Walk with me - Cannon St.

Cannon St., Charleston, SC  

I am taking you along on my weekend morning walk today, walking Cannon St. from one end to the other and back. There is a lot of renovation and action going on so I thought I would capture some of the buildings in their current state. At this rate, by next month everything will be different.

The area around President St. is all torn up so I am hoping the city is working on improving drainage issues. That would be nice, wouldn't it? That is certainly where there is a log jam when the streets flood. I noticed that a Ladles restaurant has opened and Goulette has in business in the former Lana's spot. It is a colorful part of town and renovation interest has created lots of change.

Cannonborough received its name from Daniel Cannon, house carpenter and "mechanick," who between 1762 and 1800 acquired the large, low and marshy tract, generally north of Boundary Street (now Calhoun) and west of Coming's Creek. Cannon built lumber mills on the Ashley River side of his acquisitions. His Upper Mill was in the vicinity of Cannon Street.; his Lower Mill was in the vicinity of Boundary Street.
There were many pieces of marshland and small creeks which split up Cannon's holdings and which were later filled, but by early in the 19th century several good houses were erected, chiefly along Pinckney Street (now Rutledge Avenue), which was the highest ground in the area.

Before & Almost After - Bennett Hotel at Marion Square

Hotel at Marion Square, Charleston, SC   

I've followed the progress of the construction of this hotel by going to the upper deck of the parking building across the street. When I moved to Charleston and lived a few blocks from this spot I was delighted to learn I was within easy walking distance of the main library (pictured below). It was a two story building designed with pink marble. It was dated and a grand new library was built leaving it abandoned for many years. The Bennett Hotel is quite a change for the area and is right on King St. next to Marion Square. Here are some details from the Moultrie News:

Hotel Bennett, the South’s grandest new hotel, will open in fall 2017 overlooking Charleston’s iconic and historic Marion Square.Years in the making and located on King Street – Charleston’s most prominent address – the hotel perfectly blends unparalleled luxury with an unmatched setting. Hotel Bennett, which is under construction, will be among the most significant lodging developments ever built in the Holy City and the State of South Carolina.It will feature 179 luxurious guestrooms and suites, a signature restaurant with stunning views of Charleston's famed park, and a stylish bar and lounge. The hotel will also include a spectacular rooftop pool with cabanas and bar, a luxury spa, a French patisserie, and a variety of grand event and flexible meeting spaces.

Before shot of the old library, King St., Charleston, SC   

Street view of the new hotel, King St., Charleston, SC     

Music at Magnolia Community Garden

Magnolia Community Garden, Charleston, SC   

I have nothing to complain about when I can walk down through my neighborhood, meet up with friends on a perfect night and listen to music. Thanks for bringing the Piccolo pop-up festival West Ashley!

We are closing out the Festival with more Piccolo fun in West Ashley! Join Piccolo Spoleto Festival for a pop-up event with Awendaw Green and the Charleston Parks Conservancy at Magnolia Community Garden, featuring a musical performance from Dallas Baker and Friends.

Sunny pictures for a rainy day

Avery Center, Bull St., Charleston, SC    

How about a few sunny pictures on a dreary rainy day? My plants are getting a good soaking and my caladium bulbs are saying,"thank you, thank you."

Today's pictures are from a recent walk by the the Avery Research Center on Bull St.

The mission of the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture is to collect, preserve, and promote the unique history and culture of the African diaspora, with emphasis on Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry.  Avery’s archival collections, museum exhibitions, and public programming reflect these diverse populations as well as the wider African Diaspora. The Avery Research Center is located at 125 Bull Street, Charleston, SC 29424 in the historic Harleston Village.  Phone: 843.953.7609.

Roadside signs

Hwy 176, SC 

The side of this trucking container gets painted periodically. None of the messages have been cheerful but this is the saddest. Poor pup. 

Hanging bottle store in Santee

S & G Liquor Store, Santee, SC   

I was with a friend in Santee, SC today and couldn't resist insisting that she visit the wacky hanging bottle S & G Liquor store. Don't go if you are tall! It's tricky avoiding all the bottles of booze dangling from the ceiling in the tiny shop. I don't drink much but must pay a visit for the pure joy of it.

