Charleston Daily Photo

Yankees Go Home

2012-01-31T22:13:00.002-05:00

Yankees Go Home, Coming St., Charleston, S.C.

It is such a relief to be Canadian. I've never read, "Canadians, go home, eh!" in the pavement. It looks like someone tried to rub this out but it was too late.

Like a bird, on a mansion fence

2012-01-31T21:24:00.001-05:00

16 Meeting St., Charleston, S.C.

Most people don't go to the Calhoun Mansion on Meeting St. to take pictures of birds but he was posing so sweetly for me.

I know a few readers are planning trips to Charleston this spring so thought this link to the Historic Charleston Foundation's Spring Home & Garden Tours might be helpful. It looks like they go from March 22 to April 21: Festival of Houses and Gardens. It should be glorious!

Forgive me for not answering everyone's comments promptly. I try my best never to blog or comment from work. I'm constantly telling my boss that I do try to behave. It's a struggle but I do try.

Townhouses on Bull St.

2012-01-30T21:58:00.000-05:00

Bull St., Charleston, S.C.

This stretch of tall masonry town homes always reminds me of Savannah. But they aren't, ha! They are right here in Charleston. Since one had a Sale sign on it I was able to google around and find a bit of information from the real estate web site:

103 Bull St.: Built in 1853 by Sara Smith, Historic Bee's Row was taken over during the Civil War by William C. Bee, owner of a blockade-running firm. Located on what was then known as "Bee's Block," the properties located at 101-109 Bull Street were partially used as warehouses and stores during the war. This fabulous masonry home and carriage house can easily accommodate a large family. The property consists of 6 bedrooms (currently used as a four bedroom house with a media and exercise room), 5 full baths and 2 half baths. The carriage house, approx. 1,545 square feet, is large enough for guests or it could serve as a rental with 2 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, an updated kitchen and parking. Situated in a wonderful, quiet location in Harleston Village, you are within walking distance to local schools and hospitals.

If you are interested, the link has a photo gallery showing the inside of the main house. Wowza! Let me know if you buy it. I'm coming over for dinner and I might not leave.

Spring Blossoms in January?

2012-01-29T19:15:00.001-05:00

Duncan St., Charleston, S.C.

Look at these blossoms! In January? This is very odd. A cold snap could do some serious damage at this point. These are on Duncan St. The old sign on that little building says "R & M Sweet Shop" although it is too faded to read easily.

I spent this afternoon at the Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Auction and luncheon at the Charleston Marriott. Our Lady of Mercy has an Outreach Mission on Johns Island offering free dental and ob/gyn visits, English as a second language and GED classes. It is a pretty impressive operation and a good thing to support. I am glad some people had more money than I do to bid on the grand but expensive auction items. I think they did very well!

I hope everyone has had a good weekend and that everyone who went to the Lowcountry Oyster Festival didn't spend all day in traffic.

Thou Shalt Not Park Here

2012-01-29T16:59:00.002-05:00

No Parking Sign, Hassell St., Charleston, S.C.

I don't think they want you to park at the Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagog on Hassell St. Not only that but they really don't want you taking pictures of the area either.

The gate was open to the parking alley as I walked by and the sign made me grin and reach for my camera. In an instant a police officer and temple member were on either side of me asking what I was taking pictures of. When I explained that their parking sign was fun they looked relieved and waved me on. It is a good addition to my No Parking series.

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance

2012-01-29T01:09:00.001-05:00

King St., Charleston, S.C.

I am ahead of the game here since we are only an hour into Sunday as I post this. I spotted these choir members heading to St. Mary's on Hassell St. as I did my morning walk last weekend.

I've had a bit of a lazy day today but an unexpected treat on Friday night. Facebook friend Donna caught me just as I left to go out on my walk and suggested meeting up for a bite to eat. We enjoyed a lovely dinner (mushroom ravioli...mmmmm) at Il Cortile Del Re on King St. It was warm enough to enjoy sitting outside on their patio and fun to meet another Facebook contact.

Charleston Doors

2012-01-27T00:03:00.001-05:00

Meeting St., Charleston, S.C,

It's late and I should be in bed. I worked late this evening and in my mind that already justifies slipping out to get to a movie tomorrow afternoon. I still need to catch Meryl Streep in Iron Lady, doncha think?

Aren't these the most beautiful doors? They are on lower Meeting St. almost at White Point Gardens. If the doors look like this, I can't even imagine how beautiful the interior is.

I want to thank everyone who has added information about pictures recently in comments and on Facebook. It is so much fun to get more details about a scene I've captured quickly as I go by. Buildings in Charleston have such history and it is lovely for you all to make it more personal for us. Thank you.

G'night kids!

The future of healthcare has a big grin!

2012-01-26T23:46:00.002-05:00

SCRUBS "U", Roper Hospital

When the nurses at Roper Hospital told me I could register as many students as I wanted in an evening health career program for tonight, I was so happy not to have to turn them away I registered eighty students. What was I thinking? Ha! Happy chaos. Thanks to all the staff who worked the long day and gave these kids a taste of what it is like to be a nurse.

A special shout out to teachers from Dorchester Country Career and Technology School and Ashley Ridge High School. The enthusiasm and dedication of these two teachers was infectious. They encouraged all their students to register and came with them. That is pretty impressive in my opinion. I know how precious evenings are. Thanks to everyone who made it a successful night.

Robbie Burns' Day

2012-01-25T21:52:00.000-05:00

Edinburgh, Scotland

''Then you, ye auld, snick-drawing dog!
Ye cam to Paradise incog,
An' played on a man a cursed brogue,
(Black be your fa'!)
An' gied the infant warld a shog,
'Maist ruined a'.''

Robert Burns (1759-1796), Scottish poet

Happy Robbie Burns Day, kids! I'm not sure what this poem means but I had a good Scottish picture with a dog in it and this was his only poem mentioning a dog. Is he even talking about a dog? In 2008 I flew to Edinburgh and hiked across England coast to coast along the ruins of Emperor Hadrian's Wall. It was a grand trip but beginning and ending in Edinburgh was one of the highlights. I am a Cameron on my mother's side and it was good to be in a city with old connections.

I trust my brother Bob is in his kilt celebrating with a generous share of whisky.

Abandoned Gas Station

2012-01-25T21:25:00.000-05:00

Wentworth St., Charleston, S.C.

This sweet brick gas station on Wentworth St. has been abandoned as long as I remember. Does anyone know more about it? I've never noticed it for sale so there must be a reason but in theory it would make a cute little house. I'd love to see it fixed up and occupied.

Ohhh....I am having a hard time making myself go for my walk lately. I hit my favorite corner of my couch and don't want to budge, but I did it. I marched the King, Meeting, Broad St. loop in the dark. The more you learn, the more getting some exercise seems to be THE most important thing to do to stay healthy and I really enjoy being healthy. I sit on my tail too much of the day clicking away at my keyboard. I have to get out moving fast in the evening to make up for it.

I stopped by Fish restaurant to return the giant French flag they loaned me to celebrate a French theme day in our hospital cafeteria. It was a big hit! They also gave me the contact info for a wandering accordionist who played French cafe music. Can you picture me trying to fold up this flag to return? Thanks to Randall Goldman and Jodie Battles for making our day so successful.

In other news, how am I supposed to make a black bean burrito with three cans of garbanzo beans and no black beans? What kind of a kitchen am I running around here. A pretty poor one.

Zoom, zoom, zoom!

2012-01-24T21:22:00.000-05:00

Water St., Charleston, S.C.

How about them wheels?! Almost matches the house color. How fun.

I love getting phone calls in the morning from people who recognize their aunt's house from the previous day's posting. :) Who lives in this one? I want a ride!

I am discombobulated this week. Tuesday felt like Thursday so can Wednesday please be Friday?

Old Buildings & Sardines

2012-01-23T22:42:00.001-05:00

Meeting St., Charleston, S.C.

Isn't this a lovely home? I wandered the Church, Water, Atlantic St. route on Sunday morning and didn't jot down each location but I think this one was on Church St.

Edit: Corrected by commenter to 22 Meeting St. Thanks!

Sunday's Post & Courier also had this letter to the Editor that caught my eye. It appears that the writer is responding to what must have been an article about over crowding in area schools and she is saying that Trident Tech classes are crowded as well.

You can click the link to get to the full letter but I had to laugh when she complained about being stuck in skills labs with eight to ten students to an instructor stuck in a classroom built before the '90's. Ha! If she is lucky she will get a job when she graduates and work in a building built well before the 1900's. Sardines in a can before they die?! Can she be serious?

Trident Tech's 'sardine' students:

For skills, we are divided up into groups, often taught by other students. In skills lab, we have five and six instructors with eight to 10 students each, crammed in a small classroom built before the '90s.

Once again, it is difficult to see or hear the instructions to perform the skills needed for the next day's clinicals at the hospitals.

I often wonder if this is how the sardines in a can feel before they die.
Not to be intimidated by the classroom inadequacies, I signed up to work with the graduating seniors in the Nursing Center on my own time to cover what I missed.
There is no life in college except those special moments when we huddle together in class to learn and prepare for a better life after graduation.

Grand Oaks in the Mist

2012-01-23T21:43:00.000-05:00

Meditation Garden, Charleston, S.C.

I work in a garden. No doubt about it. On foggy mornings like this I take a detour under the oak trees on my way to the hospital and visit my favorite trees.

It was hard to make myself get up off the couch and go for my walk this evening but I did it late and just got back. It is still foggy and mysterious feeling. I felt like I was Oliver Twist expecting the Artful Dodger to dart out from around a corner. Boo!

You can click the smaller pictures to get the larger view.

Before & After - Circular Congregational Churchyard

2012-01-22T20:56:00.000-05:00

Civil War Photos - Circular Congregational Churchyard, Meeting St., Charleston, S.C.

I have a crumpled stack of papers printed from the civil war photos site crammed in the bottom of my backpack. Once and awhile I pull them out and see what I can match up. This morning I walked through the cemetery of the Circular Congregational Church on Meeting St. and found the tomb pictured in this scene.

The church is still there of course and in use for morning service as I wandered in their churchyard. It is a lovely spot. The photo below shows the church building without the tree branch blocking the view.

I hope everyone has had a good weekend. I want this final hour or two to last for ever. Busy week ahead. I am off to watch my new addiction - Downton Abbey.

Keegan Filion Farm Barn Raiser

2012-01-22T17:02:00.000-05:00

Chef Nico Romo with Annie from Keegan Filion Farms at Lowndes Grove Fundraiser

The folks at Keegan-Filion Farms in Walterboro had a recent fire that burned one of their old barns. Besides losing the barn, built in the 1930’s by Annie’s grandfather, also lost in the fire were over 100 birds, turkey and hog feed, and numerous farm tools.

