was that I had no time to pack or plan – we were not able to take off work, and had pets and kids to arrange for, so we did not “staycate” for the full week.
The location is great, centrally located on the Beach Road near Milepost 7 ½. We explored shops and restaurants we don’t normally go to, and enjoyed a lovely dinner at JK’s Restaurant. Succulent steaks, mashers, salad and a glass of wine were delicious in a cozy atmosphere.
And waking up to this view was absolutely spectacular!
The inaugural TowneBank Red Nose Wine Festival last Thursday launched a new event as part of the Christmas in July fundraising benefit for the Outer Banks Relief Foundation. Thankfully the rain held off, and cloudy conditions kept things cool and comfortable.
Marshes Light, downtown Manteo NC
As people milled about in a “Charleston” like setting, music played in the background. The performers included Mojo Collins, Laura Martier, Joe Mapp & The Coordinates, Ruth Wyand, and The Jazzmen. North Carolina wines were featured with Biltmore, Cauble Creek Vineyard, Childress Vineyards, Old North State Winery, Sanctuary Vineyards and Vineyards on the Scuppernong. Additional wines from around the world were provided by Mutual Distributing Company and The Wine Specialist of Kitty Hawk.
Miss Wine Bottle & Shearl Bell, Event Chairperson
There was delicious food from Black Pelican, Café Lachine, Ocean Boulevard and Ortegaz. And, making it a full-on and fun afternoon, there were little shops set up along the Boulevard – Jewelry by Gail, The Cottage Shop and Mothervine Nutraceuticals. Wine, music and shopping? Oh my!
The final word isn’t in on how much was raised for the Relief Foundation, but many of the people involved expressed their enthusiasm with the event. Said Luanne Hege (who had the original vision to make the Wine Festival a reality):
“Our event this past Thursday surpassed our wildest dreams; the weather, which had been flukey at best, settled down, the heat wave broke, and the thunderstorms stayed away. The remarkable (thank you, Roland!) Mike Fitzwater and his group (Special Events) did an outstanding job. The attendance, while under the optimistic 2000 that we kept thinking we’d have, was a very respectable 1390, with all cabanas and reserved tables sold out. (Indeed three of our cabana purchasers have already “signed up” for next year!) Our site, the Marshes Light complex in Manteo, right on Shallowbag Bay, was a terrific venue, right on the water, provided a perfect canvas for our layout.”
It could not have been possible without the help of our volunteers!
Palmetto Cheese Spread, “The Pimento Cheese with Soul” by Pawleys Island Specialty Foods. Delicious, try with thin little Pretzel Crisps (by Snack Factory). Both available at Harris Teeter.
Movie from Red Box: “Jeff, Who Lives at Home,” with Jason Segal, Ed Helms and Susan Sarandon. A heartwarming film about a couple of misfit brothers who come to each other’s aid –http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1588334/#.
First Annual Red Nose Wine Festival at Marshes Light took place on Thursday afternoon, July 12. The place was transformed into a classy venue for wine tastings, live music, food, shopping and great fellowship all to benefit the Outer Banks Relief Foundation. Had fun helping Christine, The Wine Specialist, at the tastings tent. Stay tuned for more photos.
From the Dare County Library: The Woman Who Wasn’t There: The True Story of an Incredible Deception by Robin Fisher and Angelo J. Guglielmo, Jr. I couldn’t put it down – great summertime read for the beach or the pool.
My son, Michael, is working at The Wine Specialist in Kitty Hawk. He often calls when there is a new wine or micro-brew on the shelf. He called yesterday to tell me about some artisanal cheeses that just came in and asked me to help spread the word.
Christine McMaster is The Wine Specialist. Originally from Rockville, Maryland, Christine moved to France when she was 20 years old. She learned about grape growing and wine making and received a certificate from the French Department of Agriculture. She moved to the Outer Banks, where she vacationed as a child with her family, and opened her store. Christine brings a level of knowledge and expertise to local wine enthusiasts. She will customize a wine or beer tasting for you in her bright and comfortable tasting “parlor” at her store at MilePost 4 in Kitty Hawk (next door to Capt’n Frank’s).
