Beachside Banter

October Prize Squad Winners

2010-11-01T14:03:00.004-04:00

The fall is now in full swing and October has been a great month for our prize squad. As October was our last month of our prize squad, many guests have been rewarded with some awesome prizes! It has turned out to be such a great season with such great guests! We hope all of our Midgett Realty guests have had a great time vacationing on Hatteras Island and will be returning soon! It has been a great summer and fall season with beautiful weather and warm waters! We look forward to seeing you all again in 2011!

Fun & Easy Souvenir Idea!

2010-10-14T15:49:00.004-04:00

Summer has come and gone, and fall is finally here; so create your own memento to remind you of the beautiful Hatteras Island through the winter months. Seashell picture frames can be an inexpensive gift or souvenir for a friend, or a gift for you! They are fun, and easy to make! I love seeing how each frame turns out completely different and unique from previous frames! Personally, I truly enjoy making shell frames. I find myself feeling as if I am bringing home a little piece of my vacation so I never really have to leave! It is an enjoyable pastime that can relax and relieve the stress of everyday life. I use my shell frames to display vacation photos around my room and house to remind me that summer is only around the corner!

I usually take a bucket out to the beach and collect shells for my frame. (I could stay on the beach looking for seashells for hours!) Once I have found the shells I want to use, I buy a plain frame. Be sure to buy a frame with flat surfaces (very important), this makes it much easier to glue down the seashells! Drug stores or Dollar Stores are a great place to find plain frames with flat surfaces. The only other item you need is durable, hefty glue. Once you have all the items you need you can begin arranging the shells on the frame how ever fits your fancy;). I like to add beads and other small details to each frame to make each one unique, and different from the previous frame! Let your creative side show and decorate your frames with anything that reminds you of Hatteras Island! Once arranged you can begin gluing down the shells, let the frame dry for a few hours and then you ready for your vacation pictures!

This is a great, easy, and fun way to bring part of the vacation home with you, or where ever you go!

Blog Entry By Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty

Recent Prize Winners!

2010-09-17T10:25:00.007-04:00

As the summer is slowing down, Midgett Realty’s guests are still winning great prizes! IPods, Kodak Playsport Cameras, coolers, travel mugs, trek bottles, koozies, T-shirts, and much more! We have still yet to give away the custom rod and reel, so keep showing your stripes while you are here on vacation with Midgett Realty, and keep your chances of winning up! There are still many chances to win, today and this weekend. Don’t forget about Day at the Docks on Saturday, I am sure our prize squad will be out and about during this event, for more info on Day at the Docks visit, http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=148938765126046&ref=ts

We here at Midgett Realty appreciate you, are guest, and would like to reward you for staying with us on your beach vacation! http://www.midgettrealty.com/

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty

Day at the Docks September 18!

2010-09-13T13:56:00.007-04:00

September 18, in Hatteras Village from 10am-5pm, join us for Day at the Docks! Come join as the commercial and charter fishing fleets display their boats, skills, products and gear in a variety of competitions and demonstrations! Maritime inspired games for kids of all ages and fresh, local seafood will be featured in a chowder cook-off and cooking demos. Traditional wooden boats will be on site and there will be musical entertainment throughout the day. The blessing of the Fleet begins at 5:30pm. For more information visit the Facebook page for the Day at the Docks event, http://www.facebook.com/hatterasrealty?ref=ts#!/event.php?eid=148938765126046&ref=ts , or http://www.dayatthedocks.org/

Survival Suit race, children’s Blue Crab race, create your own fish print T-shirt, tours of the 47’ Motor Lifeboat, children’s fishing contest and more. This is an event you don’t want to miss!

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty

Full Moon Tour of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

2010-08-24T11:31:00.006-04:00

Full Moon Tour of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse TONIGHT
For more information: CONTACT: Jason Ginder 252-995-4474 x24

The National Park Service will be offering TWO Full Moon Tours of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse the evening of August 24!! The tours will be given at 7:30 p.m. and a second at 8:30 p.m. Each tour is limited to 30 people. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the lighthouse ticket booth from 8:15 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. If you have ever wanted to see the Island lit up at night, now is your chance! The tickets will go fast, so hurry and get your tickets now! Standard admissions fees apply - $7 for adults, and $3.50 for children (11 and under) as well as seniors (62 and older).

Other Things to know before beginning the journey up the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse:

1. Each participant must bring a handheld flashlight with fresh,
serviceable batteries.

2. All participants are required to be at least 42 inches tall and must
climb the steps on their own.

3. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

4. For safety reasons, all participants must climb and descend with the
group. No exceptions.

5. Know your limitations! The lighthouse is tall, dark, often hot, humid, and can be a challenge to climb. There are no internal lights or air conditioning.

6. Tickets are non-refundable. If the program is cancelled due to weather, the ticket holder may exchange the ticket the following morning, August 25, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. for a replacement ticket useable only on August 25. This ticket will be for day climbing only.

Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity!

There Are Only 2 Kittens Left!!

2010-08-23T12:01:00.003-04:00

Two adorable rescued kittens are now ready for loving homes!! They are doing great, eating well, are litter trained, very socialized and people oriented and have lots of love to give! They are now 13 weeks old so it's time for them to have loving families who care for them. We are sending out a plea to any one who may be interested in adopting one of our kittens and giving them a good loving and caring home. These playful kittens need the time and attention from a loving family, which we cannot provide them at this moment, since this is a work environment. (Since they have been raised inside during this time, it would be our first preference to keep them as so.) If you are unable to help and know of someone who might be interested, please pass this information along! BUT if you are interested and want some more information please contact Katherine White at the email provided below.

katherinew@midgettrealty.com

Blog Entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty

NEW PRESS RELEASE FROM DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

2010-08-17T15:24:00.002-04:00

HISTORIC NUMBER OF CITIZENS COMMENT
ON BONNER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT IN DARE COUNTY
Overwhelming majority of responses support replacing bridge now

RALEIGH — An historic number of citizens – more than 3,800 people – sent comments regarding the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge replacement project to the N.C. Department of Transportation during the public comment period that ended Aug. 9. About 95 percent of those comments favor replacing the 48-year-old bridge immediately.

“I’ve worked at NCDOT for 15 years, and I’ve never seen a project generate this many comments from the public,” said Drew Joyner, head of the department’s Human Environment Unit, which is responsible for informing citizens about upcoming projects and soliciting their feedback on project plans. “Citizens from along the Outer Banks and across the country said they want the Bonner Bridge replaced now, and we heard them loud and clear.”

The vast majority of comments also support using information generated by a coastal monitoring program to determine what to build in future phases of the project on N.C. 12 between Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe, and when that work would occur. Replacing the Bonner Bridge as soon as possible and activating the coastal monitoring program are both components of the department’s recommended plan for this project.

NCDOT is currently reviewing all the comments it received from citizens, as well as state and federal agencies. Once that process is complete and no additional environmental documents are required, the next step would be for the Federal Highway Administration to issue a Record of Decision.

The public comment period started June 6 and ended Aug. 9. It coincided with three well-attended public hearings and open houses in Manteo, Rodanthe and Buxton on July 6-8, respectively. NCDOT held the meetings to discuss design changes made to the project’s plans, which were presented in a document called an Environmental Assessment.

***NCDOT***

Prize Winners for the Week of August 9-15!

2010-08-16T10:14:00.004-04:00

All over Hatteras Island Midgett Realty guests are winning! Always giving away great prizes, Midgett Realty wants to thank our loyal guests, old and new!

Family Water Adventures

2010-08-09T11:24:00.005-04:00

Looking for something fun for the whole family? Come and join Captain Tami Gray aboard the Hatteras Concierge at Family Water Adventures! There are numerous activities perfect for your family on the water including Rod-n-reel fishing, net fishing, clamming, crabbing, snorkeling, tubing, knee boarding, skurfing, sand dollaring, hermit crabbing, shelling, night time gigging charters, and commercial fishing charters. It’s your day; so pick exactly how you want to spend your time on the beautiful waters of Hatteras Island.

Half Day Trip Rate- $250.00
7am-12pm OR 12:30pm-5:30pm Half Day trips

Full Day Trip Rate- $500.00
7am-4:30pm
6-passenger maximum

If you have any questions, or just need some more information call Captain Tami Gray:
Home: 252-986-1394
Cell: 252-216-5683
Email: hatterasonthefly@aol.com

Don’t wait any longer, experience everything Hatteras has to offer, and explore the waters of Hatteras Island.

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty

August 2-5 Prize Winners!

2010-08-06T16:50:00.005-04:00

Back in action again this week! Midgett Realty Prize Squad was able to spot our guests all over the island again this week!! There are still 2 more days left this week to win great prizes, so keep your stripes on:)

Prize Winners Over the Past TWO Weeks!

2010-07-30T17:04:00.010-04:00

Our Midgett Realty Prize Squad has been on the move all over the island the past 2 weeks, and has “prized” many of our guests!! T-shirts, hats, mugs and travel mugs, trek bottles, coolers, IPODS and VIDEO CAMERAS are just some of the great gifts being given away! Keep showing your stripes and keep winning! Check out the bulletin boards in each office to see YOUR picture posted!
Blog Entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty

Calling all Hatteras and Ocracoke Island Mothers!

2010-07-20T09:32:00.000-04:00

Calling all Hatteras and Ocracoke Island Mothers!

An organizational meeting is being held Thursday, July 22 at 6:30pm at the Hatteras Village Civic Center.
A group of mothers concerned about the future safety of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet is organizing. We urgently need Hatteras and Ocracoke Island mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, and even great grandmothers to help with this effort.