Patrick Properties Hospitality Group coordinated a fundraising event that was held this afternoon on the grounds of Lowndes Grove Plantation with the goal of raising $20,000. Chefs from the lowcountry's best restaurants donated their food and services. It was great to see everyone working together to raise the funds needed to rebuild the barn.Thanks to all the coordinators and volunteers who pulled off this great event. It's nice to live in a town where people take care of each other.

Lowndes Grove Plantation

Jimi Hatt with Ruby and Harper. Or maybe, Harper and Ruby

Sidewalk Mystery

2012-01-21T19:54:00.001-05:00

Vanderhorst St., Charleston, S.C.

Do I need to report this to the police? Are we going to find the rest of the body? Sad. I've read about cases like this.

Gothic Outbuildings on Bull St.

2012-01-21T19:40:00.000-05:00

Every once and awhile people kindly leave gates open for me and my snoopy little camera. I love this tiny outbuilding with the gothic windows on Montagu St. I think this scene is easier to get a picture of in the winter when the trees aren't as full.

Edit: This post was corrected after a commenter noted I had mistakenly listed the location. She is correct. It is Montagu St. not Bull as originally posted. My mistake!

So, the primary is over in S.C. What a relief. My phone has been ringing off the hook. The last call this afternoon was from Mitt Romney but he called me Alice (?) when he asked for my vote. Why on earth would a recording use a name when anyone can pick up a phone. Alice?

Rain! Welcome sound.

Amuse Me

2012-01-20T17:26:00.001-05:00

Muse, Society St., Charleston, S.C.

Isn't it pretty? The flowers are still blooming and it looked so pretty and European I couldn't help grabbing a shot as I walked by. It is the upper porch of Muse restaurant on Society St.

Who schedules a meeting at 3 p.m. on a Friday? Sigh. Made me miss my regular Friday matinee although I reckon that is what I get paid for, and I am grateful for that.

I also missed Stephen Colbert at the College of Charleston. Lots of photos being added to this article in the Post & Courier. Go Stephen!

I am getting together with a gang of women friends who worked at the hospital. All but three of the group has retired so I'll listen to them going on about their fun day trips, frequent vacations and midweek lunches while I keep plugging along. Just kidding ;) I love 'em dearly. I made dessert. See ya ladies!

Social Media Rankings

2012-01-19T21:55:00.000-05:00

Warren St., Charleston, S.C.

Got Klout? What do you all think of klout.com? Have you checked your Klout score?

There used to be another site that gave bloggers an idea how they ranked in readership and hits. I can't remember what it was called. When I saw Klout mentioned I registered just for the heck of it.

I happened to register after being away for almost a month so as my readership rallied and realized I was back on deck, it appeared that Charleston Daily Photo was growing by leaps and bounds. It wasn't of course, it was just getting back on track.

I am ranked a 55 and says I regularly influence 968 people which I suppose is relatively good. Klout ranks twitter use which I don't use and Linkedin which I have not found useful yet. On the other hand it does not rank Facebook use which is where I get all of my comments and activity now-a-days.

Klout invited me to register "influential topics." I picked Charleston, Photography and Social Media. Klout agreed. About a week later they vanished from my profile. It turns out co-klouters have to agree and award K+ points or your "influential topics" disappear.

Huh? So I might be good, I might clearly have a following but unless other people constantly approve me it ain't true? Forget that.They can either read me or not but they don't have to reward me with little imaginary K+ gifts.

Thomas St. corner

2012-01-19T20:22:00.000-05:00

Thomas St., Charleston, S.C.

This sweet scene it just around the block from my house.

Seems like I've been scrambling home from work and dashing out to dinner this week but it has all been wonderful. I love restaurant week in Charleston! Luckily we do it twice a year now and it makes the pricier restaurants more manageable. I met my friend Jo at Macintosh this evening and I'll be thinking about their melt-in-the-mouth ricotta gnudi until the next time I get to go back. We were very well taken care of thanks to chef de cuisine Chris Delaney. Thanks folks! Back to salad eating next week.

My phone is still ringing off the hook with campaign call. Yawn. It looks like Stephen Colbert is going to be at the College of Charleston Cistern tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. Too bad I'll be at work, eh.

1600 Meeting St.

2012-01-18T21:35:00.002-05:00

1600 Meeting St., Charleston, S.C.

It is an eye catching building, no doubt, sitting abandoned for years in a mostly industrial section of upper Meeting St. I was aware of it because I am always sneaking up that way to wander around Magnolia Cemetery.

At a recent Pecha Kucha evening, it was presented as the anchor of a future "creative corridor". More information here: 1600 Meeting and on their facebook page. I still can't tell if anything is really happening there or if it is all simply a cool concept. The sign suggests that the last incarnation of the building was some kind of Antique store.

I walked up the block to throw the giant wooden cross in just to impress you. :))

Bed time, kids. I have two Tres Leches Boston Cream cakes cooling and the house smells delicious. Yum.

New Super Hero hits town

2012-01-17T23:20:00.001-05:00

King St., Charleston, S.C.

I had to post this picture again. It slipped by unnoticed in the MLK Day parade series. Seriously folks. What the heck? He called out, "There is a new super hero in town and it's Mr. Peanut."

There were quite a few "Peanut Men" selling or handing out Boiled Peanuts along the route but I'm still not clear on what the connection is. Wonder what special powers our super hero has?

Up the Wall

2012-01-17T23:10:00.000-05:00

St. Phillips St., Charleston, S.C.

Someone was clearly driven up the wall!

I spent the day in Leadership classes at Trident Technical College with hundreds of other leaders from my health system. When I finally checked my mail I had an email from a cousin I hadn't seen since I was about fourteen years old in Canada. He was in town to run the Charleston marathon this weekend and it dawned on him that he had a relative here.

I was out for my walk by the time we talked and stopped by Charleston Grill to see if they could sneak us in without reservations during restaurant week. What fun! If I was to land a surprise cousin - Tim Halls was very cool! I had a perfect evening with him and his wife Sharon and we sorted out our very busy family tree. Isn't he handsome? We are the same age.

We had a lovely evening. Live jazz and the shrimp and grits were some of the best I've ever had.

MLK Day Parade, Charleston 2012

2012-01-16T17:36:00.002-05:00

MLK Day Parade, King St., Charleston, S.C.

Martin Luther King Day Parade on King St. I try to go every year. He was such an incredible man I like to see people celebrating in his honor. More photos uploading here: MLK Parade Charleston 2012

PS: The extra day off doesn't hurt either, does it?

A new Super Hero - Mr. Peanut

Down Bubba Lane

2012-01-16T00:07:00.002-05:00

Bubba Lane, S.C.

I know quite a number of lowcountry gentlemen who could live on Bubba Lane.

I stopped the car to grab a shot for a friend of mine named, you got it, "Bubba." I never knew his real name until he signed on to Facebook. This is for you Bubba!

Presidential candidates swarm the Holy City

2012-01-14T15:47:00.003-05:00

Mayor Riley at Marion Square, Charleston, S.C.

Holy confusion, kids! The city is swarming with Republicans, giant black SUVs and buses with Newt Gingrich's face plastered on the side. Newt leered in the window overseeing my caprese sandwich at Caviar & Banana. One gentleman in the crowd had a vehicle with a giant stuffed dog on the roof and a sign saying "Dogs Against Mitt Romney," so that settles that.

Newt Gingrich's bus outside Caviar & Bananas

I had planned to meet my blog buddy Chuck to talk about a few of his photo projects and to hear about a speaking engagement I had suggested him for and I didn't realize what a hotbed of activity I had picked as a location. We were directly across from the Sottile Theater where the debate was taking place.

Earlier that morning, however, I had timed my morning walk to hear Mayor Riley stake a claim in the lowcountry for President Barack Obama. He was surrounded by College of Charleston Democratic students. I ran into reporter David MacDougal who wrote the event up for the Post & Courier.

"I speak from a city and county where, four years ago, a majority of residents voted for Barack Obama as president," Riley said.

"In about an hour, in an event that is apparently closed to the press (at the Sottile Theatre), candidates will be talking" about why they should be elected to lead our country, Riley said. "We have a leader in this country. He resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and his name is Barack Obama."

Running through the Cornfield

2012-01-13T21:30:00.000-05:00

Jesus and St. John in the cornfield, Mepkin Abbey, Moncks Corner, S.C.

Why? Why are Jesus and St. John running through the cornfield holding hands? John seems bewildered by it himself. He is looking up at Jesus with questions in his eyes.

This statue is so puzzling to me that I have to visit it whenever I am at Mepkin Abbey. It is off to the right of the main garden area. The field isn't planted with corn now but the statue clearly says, "Jesus and St. John in the cornfield." I didn't notice until I reviewed the pictures that they had lost hands and fingers.

I always want to run through the high grass when I am there and come rushing out just like Jesus and John.

In other news I am just back from Barbara Ven Thullenar's wedding reception at Crave in Mt. Pleasant. It was a lovely affair. I was a little worried because the only other time I had met this gracious lady was when I had taken pictures of her at a camp for children with cancer and she was in a Pollyanna outfit fully made up. I wasn't sure I'd recognize her dressed as a bride. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Thursday night blog hopping

2012-01-12T23:00:00.000-05:00

Respect the Beach, Folly Beach, S.C.

Today's photo is from a recent walk on Folly Beach. Respect the Beach. I do, I do!

It is wild and windy out there, kids! I went out to find out what was flapping in the breeze on my porch and a chair cushion went sailing by.

I have a couple new-to-me blogs to introduce:

Moore on Running: Noah is an old friend of mine. A few years ago I watched him get in shape and transform into a lean, trim, running machine. It looks like he is still at it and coordinating spontaneous group runs. Noah is a very cool gentleman.

Joe's Retirement Blog: Joe is retired on on the road. For the time being he is in the Charleston area and visiting some of our favorite haunts. Enjoy!

VERT Indigo: I am late to the game but have become a fan of Lisa Shimko's art. This is her art blog. Fun stuff. I want one. A bird, no a panda, no maybe a pink elephant. No prices listed but dreaming is easy.

Gotta go see what mischief Stephen Colbert is up to with the South Carolina Presidential primary. He is going to make some announcement on his show tonight. Y'all batten down the hatches. Don't blow away.

Floating Camellia

2012-01-12T19:15:00.001-05:00

Camellia

I have a soft spot for reflections and was chasing this camellia around the pond as it floated in and out of cloud and branch reflections. The camera couldn't decide what to focus on but in this shot it hit the blossom quite well.

More later, kids! I am off to hunt and gather. Food. Food. I always get home starving.