This assortment of cheeses will certainly pair well with a variety of wines and some may even stand up to a Stout/Porter Ale.
Black Mountain Cheddar – a combination of garlic, herbs and white wine blended with creamy American cheddar makes a potent, assertive cheese. Pairs with dry red wine, such as a very affordable Morro Bay White Oak Estates Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008, in stock for $10.99.
Brillat Savarin Mini, – cow’s milk, triple-crème brie-style cheese from France. This lovely cheese is buttery, rich, creamy and decadent. Incredible on its own or served with a fruit jam on hearty bread. For a special event, serve Brillat Savarin with a bottle Pascal Doque Premiers Crus Champagne from France, in stock at $65.99. Brillat Savarin will also work very well with a Viognier, this one by Bonterra, 2009, is in stock for $19.99.
Brillat Savarin
Manchego Wedge – Perhaps the most famous Spanish cheese, Manchego is a D.O. (Denominacion de Origen) protected cheese, meaning that only 100% Manchego sheep milk is used in a traditional recipe. The breed has proven sturdy enough over the centuries to traverse the rocky, arid central plateau region known as La Mancha- where cows just can’t hang. It has a deep rich flavor and would go well with apple slices, ginger snaps and rich, fruity wines. Traditionally paired with Rioja.
Purple Haze Goat Cheese – sprinkled with tender purple buds of lavender and fennel pollen, Purple Haze goat cheese is intense, floral and piquant. Serve this cheese at room temperature with crackers with this crisp Chardonnay from Argentina: Catena Chardonnay, 2008, in stock $22.99.
2nd Saturdays at RIFP
Storytelling with Elizabeth II Captain Robbie
June 9th from 2-3 p.m. Small Auditorium
Captain Putnam will play video clips of the Elizabeth II under construction and under sail including a clip of its launching on November 22nd, 1983. He will also share stories about working on the ship, for the past 19 years, and sailing her to other ports as an outreach program. Free.
UNC Pembroke- Stuart Little Children’s Show
June 12th, 13th and 14th at 10:30 a.m., Indoor Theatre
Stuart Little is no ordinary mouse. Born to a family of humans, he lives in New York City with his parents, his older brother George, and Snowbell the cat. Though he’s shy and thoughtful, he’s also a true lover of adventure which is reflected in this production.
Tickets are $5 for all 6 years old and older. 5 and under-free.
UNC Pembroke – I Love you, You’re Perfect…Now Change!
June 12th, 13th, and 14th at 7 p.m., Indoor Theatre
This production takes on the comedy and tragedy of relationships with a simplicity and truthfulness that will leave you rolling in the aisles with laughter and quietly wiping tears from your eyes. Filled with the music and style from the 1980’s the audience will be inspired to explore the meaning of love and relationships. Tickets are $10 adults and 6-12 years old – $5. 5 and under are free.
A Soldier’s Life – Summer Kids Program
June 14th from 9-11 a.m., Visitors Center
Learn about the soldiers who came to Roanoke Island by exploring the Settlement Site. Participate in a military drill and make a buckler shield to take home. Ages 7 to 13 $20. Pre-register at (252)475-1500.
75th Anniversary Season – THE LOST COLONY at Waterside Theater
Over 400 years ago, 117 men, women and children sailed from Plymouth, England in an attempt to settle on Roanoke Island; they vanished just two years later. The only clue left behind was the word “CROATOAN” carved into a post. The Lost Colony is their story.
Tickets available at http://thelostcolony.org/tickets/.
Year-long highlights include beautiful winter-time Camellias, spring bulbs, colorful summer landscapes from hydrangeas to crepe myrtles, autumn hues of ornamental grasses and salvia, as well as seasonal events like an Easter Eggstravaganza, Harvest Hayday and WinterLights. The Gardens are founded and supported by The Garden Club of North Carolina.
