Can you help save the farm??

On July 16, 2013July 16, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS2 Comments

There is a cool community garden that I wrote about not to long ago that is at risk of being reverted back to its original condition. This garden is manned by several people who live in a neighborhood called Byrnes Down, in Charleston, SC… the community garden has been planted out of the goodness of their hearts, all veggies are free. They plant, they water, and you are welcome to pick. Read more on the petition…

Below is the link… I promise it only takes a few seconds. Your “signature” could mean the difference between the farm staying… or being plowed down (how could you sleep at night, hee hee?)… If you can, spread the word to your friends (it allows you to post to Facebook, email, etc. if you like)…

CLICK HERE TO HELP SAVE THE FARM! It literally takes seconds…

Here is the description from the Change.org website:

Sothel Farms is a community garden started by 4 neighbors in Byrnes Down neighborhood. These guys have cleaned up the West Ashley Greenway, planted , cared for and created the most beautiful garden for everyone to enjoy FREE OF CHARGE … there are no barriers, no conditions , they’ve never asked for a penny or even help …. they are nothing but good honest hardworking folks trying to do good & pay it forward. It has created a place for neighbors to find friends, children to learn about health and food, dogs to play, and in general beautification of an otherwise mundane piece of unused land. These do-gooders have received a citation from the City of Charleston to remove the garden as it encroaches the easement. PLEASE sign this petition to support saving Sothel Farms. To see more visit the blog at Sothelfarm.tumblr.com or better yet … stop by, smell the flowers and enjoy a fresh vine ripe tomato !

The support that this garden is receiving is mind blowing. BUT… We need you to sign the petition. Please. I urge you to read their post that includes some of those comments! I have faith that after the City see’s how many people are behind this act of goodwill, they will support the cause. Or just let it be. See the garden below? Way on the other side of all that green space. No barriers to keep anyone out, only signs welcoming everyone and inviting them to pick a veggie!

Sothel Farm as seen from West Ashley Greenway (in the distance where the pretty yellow flowers are thriving)!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Top Image via SothelFarm.Tumblr.com

Ice, Ice, Baby!

On July 14, 2013July 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments

Recently we had a situation with our refrigerator that required us to unload everything into coolers for 48 hours. We had the best time ever. Hmmmm. The first day we ran to the gas station nearby and bought a few bags of ice… it costs over $7 for 3 fairly small bags of ice… the next day I remembered this vending machine. Ha! ICE HOUSE AMERICA is the name of it… click HERE to find a location near you, they’re all over the USA. In Charleston, SC it was $1.50 for 16 pounds OR you could drag your cooler over to the side and get #20 pounds for $1.50. Quite the deal! We only needed two bags. So if you need ice, check out one of these vending machines… This one is located on St. Andrew’s Blvd…

Stay cool – Catch you back here tomorrow!

Just because I had to…

On July 13, 2013July 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS6 Comments

C H A R L I E

Sweet beast. Lover of: green beans, carrots, cantaloupe, watermelon, popcorn, lettuce, eggs, greek yogurt, dirt, rocks, grass, tennis balls, kiddie pool, kitty cat watching and a good nap.

Had to share… Happy Saturday, catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Mark Lague!

On July 10, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

"Midtown Afternoon" by Mark Lague — “Midtown Afternoon” by Mark Lague

I think Mark did a great job capturing that big city feel, don’t you? This is an impressive 60 x 60. Mark has a fabulous loose style that has a uniqueness to it… I love how the light is hitting the taxi and the fabulous colors in the road, especially where the sun hits. Whoa. This one really keeps your eye in the painting doesn’t it? I don’t know about you, but mine starts on the taxi, then travels up to the large TV on the building, to the top of the building on the right where the light is hitting… over to the oh-so-very-cool green traffic light, following the arm of the light down to the red on the building to the white parked car and back to the taxi. Where does your eye go? Paintings have so many aspects that are just so interesting… like this ‘keeping your eye in the painting’ deal… but it’s so true! Check out Mark’s website, it’s a nice one… He also has images from Plein Air Richmond 2013!

Read a blip about Mark from his website:

Mark has developed an international reputation and has won numerous awards, both in his native Canada and in the United States. A dedicated painter, Mark Lague was born in Lachine Quebec in 1964 and he has had a fascination with drawing since childhood, a skill he practices constantly, even to this day. Upon graduation from Montreal’s Concordia University in Design, Mark embarked on a 13-year career in the animation industry, working primarily as a background designer and art director. During this time, despite working full time, he began recieving international acclaim for his watercolour paintings through competitions, juried shows, and solo exhibitions. In 2000, Mark switched to oil as his primary medium, and in 2002 made the jump to full time painter. As an artist he is a realist, who is open to virtually all subject matter. What keeps him excited about painting is his endless quest to simplify and get to the essence of whatever he paints. Mark has been featured in numerous national art magazines, and continues to recieve international recognition for his distinctive style of painting.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A Colorful Monhegan Shed… Love this place!