The Grocery - Oh Yum!

2012-01-11T21:26:00.000-05:00

Pimento Cheese Bites, The Grocery - Charleston, S.C.

How cute are these little Pimento Cheese Bites on a melted Coke bottle platter? Pretty damn cute I say, and tasty! I went to the brand spanking new restaurant called The Grocery on Cannon St. last night with my friend Jo and we had a finger licking good time. Hallie had recommended the Crispy Pimento Cheese bite snacks so we started with them.

Everything was delicious but I could eat a plate of the sausage in this next image. It was so darn different and good. I loved it. The sizes of the servings on the menu had to be explained. These generous servings were the "snacks", "bites" and "tastes". None of these were even the main entree sized portion or the larger platter to share for the table. Truthfully we were completely satisfied and couldn't manage dessert although we made our server recite them just for fantasy material.

We had a lovely evening. Thanks folks!

Boudin Blanc, Sweet-Sour Cabbage, Apple, Bacon wrapped Prune

Swordfish Crudo, Grapefruit, Avocado, Citrus Vinaigrette

Beef Short Ribs, Roasted Bone Marrow, Grilled Bread, Gremolata

Lamb Shoulder, Roasted Chick Peas, Sautéed Greens

Warm wishes from Folly

2012-01-11T08:04:00.002-05:00

Folly Beach, S.C.

I'm on the run, kids so here is a fun old shot from Folly Beach.

Love, Truth, Peace, Moon, Joy, Water, Warm, Dog, Now.

What more can you ask for?

Have a nice day!

A World Apart

2012-01-09T23:36:00.000-05:00

Ward's Lake, Shillong, India

Look familiar? At first glance, it looks rather like the white bridge at Magnolia Plantation but it couldn't be further away. This is a man made lake I recently returned to visit in the town I grew up in in northeast India. I can't tell you how many picnics I enjoyed as a child on these grounds.

Shillong is a hill station and when the British were in India they came north to enjoy the cooler weather. The lake was built by William Ward, Chief Commissioner of Assam. The British were long gone by the time I was there and a family of eight Canadian kids spend many an afternoon rowing the boats around the lake. Happy days.

There are paddle boats on the lake now, but when I was young, there was a fancy swan themed boat with a canopy. It is known to be such a romantic spot that there are actually warning signs against "obscene acts."

Ancient Oaks and Spanish Moss

2012-01-09T20:57:00.001-05:00

Live Oak with Spanish Moss, Moncks Corner, S.C.

This is the kind of weekend it was. A bright shiny gift. Now we have revived enough to stand a little more cold weather if necessary.

Unrelated to this beautiful tree, I love this story in the Post and Courier by Brenda Rindge about the kids selling painted and decorated keys to raise money for Crisis Ministries to build their new shelter. I'm sure the parents steered them but how cool that they have taken on the project. Let's spread the word. I think I'll send them some money. Article here: Kids Hold Keys to Caring.

Fading Beauties

2012-01-08T23:23:00.000-05:00

Camellia, Moncks Corner, S.C.

Camellias are a winter gift to the south. We are so used to living in a colorful garden that they keep us from suffering too much in the winter. These are white camellias that took a chill with the cold last week. Now it's warm again and the puddle of petals on the ground is as beautiful as the blossom.

Here is a fun essay on Camellia names.

If the Bloom Is Off the Rose for You
Camellias, native to Asia, have become fixtures in the West ever since their introduction in the 1700s. Their leaves are dried to make traditional green or black tea, and many gardeners plant them for their showy winter blooms, which have a wide range of colors. Camellias thrive in temperate regions, but there are now also cold-hardy varieties that have expanded the growing range as far north as Canada.

There are countless species in the genus camellia, but these three species (or hybrids of them) are the most common:
JAPONICA The most common ornamental species, it has large showy blooms, like a cabbage rose or a peony. The flowers fall off like a wilted pompon when spent, rather than shedding their petals one at a time.
SASANQUA Another ornamental, but its blooms look more like an antique rose with fewer petals than C. japonica and a prominent yellow stamen. The petals fall to the ground singly. SINENSIS Also known as the tea plant, this species is the source of traditional black, green, oolong and white teas. It is squat and has small, fragrant white flowers.

Dining Reflections

2012-01-07T18:33:00.001-05:00

The Grocery, Cannon St., Charleston, S.C.

I had heard that something called The Grocery was going into the old Altman Furniture store on Cannon St. and assumed it would be another one of the gourmet grocery store/restaurants that I am growing so fond of.

Apparently not. The description still sounds like that but through the window it looks like an upscale restaurant. The menu looks delicious but yikes, pricey. "Tastes" are $18 and "Plates" are "$30". Sorry kids. I won't be taking you all out to dinner there anytime soon.

I am sure it will be wonderful food. Let me know! The floor to ceiling window to this dining room part was right at sidewalk level so it will be fun to see dinner parties in action.

Flying Babies

2012-01-07T11:49:00.000-05:00

Read Brothers, King St., Charleston, S.C.

Watch out for flying babies on upper King St. I believe this is one of Phillip Hyman's.

I did my walk past Piggly Wiggly this morning meaning to toss a few things in my backpack only to discover that I left my driver's license and debit cards locked up in my camera bag at work. Ooops. It's going to be a frugal weekend.

Behind the Orange Curtain

2012-01-06T21:01:00.000-05:00

Cool, eh? A little antique shop in the old breezeway between two buildings with eye-catching bright orange drapes. It is the John Pope Antique store. I've never been in it but walked past hundreds of times. I wonder what kind of treasures he has up there? Here is a little more info.

Happy Friday, kids! It's been a long, sniffly week but I've pulled it off. The weekend feels like a welcome friend. At least I am ahead of the game and have "head cold" checked off the list for 2012. Done.

Smile!

2012-01-05T23:12:00.001-05:00

Vanderhorst St., Charleston, S.C.

Doesn't everyone walk around with a Smiley sticker in their pocket? I have friends who are clowns and always trying to stick Smiley stickers on me. I finally asked for a couple to dot the "i"s in the pavement. Smile!

Bedtime already. I got caught up working on a slideshow for work and the time slipped by. Now I am wide awake.

Vanderhorst St., Charleston, S.C.

Vote for Best of Charleston

2012-01-05T00:02:00.000-05:00

Shem Creek Shrimp Boat, Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

Quick, quick! If you are a local or familiar enough with Charleston, take a couple of minutes and enter your votes for the Charleston City Paper's Best of Charleston Awards this week.

You need to enter in 35 categories to make your vote count so throw some sugar around and recognize your favorite restaurants, bars, chefs, parks, movie theaters, dry cleaners, churches and personalities.

My hospital has been honored with past wins for Best Hospital and Best Place to Have a Baby (Yipee for Roper St. Francis Healthcare!) and Charleston Daily Photo has taken home the crown for Best Local Interest Blog a couple of times in the past. It is a lot of fun. Go vote!

The King on Folly

2012-01-04T23:45:00.001-05:00

Planet Follywood, Folly Beach, S.C.

I love this mural wall on Planet Follywood on Folly Beach but this is the first time I spotted the artist's name and was able to follow up.

The sign in the photo below, led me to James Christopher Hill who actually has a new blog himself at: James Hill Artwork. Here is the link to his portfolio page. The wall at Folly is still a favorite of mine.

2012 List of Banished Words

2012-01-03T22:11:00.000-05:00

Bottle Tree, Folly Beach, S.C.

Beautiful blue bottle tree on Folly Beach unrelated to entry.

Lake Superior State University 2012 List of Banished Words

AMAZING

BABY BUMP

SHARED SACRIFICE

OCCUPY

BLOWBACK

MAN CAVE

THE NEW NORMAL

PET PARENT

WIN THE FUTURE

TRICKERATION

GINORMOUS

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE

I sit in management meeting so I could come up with a lot more, but I would like to immediately offer up these words for banishment consideration:

Squee

Smitten

Swoon

Noms

Clearly I've been reading too many blogs written by young women who squee, swoon over and are often smitten by noms.

Tuesday evening hodge podge

2012-01-03T21:40:00.002-05:00

Charleston, S.C.

I put myself in Isolation at work today. I taped a sign on my door saying, "Joan has a cold. Enter at your own risk" and tried to stay inside my office. I'd like to be done with these sniffles by tomorrow please.

Check out this recipe for Champagne Marshmallows. Oh my. Or this one for Salmon Bisque.

Isn't it a shame to cut off bright hibiscus blossoms to wrap the branches against this cold night? I hope I didn't wait too long.

Criggo. Always a smile.

Exploding Flowers. Pretty.

Charleston Magazine put the link up to my article. Smile!

Stay warm, kids!

Hairy Bikers

2012-01-02T23:37:00.001-05:00

Hairy Bikers! Ha! I found this video of my friend Jimihat from Guerrilla Cuisine on a History Channel show show called Hairy Bikers.

If you haven't gone to a Guerrilla Cuisine event yet, you should try one this year. Sign up for event info, buy a ticket to the dinner that looks interesting. A day or two before the event you get an email telling you where the secret location is. There are usually musicians and featured artists each time as well. Enjoy and ask Jimi how his adorable twin daughters are.

Back to Reality

2012-01-02T23:29:00.001-05:00

Check out the Post & Courier's album from the Polar Bear Plunge Sullivan's Island by photographer Grace Beahm. So funny! It was a warm day so people clearly enjoyed the event and went all out in costumes.

Is it seriously supposed to get cold tonight?! We've been so happy pretending winter doesn't happen in South Carolina. My hibiscus are still blooming.

My walk took me to the Waterfront Park this morning and this seagull enjoyed posing for me.

G'night kids. Back to reality in the morning. It's been sweet.

Resolve not to....

2012-01-02T09:14:00.000-05:00

Planet Follywood, Folly Beach, S.C.

We are NOT giving up Coronas for New Years. That might be an easier way to do resolutions. What are you NOT giving up?

New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-01T21:57:00.000-05:00

Riverland Terrace, James Island, S.C.

Ugggh. I've picked up the nasty cold virus that is going around and was relieved I didn't have to do much today. I sound awful. Cough, sniff.

I did drag myself out of my favorite couch corner this afternoon to walk through Riverland Terrace. It's a lovely neighborhood of reasonably sized cottages, oak lined streets, close to the water and my favorite theater.

I had just started my walk when I was waved over by a gentleman who lifted a drape covering this vintage Harley like a magician revealing a treasure. He'd brought her down in boxes from Ohio and reassembled her lovingly. He was a widower of three years. He was the "Top Dawg" painted on the side and his wife's name "Cheech" was still on the back. Cheech used to enjoy riding behind him.