The goal of the group is to help get the message out that the mothers (of all types) on these Islands are desperate to have the safety issue of the replacement of the bridge resolved so that their loved ones lives can be protected.

Their preliminary action plan is a “Mothers appeal to the nation’s “ First Mother”, Michelle Obama”.

This will be, primarily, a letter writing campaign. Also, video taped appeals will be collected from mothers on the Islands. The communications will be centered around the women’s fears for the future safety of their children and grandchildren. Already, as mothers, they are anxious to cross a bridge with a safety rating of a 4 out of 100. However, they are truly fearful of the consequences of further delay since engineers have said it is essential to replace the structure by 2016.

Time has run out, we need to act now with no further delay to secure our lifeline in a timely manner.

The letters will illustrate the personal story of how each mother feels about the public safety threat the bridge poses her children. The letters should share real life scenarios of how their individual family lives would be affected/disrupted if their lifeline was cut…how the mothers feel about carrying their children over the bridge and their deepest fears. The more personal each story is, the better and each letter should have photos of the children attached to them. This is not a rant against those who oppose, rather a pure and truthful message of our fears for the safety of our loved ones, those most precious to us.

After the appeals are gathered, goal being at least 250 letters, we will be asking Governor Beverly Perdue, as “First Mother of North Carolina” to deliver them to the White House on their behalf. Hopefully, this would bring national attention to our plight and impress upon all involved in the decision making that this is at its very essence, simply a matter of public safety. The defense and protection of human life, of our children’s lives, should trump all.

We would like as many women to attend as possible, this Thursday (July 22, 2010) at 6:30pm at the Hatteras Village Civic Center. Bring a friend, or many!

We also hope to have interpreters on hand to assist our Hispanic population in making sure their concerns are also shared.
All mothers together, all protecting our children.

For questions or to help volunteer before the meeting, please e-mail Beth Midgett bethm@midgettrealty.com or call 252-996-0133.

Blog Entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty

Prize Winners for the Week July 12- 18

2010-07-16T17:16:00.008-04:00

So far these are the Midgett Realty guests who have sported their stripes and won some great prizes this week! One of our guests won Kodak Playsport Camera this afternoon! The week is not over, there are still chances to win some great prizes on Saturday and Sunday. There will be another camera giveaway next week, along with other Midgett Realty prizes! So, don’t forget to show your stripes everywhere you go because the prize squad is out in full force and we are looking for YOU!

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty

HATTERAS

2010-07-13T12:19:00.002-04:00

By Johnnie Baum, The Hatteras Island Poet

HATTERAS

This sleepy little village, on an island in the sea.
Place of legends and of dreams, of what is yet to be.

Memories of wooden boats, rowed across the bay.
By watermen who fished their nets, each and every day.

Times when wildfowl and fish, every table graced.
neighbors were family and friend, life was slower paced.

There was but one general store, a village barber shop.
One could ride for miles, without having to stop.

Horses, sheep, and cattle, here ran wild and free.
Oh, these times are gone now, just a memory.

Fishermen gathered on the dock, at the end of day.
When the catch was unloaded, and tall tales held sway.

Yes this sleepy little village, on an island in the sea.
Has never lost that spirit, which keeps calling me.

Johnnie Baum

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty, Hatteras Village

Prize Winners July 5-11!

2010-07-12T08:43:00.004-04:00

More and more Midgett Realty guests are winning! Another big prize giveaway will be this week....a Kodak Playsport camera!! Be sure to keep your wristbands on, and your bumper sticker on your vehicles, because you never know where we will be!

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty, Hatteras Village

What Can YOU do to Help Support The Bonner Bridge Replacement?

2010-07-07T14:01:00.006-04:00

If at all possible, please take the time to attend the public hearing tomorrow night in Buxton at Cape Hatteras Elementary School. You do not have to speak (though a short testimonial of how this issue affects you personally would be great), you can fill out a comment card while you are there.

We need for NCDOT to see an overwhelming sea of faces (Islander's and visitors alike), the people’s lives they are affecting, even jeopardizing, if they cannot move this forward in a timely manner. They need to leave here with no doubt whatsoever that we are gravely concerned about our future.

If you absolutely cannot make the meeting, please submit your comments through the website http://www.replacethebridgenow.com/. The comments can be sent by any member of your family (all ages), your friends on and off island, literally anyone you can reach. Facebook? twitter? blog? However you can.

Just an hour or so of your time could mean a world of difference to the future of this Island. Please, try your best to make it to the meeting.

PLEASE act now.

Thank you! Beth Midgett

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty

GOSPEL JUBILEE BENEFIT CONCERT

2010-07-05T14:05:00.003-04:00

Hatteras UMC Building Fund at the Hatteras Methodist Church NC HWY 12, Hatteras Village.

Come out and hear great gospel songs, hymns and inspirational songs, Featuring singers and musicians from The Frisco Jubilee on Hatteras Island, N.C. Hear musicians such as Martin Garrish, Speedy Price, Aaron Caswell, Mahlon Blue, Caitlyn Gray, Jaki Gray, John Couch, Calvin and Johnny, Clifford Swain with Ken Mann and Johnnie Baum.

The event will be held on Sunday July 11, 2010 at 7:00pm. The tickets are $10 each. Come out for an evening of good ol’ gospel music. We hope to see you there!

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty, Hatteras Village

Week June 28-July 4 Winners!

2010-07-02T17:19:00.014-04:00

Here are the Midgett Realty prize winners for this week... so far! There is still a chance on Saturday and Sunday to win your prizes. So while your out having a blast for the 4th of July be sure to sport your wristbands all around town! We hope everyone has a great and safe holiday weekend! Don't forget to check out the Beachside Banter for all of the events going on in Hatteras Village. There will be an Independence Celebration in the middle of the village, and Mojo Collins performing on the sunset dock of Hatteras Landing!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty

Happy 4th of July To Everyone!!

2010-07-01T11:24:00.008-04:00

We Hope You All Have a Safe and Great Holiday Weekend!

Don’t miss out on the great 4th of July activities in Hatteras!!

Enjoy an Independence Celebration Freedom Fest in Hatteras Village sponsored by the Hatteras Village Civic Association. Beginning at 4pm in the center of the village, come out and enjoy the fun, food, arts and crafts sponsored by the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation. Also, LIVE music by TRADOC Rock, which is a U. S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band, from 8pm-10pm.

Also on the 4th of July there will be a special event happening on the sunset dock of Hatteras Landing. MOJO COLLINS, legendary folk n’ blues artist will be performing. Mojo Collins has opened and played with other bands such as Fleetwood Mac, Janis Joplin, Big Brother & The Holding Company, Steve Miller, Santana, The Grateful Dead, and more! Mojo Collins at Hatteras Landing Marina is a show you don’t want to miss. To listen to his music and to learn more about Mojo Collins visit http://www.mojocollins.com/

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty

Summer Volunteer Opportunities For Hatteras Teens

2010-06-30T12:58:00.004-04:00

The National Park Service invites all Hatteras Island rising 7th - 12th graders to join in some exciting summer volunteer experiences to:

· Assist in staffing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on the monthly full moon and weekly night climbs;
· Help a ranger teach visitors about the creatures of the sound and sea at a sound side seining program; and
· Join other teens in field projects that will aid in protecting the seashore.

This is a great opportunity to get involved with education and appreciation of the unique natural and cultural resources on this very special and dynamic island environment, where you live!

To get involved please contact Park Ranger Jason Ginder, by phone at
252-995-4474 x24 or by e-mail at Jason_Ginder@nps.gov.

Reprinted from "Press Release: NPS Offers Summer Volunteer Opportunities for Hatteras Teens"

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty

RECYCLE at the Beach & Keep Hatteras Beautiful!!

2010-06-29T09:03:00.006-04:00

The following are RECYCLABLE at curbside:
· Glass – all colors
· Plastic – 1 PETE & 2 HDPE only
· Aluminum Cans
· Steel Cans

CURBSIDE PICK-UP:
Monday: Waves/Rodanthe/Salvo
Tuesday: Avon/Buxton
Wednesday: Frisco/Hatteras

Guidelines to Proper Recycling:
· Blue roll cart: Plastics, aluminum & steel
· Green Bin: Glass only
· Food and Beverage containers must be rinsed clean
· No bottle or jar lids
· Flatten plastic & aluminum
· No plastic bags (These can be recycled at Food Lion)
· No paper or cardboard (These can be recycled at the transfer station in
Buxton or recycling convenience area in Rodanthe)

Hatteras is a beautiful island, so lets work together to keep it that way!!

For more information, please visit www.hatterasrecycle.com

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty,

New Prize Winners June 21-June 27

2010-06-28T08:50:00.008-04:00

Midgett Realty continues to reward our guests with great prizes during week 3 of our loyalty campaign! Coolers, trek bottles, and t-shirts are just a few of the prizes given away this past week. What better way to start off your week than with a prize from Midgett Realty! One of the giveaway prizes this week is an IPOD! As the summer heats up, so do the prizes, so continue to show your stripes and keep winning great prizes from Midgett Realty!

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty

Stand in the Sand III

2010-06-25T09:03:00.011-04:00

June 25, Noon-8pm at the Fessenden Center in Buxton
Stand in the Sand is one of the OBPA’s largest fundraisers of the year and will be held on June 25, 2010! All the money that the OBPA raises is used to finance the legal challenges for maintaining reasonable beach access for everyone.