The Gardens are located at 1411 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27954 GPS: 35 56.2N 75 42.7w
I hope these photos capture the happiness I feel when the air feels good on your skin and I’m outside and flowers are blooming and gentle breezes are blowing and the birds are chirping. I live in the most beautiful place on earth – the Outer Banks!
There’s a bag of fragrant strawberries sitting on the table, along with one perfectly ripe tomato and a bar of home-made lavender soap. They smell heavenly. I found these at the Farmer’s Market in downtown Manteo this morning.
In addition to fresh produce and soaps, there were baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, pottery, weavings, art and jewelry.
Beth also makes the lavender soap that I purchased. Her soaps also come in a variety of other scents and are created from quality ingredients (organic unrefined hemp seed oil, organic extra virgin olive oil, cocoa nut oil, palm oil).
I was enamored by the funky fish and crabs by Michael Tames, a local artist. This Seahorse is my favorite, the body is made of rope – really cool looking, unfortunately my photo does not do it justice.
There’s so much to do on the Outer Banks as the weather warms.
The fish are biting, the beach is
welcoming, kites are flying, local businesses are reopening for the season, and two of my favorite events are back: FIRST FRIDAYS and SATURDAY FARM MARKETS in downtown Manteo.
First Fridays
Held on the first Friday of every month on the Manteo Waterfront. 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Historic Inn Tour from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. (tour maps at Dare County Arts Council), Live music from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Blue grass to Jazz to Classic Rock ‘n Roll), Boutiques and Restaurants open late, Enjoy family friendly activities, Famous rock climbing wall, historical interpreters in period costumes and more. Queen Elizabeth Ave., Manteo, NC 27954 Phone: 252-473-2133.
I have tagged along on a surf trip with my husband. It is beautiful here, and remote – on the southwest coast of Nicaragua, about 2 hours drive from the airport in Managua. There’s not much to do here, except surf, fish (if you have the gear, a boat and a guide), play on the Internet, read and run. There aren’t many shells, I was told that was due to the fact that the coral reefs are dead – perhaps from ancient rumblings from nearby volcanoes.
View from our condo
Surf’s up
There are howler monkeys here, they come out at dusk.
According to this video, only the male monkeys howl, and they do so to let other monkeys know that they are here as they are very territorial.
We’ve eaten fresh fish, lobster (small rock lobsters), chayote and tostones (fried plantains) which we prepared ourselves. Tona is the “official” beer of Nicaragua and I found a crisp Chardonnay – Lazo from Chile, which paired very well with the tostones last night.
A couple of two hour flights brought us into Managua from Raleigh via Miami. From there, it was another two hour drive to the coast, the last 30 minutes of which were on a dusty gravel road, which is in the process of being paved.
My inner time clock is still on Outer Banks time. There’s a two hour difference, if 7 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, it’s 5 a.m. here. But I pretty much get up at dawn and go to sleep at dark.
This little fella is a Killdeer, a type of plover or shore bird. They make their nests in the darndest places, like in the middle of a field or on a gravel rooftop, but wherever it is, the nest blends well into the background.
I have been watching him/her all week. I had originally assumed he was a she, but just a short while ago, another Killdeer showed up and this one followed her, jumped on top and mated. It happened so fast, I didn’t have time to tell them to get a room! He hopped off and came back to the nest. The males and females look a lot alike and take turns sitting on the nest.
I startled him and he jumped up and scurried away from the nest. There are four eggs and they are gray with black specks, blending in with mud and gravel. I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing the baby chicks hatch and will try to get a photo to share. It takes 24 to 28 days of incubating for the chicks to hatch.
In between work and hosting my niece and her active two year old last week, I volunteered at the Outer Banks Wedding Show on Saturday at the beautiful Sanderling Inn in Duck. It was fun greeting the brides, grooms, friends and family and seeing all the incredible tablescapes and exhibits on display.