I had surely walked right into a New Year's resolution in action. Get the bike ready to ride. Talk to women. Life goes on.

Happy New Year, Top Dawg. I think you are going to be okay.

New Year's Eve at Husk

2012-01-01T16:03:00.002-05:00

New Year's Eve, Husk, Queen St., Charleston, S.C.

This first picture makes me laugh! I do have tall friends and for a change we didn't make them hide at the back of the group shot. Heheh. Thanks to everyone at Husk for making our New Year's Eve so special.

It was a grand way to end the year feasting at the "best new restaurant in American" according to Bon Appetite Magazine. None of us argued with that title last night as we licked our plates clean. So many lovely platters of taste treats - fried chicken skins, crispy pigs ears to wrap in lettuce were sent out for us to try before our chosen entrees arrived that we could have proceeded directly to desert. But. We didn't. Thanks to Chef de Cuisine Travis Grimes and the staff for a wonderful evening and my friend Andre' for his connections to these talented folk.

Look at that catfish! I ordered the pork chop and I just remembered that I didn't lick that plate clean - I brought some of it home so I could enjoy my Maple Pana Cotta desert. I am off to take care of those leftovers right now. The menu is still posted today if you are inclined to drool on your keyboard. Happy New Year, kids!

Chef Travis Grimes & Andre' Guillet

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T12:46:00.000-05:00


Happy New Year! Folly Beach, S.C.

Happy New Year! I love New Year's Eve. Always have and hope I always will. Years ago, when Charleston had the big First Night Festival I was on the board and coordinated hundreds of volunteers for the event, roping all of my friends into staffing events and cauldrons all over town.

Now-a-days I gather some of the same group and new friends to go out for an early evening dinner and I will be home to watch the ball drop from the snug corner of my couch. We will be the first costumers of the evening at Husk. Hip, hip, hurrah! Best new restaurant in America, here we come! I was looking for something sparkly to wear but according to my closet I am NOT a sparkle person.

I whine to my boss when I am forced to write goals each year and tell him that "goals just slow me down". Some of the best things that happened in 2011 I couldn't have anticipated to write down as resolutions so I'll keep flying by the seat of my pants and try to be brave enough not to turn down new opportunities in 2012.

Thank you to all of you who have made my life so interesting and fun this year. May 2012 treat you kindly! Thank you for dropping by Charleston Daily Photo. I hope you have some idea how grateful I am for all your comments and emails! Feel free to touch base on Facebook if you have a presence there.

No Parking Sign - Folly Beach

2011-12-30T17:46:00.000-05:00

No Parking Sign - Folly Beach, S.C.

Apparently one weekend walk on Folly Beach can give me enough photo ammunition to fill a week of blog entries! As the owner of a very narrow drive in downtown Charleston I am always interested in creative "No Parking" signs and this one gets my vote of approval.

I knew the image looked familiar. I tracked back through my photos to find that it is the same image that was on a pirate flag hanging on the wall at the old Buccaneer Restaurant. Further research claims it to be Blackbeard's flag.

Colorful sea shells at the seashore...

2011-12-29T17:22:00.000-05:00

Folly Beach, S.C.

Shells come in brilliant colors at the Edge of America. These folks always make me happy with their colorful sea shells and it looks like they had been recently touched up with fresh paint just waiting for me to wander by with my camera. The shells edge the entire front of their property.

Aren't you all so very proud of me for not blogging or responding to comments while I am at work even this quiet week? Such self control, I tell ya. That and I might get fired.

Sadly I have licked the empty casserole dishes from the Christmas leftovers and the frig looks bare. I am considering pausing my evening walk at Bull St. Gourmet and see what soup they have simmering.

Charleston's Ginkgo Biloba party

2011-12-28T21:42:00.000-05:00

Ginkgo trees at the Charleston Library Society

Ginkgo trees at Marion Square, Charleston, S.C.

Ginkgo leaves, King St., Charleston, S.C.

Charleston had a Ginkgo Biloba party and I hope you were there! The crazy wind yesterday probably put an end to the festivities but it was grand while it lasted. Besides, who doesn't like saying Ginkgo Biloba, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginkgo Biloba.....?

And yes, Virginia, there is a Ginko blog! Check out: The Ginkgo Pages where I found this gorgeous video.

Folly Beach Snowman

2011-12-28T20:34:00.001-05:00

Folly Beach, S.C.

Folly Beach snowman/snowwoman. I was pleased to find this whacky little statue still in place.

In other news - can this week please last forever? I love this odd no-man's land of a week between Christmas and New Years. No meetings, very few work emails, no bosses around, sneaking in a little late and slipping out a little early to make up for it and yet getting real stuff done without interruptions. More, more, I want more!

I Like Your Pie

2011-12-27T21:22:00.000-05:00

Pane e Vino, Warren St., Charleston, S.C.

Pie? I didn't even know the tiny Italian Restaurant Pane e Vino on Warren St. had pie. I appreciate the sidewalk tip and now I have to find out. Unless......unless the message was really meant for the new bake shop a couple doors down? Hmmmm.

Mural Quiz Solved

2011-12-27T21:00:00.000-05:00

Bert's Market, Folly Beach, S.C.

I posted the lizard portion below from a larger mural a few days ago to see if anyone could place it. So far there were no correct answers so no one will ever know if there was a prize. Ha! Here is the answer. Although not visible in this view, the image was from the far left upper corner of this outside wall mural on Bert's Market on Folly Beach.

Cool, eh! A pirate! I walked one morning just before Christmas when it was very quiet on the beach. I imagine the lot is usually full of parked cars blocking the masterpiece so I got lucky. It is by Douglas Panzone from dynastymuralworks.com. He invites stalkers so consider me on the job.

Congratulations Clay & Nicole!

2011-12-26T13:13:00.002-05:00

Marry Me!, American Theater, King St., Charleston, S.C.

I did a nice walking loop around the peninsula today, checked a shockingly low after-Christmas bank balance at an ATM (ouchie!) and picked up a couple things at Harris Teeter etc.

On my way back I went up King St. and happened on this happy scene in front of the American Theater on King St. Congratulations to Clay & Nicole. They probably wondered why the crazy woman walking by paused to join their photo-op but I promised them they would be today's "Charleston Daily Photo". I loved their happy grins. May they have many years of happiness.

Guess Where, Charleston?

2011-12-26T10:03:00.000-05:00

Mural Section

Okay kids, here is a lowcountry location quiz question. Can anyone place this lovely piece of a larger wall mural?

Hints - it is not part of the graffiti walls behind Buffalo South on Folly Rd. although I featured them a couple of days ago. It is part of a large wall mural and easily visible outside.

You Know it's Christmas in Charleston when....

2011-12-25T21:09:00.001-05:00

St. Matthew's Luterhan Church, King St., Charleston, S.C.

What an odd sight! I grabbed this shot a week or so ago. It was on a weekend so they may have been demonstrating the outdoor fireplace at the Holiday Farmer's Market but how odd to see it in front of the church. It makes a fitting Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance for Christmas.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I've been up at the lake with my son. I packed all the goodies to warm up and we had a cozy, lovely weekend with a bonfire last night and a walk around the lake this morning.

Stephanie Harvin listed these in her column in the Post & Courier last week and so many of them rang true I thought I would pass them on and see if you can think of any others. I didn't include them all so click the link to get to her original post. I love them! Thanks Stephanie!

You know you have enjoyed Christmas in Charleston if you have ...

... danced until you are dizzy under the Christmas tree in Marion Square.
... watched the sailboats decorated with lights bobbing in the City Marina.
... perspired through your Christmas sweater.
... listened to Jazz Vespers at Circular Congregational Church.
... walked around Colonial Lake in the moonlight.
... had shrimp and grits on your breakfast menu.
... taken the time to get out of your car and look down the waterway when the Wappoo Bridge opens.
... peered through a wrought iron gate to see how the other half lives.
... touched the dancing child statue at White Point Garden.

... fallen in love with white camellias instead of poinsettias.
... walked along the new shops at the Market.
... rocked on a piazza that slants toward the bannister.
... walked the Ravenel Bridge in a winter sunset just to see the colors.
... felt the sand ooze between your toes as the wave runs out at Folly Beach.
... played beach volleyball at the Isle of Palms because the weather was warm enough for a tan.
... had a crab pinch your finger as you were plucking him out of the net.
... smelled the trash can after forgetting to take out the shrimp shells.
... gone for a canoe ride on Lake Moultrie as the sun rises.
... rocked the morning away in a Pawleys Island Hammock.
... sung "Kum ba yah" which is actually a Gul- lah spiritual first recorded on the South Carolina Coast.

... taken the kids out to see the Morris Island lighthouse on a chilly day.
... been thankful that the smell of pluff mud means you're home.
Here's wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday.
Reach Stephanie Harvin at 937-5557 or sharvin@postandcourier.com.

Merry Christmas everyone! What should we add to her list?

Baby in Waiting

2011-12-24T10:14:00.001-05:00

Baby in waiting, Charleston, S.C.

If someone you know gives birth at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital today their baby will be in good company. All week long people have been stopping at the hospital's information desk reporting that Baby Jesus is missing from the manger scene.

He isn't missing - he hasn't been born yet.

At midnight on Christmas Eve, one of the nurses in the Newborn Nursery will take him out of the crib he has been waiting in, call for Security to escort her out and gently lay Him in the manger. It is a sweet tradition that has been going on for as long as I remember. In the olden days the nuns used to do the honor but now it has been passed on to the experts in baby care.

Sheepman's Graffiti Panels, Folly Road

2011-12-23T20:47:00.000-05:00

Sheepmans Graffiti Panels, Folly Rd., Charleston, S.C.

It's been a while since I checked in on Sheepman's graffiti panels in the back of the Buffalo South plaza on Folly Rd. I was worried that they might have been defaced. Someone might have sprayed graffiti on the graffiti. This artist was given permission to paint so we can wallow in the enjoyment of his art.

The shopping center that used to be abandonded is now active and the parking lot is full of boats for sale but I was pleased to find the gaffiti panels still looked fresh and good and some pieces had been updated since my last visit. This is a shrine for worshippers of graffiti art and there are lots of images online. Holler if you need directions. I think most photographers have found it by now.

Got my tree decorated

2011-12-23T00:43:00.001-05:00

Marion Square, Charleston, S.C.

Finally got my tree lit. Impressive, eh!

I like the sillhouhette of the gentleman in front of the tree. He looks like the Jolly Green Giant in black. He was photographer taking a photo of a couple looking up at the tree. I do love it when all the lights are twinking in Marion Square. It turns Charleston into a winter wonderland - even if the girls are still laying out tanning during the day time.

