These Trees!

Live oak tree, marsh, water

I took this photo several years ago. Just look at this mesmerizing live oak tree. Its limbs reaching as if to borrow a cup of sugar from a neighboring tree. So much history. It’s astounding if you think about it. What has this tree seen and heard in its lifetime? I love the far-reaching branches, the view, and the sunlight dappling the scene nicely…

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Salad Showstopper: Southwest Salad with Chicken, Black Beans, Corn and Pepper Jack!

Salad with green lettuce, bits of grilled chicken, white corn, chopped tomato, black beans and pepper jack cheese

We love salads. Especially in the summer when the temperature soars and it’s too hot to turn on the stove. Thankfully, my husband will happily grill chicken on the hottest of days (jumping in the pool to cool off in between checking). At least he can stay cool when the temp is soaring. My go to salad (lately) has been grilled chicken, romaine, hardboiled egg, pickled red onion, cheddar, cucumber, tomato, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. But I wanted something different and this is SPECTACULAR, you’ve got to try it!

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A Wink From A Loved One?

Bright red cardinal male in shrubs

Cardinals bring hope (and are such fun to watch). We’re thankful to have so many flying around our yard. They love the trees, shrubs, shade and sun. They fly back and forth across the yard busy as can be. Each spring they build a nest (they work so hard, it’s incredible) then wait until the eggs hatch. They tirelessly bring food to the little ones. It’s beautiful to watch.

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Summer Favorite: Roasted Shrimp & Tomato Orzo with Feta & Olives

bowl with orzo salad with shrimp, tomatoes, olives and feta, pickled okra

I posted a version of this recipe over ten years ago. It’s a hit. I love to whip this up in the morning and sit down to dinner with no cooking. What a dream! Best yet, the next day you have another meal (or the following day!) – no cooking! The tastes, textures, and freshness take it over the top. I love to photograph my husband’s plate because his usually looks prettier. I’m always in a hurry to catch up, snap photos, etc. I love how he added the pickled okra, so pretty! I gave a sneak peak on my Instagram/Facebook movie. Recipe below…

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Sunset & Spanish Moss | Charleston, SC

live oak trees, spanish moss, sunset, beauty

On a few streets in the historic neighborhoods in Charleston, SC (not on the peninsula) there are the most gorgeous live oak trees. Many of them have been here since 1927. The Spanish moss grows thick. It’s how we can quickly see which way or how strong the wind is blowing. It’s graceful and beautiful with the sunlight shining through it.

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Azaleas Blooming in Charleston, SC!

large live oak trees, spanish moss, flowering bright pink azaleas, springtime

Spring is magical everywhere in the world, but springtime in Charleston brings a special kind of beauty. The scents wafting through the air are magical. Charleston has many large live oak trees, in this area they have Spanish moss hanging from their stately limbs, they also have Resurrection fern growing on the large branches. Talk about magical…

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My Favorite Flower to Plant!

Flowers with pink buds and green leaves, tall shrubs, pool

This plant is such a joy I cannot even begin to express how much I absolutely adore it. We planted a few in pots last year – around this time, they bloomed all summer long! Literally you do nothing but make sure they don’t get too dry (especially in a pot). Give them a nice drink of water when they look thirsty and they’re good!

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Spring is Blooming in Charleston, SC!

Blue sky with live oak limbs reaching for the sky, azalea blooms - white, spring, charleston sc

The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming the wisteria is giving off its heavenly scent. Life is good here in Charleston, SC. This really is the perfect time to be in Charleston. Soon the weather will heat up (exponentially) and the humidity will peak. So get out and enjoy it while you can…

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Spring. Has. Sprung!

wonderful green round table, green chairs with round seats and dainty curves, gorgeous pink flowers on a plan on the table, image taken from above

It was officially spring yesterday a little after 5AM EST and I thought this was the perfect photo to share. I love this flower, it was stunning. (I took this photo, but this is not at my house) – I’m not sure of the name of it, but there were plenty and they were beautiful! Very springy! The weather is warming the flowers are blooming – it’s our most beautiful season.

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The Coolest Outdoor Chairs From Ikea!

two modern white plastic chairs, brick pavers, podocarpus, swimming pool, tall green shrubs, sunny day

Isn’t this the coolest outdoor chair? Last week we planted podocarpus at one end of our pool and it turned that end of the pool into a cozy retreat. Next stop… a table, but for now I am thrilled with this purchase! I’ve seen these chairs out and about for many years, here are the details…

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Book Suggestion: The Things We Do For Love by Kristin Hannah!

Paperback book on dark wood table, Kristin Hannah author, The Things We Do For Love is the title

Is there anything better than traveling to another place (or time) and immersing yourself with interesting people to see where life takes you? Bonus: when you’re ready to “come home” simply close the book and *poof* here you are! You just can’t beat reading. I’m thankful I grew up with books, I treasure them.

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The Periwinkle by Joseph Fidler

watercolor painting, painting of a cottage with cedar shakes, dormer with six small windows, fireplace, large door, many trees, rocks in the foreground
The Periwinkle 2009 by dad (Joseph Fidler)

I’m sure i’ve posted this painting in years past. But to go through 13+ years of posts (the first ten years daily) seemed a bit daunting. I was thrilled to find this tucked in one of our cherished books. It’s actually a card (I’ve saved every one he’s sent).

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A Sunrise Treasure!

Mountains with sunrise in the distance, early morning fog, treetops, and swirling dark blue clouds

Sunrise. Sunset. I love them both equally. How magical it would be to have an amazing view of one or the other. “If I had my druthers” as my MIL will say, I’m not sure which I would pick. I love a sunrise. I love to pop out of bed as I did in this image above. But, I also love a sunset. We were visiting…

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Getting in the Christmas Spirit…

A quick photo to catapult you into the spirit of Christmas. The wonder and the magic of it all. When you were young did you ride through neighborhoods to look at Christmas lights aglow? It was so fun, I can still remember it, many decades later. The joy of Christmas is all around you – be on the lookout for it.

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