There will be the home-cooked pork and chicken barbecue with macaroni and cheese, green beans, cole slaw, and cornbread donated by Conner’s Supermarket in Buxton. The food will be prepared and served by the staff at The Inn on Pamlico Sound. In addition, Tilman Gray of Avon Seafood will donate and fry the fish for this year’s fish fry. The cost of the meal is $10, which will be a donation to OBPA’s Stand in the Sand fundraiser. There will also be a variety of homemade desserts available for sale at an extra cost.

Booths sponsored by access groups will be selling all kinds of souvenirs and local artists will also be selling their work. There will be games for kids, and a silent auction.

So, whether you live on the island or just visiting, come out and join us and celebrate beach freedom and access!

Blog entry by, Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty

Full Moon Tour of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

2010-06-24T11:54:00.004-04:00

TICKETS GO ON SALE JUNE 24! The tour is limited to 30 people and there will be 2 tours on June 26. The first tour will begin at 8:30, and the second tour will start at 9:30. If you have ever wanted to see the Island lit up at night, now is your chance! The tickets will go fast, so hurry and get your tickets today! Tickets must be purchased in advance; the lighthouse ticket booth is open from 8:15 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. daily. Standard admissions fees apply - $7 for adults, and $3.50 for children (11 and under) as well as seniors (62 and older).

Other Things to know:

1. Each participant must bring a handheld flashlight with fresh,
serviceable batteries.

3. All participants are required to be at least 42 inches tall and must
climb the steps on their own.

4. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

5. For safety reasons, all participants must climb and descend with the
group. No exceptions.

6. Know your limitations! The lighthouse is tall, dark, often hot, humid,
and can be a challenge to climb. There are no internal lights or air
conditioning.

7. Tickets are non-refundable. If the program is cancelled due to
weather, the ticket holder may exchange the ticket the following morning,
June 27, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. for a replacement
ticket useable only on June 27. This ticket will be for day climbing only.

For more information: CONTACT: Jason Ginder 252-995-4474 x24

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty, Hatteras Village

The Comedy Club

2010-06-23T08:52:00.006-04:00

The Comedy Club is located in Buxton, at Finnegan’s Dining Haul. Beginning at 9pm, and lasting about an 1- 1 ½ hours, the Comedy Club is open for laughter all summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day every Wednesday. The Comedy Club has hosted talented comedians such as Ray Romano, Drew Carey, and Sinbad. Come out and join us this Wednesday for an evening of fun and never ending laughter with Kelly Teranova and Gilbert Lawand! Get your tickets online from their website below, or get them at the door. Tickets are going fast so get your tickets now!

For more information call 252-207-9950 or visit The Comedy Club at http://www.comedyclubobx.com/

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty, Hatteras Village

Cape Hatteras Island #3 Top East Coast Beaches by the Statesman

2010-06-22T12:53:00.005-04:00

Cape Hatteras was not only ranked #4 for 2010 on Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches in America, but was also recognized in The Statesman as one of the Top 5 East Coast Beaches!! Cape Hatteras, raked at #3, has so many different unique qualities and characteristics that make it such a remarkable beach, and one of the Top 5 on the East Coast! All of the residents, and traveling vacationers can vouch for all of these reasons why Cape Hatteras is ranked one of the Top Beaches on the East Coast. The article by Shelley Emling states:

“North Carolina's Cape Hatteras has lots of fans, and a visit to the 72-mile stretch of seashore will show you why. Up and down Hatteras coastline, visitors will encounter seven villages, each with its own distinct character. They also will encounter incredible bird-watching spots as well as places offering hang gliding, windsurfing, scuba diving, kite surfing, biking and fishing in some of the best angling waters anywhere.”

As Shelley states, “The East Coast is alive with coastal playgrounds that will keep the entire family happy during vacation”, and we are proud to say that Cape Hatteras Island is apart of the East Coast hot spots for vacations!

To read the full article visit:
http://www.statesman.com/life/travel/top-5-east-coast-beaches-757335.html

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty

Hatteras Marlin Club 51st Annual Blue Marlin Release Fishing Tournament

2010-06-21T09:37:00.005-04:00

Come out and join us for the Hatteras Marlin Club 51st Annual Marlin Release Fishing Tournament! The tournament begins on Monday June 21, and ends on Friday June 25. Fishing days are any 3 of the 5 days, Captains choice. There will be cookouts throughout the week, and kid’s activities for those ashore.

For more information
http://www.hatterasmarlinclub.com/Tournament-Information.html

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty, Hatteras Village

Week 2: June 14- 18 Prize Winners!!

2010-06-18T16:34:00.019-04:00

Other Midgett Realty guests have won different prizes throughout week 2 of Midgett Realty’s loyalty campaign! Hats, trek bottles and t-shirts are the prizes our guests have won this week! As the summer pushes on, more of our guests have been spotted and rewarded by our prize team! As long as you keep showing your stripes, your chances for winning prizes increase!! Midgett Realty prize squad is on the lookout for your stripes everywhere, everyday!! You never know where we will be next, so don’t leave home without your stripes!!

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty, Hatteras Village

4th Annnual National Flip Flop Day!

2010-06-18T09:08:00.006-04:00

Every year, the 3rd Friday in June is National Flip Flop day. This year that day falls on June 18, 2010. Stop by any participating Tropical Smoothie Café, wearing your flip flops, and receive a FREE 24oz. Jetty Punch Smoothie!! To receive your free smoothie you must be one of the first 500 customers in the store! Partnering with Camp Sunshine, all of the money raised and donated will go to Camp Sunshine to help send eilgible families to camp.
Camp Sunshine is a well known retreat for children with life- threatening illnesses and their families. Camp Sunshine provides the hope, support, and joy to these children. The year-round program is free of charge to all families, and includes 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support.
Over the past 2 years they have been able to raise over $400,000 for Camp Sunshine. Show your support and come by Tropical Smoothie Café and receive a FREE 24 oz. Jetty Punch Smoothie for wearing your flip flops!!

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty, Hatteras Village

Kayak Core Fitness & Yoga on the Beach at Spa Koru

2010-06-14T14:01:00.008-04:00

Beginning on June 14, 2010, Spa Koru invites you to join them for kayak Core Fitness. Weekdays classes are held from 8am-10am OR 5pm-7pm. Kayak Core Fitness is a full body, aerobic workout on the Pamlico Sound! Be prepared to work your arms, legs, and abs! Using top-of-the-line kayak equipment, instructor Carl Giordano guides you through strength and endurance exercises. Wear booties, a bathing suit or running shorts, and a loose fitting comfortable top that you don’t mind getting wet. Also a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen are recommended!

$30 For Members

$40 For Non Menbers
OR

Package 3 Sessions for $99

Also new at Spa Koru, Yoga on the Beach. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am-9am. This class is being held at Kinnakeet Shores Beach Pavilion, across from Spa Koru

$15 For Non Members

For more information, visit Spa Koru’s Website, http://www.spakoru.com/

Blog entry By Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty, Hatteras Village Office

Week of June 7-11 Winners!

2010-06-11T16:56:00.018-04:00

Midgett Realty guests have begun winning prizes!! The lucky guests for this week have won coolers, trek bottles, hats, t-shirts and more for wearing their stripes! This was only week #1 of our loyalty giveaways! Continue to wear your bracelets and show your stripes and keep winning great prizes!

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty, Hatteras Village

Show Your Stripes

2010-06-04T12:31:00.007-04:00

Exclusively for Guests of Midgett Realty

Midgett Realty wants to thank all of our guests old and new through our new loyalty campaign “Show Your Stripes” ! We want to show our appreciation by awarding our guests with prizes throughout the weeks of summer! Here is how it works:

Upon check- in, guests will receive a check- in bag full of goodies such as Midgett Realty cups, a bumper sticker, and special “Show Your Stripes” wristbands! The wristbands and bumper sticker are the most important items in your bag.

The Midgett Realty prize squad will be making their rounds all over Hatteras Island this Summer looking for our striped guests. The way you are identified as a Midgett Realty guest is by wearing your distinctive and exclusive “Striped” wristbands everywhere you go, or by the “Show Your Stripes” bumper sticker on your vehicle. If our prize team spots you, you are eligible for many great prizes as a guest of Midgett Realty!! The items in the photo are just a few of some of the great prizes that our guests have a chance of winning! Ipods, Video Cameras, rod and reel combos, and a discount on your next vacation are also some of the prizes our guests can win!

Keep your chances of winning high, and get out and SHOW YOUR STRIPES!!

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty, Hatteras Village

Cape Hatteras Ranked #4 in Dr. Beach’s 2010 Top Beaches in America!

2010-05-28T13:51:00.003-04:00

Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman is a Professor and Director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University. Dr. Leatherman, or Dr. Beach as some prefer, travels the world in search of best beach vacation spots. Based on 50 Beach Rating Criteria, Cape Hatteras was ranked #4 for 2010 on Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches in America. The National Healthy Beaches Campaign has also certified Cape Hatteras for beach health and safety.

See what Dr. Beach himself had to say at healthybeaches.org

Cape Hatteras in the Outer Banks of North Carolina

Bulging far offshore of the mainland coast as a barrier island, Cape Hatteras was the first National Seashore. Providing some of the best board surfing along the East Coast, as well as the most famous lighthouse in the United States, Cape Hatteras attracts beachgoers to its historic fishing villages. Nature lovers adore the excellent beachcombing and superb fishing.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a fascinating combination of natural and cultural resources, and provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Once dubbed the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" for its treacherous currents, shoals, and storms, Cape Hatteras has a wealth of history relating to shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the U.S. Lifesaving Service.