Yipee! I am off for four days.

My Moment of Fame

2011-12-23T00:29:00.003-05:00

Charleston Magazine

I kept getting emails from people congratulating me so I finally walked down to Harris Teeter and bought the January Charleston Magazine. Although I am a subscriber, I send my subscriptions as gifts and read old
issues at work for myself.

How fun is this!? Pretty damn fun.

Style Editor Ayoka Lucas and photographer Leann Canon came to my house just before I went away on my trip and put this together. I think they did a lovely job and I am incredibly flattered that they featured me. I've always loved Charleston Magazine. Thanks folks! You made me look good!

The Hanging Gardens of Wentworth St.

2011-12-21T21:23:00.001-05:00

Hanging Gardens, Wentworth St., Charleston. S.C.

Aren't these grand? They have some major veggies growing in their front yard right in town.This looks like a delicious salad in the making. I like these people.

Big Bird Crew, Wentworth St., Charleston, S.C.

Speaking of Wentworth St., do you know who built the sidewalks? The Big Bird Crew, that is who!

Cottage in Blue

2011-12-20T21:36:00.000-05:00

Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

Oh, it looks like the perfect Cottage Magazine cottage doesn't it? This could be on a lot of dream house lists. I walked past it when I was wandering in the old village of Mt. Pleasant on Sunday. It is even my shade of blue. I hope the occupants are very happy.

Check out this amazing painting of a quilt. Wow. I found it because I was thinking of trying to paint a quilt but I'm so blown away by this it seems pointless. I should just finish sewing up the bits and pieces of a crazy quilt I have in a trunk and be done with it. I've gotten out of the habit of handicrafts ever since I .....ahem....got a laptop and it sucked all the hours out of my day.

Broken Memories

2011-12-19T21:21:00.002-05:00

Holiday Ornament

Boo hiss. I broke the old Calvin & Hobbes ornament I painted for my son when he was a little critter. The ornament was dated 1991. Ouch.

Calvin & Hobbes Quotes:

“- "I've been thinking Hobbes --"
- "On a weekend?"
- "Well, it wasn't on purpose..."”

“County library? Reference desk, please. Hello? Yes, I need a word definition. Well, that's the problem. I don't know how to spell it and I'm not allowed to say it. Could you just rattle off all the swear words you know and I'll stop you when...Hello?”

“I wonder if I can grow fangs when my baby teeth fall out.”

“What fun is it being cool if you can't wear a sombrero?”

“Life is like topography, Hobbes. There are summits of happiness and success, flat stretches of boring routine, and valleys of frustration and failure.”

“-You can't just turn on creativity like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood.
-What mood is that?
-Last-minute panic.”
“Some days even my lucky rocketship underpants won't help.”

“Who was the first guy that look at a cow and said," I think that I'll drink whatever comes out of those things when I squeeze them?”

“Well, remember what you said, because in a day or two, I'll have a witty and blistering retort! You'll be devastated THEN!”

White Christmas

2011-12-19T21:02:00.001-05:00

Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

This isn't what the White Christmas song was talking about but isn't it pretty? After I walked the Shem Creek boardwalk on Sunday I wandered around the old Mt. Pleasant village for a while to make it a worthwhile walk and spotted this beautiful porch. I don't have any plants hanging on my porch right now. Shame on me.

I was just treated out to dinner by the vendor (thanks Mark!) who hosts my fundraising uniform sales. We walked down to Pane e Vino and ate in their outside bistro area. It was just chilly enough to have the heaters on in the enclosed porch area and it was completely comfortable. Truthfully, although this should be my neighborhood Italian restaurant, I've boycotted them for years after I went with a large group of professional women friends and the manager announced at the end of our meal that she wouldn't accept individual checks. She was so snarky about our dilemma as we all sat there with our debit cards in hand, that I simply couldn't go back until I heard it was under new management. I don't know how the current management feels about separate checks because I was treated to a delicious dinner this evening. I had the Lamb Ragu and it was good enough that I'd like to go back and pay for my own meal someday, if they let me.

Happy Birthday Ruby & Harper!

2011-12-18T23:22:00.000-05:00

Ruby & Harper - first birthday

One year ago

Isn't amazing how fast time flies when you aren't the one getting up in the middle of the night? Still, it's hard to believe that it's been a year since I sneaked into the hospital nursery and took pictures of these darling gals in their cribs. Jimihatt and Angel hosted a first birthday party in style in their new home. Happy birthday Ruby & Harper. Don't ask me to figure out which one is which!

Shem Creek Boardwalk Park

2011-12-18T22:55:00.000-05:00

Shem Creek Park, Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

I finally got around to checking out the new Shem Creek boardwalk park this morning and it was a bright and sunny day for it. Shem Creek with all the picturesque commercial shrimp boat activity is always such a neat spot it's great to get closer to it.

The boardwalk is fresh and new and takes you from Coleman Blvd. to the opening of the harbor. There was plenty of parking this morning but I expect it can fill up fast. It should be a lovely spot to watch the sunset. Here is the link to the Post & Courier details. Ideally I would plan to stop in at Vickery's for brunch but since I was wandering on my own I skipped that this trip. Next time, my sweet blackened salmon caesar salad, next time.

Walking Wagener Terrace

2011-12-17T12:36:00.000-05:00

Ashley River, Charleston, S.C.

How sweetly framed this scene is. I meant to walk the new Shem Creek boardwalk this morning but the Ravenel Bridge was closed when I headed that way so I zipped around and walked the Hampton Park neighborhood. There are so many sweet little cottages in that area.

I happened by Havens Blanton's yard sale and was offered a mimosa. I know that alcohol is required to loosen the bidding on silent auctions but yard sales and mimosas? Brilliant! :) Check out Haven's site for recipes and design ideas.

The Godfather lives here!

Candycane Camellias

We do have seasons!

King St Shopping

2011-12-15T22:28:00.000-05:00

King St., Charleston, S.C.

WISE COLUMN: King Street among top 10 U.S. shopping venues

The accolades keep coming for Charleston. Already named the top tourist destination in America, now it's on a tony list for shopping.Right beside the glittering fame of Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles and Fifth Avenue in New York lies King Street as one of the 10-best shopping streets in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report's online Travel page. Here's part of what it had to say about the storied retail corridor: "This historic avenue pulses with pedestrians in search of the perfect outfit or gift. Beautiful buildings house big-name brands like Apple and Banana Republic; however, it's the number of family-owned boutiques and male clothiers that really distinguishes King Street. ... Although King Street bustles with pastel-clad patrons particularly in the spring, you'll find Southern hospitality persists year-round."

Speaking of shopping, my free range tootsies rebel at the end of every summer when they have to be caged again and the search is on every fall for a comfortable yet semi stylish shoe. I was relieved to find this year's model at Philips Shoe ( I love you, I love you, I love you) store and they are sweeties. They are the Taos Majesty and although I only wear black, they do come in a few colors.

You can expect to see me wear these shoes every single day of the work week until spring when I will have to throw them out in shreds and go back to my favorite Naot sandals.

Hurrah for comfortable feet!

What to buy your best pal Charleston for a holiday gift?

2011-12-14T16:33:00.000-05:00

King St., Charleston, S.C.

Got any holiday loot left over? Buy your best pal Charleston a present! Charleston Moves passes on instructions on how to make a donation that will be pooled to buy much needed bike racks for the city. Check here: Charleston Moves: Help Jumpstart the City of Charleston's Bike Rack Fund.

The Charleston Green Committee wants to quickly raise $2,600 to kick start the City of Charleston's Bike Rack Fund. This fund will pay for 14 bike racks which the City has committed to install at no cost.

Each rack costs $180 and will be put in locations which will encourage more biking & less driving. Your donation will be combined with others to leverage this purchase.

DONATE NOW in any denomination by going to: http://www.charlestongreencommittee.com/donate.html

Please be sure to designate that your donation go to THE CHARLESTON GREEN COMMITTEE. The deadline is 12/31/11.

It's a great idea and long over due. The only catch is that the bike racks they picture are pretty boring. How about one like this? I took this giant bike, bike rack picture in Portland, Oregon. Fun!

50 Reasons Not to Date a Photographer

2011-12-13T20:13:00.002-05:00

Charleston, S.C.

I am not a professional photographer but I do tend to take my camera everywhere I go and I couldn't stop laughing at these 50 Reasons not to Date a Photographer. I snitched it from Collette Mruk Photography on Facebook but the link takes you back to the original post. Too funny! I've always said my camera was a single girl's best friend. :)) Enjoy! See how many are true of you:

They rather hold their bulky camera, than hold hands with you.
On a romantic date, you’ll watch the sun go down and think “Wow this is gorgeous” and they’ll go “mirror lock, tripod, and stop down f/8 at 1/125.”
You’ll never be able to enjoy tv, movies, or magazines because they’ll point out all the visual flaws.
They like to sit in obscure coffee shop and voyeuristically watch people for great lengths of time.
If you’re taking a walk outside and you come across some “interesting light” they will make you sit/stand/pose in public so that they can take a photo.
You’ll never get to enjoy freshly cooked meals because they’ll spend 15 minutes taking 20 variations of the same dish with their iPhone.
They get angry when your friends go up to them and say “I am interested in photography, can you recommend a good camera for me? Nothing professional I just want to take pretty pictures.”
You’ll wait longer for them to finish analyzing art in a museum than you’ll wait at the dmv
Same goes with old used bookstores.
When you think they’re giving you their undivided attention, they’re really wondering how they could fix you with a little Clone Tool and Patch Tool.
Or they are actually using you to not look so creepy as they people watch everything going on around you.
They rather drop $1,000+ on new glass than a purse for you.
You can’t take a photo with them without taking at least five more.
If you ask them if you look fat, they’ll say “don’t worry I can photoshop you later.”
They’ll never photoshop something simple for you if the content is not up to their “standards.”
That photo they randomly took of you yesterday? Good luck getting them to send it to you.
They spend all their time on the computer (and not for porn.)
They can’t have a normal conversation with throwing acronyms and random numbers.
They still use film cameras.
They spend a lot of time with people cooler than you i.e. models, actors, musicians, successful rich people.
They’ll be fussy over the position of a common household object, like a coffee cup.
They won’t return your calls or text messages, but you can bet they’re still posting pics on Instagram.
They like watching old films that you’ve never heard or will ever understand.
They like looking at weird things in general.
Instead of having penis-envy, they have camera-gear-envy.
If there’s a natural disaster in a far away land, they’re already on a plane going over there.
Everything is watermarked.
They think everyone else’s photos suck.
They want to color correct a lot of scenes from Twilight and Jersey Shore.
They hate rainbows, especially ones spinning in a circle.
Whenever you’re in a group talking and the conversation goes deep, they’re taking notes in some form of Moleskine.
They use over priced Moleskine notebooks.
They like trespassing into old abandoned buildings filled with health hazards.
They always want to show a new photo they took, but don’t really care if you like it or not.
They hate your n00bie friend’s new artsy profile picture.
Bright, sunny days make them sad, but cloudy, overcast days are apparently great!
They’ll take you into places that have “culture” as well a high chance of getting mugged.
Your birthday present will be a portrait that they’ve taken of you.
You can’t go anywhere new without them stopping to take a photo of everything and anything.
They will always bug you to be a test subject.
Nothing can ever be naturally pretty, everything must be fixed in Photoshop.
Bringing their camera means, bringing 50lbs of equipment.
If you break any of their things on accident, you’ll owe them thousands of dollars.
You can’t get them a birthday/Christmas present without spending at least $500
They are natural hoarders, collecting and keeping piles of old newspapers, packaging, magazines, and other things that “inspire” them.
They are weird and geeky.
They have hard drives of photos, but probably have printed 10 images.
They are always secretly judging your creativity.
If you’re ever in auto mode, they laugh at you.
They orgasm every time they learn a new lighting technique.