Metro Rentals
There are lots of places to get married on the Outer Banks; here are just a few:
The Sanderling in Duck, new for 2012, the Soundside Pavilion will offer lovely water views of the Currituck Sound
The Wedding Show was sponsored by OBXBrides.com and featured over 60 vendors. From cakes and flowers, to music and photography, everything to make a special day perfect was on display.
I just listed a lovely sound-front condominium at Marshes Light, took this photo today from the covered deck.
Facing east onto Shallowbag Bay
The Marshes Light boardwalk is one of very few waterfront boardwalks on the Outer Banks. This wooden walkway is roughly 2 miles in length and stretches from the marina at Marshes Light through to downtown Manteo. I love this little corner of heaven:
Facing southeast towards the marina
Along the boardwalk in Manteo is one of my favorite eateries, Poor Richard’s. Great sandwiches, soups and specials in a cozy and casual atmosphere. Eat inside or out on the porch overlooking the marina and Festival Park.
Historic downtown Manteo on Roanoke Island is beloved for its small town friendly atmosphere and waterfront location. Discover maritime history, live theater, art and cultural attractions, quaint shops, restaurants, First Friday Festivals and Saturday Farm Markets in Manteo, and, best of all, it’s located just minutes from the beautiful beaches of Nags Head along North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
The Property:
A one-of-a-kind, truly spectacular home in the new Marshes Light community is now available. This 3 bedroom, 3 bath home is located on the top floor of the Azalea condominiums and sits on the most eastern point of the community with panoramic views of Shallowbag Bay to the south, Roanoke Sound and Nags Head to the east, and the Marshes Lighthouse, Manteo waterfront and Roanoke Island Festival Park to the northeast. This home was enjoyed as a weekend get-away by its owners and has been lovingly cared for.
Features:
1,673 square feet
Wrap-around covered decks
Tiled kitchen and baths
Stainless appliances
Marble countertops
Garden tub with separate walk-in shower
Heated master bathroom floor
Large walk-in closet
9 1/2 ‘ ceilings with transom light windows above interior doors
Scrumptious upscale furniture and décor.
Exquisite window treatments and remote-controlled shades.
Parking garage with storage
Elevator.
Sunrise views
For more information, contact Lee Whitley at lee@marsheslight.com or call 252-475-9863.
Lots of things to do and see along the Outer Banks, here’s a sample:
FIRST FLIGHT CRUISERS 5TH ANNUAL SHAMROCK CAR SHOW AND POKER RUN
March 15 – 18
All events are ‘rain or shine’! Start the show off right with a Welcome Reception, Thursday, March 15th at Mako Mikes. The following day enjoy the Poker Run, Friday, March 16th. The Shamrock Car, Truck and Bike Show is Saturday, March 17th at First Flight High School. Visit http://firstflightcruisers.com for more information.
SOUTHERN CIRCUIT FILM TOUR PRESENTS A GIFT FOR THE VILLAGE
March 24
Dare County Arts Council is pleased to bring the Southern Circuit Film Tour to the residents of Dare County! Six independent films will travel to Dare County, and local residents and visitors are invited to screen the films and meet the director. The film, A Gift For The Village, will be screened at Roanoke Island Festival Park Indoor Film Theater on March 24th at 7:00pm. Doors open at 6:30pm. The filmmaker, Tom Landon will be on hand for a question and answer session after the film is screened.
TASTE OF THE BEACH
March 15-18
Presented by the Dare County Restaurant Association, this grand food festival will feature wine tastings, cooking classes, special menu presentations, celebrity guest chef appearances, brewery tours, tapas crawls and many more events with an exciting array of creative combinations and culinary delights. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.obxtasteofthebeach.com/home.htm.
