Greetings from the island everyone. Hope all of you are doing well and enjoyed your Independence Day weekend. The firework display in POC was great Saturday night. I always watch them from my upstairs deck on the island, a nice clear view without any of the crowds or traffic; now that’s paradise to me.

I enjoyed a nice airboat visit over the weekend from Randy and Marion, childhood friends, and Cindy and her husband who were with them. Fellow islanders Randy and Shirley and two of their friends also stopped over later for some of my famous homemade island coconut ice cream. Made with real cream of coconut, half and half, heavy whipping cream, vanilla. . . I can almost feel myself gaining weight as I’m saying the ingredients!

Oh, the occasional joys of summer time, homemade ice cream, cold watermelon and cantaloupe, a big glass of Snapple Peach iced tea while sitting in the shade, afternoon naps in the hammock, wade fishing the surf in the cool of early morning. And did I mention NOT having to go back to work the next day?? Yep, there’s something to be said about finding a steady job early in life and sticking with it, through good and bad times and great and horrible bosses, and being able to retire at an early age to enjoy the fruits (and tomatoes) of your years of labor. I just wonder if the same work ethic is instilled in today’s young generation. Time will tell.

Well, a few weeks ago when everyone else was getting 2-3 inches of rain, only a half inch fell upon the island. But I’m keeping the faith and the prayers will continue.

My Spring and early Summer tomato plants are finished and have been pulled up and thrown to the chickens. If I calculated correctly, being the anal statistician that I am, my 38 plants produced around 900 tomatoes for the season, with one variety, Golden Rave, putting on 150 per plant. Now THAT’S a lot of tomatoes! My heaviest one was two ounces shy of 2 pounds, so I’m still shooting for that three pounder. Of course the severe drought did not help matters for me out here, and also contributed to a problem with blossom end rot on my larger tomatoes. But all in all I’m very happy with the crop.

Earlier this week I gathered fifteen shrimp baskets full of seaweed off the beach, and I’ll compost these down to a soil consistency to use as an organic fertilizer in my garden. I honestly believe that this seaweed (kelp) fertilizer is the key to my successful gardening on this barrier island. And it’s free!

Well that’s it from the island for now. Everyone stay cool, make some homemade ice cream and have a big glass of iced tea and enjoy life.

11 & 12 year old girls Fast Pitch District 27 Champs

Team members: Robyn Stringo, Haley Herrera, Miranda Moya, Lexi Carabajal, Karina Baldera, Alejandra Villalon, Mariah Wilson, Abby Hroch, Abby McFall, Sara Ybarbo, Taylor Carter, Coaches: Joe Herrera, Mario Moya, Anthony Stringo (not pictured)

Kenneth Leroy Wooldridge, 84, of Seadrift, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, July 1, 2011. He loved his family, friends and above all, his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He was born September 23, 1926, in Long Mott, to the late Everett and Alma Mae Coleman Wooldridge. He was retired from Union Carbide. After retirement, he and his wife worked with Volunteer Christian Builders. Kenneth served as a Deacon at First Baptist Church in Seadrift and taught Sunday School. He was a member of the Seadrift Masonic Lodge #1098 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He is survived by his wife, Billie Ruth O’Briant Wooldridge of Seadrift; daughter, Kathy Wooldridge Smith and husband Kenneth of Seadrift; son, Greg Wooldridge and wife Grace of Seadrift; sister, Vivaree Moore of Corpus Christi; grandchildren, Shawn Smith and wife Janet, Bradley Smith and wife Pam, Stephanie Wooldridge Martinez and husband Zachary, Zachary Wooldridge, Brianna Cruz and Joey Perez; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Nelda Ray; and brother, Wayne Wooldridge.

Funeral service was held July 5 at Seadrift First Baptist Church, Dr. Joseph E. Dufner officiating, assisted by Dennis Wittnebert. Internment followed in Seadrift Cemetery with the Seadrift Mason Lodge #1098 participating.

Pallbearers were L.M. Caddell, Steven O’Briant, Scott O’Briant, Clinton Wooldridge, Jimmy Lee Ray, Brian Ray and Gary Torno.

Honorary pallbearers were the Deacons of First Baptist Church in Seadrift, John Schilhab, Roger Wooldridge, Glenn Miller, Clark O’Briant and Michael Moore.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at: www.richardsoncolonial.com .

July 8: Karie Skalak; Eldon Gooden; Kacie Lucey; Sharon Wood

July 9: Sandy Adams; Joe Ramos

July 10: Anjelica Elmore; Lefty Ward

July 11: Amanda Cady; Carolyn Valigura; Judy Overton; Mike Overton; Vicki Rhyne

July 12: Ashley May

July 13: Bob Malacord; Crystal Mapp; Malcolm Torres

July 14: Tiffany Rasmussen; Ed Mouser; Judith Bowman; Debra Mapp

July 15: Jack Miller; Mike Raby

July 16: Brenda Gonzales; Melvin Bueckman; Nathan Bucek

July 17: Debbie Michalek; Duane Melson; Ray Gonzales Jr.

July 18: Nikki Ritch; Ray Gonzales Sr.

July 19: Bao T. Tran; Roxanne Gayle; Rose Smith

July 21: Cavu Mangum; Nicole Reed; Janie Goldman; Chuck Ramirez; Jacob Lucey

July 22: Patrick Overton; Jayson Amason

Indianola Trading is located at 130 East Main in Port Lavaca. Jack Whitlow, owner has a large inventory of handmade iron items for crafts, home and garden. He also keeps a large inventory of antiques from around the world and also Texas and American pieces. Many are European and all are reasonably priced.

You will find a huge assortment of costume jewelry, over 1000 pieces, all priced to sell. These are great for you or for gifts and are 50% to 75% off every day. Most are from major department stores. Also for sale are 100’s of tin signs, stars, crosses, beach decor and yard art and 100’s of conchos.

Joyce Shillings is also a part of the business. She offers all kinds and prices of collectibles and antiques. She is an artist and designer and has been an antique dealer for over 40 years. Joyce offers a collection of religious items from France, Canada and Italy and also has one-of-a-kind jewelry she has designed, at fair prices. Also in her area, are many lovely, inexpensive, linens from Europe and the USA.

Not to miss are the great and large inventory of sea shells, beach cottage decor, shorebirds and much more for the bay decorating.

Stop by Indianola Trading to see the unusual and many one-of- a-kind items and furniture. They are open Monday through Saturday 10:30 to 6:00 and on Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00.