Vote for Charleston's Most Progressive People

2011-12-12T20:40:00.000-05:00

The Big Red Barn, Charleston, S.C.

Gosh. I hope they don't let too many passengers ride in the carriage. That is going to be quite a load for her to pull. Harhar. Just kidding. The Palmetto Carriage Barn is always a colorful holiday photo op.

In other news, Charlie online magazine is asking for your nominations for the most progressive people in Charleston. They plan their first print edition in March featuring the nominees. Go for it! Vote here for 50 Most Progressive. It's a short sweet nomination form. Nominations close on December 16th.

Second Sunday on King St.

2011-12-11T21:14:00.001-05:00

Second Sunday on King St., Charleston, S.C.

On the second Sunday of every month, they close King St. to traffic so we can walk freely down the middle of the street. I still have to keep reminding myself to get off the sidewalk and enjoy the freedom. You can keep up with future planned events here: Second Sunday on King. Since I was walking with two gentlemen who were starving, we walked through all the festivities and enjoyed lunch at Bull St. Gourmet.

There was a nice crowd out today. Many thanks to the folks who coordinate this event and to all the entertainers and artists.

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance - St. Johns Episcopal

2011-12-11T11:10:00.001-05:00

Anson St., Charleston, S.C.

Charleston looks so festive in her holiday wear it is time to add to the Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance series. I just googled back to discover I posted almost exactly the same shot of this St. John's Reformed Episcopal Chapel at this time of year in 2008.

I just walked to the Meeting St. Piggly Wiggly store to get ingredients for Curried Zucchini soup. Yum. It is breezy, chilly enough to be a perfect soup day.

This afternoon is the day that they block traffic from King St. and it looks like they have all kinds of festive things going on. Check out the Second Sunday on King blog for the schedule of events.See you there!

Holiday decorating with a hand from nature

2011-12-10T20:42:00.001-05:00

Anson & Hassell St., Charleston, S.C.

How beautiful are these? Wow. Someone put some work into these lovely decorations. The arrangements were in window boxes and on the gates at Anson & Hassell St. They are incredibly lovely.

Got your tree up?

2011-12-10T20:37:00.001-05:00

Charleston Farmer's Market, Charleston

I guess she has her tree up.

Speechless, I tell ya. I am speechless. There is a cat in that cage trolley.

NE India Trip - Hey BRO!

2011-12-08T23:00:00.001-05:00

Border Road Organization signs, Arunachal Pradesh, India

We were bouncing on the craziest, dustyrutted road system I could imagine, heading far north into the hills ofnortheast India when I first smiled at one of the “BRO” signs.Like the old Burma Shave people fondly remember in the US, the BROsigns boasted of the road condition (ghastly), and with a touch ofhumor urged caution in driving. With quirky typos, grammar andsometimes sexist sayings they encouraged drivers to pay attention,avoid alcohol, gossip and speeding, drive with caution and honk theirhorns in blind curves.

I soon realized that Bro wasn't slangbut the initials for the Border Road Organization and it tickled meeven more that every sign started with the word BRO. I got out a penand paper but it was hopeless to try to write in the bouncing jeep.My butt was soon numb and as flat as the hard back seat of my brother's '96Mahindra jeep that we traveled in with three nephews and two little pupswe eventually picked up in Tawang.

The entire state of Arunchal Pradeshseems to be occupied in the business of road construction but therewas little evidence of progress. Women dressed in colorful tribal-wear often with babies on their backs and knitting in hand for breaktime, chipped rocks at the roadside. Occasionally there would be ashort stretch of paved road but it was just a tease before clouds ofdust poured back in the windows from Army convoys in front of us on thedry dusty road. Indian Army soldiers with rifles waved cheerfully from the backof their trucks at my two year old nephew. Cow, goats and yaks ambledacross the road. Diverted highway stretches for roadwork were markedsimply – with a boulder in the middle of the closed section. Memorial tributes scattered along the route paid tribute to those who had lost their lives in the construction of the road or who hadn't heeded BRO's wise advice. I mentally designed my memorial stone in case it was needed.

On the mornings that we got an early start we saw the day unfold at the side of the road. Peoplewatched us go by as they brushed their teeth, scrubbed and washedclothes at taps and waterfalls. Groups of kids in uniform walked toschool and trucks dropped off the road side laborers. Convoys picked up and dropped off soldiers at army bases. Roadside workers enjoyed their picnics and tea breaks.

The scenery was breathtakingly dramatic. We passedthrough mountains that reminded me at times of Ireland, the PeruvianAndes, the Rocky mountains and Switzerland as we headed into the foothills of the Himalayas. TATA trucks stormed upthe mountains with their professed religious symbols painted on thefront. From Christian symbols in Shillong, Hindu in Assam, the trucksheading north soon changed to the Buddhist Om Mani Padma Hum and had solarprayer wheels spinning efficiently on the dash. The back view reminded drivers to honktheir horn “HORN DO” and "Use Dipper at Night."

You know me, I was in hand-painted sign heaven. Unfortunately most were in spots too dangerous to pull over for photo ops. Some of the others we remembered were:

Don't Gossip. Let him drive.

Do not rally in the valley.

For safe arrival, no liquor in driving.

Leave sooner, drive slower, live longer.

Life is a journey. Don't let yours end here.

Check your never on my curve.

Alert today. Alive tomorrow.

Kindness is giving the right of way.

This is not rally or racy; drive with gracy.

Speed is a knife that cuts life.

Safety is as simple as ABC. Always Be Careful.

Wanna enjoy life fully? Drive carefully.

Retro sign - Rita's

2011-12-08T19:44:00.001-05:00

Rita's, Folly Beach

Photo from a recent visit to Rita's on Folly Beach. I am not enjoying it getting dark so early. It's pretty much impossible for me to get home, grab a bite to eat and get out for a walk while it is still light. It seems almost unreasonable to go out for a good walk when it is pitch dark. Blah. Hopefully I can get out this weekend and freshen up my Charleston photo album with some Christmas in the lowcounty shots.

I arrived home to find the police at my door today. They were making rounds in the neighborhood after the recent suspected arson fire on my street. There has been a string of arson fires in old Charleston houses in recent years but this is the first time one has been as far south as Vanderhorst St. and I don't like it. I'd really like them to catch the person doing this. They are all set in the middle of the night and mostly seem to be in rental properties. It's left me thinking of escape routes from the house and wondering if I could get out of my window if necessary.

NE India Trip - Kaziranga National Park

2011-12-06T22:41:00.001-05:00

Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India

One of the highlights of my recent trip to India was a visit to Kaziranga National Park in the midst of the tea plantations of Assam on the banks of the Brahmaputra river. The park is home of the one horned rhinoceros as well as tigers, elephants, panthers, bears and thousands of birds.

I had done this trip as a kid and my children grew up hearing stories about riding elephants out into the morning fog in grass as high as the elephant's belly. Not much had changed (not even the dreadful bathrooms in the park - yikes folks) but this time I rode the elephants with my own daughter and my nephews Murray and Rydin while their parents slept late.

There were seven or eight elephants in our group and three of them were recent mothers. The baby elephants ambled along behind us eating the grass in their path as we moved along. The babies were so unbelievably adorable that I spent half my time looking behind me and taking pictures of them. The elephants walk right alongside the herds of deer, rhinos, buffalo and it felt like we were in a nature documentary. I couldn't believe how lucky I was to be able to experience this again. There was a sudden hush as our guide thought he spotted a tiger in the grass but couldn't be sure. I am claiming it as a sighting since the tigers are much are harder to find.

We followed up with a jeep safari and interrupted a confrontation between a male and female rhino on the trail. The park ranger was ready to fire a warning shot as they started charging towards our jeep. Big excitement!

We stayed at the Wild Grass hotel which was the most upscale hotel of our journey and for the first time on our trip ran into other tourists. There was a Canadian couple, a group of German tourists and many Indian visitors there to worship nature with us.

NE India Trip - Old British Cemetery

2011-12-05T22:59:00.001-05:00

Anglican Cemetery, Shillong, India

As is my custom at home and when I travel, I try to walk through a cemetery and when I was in Shillong I tracked down the old Anglican British cemetery. I would never have found it without help although it is mentioned online and probably a site still visited by descendants from England. We finally did find it after asking for directions multiple times.

The gate was locked but a groundskeeper heard us and let us in to wander. There is still a small chapel and he was using the bushes to dry laundry. Many of the tombstones had been relocated there from tea plantations and battles sites in Assam. There weren't as many women and children as I would have imagined and the cemetery is still being used for burials. It was a sweet spot and I slipped the caretaker a little money for upkeep.

Boom - 'Tis the Season

2011-12-04T21:06:00.001-05:00

Holiday decorations at Marion Square

Since I was away for Thanksgiving it feels like I have been drop shipped smack dab into the middle of Christmas. Santa came to Charleston last night and Marion Square is festive with trees decorated by area school children. I went to see the Symphony Gospel Choir last night which always puts me in the holiday spirit and then out for dinner at Leaf Cafe with Yuriy Bekker the Symphony Concert Master - how cool is that? His enthusiasm for his music and the Symphony was so infectious.

B

Black Santas make me happy :))

How can I? You didn't leave your number?

Ummm....a little sumthin' for the ladies? Heheh.

Waaaa.....I have to go to work tomorrow morning for the first time in over three weeks. Do I remember how to do this routine? Help me.