On the road - Greenville, SC

Reedy Falls, Greenville, SC   

Who gets a wonderful waterfalls right in the center of town? Seriously, what a gift the Reedy Falls park is to Greenville, SC. Right smack dab in the middle of town. Family picnics, romantic couples, kids hopping from boulder to boulder, fathers and sons swimming (signs say "Swimming Discouraged" but not forbidden) and live theater in the park. I ate fresh trout and sipped French wine at the cafe overlooking the park and it all seemed like a perfect fantasy town.

I read a quote from the mayor saying that they concentrated on improving the lives of their citizens and thought, oooops, perhaps Charleston has concentrated a too much on the experience of our tourists rather than our own citizens.

On the road - Wells Japanese Garden, Newberry

Wells Japanese Garden, Newberry, SC    

We stopped for lunch in Newberry, SC and looked for the Japanese garden. We found it, a small sweet triangle of peaceful green on a roadside not far from City Hall.

The garden features a Temple, Torri Gate, Moon Bridge and Tea House. The posts of the Tea House originally held up the balcony at the Newberry Opera House prior to renovation of that structure in 1930. The site was totally closed off during World War II because of vandalism for being a Japanese style garden. The Wells Japanese Garden has been a City park since 1970. Reportedly, the Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco influenced Fulmer Wells when he was studying in California.

On the road - Travelers Rest

Sharing Library, Travelers Rest, SC   

What a happy surprise Travelers Rest was on our ride home from Greenville yesterday. We pulled up for a break and spotted this cute little reading park on the edge of a very active bike path. The bike path was on the route of coffee shops, boutiques and cafes and I suspect went all the way to the Furman University campus. It felt like a vibrant small town and I googled to discover that it is listed as a on of 15 of America's Coolest Small Towns. High five Travelers Rest!

Travelers Rest, SC (Population: 4,750) Travelers Rest gets its travel-mag-ready moniker from the pioneer days, when travelers followed a trail dotted with the occasional tavern or inn. But the town offers not only restful, comfy lodgings but also world-class outdoor activities.

Edit: I learned that the bike trail is part of the 19 mile Swamp Rabbit Trail that connects Travelers Rest to the city of Greenville. This is grand!

Campbell's Covered Bridge

Campbell's Covered Bridge, Landrum, SC    

I had a last minute quick escape from Charleston and headed upstate towards Greenville, SC with a friend. We had a lovely walk in Greenville, dinner by the Reedy Falls and this morning visited Campbell's Covered bridge. What a sweet spot!

Constructed in 1909 Campbell’s Covered Bridge is the only remaining covered bridge in the State of South Carolina. The 38 foot long, 12 foot wide pine structure that spans Beaverdam Creek was built by Charles Irwin Willis. Locals believe that the bridge was named for Lafayette Campbell, who at the time of the bridge’s construction owned 194 acres in the immediate area. The bridge and surrounding acreage is presently owned by Greenville County and has been transformed into a passive park where visitors can picnic, explore the foundations of the old grist mill and home site, wet their feet on a hot summer day in Beaverdam Creek, and learn about the area through interpretive signage.

Team sponsor

Dragon Boat Charleston    

Some of our Dragon Boat team members were fundraising and asked if I knew any businesses that would sponsor their team. They were raising money by selling team shirts and promised to list their sponsors on the back of the shirt. Tada! I hadn't made any donation to cancer prevention yet this year so now Charleston Daily Photo blog is an official team sponsor! 

Reaching to the sun

East Bay St., Charleston, SC 

The design in the wall framed the ivy nicely.

I stand firmly opposed to all the fun things that go on while I am at work. Hmmmph. I am speaking of this event from which I have no pictures because I was locked up in a building working all day:

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – About 15 C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from Joint Base Charleston will fly in formation over the Ravenel Bridge on Thursday, May 25.

And tomorrow, of course are the opening ceremonies for the Spoleto festival that I have never seen because they are always midday on a Friday. Boo. I need to retire.

Magnolia Blossom

Magnolia Blossom, Charleston, SC   

I've been good for nothing lately recovering from a mean chest cold and crashing with a book when I get home from work. I started a historical novel about rural New Zealand farm living and read and read. Each time I finished a book Kindle offered me the next in the series and I curled up in my recliner and read four of them straight through. If you want to know anything about birthin' babies or raising cattle in New Zealand I am your gal.