This northern flank of Cape Hatteras has the highest wave energy and hence is the top surfing spot on the East Coast. Experienced board surfers on big wave days use the rip currents generated off the groins fronting the lighthouse for a free ride offshore, and then ride the curling ground swell onshore until these plunging waves break with explosive action.

As Dr. Beach would say, “Nothing restores the body and soul like a stay at the beach”, so what are you waiting for, come stay with us and see for yourself!

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty Intern, Hatteras Office

Summertime Smoothies in Paradise..Delicious and Great for the Body!

2010-05-23T09:12:00.003-04:00

A great tasting, refreshing smoothie is something I crave during the summer months! The blend of fruits and vegetables are not only tasty treats, but can also do wonders for the body! All you need for your smoothie are fresh fruits and vegetables, water, a little sweetener, and a blender and you are ready to start!

It is a quick, and perfect idea for breakfast, snacks, or just for a refreshing drink!

According to Dr. Joel Fuhrman, MD, when vegetables and fruits are blended, more nutrients become available for absorption. When chewing fruits and vegetables, fewer nutrients are available because the plant cells are not completely broken down, as they would be with blending.

Fruit and Vegetable Smoothie:

1/2 grapefruit (peeled)

2-4 strawberries (fresh or frozen)

1/2 banana (fresh or frozen-I usually peel and cut bananas in half before they get too ripe and freeze them)

1/4cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

5-6 baby carrots

1 handful of chopped Kale

1-1 1/2 tablespoons of a low glycemic sweetener of your choice

2 tablespoons of protein powder, or your favorite add- ins

1 cup of water

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. It makes 1 large glass of natural goodness:) A regular blender works perfectly for blending the ingredients!

Health Benefits

Grapefruit: Provides immune system support and promotes cardiovascular health. Reduces inflammatory problems and cholesterol.

Strawberries: Protects cell structure, heart- protective, anti- cancer and anti- inflammatory fruit all in 1!

Banana: Potassium power fruit that helps to maintain normal blood pressure; just 1 banana a day is all you need to maintain a normal blood pressure. Also promotes bone health and also helps to prevent heart disease.

Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants that destroy free radicals that lead to aging and possibly cancer. Blueberries are also a great source for brain protection.

Carrots: Great source of antioxidants, and pro- vitamin A. Protects against cardiovascular disease and cancer. Also is a great source for lung protection. Promotes good vision, night vision in particular. Also aids in blood sugar regulation.

Kale: Great for optimum overall health. Helps to optimize cell detoxification and cleansing ability. Contains pro- vitamin A and promotes lung health. Also helps to prevent caners.

Hope you enjoy!

Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty Intern, Hatteras Village Office

Countdown To Spring

2010-03-16T11:57:00.007-04:00

As an unusually cold winter is finally winding down I find myself constantly searching for reassurance, with camera ready, to document any evidence that spring is almost here.

A Hatteras winter generally begins with a slow cooling of our air temperatures as the surrounding water temperatures hover in the low 60s and then begin to drop in December. This winter, however, was not typical and in fact since December our temperatures have been approximately 10 degrees (or more) below normal. Although it can happen, rarely do the winter temps fall below freezing. This winter was an exception. December, January and February daytime temperatures averaged in the low 40s while nighttime temperatures dropped into the low 30s, and several times were in the 20s.

An added burden were the multiple Nor Easters that formed off the coast whipping up northeast winds creating ocean over wash in the typical trouble spots along Highway 12. Then as each storm moved northward (on a fast track with New England in its sights) the winds switched out of the northwest and west which pushed the sound waters up higher than normal and in turn caused sound side flooding in low lying areas from Avon to Hatteras Village.

While water temperatures in March usually begin to warm and by April are in the 60-degree range and continue to climb (this in turn keeps our air temperatures similar and on the rise). Yet today the average water temperature remains colder than normal and with sunshine at a premium of late air temps are struggling to reach and hold in the mid to upper 50s. All-in-all most would agree these past several months have been much too cold for our southern comfort.

Refusing to give up, I am ready to say good-bye to winter and embrace each sign of spring. Keep searching and you too will notice stems of spring bulbs emerging through the soil, many have already begun showing off their bright yellow, white, pink and purple blooms. And if you look closely, the dune grasses are once again beginning to sprout new green shoots up through the sand. Even the yellow dandelion flowers standing tall among the brown blades of grass are left for now as encouragement. All are sure signs that winter is finally coming to an end and spring is almost here…just around the corner.

So let the countdown begin, and welcome spring, which officially begins Saturday, March 20th!

Blog entry by Katherine White,
Administration Support, Hatteras Office

OUTER BANKS FIBER RETREAT!

2010-03-10T14:11:00.002-05:00

Outer Banks Fiber Retreat

Classes held April 10th, 12th and 14th , 2010

This retreat in Hatteras, North Carolina is an opportunity to learn rigid heddle weaving, dyeing with kitchen safe colors and surface needle felted embellishments. Just bring your imagination and enjoy the fellowship of other fiber enthusiasts.

CLASSES:

Saturday, April 10th 10 am – 4 pm
“Weaving at the Beach. Introduction to Rigid Heddle Weaving”
Join us for the day while we learn how to weave on a rigid heddle loom. We’ll weave a glorious shawl or table runner while we learn the basics with a couple of impressive techniques thrown in.
We will complete the project during the class allowing you to take the loom home for the rest of the week to complete another project.

Cost: $50.00 for class with lunch and refreshments provided. Loom rental $20.00 if needed. Class is limited to 8 loom rental students, plus 4 additional students if you have your own rigid heddle loom.

Monday, April 12th 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
“Getting Creative with Kitchen Safe Dyes”
Using kitchen safe dyes from Knit One, Crochet Two, we’ll be dyeing yarn, silk scarves and felted needle punched batting.

Cost: $35.00 includes one item to dye and dyes. Additional dyeable items along with the dyes will be available for purchase. Class limited to first 12 registrations.

Wednesday, April 14th 6:30 – 8:30 pm
“Weaving Workshop” HOMEWORK: Bring questions!!!!!!!
OK, so you’re a beginner or a master at plain weave and you have a gazillion questions about fibers, yardage, lace, textures and many what ifs. Well here’s your chance to get those questions answered. An impressive handout along with demonstrations of different lace and texture techniques will be covered.

Cost: $25.00

Registration information will be available @ travelingweaver.blogspot.com/

Cold Weather Equals Hot Fishing

2010-01-18T14:17:00.007-05:00

The recent cold snap along the Outer Banks this winter has really turned the catching on. From Rodanthe to Hatteras the puppy drum bite has been excellent; schools of pups right in the wash have been really hitting the jigs with Berkley Gulp being the hot ticket. Speckled trout have been mixed in with the pups; some to 6 pounds and a few stripers are also being caught.

All in all some of the best winter fishing in years!

Blog entry by John Alley, Reservation Agent, Midgett Realty.

2009 Hatteras Village Christmas Parade

2009-12-20T14:11:00.005-05:00

The 2009 annual Hatteras Village Christmas Parade was held this year on Saturday, December 12th. There were 39 official entries, plus a few others who participated just to join in the fun and share in the spirit of the Holiday Season.

Midgett Realty’s float theme this year was “We're Dreaming of a Green Christmas” and consisted of several Christmas trees made from recycled aluminum cans, plastic bottles and paper. Staff members carried banners, and danced with recycle bins, and our jolly elf, Anthony Fletcher sang along the parade route (to the tune of White Christmas) new lyrics (promoting recycling) written by Herb “Speedy” Price entitled “Green Christmas”.

Our Reduce, Reuse, Recycle message is an ongoing effort to increase awareness of both the importance and participation of recycling on Hatteras Island. Last year alone, Midgett Realty’s vacation rental homes recycled 60 tons of material! Midgett Realty – 2009 Green Champions!

We hope you enjoy the slide show, which features a few of the parade highlights.

Happy Holidays!

Holidays and Good Food

2009-11-22T14:56:00.002-05:00

The holidays are fast approaching and for most families that can mean one thing is for certain, houseguests.

Casseroles as well as hardy soups and chowders are suggestions of easy ways to feed a crowd during the holidays and other busy family weekends. Many casseroles and soups can be prepared the day or night before which is a great time-saving benefit. Saving just a few steps in your meal preparations will leave more valuable time for visiting with your guests.

Simply scroll down or click on “Favorite Recipes” category for these recently posted recipe ideas: Egg and Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole, Fresh Shrimp Bisque, and Roasted Italian Sausages with Tomatoes and White Beans. Check back often as new recipes are added!

Don’t forget, once you’ve given these recipes a try we would love to hear how you rate them by adding a “Comment” to the Blog. I rate them easy and delicious! What is your opinion?

Photo courtesy of www.bing.com/images/

Blog entry by Katherine White, Administration Support, Hatteras Office.

Roasted Italian Sausages with Tomatoes and White Beans

2009-11-22T14:33:00.006-05:00

Ingredients

2-1/2 pounds sweet Italian sausage links (pork or turkey), cut into 2- or 3-inch pieces
3 pints cherry tomatoes
1 medium-large yellow onion, cut into 1-1/2 inch chunks
4 garlic cloves, sliced
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1-1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
3 whole bay leaves
Salt and pepper
4 16-ounce cans white beans, such as cannellini, drained, with ½ cup of liquid from the beans reserved

Preparation

Adjust oven rack to lowest position and pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.

