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.
Continue reading “A Wink From A Loved One?”
Magnolia trees in Charleston, SC for the most part are large trees with flowers to match. Big, beautiful and stately. They exude a sweet, mellow, wonderful scent into the air. You might see magnolia scent added to candles and diffusers for good reason. Everyone seems to adore this sweet, sometimes spicy, scent. Their leaves on the other hand can be a force to be reckoned with. They don’t break down and they rustle loudly underfoot. One thing is for sure, the beauty is worth the work!
Continue reading “Blooming Magnolia | Charleston, SC”
Flowers bring smiles, they just do. I’m pretty sure they always have. This peony is absolutely the star of the show. Absolute perfection in every way. So perfect, in fact, that it barely looks real! The small flowers that were sticking up a bit, the flower on the right is a beautiful daisy looking (pink) bloom. Stunning!
Continue reading “Flowers Bring Smiles!”
This stately piece of architecture is a cut above the rest (that I’ve had the pleasure of visiting). Dynamic, regal and historic. The amount of intricate detail is mesmerizing. There are a number of (what we would call) gargoyles – they’re everywhere and they’re all different. They are so creative and wonderful, you need to go visit for that reason alone! I’ve heard there is only one true gargoyle… Do you know the difference between gargoyles and grotesques?
Continue reading “The Fascinating World of Gargoyles vs. Grotesques (Biltmore House)!”
Years ago, Fred’s parents traveled to Michigan to spend Christmas with my family. It was wonderful. They arrived to a big snow storm. If you’re from SC a snow is as exciting as it gets. I’ll never forget this year. This photo of our dads was taken at my sister’s house. It’s a little blurry (taken with a real camera – no phones at that time). My dad on the left, Fred’s dad pictured on the right.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. Happy Memories to those of you who have lost your father, Happy Future to those of you still waiting to become a father, and Happy Person to those of you who have chosen not to, but may help with a family or friend’s children. It takes a village to raise a good kid.
Continue reading “Fathers Day… Love you dad!”
I’m seeing so many people posting challenging times, deaths of loved ones and friends. Many people are dealing with the toughest of times. I ran across this quote long ago and saved it. I thought I would share in case you also know people who are going through the same. Maybe you can share this little smile that will lift there hearts if even a wee bit.
Continue reading “Something to lift your heart…”
I have driven by McLeod Plantation many, many times, but have yet to visit. I’ve heard wonderful things about it. So really want to make the effort one day soon. Charleston County Parks has a great website that gives all the details, prices of admission, times and even video. So be sure to add this to your list of things to do one day in Charleston, SC!
Continue reading “McLeod Plantation Historic Site – A great place to visit…”
Winter Garden, A Novel by Kristin Hannah. Another winner! This is a great book full of history. It goes back and forth between modern time and “war-torn Leningrad”. It will make you appreciate all you have and really think about things differently. The struggles, the relationships, the difficulties but also the love, compassion and caring. Women coming together, even if it takes years.
Continue reading “Book Suggestion: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah!”
Did you know that South Carolina has the most salt marshes on the East coast? A good bit of those marshes are located right here in Charleston County! It’s true! I love how they change with the seasons – and on days with clouds like this it’s absolutely stunning!
Continue reading “Discover the Beauty of Charleston, SC Marsh Scenes!”
None of us can predict the future. We know that none of us will be on this earth forever. When we’re young we assume we’ll be here until we’re old right? But day after day on the news you can see there is no guarantee based on age. This is one of life’s challenges that we had hoped would never happen. The loss of a parent (my husband’s dad). A few thoughts…
Continue reading “Hold Your Loved Ones Tight”
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…
Continue reading “Summer Favorite: Roasted Shrimp & Tomato Orzo with Feta & Olives”
Biltmore – Asheville, North Carolina. Wow! Doesn’t even come close to the feeling when you are within the walls of this grand estate. The details, so many details on every single level. As I mentioned in an earlier “Biltmore” post, I snapped almost 800 photos in a two day span. I think I have photos from each of these arched openings. There were people here, I was just waiting to take a photo until the coast was clear.
Continue reading “Biltmore House – A View of the Winter Garden!”
Ah, the beauty of Charleston’s exquisite architecture. It simply can’t be beat. You can walk for hours (and hours!) and see so many beautiful sights, one after another. Between the grand homes, stately gardens, handcrafted wrought iron fences and gates – it’s enough to boggle your mind. Look for the little details, the pillar finials, the stone/brick/marble work that has lived on for centuries. What attention to detail!
Continue reading “Discover Charleston’s Stunning Architecture: Simmons-Edwards House!”
We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful area of Charleston, SC. This neighborhood will soon be 100 years old. Amazing the architecture and the quality of building. I love how, back in the day, they had the foresight to plant a live oak tree in front of each house. These magical trees make this area absolutely breathtaking.
Continue reading “The Historic Charm of Charleston’s Older Neighborhoods…”
My husband and I have recently taken a road trip to the Biltmore Estate. We had the absolute best time possible. I’m not sure how we fit so much into a few days but we did. I highly encourage you to make your way to Biltmore. Add it to your list right now, I’m not kidding when I say this is one stunning place. I took almost 800 photos – I couldn’t believe it! Biltmore is so special.
Continue reading “Explore the Breathtaking Biltmore Estate: A Must-Visit Destination!”
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