Detour

Looking for Muley?

…….then head east, turn right at the ocean, and you’ll find him here.

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Just Fish……………..A Muley Moment

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Well folks, we’re into my fourth month back here in Wilmington, N.C. and I have to tell you, one of the main reason’s for my fondness of the area is my Love for salt-water fishing. I started to fish here back in the summer of 1978, with the help of a few locals who took a liking to this old yankee, on the old Crystal Pier at Wrightsville Beach. That summer, I would come out to the pier in the evenings from work, and just stand out on the end of the pier and observe. Being from the North, and being somewhat aggressive, I didn’t want to step on any toes, so I would just watch, listen and pay close attention. The techniques, the people, the equipment, all these things, I would just absorb it all and try to make new friends.

And I think it paid off for me. On my return, I’ve been able to renew those aquaintenances, those friendships from years gone by. Although Crystal Pier is not the same as it was years ago, I’ve found that I can enjoy the memories of Crystal Pier just as well from the Jolly Roger Pier on Topsail Island, just a short drive north up hwy 17. Although I’ve left most of my fishing gear in Ohio, I did bring a wealth of knowledge and memories with me on my return.

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In the coming weeks, as the coastal waters warm up, I’ll try to shift this blog from things about Lorain, Ohio, my beloved home town, to a more local flavor. As with this article, I will be writing news and stories on fishermen, their catch and other fishing lore from time to time, I hope you will enjoy them all. But don’t get me wrong, I’ll still write about politics, dumb stuff (they go together) and other articles of note.

 In the mean time, any of you locals care to brag about your catch, or tell us your “honey hole”, drop me a line.

If you have that “special” fish tale you want to share, just e-mail me at: muley17@yahoo.com and I will be more than happy to share it with all of you old salts.

Have a good day fishing, and make it better by taking a kid with you.

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I’m So Glad…….I’m Glad

I’m soooo glad to be back in Wilmington, and just in time for the 62nd annual North Carolina Azalea Festival, which started yesterday with the official coronation of the Azalea Queen and her Court.

Also, I’m so glad that I’m an official resident of the State of North Carolina and the City of Wilmington, having secured a new driver’s license, plate’s for the MuleyMobile, insurance, and most important………………A Job!

Although yesterday and today’s forcast call for off and on showers, tomorrow and the rest of the weekend should be beautiful, with clear skies and temps in the mid 70’s, surely encouraging for the estimated 300,000 folks who are expected for the weekend festivities. I’m thinking my personal fav will be the street fair. with a ton of food vendors, non-stop musical acts, and a great fireworks display saturday evening.

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While I’m soooo glad to be back in Wilmington, I’m also sad that I no longer get to see some very wonderful friends that I met through the years in my hometown of Lorain, Ohio. Loraine, Paula, Kelly……three woman who I really enjoyed reading about. Brian, the guy who isn’t afraid to say it like it is. And Scott…….what else can I say. He’s the one who got it all started for us bloggers in Lorain, Ohio. I will miss you guys all so much, and hope we can at least stay in contact through our writings on the internets.

Stay well, Lorain, Ohio

You will be missed……..well, almost

I’m So Glad

Cream

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Azalea Festival 2009………..Sheer Beauty

Another North Carolina Azalea Festival is fast approaching. Azaleas are starting to bloom, along with the Dogwoods and others of the Cape Fear region.  I, myself, have been absent from the Wilmington area for over 20 years, so I have not witnessed the beauty of the spring bloom in the Wilmington area for quite some time.

This year’s festival marks the 62nd annual North Carolina Festival in the city of Wilmington. For over a half a century, the festival has been a source of pride for many Wilmingtonians, starting with the coronation of the Official Azalea Queen and her Court, then throughout the week, the citizens can enjoy such entertainment as the Cole Bros circus, concerts, a street fair, garden tours, a parade, all to showcase what the south is all about. This years queen , just announced last week is Amrapali Ambegaokar. She was the silver winner in the solo competition on Superstars of Dance, the show produced and directed by mastermind Nigel Lithgow (American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance) during the finale on January 26, 2009. Other notables to have held throne over the Azalea Festival are:  actress and champion swimmer Esther Williams, actresses Polly Bergen, Shelly Fabares, Joan Van Ark, Sharon Gless, Phylicia Rashad, Kim Zimmer and talk show diva Kelly Ripa.

“I Wonder”

This years headlining concerts will feature the reigning American Idol Champion, David Cook and country superstar Kellie Pickler. Past entertainers have been a very diverse group also, such as: Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Carrie Underwood, The Beach Boys, Alabama, The Judds, Jessica Simpson and Natalie Cole. Also a must-see while in town are the Garden Tours throughout the area. The Azalea Garden Tour begins Friday, April 3, 2009 with the colorful ribbon cutting ceremony at the home of Rick and Myrna Willetts. Located in the historic Forrest Hills area, the 1939 antebellum style home was built by the current owner’s grandfather. Many of the original plantings still grace this grand garden including azaleas, maples and camellias. Queen Azalea LXII and her court preside over the ceremony. The Summerall Guards, the Citadels elite senior drill team, escort over 100 beautiful Azalea Belles dressed in authentic antebellum gowns. Local and national celebrities are also present to celebrate the event, including Joe Gallison (Days of Our Lives) and Nicholas Braun (Without a Trace and Law & Order:SVU),. Following the ceremony, members of The Cape Fear Garden Club serve refreshments and hundreds of homemade cookies. Musical entertainment and media coverage complete this exciting event.

Tickets for all events may be purchased at the North Carolina Azalea Festival ticket office located at 5725 Oleander Dr in the Oleander Oaks Shopping center, or by clicking on this link.

A schedule of all events during the 62nd Annual Azalea Festival can be viewed at this link.

I hope to see and meet many of you at the festivities. Have some fun, winter is over.

 

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Grab a Hanky….You’ll Need One

Just happened to be watching Ophra on friday, and thought I’d share this with you in case you didn’t see it.

Here, just in case……..

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