Mix everything except the beans and their reserved liquid in a roasting pan (or oven proof casserole dish). Place pan in oven and roast until sausages are brown and tomatoes have reduced to a thick sauce, about 45 minutes. Remove from oven, stir in beans and reserved liquid. Return pan to the oven, and continue cooking until casserole has heated through, about 10 minutes longer. Remove bay leaves and transfer to a large serving bowl. Serves 8.

Serving suggestions:
Serve over a bed of brown rice, along with a side Caesar salad.

Fresh Shrimp Bisque

2009-11-22T14:12:00.005-05:00

Ingredients

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/3 cup finely chopped carrot
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups Fish Stock or low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14½ ounces) low-sodium whole tomatoes, drained and chopped (1 cup)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pound medium-size shrimp, shelled, deveined, and cut into ½-inch pieces
1 cup low-fat (1% milkfat) milk
1 cup heavy cream (or low-fat milk)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Sprigs of fresh marjoram (optional)

Preparation

(1) In a large saucepan, heat the butter and oil over moderately high heat. Stir in the onion, celery, and carrot and saute for 5 minutes or until tender. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly. Stir in the stock, tomatoes, wine, bay leaf, marjoram, and nutmeg and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer, covered for 15 minutes, then discard the bay leaf. Set aside and allow to cool slightly.

(2) In a food processor or blender, puree the soup, in batches if necessary, for 45 seconds or until smooth. Return the soup to the saucepan. Add the shrimp and cook, uncovered, over moderate heat for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and blend in the milk and cream, and cook 2 minutes longer (do not allow soup to boil) or just until the soup is heated through and the shrimp are firm and pink. Remove from the heat and season with the salt and lemon juice. Garnish with sprigs of marjoram is you wish. Makes six-1 cup servings.

Suggestions:
Serve this luscious bisque as an elegant beginning for any dinner.
For a special occasion or holiday lunch, serve a hot bowl of Shrimp Bisque, with a fresh garden salad and warm French bread.

This recipe and photo are courtesy of Reader’s Digest, Down Home Cooking.

Egg and Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

2009-11-22T14:02:00.003-05:00

Ingredients

1 pound mild sausage
1 30-ounce package (or 4-cups) frozen shredded hash browns
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
12 large eggs
3/4 cup milk

Preparation

Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring until sausage crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain well. Allow to cool slightly.
In a large bowl stir together frozen hash browns, sausage, cheese, salt and pepper. Pour into to a lightly greased (or spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray) 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
Whisk together eggs and milk. Pour evenly over the potato mixture.
Bake uncovered (in a pre-heated) 350-degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes (or until center is set).

This simple dish can also be prepared ahead. Prepare according to directions, cover and place in the refrigerator. In the morning, remove the dish from the refrigeration and simply pop it in the oven.

Substitutions:
Instead of sausage, use 1 pound of bacon. Cook, drain well, allow to cool slightly and crumble before adding to the potato mixture.

Try adding any of these additional ingredients:

1/2 cup chopped green onions (add to potato mixture)
1/4 cup each of: diced green pepper, diced red pepper, and chopped yellow onion. Prepare in medium skillet over moderate heat melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, add green and red peppers, and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally until crisp tender (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before adding to the potato mixture.

This dish is great served with a side of fresh fruit or tomato slices. Or for a spicy twist, serve with some warm, fresh salsa on the side.

This recipe was submitted by Katie (Menke) Mitchell. Katie frequently prepares this dish for the staff in our Hatteras Guest Services Office, which has become a staff favorite!

Midgett Realty Office Halloween Party Slideshow

2009-11-09T15:07:00.004-05:00

Ocracoke Day Trip

2009-10-15T12:51:00.000-04:00

There is no better escape than a day trip to Ocracoke Island. My family loves to go there. I know we live on an island but there is just something special about Ocracoke. It makes even a day trip feel like a real vacation. We always try to hit the Ferry line early. My family's most recent trip was to celebrate my daughter's birthday. It was her choice for a fun day of family. My mother in law was also in town and it was a great activity to do with her.

The Ferry ride marks the beginning of the "mini vacation". As always, it is crowded in the summer but a little patience results in a fun ride over the water. I like to ride the ferry while standing along the rail. Mostly because I get sea sick if I stay in the car but also because I have seen some amazing things swimming or floating past the boat. This was no exception as we saw hundreds of little fish swimming along side of the ferry.

After unloading in Ocracoke, the first stop is always Ocracoke Village and our favorite restaurant, The Jolly Roger. For many reading this blog you will have your own favorite, but for us, The Jolly Roger is tops. We love the outdoor atmosphere, the friendly wait staff, the view of the harbor and the food! After filling ourselves to capacity, we headed out for a browsing of the shops. My daughter's favorite store anywhere is a bookstore so we stopped in to Books to be Red. What a great book store and more. They have beautiful pottery and a fun kids room in the back with all kinds of kids books and craft ideas. No trip to Ocracoke is complete without ice cream. So after a little walking, we headed off to find some ice cream. With dessert and shopping complete, it was time for the beach.

On Ocracoke, there are only two ways to get to the beach: drive out or park and walk. We decided to park and walk over. The least crowded spot was the access ramp across from the Ocracoke wild pony pasture. Being horse owners ourselves, we always like to see how the Ocracoke ponies are doing. It is great to see them looking healthy and happy. The parking lot there has a nice wooden walkway that is also handicapped accessible. Time for the sunscreen and bathing suits. We hit the surf, which was surprisingly cold for July and did some boogie boarding and body surfing. The beaches in Ocracoke are similar to Hatteras in that they are not too crowded and are usually clean. This beach was no exception. My mother in law, who can not swim well, was pleased to find the water was not too deep and even she could enjoy the waves with the family.

All too soon it was time to head home. After drying off and reloading the car, it was a short drive back to the ferry line. We like to guess how many ferry's will come and go before we make it on. While we waited, we played games and some took naps. All in all, it was a very successful trip to Ocracoke and one we will make many times again.

Blog entry by Suzie Scholten, Associate Broker, Midgett Realty.

Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation Fun Run

2009-09-30T12:37:00.000-04:00

The Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation will have its sixth annual Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 10:00 a.m. in Hatteras village. The rain date is October 11, 2009.

Registration will begin at 9:15 a.m. at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum near the ferry docks for the event, which is a 5k run – about 3.1 miles.

Participants can walk, run, or just join in for the fun and festivities in support of an organization that provides financial assistance to Hatteras Island cancer patients.

The festivities will include music, a climbing wall From Kitty Hawk Kites, a barbecue show-off with barbecue available by the container or sandwich, clam chowder by Coastal Blue restaurant, a hot dog stand and lemonade stand, a bake sale, raffles, prizes, face painting, and much more from local businesses and organizations.

The entry fee for the Fun Run is $25 for adults and $15 for children 18 and under. The entry fee includes a Fun Run T-shirt and water. Please fill out and return a form along with your entry fee to P.O. Box 421, Hatteras, NC 27943: Attn: Fun Run.

Entry Forms can be picked up at Island Convenience in Rodanthe, Spa Koru in Avon, Buxton Village Books in Buxton or The East Carolina Bank In Hatteras.

You can also enter the day of the race.

Day At The Docks in Hatteras Village

2009-09-22T10:54:00.000-04:00

September 19th, 2009 was the 5th annual Day At The Docks in Hatteras Village. Always fun this event celebrates the working watermen of Hatteras Island. This year Day At The Docks was held along the waterfront from Oden's Dock to Village Marina. Along the walk, there were many things to see, do and eat! Working watermen were there to demonstrate their craft. You could see net tying, a pound net, the last working skip jack in North Carolina waters, the Ada Mae, along with commercial fishing boats, the charter fishermen, and the Coast Guard.

My family has been going to this event since the beginning, and every year brings something new. Our favorite event is the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation chowder cook-off. Each year, local restaurants and individuals compete for the best chowder on the island. There are as many ways to make chowder, as there are people to eat it. This year was no exception. There were varieties of the traditional Hatteras Style clam chowder, seafood bisque and fish/crab chowder combos. Unfortunately, we never seem to get there early enough to sample all the chowders as some contestants run out early. After sampling, you get to vote for your favorite. Ours was hands down the Breakwater Restaurant. They made a creamy Tile fish, jalapeno and crab chowder. It was excellent. Second place went to Island Perks from Buxton with a traditional Hatteras (clear base) clam chowder. Third went to the Marlin Club with a Brie and crab chowder. Unfortunately for my family, that was one we were too late for. After that, if you were still hungry, the Methodist Women staff a booth with hot dogs, fish sandwiches and shrimp on a skewer.

After eating our way through the cook-off, there were plenty of activities for our son to do. Sam has participated in the Mullet toss, the blue crab races, the concrete marlin contest, jumping in the creek, fish print tee shirts, the leaky coast guard boat, and the kids fishing tournament. Obviously not places to wear your Sunday best, as the kids always come home smelling like fish. His favorite is the kids fishing tournament. This year, he and a few buddies forgot poles and decided to hand line. Sam caught many little Pin fish but the prize was for longest and heaviest, neither of which they had. After walking and playing around the docks, you can sit and listen to an array of musicians playing in the main area. The day wraps up with a Blessing of the Fleet in the harbor. It was a beautiful day, and as always everyone had lots of fun in Hatteras Village.

