“The final environmental impact statement has been released on a proposed toll bridge over the Currituck Sound that would stretch between the mainland and Corolla.

The N.C. Turnpike Authority plans for construction on the bridge to start before the end of 2012, with the span opening to traffic by 2017.”

NCDOT states that the Mid-Currituck Bridge will:

• Substantially improve traffic flow on NC 12 and US 158;
• Substantially reduce travel time for persons traveling between the Currituck County mainland and the Currituck County Outer Banks; and
• Substantially reduce hurricane clearance time for residents and visitors who use US 158 and NC 168 during a coastal evacuation.

For more information and history on the Mid-Currituck Bridge, visit www.ncdot.gov/projects/midcurrituckbridge.

ProjectMap

“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.

“ 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.

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?
• Stop apologizing for my home.

Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy New Year!

Photo by Amanda Mager

Being an active member of the Steel Magnolias at Outer Banks Bootcamps, I had to give up something during the term of this camp. For me, it’s been ongoing, sweets. I had a voracious sweet tooth as a child and have the cavities to prove it.  It’s been a relatively easy give during the summer and fall boot camps. This time of year, however, it’s been a real test of will power. I’ve taken to posting photos of the forbidden foodstuff on Facebook and I’d like to share them with you too.

]]> http://www.marsheslight.com/blog/index.php/2011/11/manteo-community-comes-together/feed/ 0 http://www.marsheslight.com/blog/index.php/2011/11/obx-half-marathon-check/ http://www.marsheslight.com/blog/index.php/2011/11/obx-half-marathon-check/#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:24:28 +0000 Lee Whitley http://www.marsheslight.com/blog/?p=1371 The Outer Banks Marathon and related events happened this past weekend, November 11-13. The weather was perfect, sunny with temperatures in the upper 60’s. This was the first time I have ever participated in a big race, and I’m happy to say that I finished the Half Marathon in a little over 2 hours and 20 minutes. The course was incredible providing views of the Sound, and winding along Nags Head Golf Links, over the bridge to Manteo. I drive to Manteo every day to my office at Marshes Light, but running part of that route gives me a whole new perspective.

There were 1,215 runners in the Marathon and 2,757 runners in the Half, and the oldest runner  was 83 years old! In addition to the Marathon held Sunday, on Saturday there were the Outer Banks 8K starting at the First Flight High School track, the Buccaneer 5K and a Fun Run. It was a great family weekend with something for everyone.

Franco's & daughters at the Finish