Memorial Day

Memorial Day Weekend

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

 A special thank you to all our Armed Service men and women who serve today, have helped preserve our freedoms and all the families who support their loved ones so we may be free.

Flying Freedom

Kites are our oldest form of freedom, reminding us of the wind beneath our wings and setting our spirits aloft. Take a kite to the beach and remember.

There is the elemental feeling of flying when you are attached to the end of a kite string, a feeling that anything is possible. Like the gulls, you feel the dip and draft of each slight breeze.

The beauty of the colors drifting through the sky add spice to the landscape of blue tipped clouds.

Kites can travel easily, tucked into cargo pockets, almost as easily as the gulls soaring from the draft of the ferry.

And when the day is over, drift gently back to dabble toes along the water sliding onto sand.

Watch Out!

A recent trip to the beach for an afternoon of sun quickly turned into an exhibition of various parenting techniques. As usual, there were parents sitting with their children making "dribble castles" and others in the water with squealing swimmers and tubers.

Then there were the children whose parents were "lost." Lost in their books, phones, drinks and their group of chattering friends. Those are the parents we try to avoid, knowing their child (children) will be throwing tantrums, sand, toys and shells while their behavior and shouts are ignored.

We all love the beach, we all love the fun associated with spending a day in the sun and surf, flying kites, chasing the waves and searching for shells. Most of my earliest memories involve trips to the beach. Yet, I  don't remember being allowed to feed seagulls near groups of strangers or racing past a sunbather at full speed spitting sand with my heels.

I remember swimming with my father, shell gathering with my mother and vividly remember sitting on a blanket "until I could behave myself." I'm sure my infraction was nothing serious but enough so that my parent (s) thought I could use some "time to think it over." My Victorian era Grandma was not amused by little children running amok. Thus the time out.

The beaches are wide and open here, plenty of space for all to enjoy without stepping on another blanket. Let's remember that when we spread our blankets and open our coolers. Let's try to keep our children with us and let them appreciate being good neighbors, even at the beach. It isn't necessary to restrict all their childish abandon, but shared activities and respect for other beach goers is appreciated by us all. In the words of Rodney King, "why can't we just get along?"

Up in the Air!

Plan to stop by the airport this weekend for some family fun!

Yes! There is an airport closer to home than Wilmington International Airport.

Cape Fear Regional Jetport is Brunswick County's local spot for small aircraft and historic airplanes.

This weekend they are offering activities for the whole family.

All those interested in aviation, stop in and enjoy the chance to see some of the interesting aircraft that make the Cape Fear Regional Jetport their home.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

Researching the history of Southport recently, I came across entries in diaries and local papers that could have been written by current residents of the area. Southport has long been a place to vacation, seek relief from the heat of the city and the local population enjoys a marked increase during the summer months. Our household and our friends' homes are enjoying a population increase with visitors arriving daily.

The reports in early 1900's newspapers described the beaches as "exceptionally fine for fishing and boating" and the downtown area of Southport as "a lovely spot to enjoy the sea breezes under the fine stand of live oaks near Franklin Square." Our local pirate legends detail the benefits of the harbor and many hiding places for pirate ships among the islands. Bald Head Island has some prime hiding spots for residents and tourists to enjoy. The marshlands are alive with the birds returning for the summer months.

Memorial Day signifies the beginning of the summer season, although the weather has been cooperative for sunbathing and swimming at the beaches of Oak Island. Owners are beginning to prepare for rental season and boats are returning to the marinas. Preparations for the July 4th festival are underway and Southport's streets are blooming with new colorful pots of flowers outside of shops and restaurants. It's time for the summer season but don't forget to enjoy this lovely spring. Come out and enjoy the cool breezes at the end of Howe St. or have breakfast near the marina. It's time to seek relief from the long winter months and enjoy the wonders of Southport.

May With All Its Finery

Walking through town the other day, it was hard to avoid noticing the spring spruce up that happened during the last month. The weather has held warm enough for windows to be washed, sidewalks repaired and the sand swept from the front walkways. Everybody seems to be out and about getting ready for the beginning of the summer season.

Mother Nature didn't disappoint us with the amazing azalea blooms, the Azalea Festival in  Wilmington drew record crowds to view the riot of colors behind the old iron fences. Here in Southport the azaleas had their own festival of color, pinks, whites and a beautiful tangerine. The purple rhododendron won't be far behind.

Along the water, the boats are beginning to return to the marina, the tours are being booked to set sail along the coast. The sailboats are sporting fresh, new sails, the jibs puffed out in brilliant colors. Stop down at the marina and see the Egrets fishing along the path to the gazebo. Returning birds are sailing above, the long silent boats gliding below their wings.