Blog entry by Suzie Scholten, Associate Broker, Midgett Realty.

Sea Glass

2009-09-08T10:31:00.001-04:00

One of our favorite activities on Hatteras Island is beachcombing. After a big storm, you just never know what you may find out on the beach. When we moved here 8 years ago, we were big into collecting shells, all kinds and sizes, broken or whole. Then after hauling too many broken shells home, we decided that they had to be unique or whole to be worthy of a space in our "shell garden".

That rule still applies, but we now focus most of our attention on the hunt for sea glass. Sea glass comes in all colors and sizes. Green, brown and white are the most common colors to be found on the beaches here. For us to consider saving the piece, it has to be fully "cooked" which means, no sharp edges and a full smoky glaze, no shine, no clear glass. Red, yellow, orange and purple are some of the hardest and most rare to find. Blue is more common but is still a rush when found. All of these colors come in varying shades of the hue. In our family, we turn it into a contest to see who can find the most on any one-beach trip. And, when you find a piece you have to do the now famous "Sea Glass Dance". This involves holding the glass in the air, wiggling your rear end and chanting, "you ain't got no sea glass" to the other people on the beach. And yes, improper grammar applies or it does not count!

There are several books about sea glass that can help give you an idea of where a particular piece of glass may have come from. Glass with air bubbles typically are from very old bottles or windows. They could be hundreds of years old and have come from shipwrecks. The density of the color determines the age of the sea glass. For example, the deeper dark green of a piece, would indicate that it is older than a lighter green colored piece. Sometimes you can still read some of the raised logo from a Budweiser or the numbers on the bottom of a brown beer bottle. With plastics becoming more popular, sea glass collecting is becoming harder and we do not always find a piece while we are at the beach. Although we have jars full, the photo is of our box of special pieces. Each was collected for its color or shape. The yellow piece is our newest prize and was found while horseback riding in the cove on Mother's Day.

So next time you are out at the beach, especially at low tide, keep an eye to the ground for a flash of green or white and pick up some sea glass of your own!

Blog entry by Suzie Scholten, Associate Broker, Midgett Realty

Hatteras Island Prepares to Host 5th Annual Day at the Docks Celebration in September

2009-09-02T12:33:00.000-04:00

Hatteras Island, North Carolina (July 19, 2009) - The 5th Annual “Day at the Docks: A Celebration of Hatteras Island Watermen” will take place Saturday, September 19, 2009, on the Hatteras village waterfront.

“The celebration this year promises to be the best ever,” said Lynne Foster, chairperson of the Day at the Docks planning committee.

The day brings local fishing families and island visitors together on the waterfront where commercial fishing boats, charter boats, and fishing gear are displayed.

Competitions, such as the concrete marlin, net hanging, and mullet toss contests, and the survival suit race, will run throughout the day.

“The contests always draw lots of competitors and many more spectators,” Foster said.

The fish identification game, children’s fishing contest, blue crab races, and other activities designed especially for children will return this year.

“We’re bringing back the very popular chowder cook-off as well as seafood cooking demonstrations, and we invite island cooks and chefs to contact us if they are interested in participating,” Foster said.

Day at the Docks gets underway at 10 am and runs until 5 pm. Guests are invited to observe workboats parade into the harbor for the Blessing of the Fleet at 6 pm.

There is no admission charge for the event.

For more information, visit www.dayatthedocks.org

Hurricane Bill

2009-08-24T15:15:00.000-04:00

The first major hurricane of the 2009 season was a near miss for Hatteras Island, and no one is disappointed. The National Weather Service very accurately forecast the track of Hurricane Bill. Yet even with that, there are those of us who still prepare for the just-in-case scenario.

Experience has taught us that hurricanes don’t always “behave” as predicted; the storm track may change and/or the intensity of the wind may increase dramatically. Anyone who has lived here for a period of time and for those who have witnessed a hurricane here will most likely agree, that Mother Nature is unpredictable and ultimately in control. We know that even with this improving accuracy of weather forecasting, (especially during hurricane season) the weather here changes in an instant and without notice. So we must always be prepared for the unexpected.

Even though the storm was to remain well off our coast, by Friday the surf was building and warnings of dangerous rip currents resulted in the closure of the National Seashore beaches to ORV traffic, and the rescue squad asking people to use extreme caution and not enter the water during the storm conditions.

Fortunately the predicted track of the storm did not change and the hurricane passed us by on Saturday, August 22nd, just a few hundred miles off the coast of Cape Point. By Sunday morning the storm had moved well north on a track for Nova Scotia. Surfers waited patiently at their favorite break watching for the right wave, and beach goers were once again returning to the beaches for a day of fun and relaxation.

We are thankful that this storm has gone, and now will watch the Weather Channel’s tropical updates faithfully each day so we can monitor the next tropical wave as it approaches, and be prepared for our next storm. In the meantime, we will continue to enjoy this beautiful island we call home.

Blog entry by Katherine White, Administration Support, Hatteras Office.

On Hatteras Island…even the squirrels occasionally swim!

2009-08-10T16:31:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, when you are dealing with animals and the great outdoors, the most unexpected things happen! That is what this story is all about.

One early evening my husband, Jeff and I headed over to the barn to perform our usual routine of feeding, mucking and filling the water buckets. When we arrived, we noticed our horse Willem "playing" in the water bucket. This is not unusual because he loves to "make waves" with his face in the bucket…. but this play was different. It was almost like he was bobbing for something but not getting close enough to pick it up.

Since we were also waiting for the equine dentist to arrive, we didn't pay much attention to Willem and he came up to eat as normal. While we waited, I decided to empty and clean the water buckets. As I walked down toward the first bucket I called to Jeff and anyone else to come quick to see what I had found. There was a juvenile squirrel in the bucket, swimming for its life!

Now, we know that squirrels come to the water buckets to drink because we have seen them many times hanging onto the top rim with their feet, reaching down for a drink. This spring we watched a family of baby squirrels emerge from their nest near our hay box so this very likely was a squirrel from that family. Although there have been occasions of tree frogs using the water daily, this was the first furry creature we’ve found swimming! Even though we have worried about the possibility of them falling in we had not yet put a rescue plan in place.

Jeff quickly reached in and lifted the squirrel out of the bucket. It was in shock and continued to "swim" in the air and gasp for breath. Justin ran to his car and found a towel to wrap him in. He was so cold and soaked through, and his tail had been the object of Willem's attention as the end was stripped of fur. We took turns holding him close to us while he was wrapped in the towel. Soon the gasping and reflexive swimming stopped, and we were relieved to see that he was still breathing and appeared to be asleep, exhausted.

By the time the dentist had finished, the squirrel was awake and burrowing into the towel but staying fairly quiet. Thinking he needed a night of quiet, we decided to take him home with us for the night while he recuperated. The squirrel rode quietly in my arms all the way home.

We took him inside and decided to place him in an old birdcage until morning. Jeff was just setting up the cage when I lifted the towel covering the squirrel’s head and he bolted out of my arms and through the lower level of the house. Before we knew it, he was climbing the walls, bicycles, tools, washer and dryer; anywhere he could find to get away. Justin joined Jeff and I trying to corner him. (It is amazing how fast a squirrel can move!) After several attempts to grab the squirrel we managed to corner him again when he decided his best bet was to hunker down and put his tail over his head. It was the old; “If I can’t see you…then you can't see me” game! Jeff picked him up in a towel and put him in the cage. After that, we all agreed he was fit enough to return to his home right then.

Amazingly through the entire ordeal, he never tried to bite, only get away. We have seen him several times now since his water torture and he seems fully recovered. We recognize him by his hairless tail tip and he always scurries away with unusual speed. I can only imagine what he must think about the whole adventure.

Blog entry by Suzie Sholten, Associate Broker, Midgett Realty – Suzie and her husband, Jeff also own Hatteras Island Horseback Riding.

Crab Newburg

2009-07-27T10:35:00.000-04:00

1 pound backfin crab meat
Pinch cayenne pepper
¼ cup butter
2 cups skim milk
¼ cup diced green pepper
¼ cup white wine
1 cup canned mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup flour
¼ teaspoon salt Fresh parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon dry mustard

Melt butter in medium saucepan. Add green pepper and mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes. In a small bowl, combine flour, salt, mustard, and pepper. Blend into melted butter. Add milk and wine and stir constantly until mixture thickens. Add crabmeat and pour mixture into baking dish. Sprinkle with paprika, grated Parmesan and parsley. Bake for about 8-10 minutes in preheated 350 degree F. oven. Yield: 6 servings.

This recipe is from the North Carolina Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Marketing Division’s NC Seafood Cookbook. For more great North Carolina seafood information and their recipes go to: http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/seafood/index.htm

Hot Crab Dip

2009-07-27T10:30:00.000-04:00

1 cup Mayonnaise
1½ cups grated Cheddar Cheese (divide into 2 individual ¾ cup portions)
1½ tsp. Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp. Dry Mustard

1 pound fresh lump crabmeat (gently pick through the crab to remove any shell bits or membranes, being careful not to break up the lumps)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium sized bowl combine mayonnaise, ¾ cup cheese, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce and mustard; fold in the picked crabmeat. Spoon mixture into 1-qt. Casserole dish and top with remaining ¾ cup cheese. Sprinkle with a dash of Old bay seasoning. Bake 15 minutes or until mixture begins to bubble around edges. Serve with assorted crackers and/or pita crisps. Serves 8-10.