KELLY’S 4TH ANNUAL RUNNING OF THE LEPRECHAUNS 8K
Saturday, March 17, 2012 | 2316 S. Croatan Hwy Nags Head, NC 27959
8K ADULT or under 18 age categories. Register at http://fsseries.com/index.php?action=event&event_id=104
KELLY’S ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
Sunday, March 18 – 1 p.m. on the Beach Road, Nags Head
This year’s parade celebrates The Outer Banks Hospital’s 10th Anniversary & a Decade of Care, and the theme is “Health is Happiness!” Following a traditional Irish Blessing, each petal on the Shamrock represents a wish for good health, good luck & much happiness. Awards include Best Overall, Best Float, Best Band/Music Theme, Best Unity & Best Parade Route Theme. The parade hosts 100+ entries annually & is viewed by 8-10 thousand bystanders.
OUTER BANKS BOOTCAMPS “EXPRESS” MARATHON TRAINING CAMP
March 27 – 4 weeks
The camp will culminate at the 3rd annual running of the Flying Pirate Half Maratho. Curriculum includes but is not limited to:
Short and long distance running
Speed and Tempo workouts
Strength & Conditioning Weight Training
Plyometric Drills
General and Sports Nutrition
How to compete and successfully participate in an endurance foot race
For more information on how to join and train with the leader in Race Training on the Outer Banks call 252-489-8239 or email us at outerbanksbootcamps@yahoo.com.
I’ve been a patron of the Dare County Library for many years. Back in the early days when there was just the one branch in Manteo, I looked forward to the bookmobile which came twice a month to the local fire department (close enough for me to run over for a few minutes). I would find books on the New York Times Best Seller List (from the Sunday newspaper) and place my requests and eagerly wait for the books to come in.
Over the past several years, I have been frequenting the Library in Manteo. I’ve checked out numerous books on tapes (great for long road trips), books on self-help, business development, personal wealth, cookbooks, gardening, fiction and nonfiction. I am currently working my way through NPR’s list of the ten best novels for 2011. In case you missed it, click here.
I’m nose deep in The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach. I agree with Jay McInerney, author of Bright Lights, Big City, who said:
“Not being a huge fan of the national pastime, I found it easy to resist the urge to pick up this novel, but once I did I gave myself over completely, and scarecely paused for meals. Like all successful works of literature, The Art of Fielding is an autonomous universe, much like the one we inhabit, although somehow more vivid.”
I love books, whether paperback or hardback, stories to read and mysteries to unravel, recipes to make your mouth water, photos to inspire and best of all, pages to turn.
For more information on the Dare County Library, click here.
There are lots of reasons to visit the Outer Banks now: it’s quiet, there are no crowds and there are lots of things to do and see. The beaches are deserted, practically guaranteeing a bounty of shells and sea glass waiting to be found.
Rather than post all the current events here, I highly recommend that you check out www.outerbanks.org. They have a great new look and it’s easy to navigate. The current calendar of events is found here. For art happenings, check out Dare County Arts Council’s stylish new website here.
Be sure to check out Sip & Dip, offered at Art Space in Southern Shores. Workshops by local artists. www.artspace.com.
Off Season usually means discounted rates and local specials. And to me, that means WINE. We are fortunate here to have several great wine shops with knowledgeable vintners and incredible selections.
The Wine Specialist in Kitty Hawk is located at Buccaneer‘s Walk (next to Capt’n Franks). Owned and operated by my friend Christine and her husband, Fernando da Mota, they offer free wine tastings on Wednesday nights from 5 until 8 p.m. It’s a great way to sample new wines before purchasing. My husband especially liked the Highway 12 Cabernet Sauvignon, admiring the ripe aromas of dark berries and soft French oak nuances. I especially like the name.
We recently discovered ½ Price Night at Trio in Kitty Hawk – on Mondays, starting at 5 p.m., all wines by the glass, draft beers and wine station tab cards are 50% off. The wine station is the talk of the OBX. It’s a help-yourself automated station where you can enjoy a taste, half or full glass from a selection of high and medium priced wines. I tried a glass of the Biltmore Viogner 2010 and can heartily recommend it as a well balanced white wine with a smooth finish.