It's May and the green of Spring is fresh. Stop in for a carriage tour to see the bright new faces in town and to see Southport sporting its May finery, alive with every color.

Castaway Keys in Southport

Here's the best secret: Castaway Keys on Howe St. in Southport has great food, a varied menu and some of the prettiest paintings and photos in their "Artist's Gallery."  My friend recommended we meet there the other day, when I was in Southport researching the town's history at the library. Research and note taking are enough to stir up my appetite so we agreed to meet for lunch. She said, "You won't be sorry, it's the greatest place and the food is excellent."  She was absolutely right! (As usual)

As you can see, they are open for breakfast through dinner and I plan on checking out the other menus, but lunch was just a treat.  There was a list of daily specials but the Reuben sandwich with home made chips was just what I needed after several hours in the reference room.  The coffee was hot, the sandwich had thinly sliced, tender corned beef and was lightly grilled. The dressing and cheese combined to more than satisfy my love for Reubens. I'll definitely return to taste the burgers, salads and other sandwiches on the menu.

There is an open air screened in porch, a large main dining room and a smaller room to seat everybody with ease. Bright colored fish painted on one wall continue the feeling you are castaway and arrive at the seashore. Service is excellent and very friendly in fact, the entire staff is delighted to see you.  There are chairs on the porch if you're waiting and the azaleas were in top form near the entrance.

I've heard there is a great breakfast for $2.99. It means I'll have to check it out.  Do remember, stop in and enjoy a break from cooking. Castaway Keys, Howe St. Southport, NC. You'll find your favorite place just waiting to welcome you.

Southport - Quite a Resort

Southport is a favorite spot to photograph and explore. The wide main streets and the narrow lanes in the old neighborhoods offer a many opportunities to capture the historical aspect of the town as well as the new, expanded areas of shops and businesses. While researching the history of the town, I found the following 100 year old description:

"Southport is quite a resort for Wilmington people... Southport is a great place for rest. The weather is always pleasant, never oppressive in the summer and a place where one can dismiss the troubles of the world. Southport is a great place for fishing and anglers can rent sail and row boats and gasoline launches at anytime."

It was written June 16, 1902. A description that is still appropriate almost one hundred ten years later. Although it is easier to visit Southport today, the town is still a great place for rest and is a pleasant resort. The geographical area of the visitor is the only change.  Visitors may still enjoy the fishing, the pleasant weather and easily dismiss the troubles of the world.

Southport today welcomes visitors from around the globe. The magic of the Christmas Shoppe, Bull Frog and Lantana are all available to resident and visitors. The town was shining in the sun today, the scent of wisteria was on the breezes and new paint was being applied to the storefronts. Preparations are underway for the Summer Season, that warm, happy vacation period when the population swells with annual visitors for the July 4th festivities.

Plan to enjoy Southport this summer, enjoy the July 4th Parade, come sit "underneath the most beautiful grove of live oaks in North Carolina" at Franklin Square. The town of Southport - Quite a Resort.

Surf's Up For Locals

The sand is warm, the breeze has gentled and the wetsuits are no longer as necessary as they were a month ago.

Oak Island, Caswell Beach and the waterfront in Southport are beginning to attract the beachcombers and the sun worshipers.

Beach chairs hang brightly in tropical shades from the racks in the stores, along with flip flops in every size and color. The varieties of sun lotions and creams fill the displays at the local market, the big box stores and the corner dollar store. The bags for beach belongings are numerous. Big canvas bags with waterproof compartments hang alongside the plastic baskets. Soft terry towels big enough for two are snatched up by those eager to return to the fun of summer.

The local surf shop is busy with questions about wax, finishes and weights of the boards. Skim boards, surf boards and now the paddle boards are back in use after spending the winter on the garage rack. Kayaks are once again balanced on top of the SUV's waiting at the light, ready to slip silently through the back marshes and out into the Cape Fear River. Rental places are again lining up the bikes outside, tempting passersby to stop and take a spin toward the beach.

Last week the ferry was filled with cars from other states and yet this is still local time. The bikes are parked in front, the backpacks of the riders overflowing with towels, blankets, lunch and a water bottle. Visitors are standing next to local fishermen with their poles and tackle boxes. It's time to drop a line in the water and see if anything is biting. At the coffee shop, eavesdropping visitors hear about the plans for a fishing tournament and the one that got away.