Steamed Crab

2009-07-27T10:25:00.000-04:00

For each dozen crabs use:
2 ½ tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
3 tablespoon salt
water and vinegar

Use a large pot, such as a canner, or steamer pot with a raised rack in the bottom (at least 2 inches above bottom of the pot) works well. Fill pot with equal quantities of vinegar and water to just below the level of the rack. Add crabs to pot in layers, sprinkling each layer of live crabs with the mixture of Old Bay Seasoning and salt. Cover and steam until crabs are red, about 20 to 30 minutes. Serve crabs immediately. Because seafood spoils quickly, keep crabs warm in steamer or promptly refrigerate.

Serve steamed crab on a table covered with paper for easy cleanup and with plenty of ice cold beer, lemonade or soft drink. Melted butter seasoned with a little Old Bay Seasoning is often served on the side. Have plenty of paper towels handy.

**When adding crabs to pot, make sure the crab is alive. Crabs spoil quickly and any dead crabs should be discarded.

This recipe is from http://www.old-bay-seasoning.com/ the Cooking with Old Bay Seasoning recipe collection.

Steamed Crab Feast Tips – A steamed crab feast is definitely not fast food. And can be considered a tad messy, as it is most certainly a “hands on event” since you will be eating the crab right off the table and using your fingers to pick the meat from the crab shell. So plan to spend a leisurely afternoon or evening with good company, and enjoy this fresh local cuisine.

Picking crab can be a bit slow to start so be patient. If you have a veteran picker in the group it is always good to have them demonstrate the picking process. Don’t worry you’ll get the hang of it and have a few laughs in the process.

Tools you will need: wooden mallets (to break open the claws), paring knives, and several rolls of paper towels.

To simplify any messy clean up the best place to eat steamed crab is outside on a picnic table. (However, if you have to eat inside be sure to protect the table and floors and do the clean up right away.) To protect the surface cover the table with a plastic tablecloth to prevent any juices from leaking through, and then place several layers of newspaper or layers of large brown paper bags cut and spread open. Have a trashcan available nearby.

When the meal is done, simply roll the layers of newspaper or brown paper up toward the center of the table containing all the discarded shells and toss in the trashcan.

If you have any left over crab, pick the crabmeat and store in a zip lock bag and refrigerate right away. Refrigerated crabmeat will last a couple of days. Or freeze the crabmeat for up to 2 months.

North Carolina Seafood

2009-07-24T11:59:00.001-04:00

Here on Hatteras Island summer is in full swing and there is no better time to enjoy eating fresh North Carolina seafood. Check any of Hatteras Island’s local seafood markets where you will find a great selection of fresh fish and shellfish. Seafood harvested in North Carolina is considered some of the best seafood in the world!

This time of year the blue claw crabs are a popular choice by many locals and visitors! You can purchase the blue claws fresh and cook them yourself, or buy the backfin and lump crabmeat that has already been cooked, and the meat removed from the shells ready to use in your favorite recipe!

After searching through my cookbooks, and the web (for some new ideas) it came as no surprise that there are many recipes for crab. In the new “Favorite Recipe” category I’ve included a simple recipe for steaming crabs, which may appeal to anyone who wants to enjoy the fresh, pure succulent taste of the blue claw. For those who would like to use the fresh prepared crabmeat in other ways there are 2 additional crab recipes you may want to try.

Click on “Favorite Recipes” to view all recipes. Check back often as more of our favorites are added! Enjoy!

Katherine

Musical Surprise

2009-07-13T10:53:00.000-04:00

My husband, Speedy and I moved to Frisco about 7 years ago from Northern Virginia. The only thing we were unsure about was his music and whether or not he would still be able to play in the area. With great surprise in less than a month we learned about the outstanding musical talent on the islands that ranges from Rodanthe to Ocracoke.

After discovering the rich musical heritage that exists on the Outer Banks, it did not take long to create a show that is called “Frisco Jubilee” and is performed once a week and is open to all…. locals and vacationers. The show is multi-faceted with music ranging from standards and blues, to bluegrass and gospel. Also included are original poetry readings by Johnny Baum. It’s great to see the same people come back year after year to the show, and nice to know we have become an add-on for their vacation’s “must do” list.

Speedy has been able to produce CD’s, (most of the money he makes goes to local charities) and he keeps writing his music. He was also in the movie “Nights in Rodanthe”. Just look for the fiddler!

Our soundman Bob Boyer (also from the DC, Maryland area) worked for NBC and now has Boyer Videos. Bob now does most of the local commercials you see on TV, and does the taping for Dare County meetings and school dance classes, just to name a few. Any music needs you may have for weddings or parties just call Bob for information at 252-995-3540.

I was able to start working two weeks after we moved here at the best company on the Island, Midgett Realty. I work in the Sales department in the Hatteras Village Office and enjoy the people I work with and the support received from the homeowners.

So when you are in town please stop in the Little Grove Church in Frisco for the best shown in town, and Midgett Realty to find that dream vacation spot. Or just stop in to say hello!

Hope to see you soon!
Kathy

Blog entry by Kathy Price, Sales Administrator, Midgett Realty - Hatteras Office.

The “Frisco Jubilee” is held at the Little Grove Church in Frisco, at 7:30pm each Saturday. Tickets are $10.00. (Half of the funds from each show are donated to the Little Grove Church.)

Happy Independence Day!

2009-07-03T14:46:00.000-04:00

Salty Reflections

Happy Independence Day! The weather forecast for this 4th of July is predicting a mostly sunny day with temps in the mid 80’s. Perfect Hatteras Island weather for just about any activity you and your family may have planned. So kick back, relax, have fun and be safe this holiday weekend!

Midgett Realty Staff

Salty Reflections

2009-06-26T19:25:00.000-04:00

I invite you to browse this new category for our Beachside Banter Blog! Salty Reflections is another means of sharing life here on Hatteras Island through the lens of a camera. Almost everyday here brings yet another opportunity to capture a moment in time with a photograph of this wonderful place I now call home.

I grew up in a small town in New Hampshire and really fell in love with Hatteras Island the very first time vacationing here over 20 years ago. The weather, wind, water, sunsets, the caring people I became acquainted with, and the island lifestyle kept me coming back here time and again, year after year. Now it seems hard to believe that 11+ years has passed since moving and settling here permanently.

As an amateur photographer over the years I have always enjoyed the challenge of searching out a path less traveled in hope of finding a unique photo opportunity. And yet even here (a small place geographically), Hatteras Island has many such paths. I continue to be amazed by the ever-changing landscape, the resilience of our natural vegetation and variety of wildlife that are able to endure even the harshest weather conditions that sometimes occur here. Collectively all that is here continues to inspire me and can provide so many great moments that my camera is (almost always) nearby and ready!

So from time-to-time I will post a photograph from my modest assortment that I have kept stashed away. There may be a caption or short story that goes along with it, or there may just be the photo itself, which may stir a fond memory or brief reflection of your own Hatteras Island visit!

Oh, and just in case you were wondering, it is true that island time really does exist! It was an easy transition for me to find my island time comfort zone. If you let it, island time has a way of eliminating the clutter in life, and helps simplify things. I like that.

Katherine

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure

2009-06-22T12:23:00.000-04:00

Lots of people have hobbies, but few people invest the kind of time and energy into their extracurricular activities that Hatteras residents Ted Midgett and Bill Ballance have dedicated to their favorite pastime of dirt-track racing.Every Friday afternoon, from mid-April until the end of August, Midgett and Ballance load up their car and make the nearly three-hour trek to Elizabeth City, where they compete against other enthusiasts on the Dixieland Speedway’s three-eighths- mile dirt track, not returning home until around 2:30 the next morning. And that’s just race day. They spend several hours each week painstakingly detailing their car—taking it down to the frame, cleaning it, replacing any banged up pieces of metal, repainting dings and scuffs, and hand-checking each nut and bolt on the vehicle. That’s right. Every nut. Every bolt. Every week. “You’ve got to love it,” says Ballance. “It’s stress relief for me. When I’m doing this, I’m in another world.”For Midgett, who has been at it for nearly 25 years, the love affair started early. “I always liked [racing],”he said, “even as a kid.”His dad, Stockton Midgett, used to race beach buggies, and even when he was just riding a bike, Midgett would put a racing number on it. So when the Dixieland Speedway opened in the early 1980s, Midgett couldn’t just sit in the stands. “Four of us from down here went up to watch the race, and we said, ‘Hey, we can do that.’”They came back and built two cars. “We thought it looked easy,” he said. “We found out it wasn’t.”After years of racing, it just got to be too much for Midgett, and he, along with most of the other Hatteras boys, decided to give it up. Then, about 10 years ago, Ballance, owner of Ballance Oil in Hatteras, found himself with a sponsored car, midway through the dirt-track season, and no one to drive it. So he contacted Midgett, who agreed to finish out the season. They’ve been partners ever since, and it seems they make a pretty good team. Over the years, they’ve won seven championships, and almost every year, they take home the title of best looking car. So far this year, the duo is in second place, trailing the leader by 12 points, and leading the third place contender by more than 35. Not bad for a couple of pentagenarians. Of course, Midgett and Balance get a lot of help from behind the scenes. “If you really want to know what goes on, talk to [our wives] Chris and Beth,” Ballance said. “If we didn’t have their support, neither one of us could do this.” In the off-season, Bill and Ted completely rebuild the car. “We take it right down to the frame,” says Ballance. “Ted and I can pick it up and carry it.”Then they start from scratch, cutting the sheet metal for the body, ordering new parts, carving treads into new tires and putting everything together, so that's when the season rolls around, the legendary red and black No. 1 car is ready to roll.