Northeast India Trip - Sacred Forest & Living Root Bridge

2011-12-03T00:44:00.001-05:00

Khasi Monoliths near the Sacred Forest

We took a few side trips from our guest house in the city of Shillong, traveling on crazy mountain roads that reminded me at different parts of the journey of Ireland, the Peruvian Andes, lush Costa Rica and the Canadian Rockies.

My brother James and his wife have a peaceful piece of property in a beautiful valley. He built a comfortable cabin and has wood cut and drying ready to build a few more that will eventually make a peaceful retreat for travelers looking for a base to explore the area. We had lunch, snooped around his solar panels and the wind turbine already in place, crossed the river and hiked up to the Sacred Forest.

Maplepine Cabins, Mawphlang

School kids on a picnic eager to practice their English

Memorial monoliths in the Sacred Forest at old sacrificial sites

Khasi Chief's Meeting Hall

We passed this structure on our drive to the forest and were invited in for a partial tour. The village courthouse is next door. A piece of string tied in a secret way is sent to area village head men to announce the date and time of their meeting. This entire building is built without a single nail.

Along the road we passed many of these tiny thatched shacks built out of flattened mustard seed oil tins. Roadside workers were constantly at work chipping rocks into gravel for road repair and they built these shelters along the way. The lady in this one worked as a school teacher in the morning and made extra money smashing rocks in the afternoon. She welcomed us in for tea when I asked to stop for a photo op.

Driving to the Living Root Bridge took us to a little village called Mawlynnong which was a complete surprise. It looked like a flower garden and had wicker basket dustbins tied along the paths. It is billed as the cleanest city in India and I could easily believe it. I had to duck my head to avoid hanging blossoms to enter the tea shop for lunch.

Blossoms in Mawlynnong

The Living Root Bridge was one of the coolest things I've ever seen. I'd seen it on a National Geographic video a few years ago. Tree roots are gradually woven and trained to completely cross a river. It is strong enough that paving stones are put in place. It was a lovely spot. Googling to find a good link I found this travel entry from some years ago by a photographer who mentions my brother helping him find the village and bridge.

Living Root Bridge - Mawlynnong

Farewell committee

This is today's entry. I'll post a couple more of these and then get back to my usual Charleston photos! This is a good exercise in sorting and remembering my visit.

Northeast India Trip - Garo Hills

2011-12-01T22:15:00.001-05:00

Charleston Daily Photo will be on field trip status for a little longer as I share some of the photos from my trip to India. My brother Jim lives there still and was our escort and travel guide. What a relief! He drove the insane road system in his rugged Mahindra jeep and coordinated hotels and meals which made it so much easier than it could have been. The north east is not exactly on the regular tourist route.

My daughter and I flew to Delhi (14 hour flight), and then on to Gawahati. Jim, Val and my three adorable nephews met us and rushed us directly to the Garo Hills to the Wangala Hundred Drum Festival.

We left the plains heading into the lush hills and I was delighted to learn I had landed in India during orange season. The best oranges in the world grow here. I was determined to eat one every day and I did, except for breaks to enjoy local pineapples, kiwi, bananas and coconuts. Jim had friends who had coordinated guest rooms for us over a baby care nursery and there was an immersion heater in a large bucket of water waiting for well needed warm baths.

The next morning we explored the local market, drove, parked the jeep and joined a mass of people walking to the drum festival. Tribes in colorful costumes competed with each other in drumming and dance ending up with all of them on the field together making an awesome thunderous noise. I walked the field with my camera and soon discovered that each group had it's own container of rice wine and were eager to fill the communal gourd in exchange for a look at their picture in the back of my camera.I got slightly tipsy and had my fix of colorful costumes with willing models all in one fell swoop.

I traveled with two great assets - a beautiful daughter and cute nephews. Everywhere we went people wanted to be in pictures with them. Here was my daughter's photo fan club in Tura.

The next day we went on a walk looking for Gibbon monkeys. We didn't find any although we tried to with our best Gibbon noises. We did however encounter another form of wildlife - leeches! One sucker made it all the way up my pants to the skin above my knee and made me want to get back to my room for a full body check. The Garo village was clean and charming. They typically build lookout cottages high in the trees and made mini structures on stilts to protect their grain in the same way.

Slept like a baby last night. Woke up once disoriented and couldn't figure out where I was. I grinned in my bed with the awareness that I was back in the land of porcelain flush toilets. I hope everyone has been well and had a good Thanksgiving while I was away. Thanks for all the kind messages! I've been out of touch - no computer, no newspapers and only Hindi television. It was a real escape. I'll follow up with the rest of the trip in sections but right now I need to walk down and sniff my ocean.

More photos from this section can be found in this album: Garo Hills.

She is back!

2011-12-01T15:21:00.001-05:00


Kaziranga National Park, Assam

I am back! Safe and sound. I've seen and done so many things it is hard to absorb it all. We ended the trip riding elephants out into the morning mist to find the one horned rhinoceros in Assam. Talk about drinking local - I drank Assam tea in the midst of the world's top tea plantations. I traveled with two great assets, an adorable nephew and a beautiful daughter. It seemed like everyone had to have their photo taken with either one of them. My brother Jim and family have the most incredible local contacts and new friend Smita was the hostess with the mostest in Delhi on our return stop. Many photos to sort but first things first - a nap is in order!

She is off!

2011-11-09T10:05:00.000-05:00

Charleston, S.C.

My plane isn't until 3:30ish but I might as well go to the airport now. My mind is buzzing and I can't sit still. Woohoo. This is so exciting.

I've talked about bits and pieces of my story but this is the short version. My father was a school teacher in Canada who decided to go to north east India in 1963 to serve as headmaster of a little elementary school that was sponsored by his church. My mother had been a nurse and although she primarily helped teach in the school she also set up a first aid shop in our living room. I was seven years old and the third of eight children.

Actually I was the third of seven children at that time. My mother was pregnant when they moved and she didn't tell anyone. My father delivered my youngest brother Jim during a wild windy night in the room next to me. My parents tossed us all in the local school barefoot with little chalkboards to write on. I sharpened my pencils with a straight razor and we hiked to the rivers on the weekends to wash clothes and bath.

Meghalaya is a beautiful part of India, tribal and hilly. Most years it is the rainiest place in the world. The British used to call it the Scotland of the East. The Khasi tribe is matriliniel with the youngest daughter inheriting and the children take the mother's name. When it came time for high school we walked three miles into Shillong to St. Mary's High School which was taught in English. As we each finished high school we were at a bit of a loss and one after another came back to Canada or the states to fend for ourselves. I landed in Toronto for Nursing School with waist length braids, dorky glasses and everything was new and fresh. Everything.

My brother Jim came back at the age of fourteen and years later after a trip back to visit he decided Shillong was where he felt most at home. He married Val, a Khasi wife and they have three adorable boys. They lead adventure eco tours of remote areas and that is where I am going. I am taking my daughter back to see what I have been talking about all these years.

We will meet up in Newark, fly Newark to Delhi (15 hours....help me...) where a lovely lady I have only met on Facebook is going to pick us up for a quick overnight. The next morning we fly to the northeast. Jim is to pick us up and we head immediately to a village which is holding a drum festival. Beside visiting my childhood haunts, we will go to Arunachal Predash the furthest north state close to China and visit Buddhist villages. The finale before heading home is the elephant safari in Kaziranga. Back to Charleston on Dec 1st.

I doubt I will have much internet access so other than quick messages I will shut down but I'll be back! Keep the place looking nice, no feet on the coffee table. Pick up your socks. Have a great thanksgiving and know that I am so thankful for you - all the folks who drop by and leave a friendly comment. You make my life a treat!

Hampton Park

2011-11-08T20:37:00.003-05:00

Hampton Park, Charleston, S.C.

A couple more photos from Hampton Park. I took them at the AIDS walk on Saturday morning but they weren't necessarily related. I'm not sure the couple on the picture were even at the walk but I liked that way they walked together so lovingly and even dressed alike.

I need to get packing! I have everything tossed in the general direction of my suitcase on the living room floor but the pile is looking significantly larger than the container. Time to decide what I don't need.

Monday Hodge Podge

2011-11-07T21:30:00.000-05:00

Folly Beach, S.C.

While I was shivering at an outside wedding overlooking the marsh on Saturday, across the street surfers were wading into the water. I am such a baby about being cold it isn't a sport I'll be taking up but I can watch them forever. Photographer Kathy Hare was a little further down the beach catching this incredible shot of a kite surfer in front of the lighthouse. Wow.

What else is going on? I've been a little slow grabbing a photo of the new business on King St. People Matter is going to renovate this building and move in. Exciting times for upper King St. People Matter is a Human Resource company that will eventually bring over 250 jobs to the area. It will be nice to follow this with an "after" shot after the renovation.

When Andra Watkins asked people for suggestions for gifts for her parents, I gave my standard answer - buy them a Shingles shot. Crazy? Not so. I am not a person who ever recommends medications or interventions but I personally know so many people who have had a miserable case of painful shingles that in this case I do. Since insurance doesn't always cover it it really is a good gift. Until recently it was only recommended for people over sixty but I've heard the age has dropped enough that I might be ready to get one myself. My understanding is that physician's offices direct you to a drug store and for the first time I spotted this sign at Rite Aid. Shingles Vaccinations Today!

Wonder what Kolo kolo mlynsky is doing in my Lowcountry Blogroll? Julia is from the lowcountry and lives in Czechoslovakia with her adorable family. I love her photos and am delighted that she is actively blogging again.

Finally, a perfect leaf heart imprint. You know me and my pavements.

I am off to cram a few more things in my suitcase. It is unbelievable to me that I will be on a plane to India on Wednesday. How on earth do I occupy myself on a fifteen hour plane ride? Fifteen hours! Colored gel pens to doodle, sticky putty, books.....what else can I do?

Before I Die

2011-11-06T12:58:00.000-05:00

Before I Die, St. Philips St., Charleston, S.C.

What is on your bucket list? The Before I Die project at Redux Studio invites you to add your goals to their list in chalk.

Redux Contemporary Art Center is proud to present, Before I Die…, the 6th mural to go on the facade of the building. This project was organized by Nicole Diefenbach and inspired by Candy Chang’s Before I Die… project in New Orleans. We will transform the side of the Redux building into a giant chalkboard wall. The community is encouraged to visit Redux any time of the day and write their dreams and aspirations in chalk. Before I Die… is an interactive public art project where we can discover the ambitions of the people around us.

The mural will be unveiled at the end of Redux’s 2nd Annual Professional Development Day, lead by visiting artist Susan kae Grant. This informational and inspiring workshop focuses on seven strategies that Grant believes are crucial for preparing yourself for a successful and satisfying career as an artist. At the completion of the workshop, participants will have the first opportunity to write their goals on the blank chalkboard.
OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2011

Here Comes the Bride

2011-11-05T21:15:00.003-04:00

Here comes the bride, Folly Beach, S.C.

