The largest full moon of the year (which created the highest and lowest tides of the season) peaked through storm clouds over the SunSpree Resort at Wrightsville Beach NC. I had a great time on my “staycation”. Thanks to Ann Marie, Joe and the rest of the friendly staff for a wonderful visit!

Notice the ring around the moon. Click on image to see more in the series!

Photos taken January 10-11, 2009.

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Since I posted “The Glorious Oyster” in September, I have come to understand that it has been published in several Wilmington magazines that the Heck of a Peck Oyster Bar has closed. It has not closed. We just came from a wonderful dinner there where I took this picture of the almost full moon peering through the upstairs deck.

In times of recession business is hard enough, but when people are told by the press that a business is closed when it’s not – that can be a kiss of death. If you love seafood, please try and make it down to Heck of a Peck in December and tell everyone you know so we don’t lose another great restaurant!

Photo taken December 13, 2008.

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We like to shop the farmers markets and small roadside vegetable vendors. One that we really like moved behind this fence because her stand was hit by a passing car. No one was hurt. This is the only sign she currently has. It has been just as you see it for weeks now with the scissors and screw driver.

Photo taken November 06, 2008.

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If you can’t make it to this event, New Hanover County will collect obsolete electronics and other household hazardous waste on Saturday, October 25 from 9:00 am until 2:00 PM at the New Hanover County Government Center, 230 Government Center Drive, between South College Road and Eastwood Road.

Volunteers are also needed for the October 25 collection day.

Contact Jennifer O’Keefe, 798-4404 or Lynn Bestul, 798-4410 to volunteer your time and keep hazardous wastes out of our landfill.  Read more and see video at WECT.

Author Hector Bolitho wrote in ‘The Glorious Oyster’ (1929), “Oysters are the most tender and delicate of all seafoods. They stay in bed all day and night. They never work or take exercise, are stupendous drinkers, and wait for their meals to come to them.” I love seafood and especially oysters. I love them raw and cold maybe with a little horseradish cocktail sauce or steamed with butter.

The photo above is two dozen raw oysters on the half shell.  I get my oyster fix at Wilmington’s only full service Oyster Bar Heck of a Peck. North Carolina has instituted an oyster recycling program and Bob Rivenbark (Owner – Heck of a Peck) recycles the restaurant’s used oysters at no personal profit. The recycling of oyster shells is wonderful for the whole underwater ecosystem (read more).

Photo taken August 23, 2008.

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Want to learn about our area’s most colorful bird, the painted bunting? Join us with host Dr. Jamie Rotenberg ornithologist and from UNCW. Dr. Rotenberg will discuss the PBOT, Painted Bunting Observation Team, study going on through UNCW. Find out about how bird studies are conducted. This free workshop will cover all the basics including habitat type, food sources and habits of Painted Buntings.

Saturday August 23, 2008 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Hosted by: Wild Bird & Garden & Dr. Jamie Rotenberg
Workshop Location: Temptations Everyday Gourmet
Just six doors down from Wild Bird & Garden in Hanover Center.

Photo by local photographer Chuck Carmack.

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What happens when a world class chef and a master restaurant manager get together? The answer is Mason’s Haunt. Chef & proprietor David Herring and manager Jim Wright are definitely doing it right. They were kind enough to let me roam around the kitchen with them – watch the short video below. All I can say is that if I could give five stars – Mason’s Haunt would get them.

Above is chocolate chip cookie cheesecake (play video below in popup). Does your birthday boy or girl have a favorite cookie or candy bar? Dave can make you a special cheesecake with a little notice. Mason’s Haunt Restaurant & Spirits is located at 3317 Masonboro Loop Road Wilmington NC. Call them at 910-796-9992. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday – Saturday and now with a new Sunday brunch!

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Photo taken June 18, 2008.

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SURFWISE follows 85-year-old surfer “Doc” Paskowitz, his wife, and their nine kids in their camper (see inset).

Playing now in select theaters, HDNet VOD (Time Warner HD-on demand) and local art theaters.

Calendars make great gifts any time of the year! Just let me know what month of the year you want to start on and your full 12-month calendar will continue into the next year.

My 2008 Calendar with photos I have taken this past year is available here for only $20.00. This is perfect size wall calendar (images are 7 1/2″ x 10″) includes all twelve months plus a cover photo. A few sample months are shown above.

New: add names of family members or friends on birth dates! Write the name and corresponding date into the comments section at the end of checkout.

I am proud to be a part of this wonderful project. See CooksCanvas.com.

Cook’s Canvas 2 the perfect gift for any occasion, but don’t wait as this wonderful cookbook will sell out.

Order online or print out an order form for mailing!

Cook’s Canvas 2 supports the children’s programs at the Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington, NC.

Over 4,000 children visit the museum each year. Sale of the cookbook supports the Kids at CAM events and other special programs for children and families at the Cameron Art Museum.

Percy Glaspie was employed at Cape Fear Country for over 50 years as the Green’s Keeper. A self taught golfer and member of the Port City Golf Association. Percy has done it all in golf. His drive and determination has won him numerous trophies. He was the “Tiger Woods” of his era. Come out and support this worthy cause and honor Percy!

Project Task Force presents,

October 20 ,2007

GOOD FOOD, GOOD DRINKS & GOOD FUN
Make plans to attend now. Many thanks to all who attended our 1st PTF “Percy Glaspie Classic”. It was a big success. In January, we gave over 5 scholarships to 2nd semester college students, Thanks to You.

If you have any suggestions on how we can make our PTF “Percy Glaspie Classic” better, send them to the address above.

For more information:

Joseph Bradley, PTF
PO Box 672, Castle Hayne, NC 28429
910-686-7037

The largest undisturbed barrier island along the southern part of the North Carolina coast is Masonboro Island, located approximately five miles southeast of Wilmington NC. The Masonboro site is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway to the west, Masonboro Inlet to the north and Carolina Beach Inlet to the south.

Photo taken June 10, 2007 with Canon G7.

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