Spring has arrived and with it a reminder of why so many of us live here. Surf's up and the weather is fine. Come and take a peek, you'll want to stay.

Travel Bug

The travel bug seems to be bringing folks back to Southport from all parts of the country. There are lines again at the ferry, the out of state license plates attest to the return of visitors coming to town.

We all play the license plate game, trying to find the car from the farthest distance. Alaska plates are rare with the orange yellow brightly proclaiming their trip to the lower 48. Hawaii plates showed up at the Fort Fisher ferry ramp, rainbow stretching from end to end. Whenever these two states are represented, I wonder if they are part of a rental car fleet or military families recently relocated to the area.

Last week a convoy of Oklahoma vehicles waited at Howe St. near the waterfront. Perhaps a family reunion prompted the seven large SUV's to visit and wait patiently for pedestrians to cross the street. Texas, Oklahoma's neighboring state, often is displayed on large pick up trucks and SUV's. My guess is the trip requires a lot of room and a comfortable ride over long distances. Missouri, Arkansas and a few Kansas cars were waiting for the commuter ferry back to Pleasure Island. They were servicemen and their families visiting the Fort Fisher Recreation Center, that beautiful spot on the Cape Fear River for our military to enjoy.

This spring weather seems to inspire the nomads from the north, with a lot of visitors from New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania stopping by the Christmas Shoppe in Southport. Perhaps they are traveling their return from the sunny south and stopped by to enjoy Southport's best Main St. The few New England states represented make me wonder if their winter has been more mild than normal, a few Vermont cars, a New Hampshire truck and only one van from Maine.

Playing the license plate game is a geography lesson that is fun while passing the time. Our area depends on tourism and a fun gauge of the visitor's return. We know the many lovely reasons to be in Southport and Oak Island, it's nice to know others see the benefits of a visit to our beaches and towns.

A few questions to ask the next time you are at the ferry or waiting at a traffic light: How many out of state license plates have you seen in 2012? What's the most popular after NC and what is the farthest distance traveled?

Playing Hooky

The bells of the shop were ringing with the entry of each customer, the line at the counter was stretching out the door. Orders for sandwiches with fries, hold the mayo echoed through the crowd. Lunchtime at the grill was humming along. The customers had the look of eager school children watching the clock for dismissal. Adults, grandparents and parents with toddlers, all crowding into the luncheonette to get provisions for the first picnic of the season.  The benches outside in the park were full with smiling faces turned like sunflowers up to the sun.

The thermometer edged toward the 70's and sweaters were tied around waists, slung over backpacks and stuffed into bags. Cell phone snippets reported plans to meet at the park, swing by the marina and get down to the gazebo. Time to play hooky, leave the winter worries inside and head out for the first burst of fresh air and sun.

The porch rockers are no longer empty when the breeze is warm. Neighbors share news over pruned hedges and newly painted fences. The winter is over and thoughts are of outdoors, scented stock, and a brief picnic near the water.

It's time for an hour out and about. Grab a sandwich and join us, we're playing hooky today.

Vision of Spring

We are all glad of the warmer winter weather we've enjoyed this year. Although Southport boasts an average temperature in the low 70's, we dodged the colder temperatures that normally settle in January and February.  March has arrived with it's blustery winds and changing skies.  The sun's warmth has smoothed the edges of the cooler days, bringing the green into the grass and swelling the buds of the trees.

The daffodils and hyacinths are nodding agreement with the gardeners out in the nurseries. It's time to look under the layers of oak leaves swept across the garden beds. It's time to remove the wrappings on trees that protected the young trunks from burrowing mice and voles. It's time to get out and greet our neighbors as Spring arrives in it's colorful pastels.

The nurseries are beginning to fill in their Spring color with Stock and Linaria, rich purples, yellows and white with aromas to match. Herbs and early salad greens are available, too. Lettuce of every color and shape is ripe for selection, the reds and greens edged with ruffles. Spinach and asparagus are reminders of the cool nights of Spring with warm days inching them higher toward the sun.

If you are seeking perennials, those wonderful flowers that return year after year like birds to the nest, then look out for Candy Tuft, Pachysandra and Ivy, they are early green and white for the flower bed. It's time to look under the leaves for the flowers emerging after winter's rest. There are Daffodils, Tulips and Narcissus. Pansies are still packing a colorful punch in pots with their colorful cousins, Violas. Biennials, these flowers will seed for another year while developing a strong plant for this year.

Visit your garden center, get out your rakes and spades. It's time for Spring, cleanup and color to highlight the return of the longer days and warm sparkling nights.