This cottage was bought by my parents, in partnership with my father's best friend from the navy, Hal. At times it was hard for each to make the payments, but they managed. With 5 kids there was a ready supply of workers to maintain the cottage. Several families from our church also bought cottages or rented cottages regularly and memories of our time on the Outer Banks grew with bonfires on the beach, trips up Jockey Ridge, Easter egg hunts, and more. When the mortgage was finally paid in full, my folks bought the other side of the duplex and Hal bought another place down the beach. Over the years, the cottage has been expanded and updated with heating and air conditioning, dishwasher, TV, and Internet access. My mother, Elly, is the owner and my sisters, brother, and I manage the cottage for her.