Happy New Year

      Uncle Jack is happy to report that both he and Mrs. U. J. are alive and well and enjoying a lengthy sojourn in South Nags Head in spite of the fact that it is too cold to leave the house.  They have been here for almost a week but still haven't set foot on the beach where icy winds take all the fun of walking.  A warming trend is predicted for the weekend (it could get up to 50F) but until then they will stay inside by the fireplace and catch up on their reading.
      They did get to Manteo Monday and visited Manteo Booksellers where Uncle Jack was delighted to discover that Steve had a copy of a book that he has been wanting to read ever since he first heard about it, namely Simon Winchester's "Atlantic" which, as you might expect, is about the Atlantic Ocean which has played such a major role in the history of the Outer Banks. He has greatly enjoyed every Simon Winchester book he has ever read and this one promises to be no exception.  It's a doorstop of a book so it will keep him enjoyably and profitably occupied for a long time no matter which way the temperature goes.

                                                    Recent sunset in Bawlmer.


Anyway Uncle Jack will be back with some beach pictures in a few days if the temp goes up, the wind goes down and the sun continues to shine.  In the meantime a belated Happy New Year to all members of the tiny band of diehard readers who check in from time to time to seek proof that he is still alive.  He appreciates your efforts and hopes to continue to appear in this space from time to time when the spirit moves.

Progress continues on the Johns Hopkins library addition.  Concrete walls and support beams were poured last week.  Working outside like this in freezing temperatures can't be much fun but they're getting her done in spite of the cold.