Check back again and I’ll share more on restaurants, shopping and what’s fresh at the Beach Road to Manteo.
Renaissance Construction recently broke ground for the construction of a three bedroom home in Marshes Light on home site 7. This marks the fourth home in downtown Manteo’s newest neighborhood. Renaissance Construction is owned by Steve Daniels who is the Marshes Light preferred builder.
“I employ the best local craftsmen and personally oversee to be sure each home is well built in a timely and efficient manner.”
There are only a handful of home sites available at Marshes Light, and one or two will boast panoramic views of the Sound. Marshes Light is a unique location connected by a boardwalk to shops, restaurants, theater and Festival Park in downtown Manteo.
There are many natural and beautiful places to explore along the Outer Banks. Certainly one of the most beautiful is on Roanoke Island, The Elizabethan Gardens.
“ Built as a living memorial to Sir Walter Raleigh’s lost colonists, The Gardens include a collection of Renaissance statues and Elizabethan-style buildings that let you imagine you are back in the time of Queen Elizabeth I. Spring-time tulips lead to an ever changing palette of year-round color from hydrangeas, native plants, perennials and camellias. Enjoy the colorful crepe myrtles in the Sunken Garden or the view from a sound-side 16th-century style gazebo.”
Upcoming events at the Elizabethan Gardens:
Coldest Day of the Year Plant Sale Saturday, January 21, 10 a.m. -2 p.m.
Yard sale with books, household items, clothing, damage gift shop items, tools and more. Members receive an additional 10% off all purchases. After the sale enjoy a walk in the Gardens.
State of the Non-Profit Dinner
Wednesday, February 8, 6 – 9 p.m.
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. The cost is $25. per person for Members/Friends and $30. per person for Non-Members. Please RSVP by Wednesday, February 1, 2012, call Nancy Harvey 252-473-1554 or email marketing@elizabethangardens.org.
Camellia Watercolor Workshop with Linda Miller
February 14, 17, and 16, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The Gardens have over 300 Japanese camellias in the collection, represented by over 125 cultivars. Learn basic drawing skills, observation, and watercolor techniques to create a botanical painting. Each student will work at their own pace while Linda Miller consults with each student individually. Beginner to advanced welcome. Materials list provided. 3 day class for Members/Friends $135. 3 day class for Non-Members $145. Call 252-473.3234 or email for reservations marketing@elizabethangardens.org.
As I was stumbling the Internet the other day, I came across a blog, www.thenester.com. The tagline is “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.”
The gist of the current post, as with most New Year’s posts, is about setting goals. And the goals at The Nester are relative to house and home.
No Water Views Here
Which got me thinking. I live in a 25 year old reverse-floor plan single family home. We’ve made three major renovations, but it’s still a REVERSE FLOOR PLAN. For those of you not familiar with this layout, a reverse floor plan is a house on pilings (typically 8 feet above ground), with a drive under or carport and (hopefully) an entry on the ground floor, bedrooms on the middle floor, and kitchen, living, dining and maybe an extra bedroom on the top floor. A lot of homes on the Outer Banks are built this way to take advantage of views of the ocean or sound from the upper floors.
As the trees grew in our back yard, our views of the ocean dwindled. We haven’t had a view of the water for at least 10 years. We love where we live, but we are over the stairs. We want our main living areas – the kitchen, living and master bedroom to share the same floor at ground level. But tearing down and starting over is a major expense and not in our foreseeable budget.
So we’re stuck in a mode of not doing anything, except basic maintenance. But the post at The Nester made me take pause and think about making some goals of my own. Here are a few of her ideas (I won’t list them all here, just the ones that spoke to me):
What’s my favorite room in my house? Why?
How and where does my family hang out together? What’s working for that room? What’s annoying in that room?
Is there something in my home I want to do but I’m afraid? What if I take that risk? What’s the worst that can happen?
Am I neglecting my home and not putting money into something that is needed?
