Shem Creek. One side of the creek has the wonderful park and dock that goes way out over the water and then there is the “other side” of Shem Creek (other side of the water) where it seems to be quaintly tucked away. It is heavenly. Like something from days gone by. Hard working people bringing you the freshest seafood there is. If you’ve ever been to “The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene” (great restaurant), you’re right near Magwood Seafood!
What an amazing place Magwood Seafood is. Talk about hard work, fair prices and an undeniable gorgeous location! They have some of the freshest seafood around!
John – Magwood Seafood
Meet John – he owns Magwood Seafood, and is quite an interesting guy. He had many wonderful stories, and after talking to him, I’m telling you, seafood is all that really sounds good!
Christy – Magwood Seafood
Meet Christy – this girl has the most fabulous attitude in the world. Life is about giving people a chance, working hard and staying strong. That’s Christy. She can pop the head off shrimp faster than I can tap my finger – she explained to us the process (I wish I would have taken a photo of the shrimp!) I guess I had never seen an entire shrimp with the red legs (is that what they’re called?) and the long dark antennae looking “thing” – very cool… they explained that when you see red legs the shrimp are very fresh (just caught an hour or so before we saw them), very interesting!
I’m heading down there this week for my weekly gathering! Hope to see you there! It’s a happening place that’s for sure!
An important decision is to be made tomorrow (Election Day) – it’s a cause near and dear to my heart… the Charleston County Public Library. We have a small branch a short walk away. We need our library for so many reasons other than to check out a book (my reason), it offers valuable resources for children, it offers computers to those who don’t have one, it’s a place that provides endless programs, all for free, to better the county.
Now they need your help… after many, many years (our library hasn’t changed a bit since we moved here almost twenty years ago, and I bet it hasn’t changed much since it first opened).
TOMORROW… November 4 (Tuesday), if you live in Charleston County (SC) – the county is asking voters to approve $108 million in spending for the county library. With that money they can rebuild three libraries that sorely need it, add 2 new libraries and update 13 branches, including the one within a short walk from my house.
Voters haven’t been asked for help with our libraries in almost 30 years – despite the huge population growth that we see (27%) – Our library circulation grew by 289% within that same time period. TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY NINE PERCENT. They need an update.
The impact on your property taxes won’t be much, for example, the owner of a $100,000 home would only have their property tax bill increase a little LESS THAN $1/month ($11.20 to be exact). It’s hard to say yes to increase taxes for every reason – but this one… important!! Don’t you agree??? This ends my political post for the next year ;)
Our libraries are lacking… they fall far below minimum state standards in many areas including:
-Libraries should have 1.25 square feet of public space per resident -Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) has .43 square feet of public space per capita!
-Libraries should have three public computers per 1,000 residents in the county (only 3?) – CCPL has .9 public computers per 1,000 residents.
Check out the library website for more info: www.ccpl.org
Some of the best memories are of times spent taking in nature’s beauty. Being in a splendid location with people who are near and dear to your heart. It gives you a chance to recharge from the hectic normal days of life.
I swear you can find some of the most peaceful spots on the island of Monhegan. This is one of them. A place to sit and just be. Sit and watch the birds. Here, Fred is joined by a friends dog, Ella Pickle. She’s so sweet, everyone on the island loves her. What a great place to be a dog, can you imagine?
Looking forward to sitting here in this spot again!
Remember to set your clocks BACK one hour tonight before you go to bed! (If you go to bed at 10, set your clocks back to 9)
We’re GAINING an hour of sleep tonight, woohoo! We should all wake up a little less puffy ;) – I usually change one clock in the morning, so I can remember to switch the rest of them at night… Then for weeks I will say to myself “but it’s really x:o’clock” ha ha… My goal… to not do that this year!
Have a great weekend! Catch you back here tomorrow!
Fred. Sweetest guy in the world! Love of my life! Well, I just have to wish him the happiest of all birthdays, because if anyone deserves a happy birthday, it would be him!
So my dear… you will probably also get the audio version (sorry!), hee hee, but it’s tradition!
Happy Birthday to you!! Happy Birthday to you!! Happy Birthday deeee-aaaar Freeee-eeeeed, Happy Birthday to you… and many more!!!!!
Whew!
This photo was taken on Monhegan, Maine. Gorgeous. Fred is very happy here, who wouldn’t be?!!!
Monhegan Island, located ten miles off the coast of Maine. It’s a small island with the most creative, amazing people you will ever find. They find ways to entertain (other than TV, electronics, etc.) – This Jamboree was brilliant! Talent like I’ve not heard in a long time. It really is like life the way it should be!
Appreciate the little things in life, those little things are the best things!