I finally got back out on my regular walking route and was treated to this beautiful Magnolia blossom.

Hope everyone stayed safe and dry through all this recent rain. It does make me glad that I don't live downtown anymore. I remember checking the tide chart to plot my route home. 

Ending Petlessness

EcoSphere

I smiled last fall when we noticed huge billboards in Portland, Oregon that promoted "Ending Petlessness" but now I have my own pets! I don't have to rush home to feed them or take them out for walks. Inside the glass globe is a totally enclosed ecosystem - a complete, self-contained and self-sustaining miniature world encased in glass with tiny shrimp swimming around. I will admit they weren't eager to pose for my camera. The little pink blur in the center was one of them swimming by. 

EcoSphere: Inside each EcoSphere are active micro-organisms, small shrimp, algae and bacteria, each existing in filtered sea water. Because the EcoSphere is a self-sustaining ecosystem, you never have to feed the life within. Simply provide your EcoSphere with a source of indirect natural or artificial light and enjoy this aesthetic blend of art and science, beauty and balance.

I've been a bit out of commission lately and have missed grabbing pictures of activities in Charleston. Meanwhile check out Vanessa Kauffman's great pictures of the Tall Ship Festival.

Grilled cheese for the win!

Cory's Grilled Cheese

Who doesn't like grilled cheese? It is the ultimate comfort food and no matter how easy it is to make yourself, it can still be tempting to order a really good version in a restaurant. Did you know we have a grilled cheese sandwich restaurant? Yes, we do! 

Cory's Grilled Cheese is in the James Island Shopping Center tucked away beyond the recently renovated Harris Teeter. They serve every version of grilled cheese sandwich you can imagine as well as letting you create your own. Fun fact - owner Cory has a tattoo of a grilled cheese sandwich on his arm. Funner fact - they host hard metal bands after hours as well as open mic and acoustic nights. It is definitely a character spot. 

Mother's Day memories

Perry home first aid station

I've mentioned that my father was a missionary school teacher in the hills of north east India for fourteen years of my childhood. My mother had graduated with a nursing degree from the University of Toronto and she quickly set up a first aid stand in our living room. We watched and learned and it was never a surprise to walk in the house and see one of my younger siblings washing and bandaging wounds. The healthcare provider was often younger than the patient! It's fun to tell people that I was a very young healthcare volunteer. My sister Sally wrote this: 

Mum introduced us to nursing at a very young age. Our home was open day and night to school children and anyone in the community who had need of patching up. She was a legend in our village, many who would never go to a doctor or hospital would let Mum take care of them and was my introduction to the importance of trust in our profession. I can remember Mum often strongly recommending that a doctor should be consulted, but when they refused she would do what she could. She was loved by many. We practiced nursing long before we were out of elementary school, looking after scrapes, cuts, skin infections before and after school, during recess and even meal times. We went with Mum on her visits in the community, seeing unimaginable sights, legs swollen with elephantiasis, fungating tumours and third degree burns covered with local remedies. We watched her give injections and when called upon, stepped up and gave daily injections. Three of her daughters, one granddaughter and grandson are nurses.

Mother's Day finds

Rutledge Ave., Charleston, SC   

In preparation for Mother's Day I am sharing a few related images I have collected over the years. Naturally I always assume that my children left them for me to find. I won't ask them. Why ruin the surprise?

Saying goodbye

Brothers saying farewell, Ontario, Canada    

My father lived a full life and I think we gave him a suitable farewell. He was one of eight siblings and he had eight children so the days were full of memories shared and stories told. He was a farmer, teacher, preacher, mechanic, carpenter, philosopher, gardener and beekeeper. He taught high school science, moved his young family to the hills of north east India to serve as a headmaster for fourteen years.

The service was very personal and it turns out I seem to be related in some way to half of Ontario. We were wrapped in love. I have so appreciated the many comments and notes and the chance to see so many family members and friends. My dad was buried in a historic, country cemetery and the photo shows his two brothers climbing the hill to his burial plot.

Back to reality in the morning!