Having a best friend who is also a Deacon gets me to some of the best weddings in town. This little darling was flower girl for Brian and Tiffany as they got married overlooking the marsh on Folly Beach this afternoon. They are probably still partying at Rita's right now! Brian is Bar Manager at Blossom Restaurant so congratulate him next time you stop by, and Tiffany is a nurse at MUSC. Congratulations!

AIDS Walk Charleston

2011-11-05T21:01:00.003-04:00

Roller Derby skaters at the AIDS Walk

I got up on this crisp and windy morning and stopped by Hampton Park for the AIDS Walk sponsored by the Ryan White Program. Goodness! It was chilly out. People needed to walk two miles just to warm up.

Check out the Roller Derby gals. They whipped around the park in no time flat. Have any of y'all gone to the Roller Derby event? They have one more in November when I am away and then begin in February again. I think it might be a hoot.

Thanks to all the brave souls who got out to support the Ryan White program today. More photos here.

Windy Friday

2011-11-04T23:53:00.001-04:00

Joggling Board, Charleston, S.C.

I missed the recent Design Sponge book tour evening in Charleston. I had downloaded tickets but was double booked that night so was happy to see the posted photos of Asheville, Durham, Charleston and Savannah. I am fascinated by what catches a visitor's eye in a familiar place.

I am going to bed with a car parked directly in front of my driveway. It doesn't need to be. There is space in front of and behind it. Hopefully it is a visitor who will slip away in the night because I am supposed to be up and out early to get to the AIDS Walk at Hampton Park. Should leave a wake up call with a tow truck?

Wow, it is wild and windy out this evening. I am glad to be snug and warm in my home. G'night kids!

A Walk Interrupted

2011-11-03T23:29:00.000-04:00

Two Boroughs Larder, Coming St., Charleston, S.C.

I open my door starving every day. No matter what time I get home from work, I walk in sniffing around the kitchen for food. Driving home aware of tasty leftovers in the refrigerator is a treat. Normally I make a quick and easy meal, crash for a break and then head out walking. Unfortunately time slips by if I let myself relax after a chaotic work day and I'm often perking up and going out for my walk quite late.

As it gets dark earlier I've been trying to make myself do my walk as soon as I get home but it isn't so easy walking on empty now that gourmet grocery stores are popping up all over the peninsula. Caviar & Bananas on George St., Two Boroughs Larder around the corner on Coming St., Bull St. Gourmet down King, Ted's Butcher Block on East Bay. They are all on my regular walking route and self discipline is required to resist the magnetic pull as I march by their doors. Pork belly, fresh hot soup, salad caprese, roasted vegetables, duck confit sandwiches, giant coconut macaroons drizzled with chocolate. Even more dangerous these are places I can enjoy solo with something to read and on occasion get a glass of wine with dinner.

Aren't I supposed to get home from a walk weighing less than when I left? What is a hungry girl to do?

November Blossoms

2011-11-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

South Battery, Charleston, S.C.

I love it that we still have blossoms even though the weather has been cooler. I rented the little kitchen house behind this home the first year I was in Charleston. It has been renovated since then and looks beautiful. It wasn't quite so fancy when we were there but we enjoyed living there very much.

I hosted thirty some eager students interested in learning about physical therapy, occupational and speech therapy as careers this evening. These career sessions I started a few years ago have become so popular kids compete to sign up as soon as they are announced and by the day after they are posted there is a waiting list. Our success has done us in. Thanks to the staff for opening the Rehab Gym at St. Francis and getting all the kids involved. It made for a long day but according to all the smiles, well worth it.

SCRUBS U Rehab Career Night at St. Francis Hospital

Blossom Gate

2011-11-01T21:48:00.002-04:00

Meeting St., Charleston, S.C.

Do I have to stop posting Halloween pictures? They were so much fun. I only had three little visitors at my door last night but I had the greatest time hanging out on Facebook looking at all the photos of kids of all ages and pets in costumes. It was almost as good as seeing them at my door.

I spotted this blossom decorating a gate on Meeting St. on Saturday when I was out hunting Halloween scenes. Isn't it gorgeous? It was propped there like a gift waiting for me.

Play it again, Sam.....I mean Joe

2011-11-01T21:18:00.000-04:00

I heart Joe

When I first came to town and had a slightly more Canadian accent than I do now, I was bewildered to hear my co-workers talk about someone named "Maralee" attending so many events. Reporting on weekend activities someone always seemed to say, "Maralee was there!"

It didn't take me too long to figure out that Miss Popularity "Maralee" was actually the Charleston pronunciation of Mayor Riley. Joe Riley was mayor when I arrived and after 36 years of leading Charleston he is running for what he promises to be his last campaign on Tuesday.

I'd love to get the flooding fixed, I'd like to see cruise ships kept manageable, but I have seen Charleston flourish and grow during the time I've lived here while many towns have not. I'm up for giving him four more years. Play it again, Joe.

Get out and vote, kids! Here is link to the State's article: Riley's Last Hurrah

Book 'em, Dannno!

2011-10-31T18:31:00.000-04:00

Halloween 2011. Easiest costume ever! I asked our Security Officers to leave a couple of their shirts in my office over the weekend. A retired Charleston Police Officer loaned me his hat (thanks Tom!). We passed out candy all over the hospital. I work with such great people! Good fun.

Charleston Halloween

2011-10-30T19:09:00.001-04:00

Meeting & Tradd St., Charleston, S.C.

That top photo makes me grin from ear to ear! How funny. Thanks to reader Ashely who gave me the heads up to check this house for skeletons. They were perfect! Happy Halloween kids!

I've spent the day at MUSC with my friend who had the recent kidney transplant dealing with some complications but I got him settled comfortably at home and picked up a trunk full of halloween candy on the way home to take to work tomorrow. I asked our hospital Security Officers to leave a couple of their shirts in my office. That should make for an easy costume!

Boo Charleston!

2011-10-29T21:20:00.000-04:00

Halloween Charleston - Lauren's St.

Halloween Charleston - King St.

Halloween Charleston - King St

Fun walk this morning. How cute are the wee skeletons? Pretty darn cute!

Mac Off!

2011-10-28T22:44:00.001-04:00

Mac Off Charleston, Bus Shed

I was afraid the evening was off to a bad start. Mike and I arrived early remembering how crowded the Macaroni & Cheese cook-off was last year. After standing with the other early birds, staff came to the registration table to tell us we were in the wrong line. Half of the crowd seemed to have Groupon tickets and although we did not, all ticket holders were sent around the building to find a long winding line. Sigh. Damn. That was why we went early - to avoid the line. After waiting for about twenty minutes there was a rush of activity and someone seemed to finally clue in that people who had pre-paid for full entry tickets should be able to move along faster. Thank you.

We were still afraid of getting stuck in massive crowds and went around tasting as fast as we could. There were fifteen restaurants but the crowd felt manageable and festive. Some costumes, some kids. There were restaurants that I never knew sold macaroni and cheese and probably still shouldn't. Some was too salty, some too bland. Restaurants that had a gimmick (deep fried macaroni and cheese) like the King St. Grille had the longest lines. I think we tasted almost everything - yes, I am very full, and we both agreed Crave had the best macaroni of the evening and voted accordingly. Good luck folks! Thanks for a fun event.

Let's do this weekend thing!

2011-10-28T17:48:00.001-04:00

Spoleto Festival Headquarters, Charleston, S.C.

The entire fence says Spoleto Festival USA but the light was shining so gently on this bit that I just took it. Sweet, eh?!

I found a beer can, sun glasses and a messed up black wig with leaves in it in my driveway this morning. Zombie mischief?

Macaroni & Cheese Cook off tonight, oh yum! I go with my friend Notoriously Nice Mike whose son and daughter-in-law own Cheese-ology in St. Louis. Yep - a successful restaurant that serves nothing but macaroni and cheese.

Uhoh. Just checked the Mac Off site and it is sold out.

Still looking for pumpkin decorating ideas? Here is a pumpkin for Labor & Delivery nurses I snagged from my friend Pat. Love it, love it.

Charleston Daily Photo

Yankees Go Home

Like a bird, on a mansion fence

Townhouses on Bull St.

Spring Blossoms in January?

Thou Shalt Not Park Here

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance

Charleston Doors

The future of healthcare has a big grin!

Robbie Burns' Day

Abandoned Gas Station

Zoom, zoom, zoom!

Old Buildings & Sardines

Trident Tech's 'sardine' students:

For skills, we are divided up into groups, often taught by other students. In skills lab, we have five and six instructors with eight to 10 students each, crammed in a small classroom built before the '90s.

Once again, it is difficult to see or hear the instructions to perform the skills needed for the next day's clinicals at the hospitals.

Grand Oaks in the Mist

Before & After - Circular Congregational Churchyard

Keegan Filion Farm Barn Raiser

Sidewalk Mystery

Gothic Outbuildings on Bull St.

Amuse Me

Social Media Rankings

Thomas St. corner

1600 Meeting St.

New Super Hero hits town

Up the Wall

MLK Day Parade, Charleston 2012

Down Bubba Lane

Presidential candidates swarm the Holy City

Running through the Cornfield

Thursday night blog hopping

Floating Camellia

The Grocery - Oh Yum!

Warm wishes from Folly

A World Apart

Ancient Oaks and Spanish Moss

Fading Beauties

Dining Reflections

Flying Babies

Behind the Orange Curtain

Smile!

Vote for Best of Charleston

The King on Folly

2012 List of Banished Words

Beautiful blue bottle tree on Folly Beach unrelated to entry.

Lake Superior State University 2012 List of Banished Words

AMAZING

BABY BUMP

SHARED SACRIFICE

OCCUPY

BLOWBACK

MAN CAVE

THE NEW NORMAL

PET PARENT

WIN THE FUTURE

TRICKERATION

GINORMOUS

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE

I sit in management meeting so I could come up with a lot more, but I would like to immediately offer up these words for banishment consideration:

Tuesday evening hodge podge

Hairy Bikers

Back to Reality

Resolve not to....

New Year's Resolutions

New Year's Eve at Husk

Happy New Year!

No Parking Sign - Folly Beach

Colorful sea shells at the seashore...

Charleston's Ginkgo Biloba party

Folly Beach Snowman

I Like Your Pie

Mural Quiz Solved

Congratulations Clay & Nicole!

Guess Where, Charleston?

You Know it's Christmas in Charleston when....

Baby in Waiting

Sheepman's Graffiti Panels, Folly Road

Got my tree decorated

My Moment of Fame