I have never seen a fresher farmer’s market than the one I saw on Monhegan this year! They were literally picking veggies right before the market opened. The table was set up with beautiful displays. The veggies didn’t last long. *POOF* gone! What a treat!
Wherever you are, treat yourself to fresh fruits and veggies. Check out your local Farmer’s Market, or your local store that may carry local produce!
Ok, we’re just back from a trip to Monhegan, so I need to catch up on a few things, and I thought I would share just a few photos this week of Monhegan, then I promise, I’ll be back to my normal posting!
This was taken during dinner (sorry Fred!), grabbed my phone and headed outside to get a few shots of the stunning sunset. Monhegan is situated across from another island, Manana. The light on the right is on the wharf (Monhegan). Lobster boats dot the coast.
This place is Heaven. Truly!
I was so happy to meet up with old friends, new friends and everyone in between! This was a super special trip. One I will always remember!
Sitting majestically at the top of the hill is the Island Inn on Monhegan, Maine. It is such a wonderful place to stay. The people are fabulous, the food… divine, and the views… well, “out of this world” doesn’t even begin to cover it!
I would like to thank the Island Inn for a job well done. Every stay has been amazing, but this year everything seemed just a bit better. I am so grateful for our same friends that we met on the island years ago, for returning at the same time each year. How cool is that? (We need to come up with a name for ourselves!) We keep up with each other throughout the year, it’s quite amazing.
Monhegan is a place to forge strong bonds… I guess without TV, and places to go other than the church Jamboree, you spend time talking, sharing your life stories with others and become connected in a way far deeper than being home allows. Without work, and our day to day schedules to take away our attention, all of our attention is focused on the island, the people (and the food!)!
I am so grateful to have met a friend that will be in my life forever and ever… Fred and I met her through her brother who is no longer with us. While that is still hard to comprehend at times, the fact that she is there is just the coolest thing in the world and I am so grateful!
We were also able to spend a little time with a couple (and their adorable daughter) who works at the Island Inn and lives near us here in Charleston during the off season. They don’t get much spare time, so the fact that they shared it with us meant a lot! Looking forward to seeing everyone again soon!
Charlie looks a bit like he’s ready to hop in the pool and float around… Dogs need cones for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s after an injury, sometimes it’s when they have skin allergies that cause them to bite, chew or scratch causing more harm than good. We took Charlie to our local vets office… we have to stop the chewing/biting… It truly only takes a very short time and the results aren’t good. Our vet recommended the ProCollar. My heart sunk, when he mentioned it, I was thinking the old timey plastic hard cone that fits around their neck, but blocks their view entirely. This ProCollar is amazing. It’s almost as if it makes him more comfortable. He’s happy with it on, he rests well (easy to take a nap when you have a pillow ready at all times!). There is fabric around a sturdy blow up ring, so you can inflate it however you like. It’s not perfect, but nothing is. At times he can still reach something, but only occasionally does he even try when the collar is on. We call it his “Mikimoto’s” hee hee… and when we put it on, he gets a carrot. He’s thrilled with that.
When we go to bed we take off the ProCollar, but if he wakes us up scratching or biting, the collar goes back on and he immediately falls asleep. The collar is made by Contech, you can purchase it from your vet, Petco, Amazon, etc. If you have a dog or cat that needs a collar for whatever reason, this one works well for us! We just ordered a spare. Can’t be without this! He won’t always need it… soon (I HOPE!) it should cool off and the allergies lessen. We’re looking forward to that!
As you can see below, it doesn’t stop him from doing what he loves… watching for the kitty cats!
I received the most beautiful orchid for my birthday… what a surprise! And, may I say, what an awesome gift! I am trying hard to make it live forever! If you have tips on how to make that happen, let me know!!
[Art] Top painting is Ride Down Powell by Darrell Hill. Bottom painting is Bowens Island by Ken DeWaard. Wooden Bowl by Joe Fidler (Thanks dad!!)
Bright orange key chain… made by me, hee hee… why did I hang it there?
You may see this quite a bit. You see the big cable and telecom companies want to divide the Internet, making some areas fast speeds, and other sites very slow… so slow that you would see this loading wheel more often than not. I signed a letter to stop this from happening – I hope you do too.It only takes a few seconds!
Sometimes we have to take a stand for things we believe in. This is your chance to let your voice be heard. Will you send an email to let your voice be heard?
If you see the actual loading symbol somewhere on this blog (not the image above, but the real one, where it’s moving), click on it and it will also take you to the www.battleforthenet.com website where they have lots of great information!