Reprinted from the Island Free Press www.islandfreepress.org

Island Time?

2009-06-18T10:56:00.000-04:00

I moved to Hatteras Island in 1994, completely sight unseen. Why? Because the U.S. Coast Guard said so!

We were stationed in Charleston, South Carolina when we received our orders and I thought the idea of living on an island would be “quaint” and “charming”. Since I had grown up a Navy brat I knew I could handle just about any duty station for 3 years, it would be a cinch, no problem, I could do it standing on my head.

There was just one little problem I hadn’t anticipated….island time. A relaxed attitude about schedules, the gray area of 20 minutes before and 20 minutes after the appointed time. Now, keep in mind, I was raised in the military and then married into the military. If 0900 was the scheduled time for an appointment then I was there at 0900, ready for whatever lay ahead.

Shock number one came when I went to enroll my older son in school. “What time does school begin?” I asked. The answer - “8ish”. I’m an adult, I’ve been able to tell time since I was about 5 years old, I do not recall seeing 8ish on any clock - ever. Certainly this must be just for the littlest of the children, it was only kindergarten after all, just a little extra time as a young child begins to learn the routine. Nope. School starts at 8ish. Alrighty then, moving right along.

Several years later, I knew I had been converted to island time when I was on the phone with my brother who lives in Boston. While we were chatting he pulled into a gas station to enquire about a state inspection. The conversation went something like this:

Baby Brother: How long for an inspection?
Station Attendant: 30 minute wait
Baby Brother: I’ll be back

That was it, the full conversation. Information exchanged, appointment made, on to the next item on the “to-do” list. I began laughing and my brother asked what the joke was. I explained to him that his less than 30 second interaction would have taken at least 15 minutes here because there would be inquiries after the entire family’s health, a promise to get together soon and an appointment set for a vague time in the future.

It isn’t that islanders are slow, it’s not that we’re inconsiderate to the schedule of others, it’s that we take the time to care about people around us. I live on island time now and like to think that I’m a better person for it.

Cindy

Sandy toes and baby blues

2009-06-12T15:05:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day weekend brought good fishing, great cook outs, and a baby girl’s first trip to the beach. Taylor (my daughter) at the ripe old age of 6 months had her first experience of what it was like to have sand between her toes!

Her dad and I loaded her in the truck with all her favorite toys, sunscreen, umbrella, bottles, water, and the list goes on….we are lucky that, as parents on Hatteras Island, we have the luxury of driving onto the beach in our 4 wheel drive making bringing a baby’s necessities much easier. I can’t imagine having to haul all of these items to the beach by crossing a parking lot, then climbing a dune over a sand path to the water. Needless to say as new parents we did not want to forget anything and wanted to make it the most enjoyable experience possible. Upon arrival at the beach, Taylor’s bright blue eyes were following the seagulls and she was smiling from ear-to-ear. Her dad spotted the perfect location for Taylor’s first beach exploration and backed in.

Believe it or not, the weatherman was right on! The sun was shining, a nice cool breeze was blowing, and there was no rain in sight. What more could one ask, for Taylor’s first beach trip? At this point we (well Stephen, my husband) unloaded the truck, anchored the umbrella, and I applied two, maybe three or even four layers of sun block to Taylor. We were so scared she would get sunburn. I stand Taylor up and she holds on and starts walking towards the ocean. She does her normal “squall” of happiness, and is now almost in a dead run (remember she is 6 months, and I am holding her hands and following behind)! I think the water is cold, but not her! She heads as far out into the wash as we will let her….giggling all the way.

Now we get to the good part. While sitting on a towel playing with a toy, Taylor tipped completely over with her head going right into the sand! You would think she would get upset, but no, not her! Like a true Hatteras beach baby, she just sat up and enjoyed eating the sand. How do you keep sand out of a 6 months mouth? You can’t! By mid afternoon she was getting a little tired and our day was nearing an end. We load the truck, strap Taylor in her car seat and slowly head for the access ramp. By the time we hit ramp 49 , (maybe 3 minutes) she is fast asleep. All in all we had a great day and a great first trip to the beach.

Carinne

Summer Sundays are for clamming, friends, and Nascar racing!

2009-06-09T15:23:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday dawned a bit cloudy with a fairly stiff northeast breeze, undeterred and hoping that the forecast for clearing by mid-day was correct, we (myself, my husband Ted, and Kim and Chris who are friends from Elizabeth City) loaded up the boat with all the essentials needed for a great clamming trip.

Necessities include, the boat bag containing snacks, sunscreen, hats, long sleeved shirts (in case we get too much sun), towels, books, and knitting (these last two items go with us in case one or several of us decide to take more of a “supervisory” role in regards to the effort needed to clam J). Also essential for the trip are the clam buckets, clam rakes, the cooler iced down with beverages, and on a Sunday in the summer, the portable radio (with an extra set of batteries just in case) so we can listen to the Nascar race. As an aside here, for those that are hooked on seeing the race on TV, the radio broadcast by MRN (motor racing network) is a fantastic way to get your “fix” with very colorful commentary and announcing. It’s a really good compromise when trying to get those diehard race fans out of the house and into the sun….besides, if something really wild happens you can always catch the recap on the speed channel or ESPN later that night. Everyone give a great big HOO-RAH! to Tony Stewart for winning the Pocono race this past week! We will speak not of Dale Jr’s finish…

Lo and behold, just as the forecast said, about noon the skies cleared up and the wind settled into a nice gentle breeze. Trust me, the weather thing tends to be against us when we have a day off and friends visiting. We launched from Teaches Lair Marina in Hatteras Village ( there is a great live webcam here http://www.teachslair.com/webcam.htm if you’ve never seen it). Unfortunately, we have to launch each time we use the boat! This is a long standing argument (excuse me, “discussion”) between my husband and myself….I want to leave the boat in the water for the summer so we can use it whenever the mood strikes (like at the end of a difficult day for a sunset cruise) while he wants it back on the trailer, so it stays cleaner? This is somewhat akin to an argument we had when we first started dating, we always hand washed the dishes, but he had a dishwasher….when I asked why he didn’t use the dishwasher the answer was because it was new???! Needless to say, I prevailed on that issue and am still holding out hope on keeping the boat in the water. But I digress.

Because of the northeast breeze the water was super clear and gorgeous. It looked tropical. We went to our current clamming “hot spot” in hopes that not too many people had found it since last week. Please don’t waste your breath asking a Hatterasman about where the go clamming, I found out very early on “out in the sound” was going to be the best answer I would get. Now Ted is a clamming machine….he can find them when they aren’t even there which is a trait I have on good authority he got from his grandfather….it makes for a good marriage in-so-far as he doesn’t like to eat them but I love them any way they are fixed! Clam chowder (Hatteras style), clams casino, clam fritters or my favorite steamed in the grill. Mmmmmm good!

When Ted jumped off the boat in about 2 feet of water in order to set the anchor, he stepped on a clam, which proved to be a very good indication that the clams were still right where we left them! We use the long aluminum rakes, which make all the difference in the world as far as how you “feel” the clam strike the tines when you are raking. It was the first time Chris had clammed and in no time at all, he had the hang of it. Limits on clams are up to 200 per boat with at least 2 people and they must measure at least 1 inch at the hinge to be legal. If you care to go on a clamming trip and don’t have your own boat, many of the local marinas have inshore charters that would be happy to oblige, just check. We reached our limit within an hour or so and then spent the rest of the afternoon swimming and wading around the sandbars on the Ocracoke side of the inlet across from the ferry docks looking for shells and hermit crabs and generally having a great time. Kim and Chris were able to head north back to the “real world” with a bucket to share with their friends and family. Next time, I promise to remember to bring my camera!

Have a great week! Beth

Wow! Finally! Our first entry!

2009-06-05T10:10:00.000-04:00

We have spent a lot of time and given a lot of thought as to the theme of our blog. We have decided that we want ours to be a bit different than the typical "business" blog, we want it to be about our Midgett Realty family, those with the last name Midgett and those that have a different last name but are just as much members of our family, our fellow employees. We all agree that we want it to be reflective of every day life on Hatteras Island.

By far, the most asked question that we get is "what is it like to live there"? This blog will strive to answer that question as we take time to share our island lives with you. You will learn that many aspects of our daily lives are just like yours, whether you live in Pennsylvania or Ohio, California or Canada or points in between or afar. We have children to get to school, commutes to drive to get to work, and never ending list of "things to do" for our homes. (Albeit all of these mundane chores of life take place in an environment that we think is paradise on earth!)

However, you will also learn that our family of staff here at Midgett Realty is a pretty eclectic group of people with wildly varied talents, interests, and backgrounds. To be expected, we count as staff members (and their families) boaters, fishermen, photographers, windsurfers, kiteboarders, birdwatchers, kayakers, surfers, hunters and gardening enthusiasts. But did you know that we also have computer geeks, a gemologist, a devout fan of Dale Jr., gourmet cooks, community activists and volunteers, 3 amateur meteorologists, Pirates, Buckeyes, and Tarheels (sports fans all!), 5 knitters, 2 spinners (yeah, folks who spin wool or other fibers into yarn), several members of local government boards, skateboarders, conservationists, softball players (we sponsor both a Men's team "Midgett Bros." and a Women's Team "Midgett Sistas") and even one racecar driver! (Late Model Dirt Track)

In the weeks and months ahead we will share our lives with you, through the seasons with all our island has to offer. Enjoy!