Fred and I went to a local Mexican restaurant after work one night. We ordered the rice bowl with chicken, which was out of this world. While eating… it occurred to me, this recipe isn’t rocket science. While it IS really nice when its made for you, it’s not difficult to make yourself… a little time consuming perhaps, but not too bad! And the taste? Ohhhh, Mmmmmm, Geeeeee!
Here’s what you do! Click HERE to print only the recipe!
RICE BOWL WITH BLACK BEANS, PICO, GUACAMOLE, CILANTRO, QUESO FRESCA and JACK CHEESE
2 servings
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts (or a rotisserie chicken equivalent amount)
1 can of black beans seasoned (and I add minced red onion) or unseasoned and add, cumin, coriander, jalapeño and red onion
1 large very ripe avocado
1/4 cup red onion, minced – divided between beans and guacamole.
Lime
Brown Rice – Can use 1 packet of frozen brown rice (Trader Joe’s) or you can cook brown rice, just start earlier!
Pico de Gallo Salsa (again… Trader Joe’s!)
Queso fresco (I had to ask where the “crumbled queso” was located at Whole Foods, I couldn’t find it anywhere else?)
Jack cheese just a small amount. I use a microplane and grate maybe 1-2 Tablespoons for each bowl.
Here are the steps:
1. Poach the chicken 2. Heat the black beans and season 3. Make the rice 4. Make the guacamole 5. DISH. IT. UP.
Step 1: Poach the chicken. Super easy! This step can be done ahead of time, which comes in handy! You can also use a rotisserie chicken if you like… But I like to poach 2 chicken breasts, it really is so easy. Start by putting the chicken in a large pan. Add water so that you’re about 2″ above the chicken. Turn the pot on high until it starts to boil. Once it starts to boil set the timer for 15 minutes and TURN IT DOWN AND COVER IT so that you only see a little bubble here and there! If you used very large chicken breasts it may take 20 minutes. I set the timer for 15, pull it out, make a slice in the thickest part and check to see if its done, if not, back it goes for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Heat the black beans and season. I buy black beans from Whole Foods in the carton instead of the can (no BPA!) rinse them good and place in a saucepan. I add chopped red onion, jalapeño, some cumin and coriander (to taste). OR you can buy a can of SEASONED BLACK BEANS, that will work great too!
Step 3: Make the rice. Brown rice is perfect for this recipe. I cheat a little on this step and use a package of frozen brown rice from Trader Joe’s, you just zap it in the microwave for three minutes and POOF, you’re done! One packet of frozen rice is perfect for two people with a little to spare! (Or you can make brown rice the regular way, according to package directions, just start about the same time as the chicken!).
Step 4: Make the guacamole. You can buy this made at Whole Foods and that’s fine, or you can spend less than a minute and make it yourself for a fraction of the price. Select one good soft avocado. I cut it in half, then make cut marks and scoop it out and smash with a fork, squeeze lime juice from a nice side wedge of lime. Add some minced red onion. Stir it up good.
Step 5: DISH. IT. UP. Get out 2 bowls, take a wedge of lime and give a little squeeze in each bowl (not a lot). Spoon however much rice you would like, then add the poached chicken, black beans, Jack cheese (I use a microplane and grate very finely), fresh cilantro if you like it, the pico de gallo (super fresh, I buy the Trader Joe’s brand, it’s wonderful). Then crumble some queso fresco on top! Is there anything better than queso? Healthier than feta! Oh, and put a few tortilla chips on top, they’re pretty and the crunch is so nice!
Happy Labor Day! It’s officially the “end” of beach season, not that there isn’t plenty of sun to be had on the beaches for the next several months. But things will slow down a bit with kids back in school. Enjoy your day off if you have one! One more beach day, a nice BBQ in the evening… sounds perfect, doesn’t it?
Personally I would like to be on Monhegan Island (Maine) right now. Just look at this vast ocean view… so peaceful! For those of you who ARE there, enjoy!
Last week, Fred took the day off for my birthday. We had a great time as well as a fabulous lunch! We headed to Slightly North of Broad (S.N.O.B.) – We both ordered their wonderful meatballs served on top of polenta with a side of green beans. I opted for a side salad, and Fred ordered a white bean soup. Both were fabulous!
Slightly North of Broad (SNOB) Meatballs over polenta!
This was kind of like spaghetti and meatballs on polenta instead of spaghetti. It was out of this world good! I wasn’t sure how it was going to be. But SNOB’s polenta is wicked creamy (I just know there can’t be cream involved, right? Probably skim milk ;) ha ha)… It was tremendous!
Where do you like to eat when you’re in Charleston? We have so many wonderful options! Where? What do you order? I love to know the scoop! hee hee…
ARTFOODHOME.COM 