On July 7, 2013July 2, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVEL5 Comments

Another colorful creative photo taken on Monhegan Island, Maine. Those of you who have been there know… your heart will always be there, long after you’re gone…

I know there are some of you who get there and think it’s horrible that there is no television, no phones in the rooms, or hair dryers… Electricity is so expensive on Monhegan… For example, (as of late 2012) the price per Kilowatt-hour on Monhegan was $.70 (seventy cents). Doesn’t sound like much? To help put it into perspective… The national average (price per kilowatt-hour) is $09. Nine cents. Yep. There is a reason there aren’t hair dryers in the rooms… Monhegan is either a place you love, or you’re ready to hop on the next ferry once you hear there isn’t a mall, golf course or tennis court. There is also no fast food and very little cell coverage (YAY!). Like I said… Heaven!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Happy 4th of July and…

On July 4, 2013June 26, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, THOUGHTS6 Comments

H A P P Y 4th O F J U L Y ! ! !

Isn’t this the sweetest painting by Ken DeWaard? Perfect for the 4th of July…! If you aren’t familiar with his work. OH. MY. GOSH! Check out Ken’s website and his blog!

Enjoy your day! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Monhegan Island, Maine – Wickedly Creative!

On June 30, 2013December 16, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, THOUGHTS6 Comments

Monhegan Island, Maine. A diverse and wickedly creative place! Even the clothes on the line are bright like the beautiful flowers! A magical place on earth!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

No GMO, no poison, just fresh veggies… are these guys cool or what? Say hello to Sothel Farm!

On June 25, 2013December 17, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HOME, THOUGHTS5 Comments

Sothel Farm. Have you heard of it? It’s located in scenic Byrnes Down, right off the West Ashley Greenway. You may have noticed a few houses that made ample use of the unused space behind their homes. They planted a garden. Not any old garden. A community garden. You won’t see a little Farmer’s Market stand, with scales, calculators and a cash box. The vegetables are free. What?! I know… since when do you hear news like that?

Planting a garden on an easement… What a brilliant idea! Instead of looking at space that is unused and just sitting there, to make something of it that the community can learn from, get people active in is great. New friendships are forged. Kids see how cool a garden is, how it grows and then are excited to eat what comes of all that hard work! And hey, pulling weeds… it’s good for you!

A photo from Sothel Farms earlier days, wow, it’s like these guys know what they’re doing!

So thank you to those of you who put yourselves out there in the heat… tending these gardens, making them so prolific AND for sharing everything! I look forward to meeting you one day to say THANK YOU! I had a squash with my dinner one night, and a tomato on my salad. I’m telling you, it’s the little things in life that make you smile!

They seem like a fun bunch… this is how they describe the farm (very creative I might add):

Free & fun. Sothel Farm. Byrnes Down, USA.

Hee hee… who couldn’t love that?

Read more about the Sothel Farm (and see the many photos!) on their blog at http://sothelfarm.tumblr.com

It’s free. It’s fun and it is oh so entertaining! Check this out…

Sothel Farm as seen from the Greenway… no zoom… so you can see it’s way out of the way… I’m starting to think we should make the entire Greenway a garden!! How smart!

Here are a few other gardens planted in out of the way, unexpected places (easement)…

This one does not have a sign that says the veggies are free… so please don’t pick unless you ask first ;)

Talk about using every square inch!

I love this sign… creative! Pull a weed… that’s not too much to ask!

Two photos to show this garden… it’s pretty, it’s full of wonderfulness!

This garden has expanded the space accommodating even more fresh veggies! LOTS of hard work!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Photo: Sullivans Island Beach… Heed the Warnings!

On June 22, 2013June 12, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS3 Comments

A few months ago when my parents were visiting we headed to Sullivans Island, SC. A beautiful beach, and a fabulous place to walk! We usually only go to the beach during the off season, when its quiet… but it’s beautiful all year!

If you go be aware of all the signs warning of rip currents… there are rescue attempts all the time for people not heeding those warnings, which puts other lives (friends who jump in to help, rescue workers, etc.) in jeopardy…

Know this before you swim (from the United States Lifesaving Association):

How to Avoid and Survive Rip Currents

Learn how to swim!

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Field Research Facility at Duck, NC.

Never swim alone.
Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don’t go out!
Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard protected beach.
Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.
If caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
Don’t fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help.
If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1 . Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape. Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

Good advice!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

H A P P Y F A T H E R S D A Y ! !

On June 16, 2013June 11, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS6 Comments

Joe (my dad) and Carlisle (Fred’s dad)… blurry photo… I vow to do better!

I would also like to say H A P P Y F A T H E R S D A Y to Carlisle Stroud, Fred’s dad!! You’re awesome DC! We think the world of you! You’re willing to drop what you’re doing at a moments notice and come to help us fix whatever it may be. We appreciate all those times more than you’ll ever know! barbara & fred

Happy Father’s Day to all of you who are a dad, who want to be a dad, who are almost a dad, as well as for those of you who wanted to be a dad but things just didn’t work out… For those of you who have adopted, have married into a family with children, for those who take the time to teach neighborhood kids, you are all the best! Happy Father’s Day…

And a big heartfelt hug to those of you who no longer have your father in your life. I know that makes this holiday, Father’s Day, a tough one. Do good and know he is smiling down upon you…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Photo: The perfect picnic spot…

On June 15, 2013June 12, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS2 Comments

I have mentioned in past posts a fabulous place called Botany Bay. The light that filters through the trees is incredible. Every inch of that place is stunning. It appears untouched. The beach is beautiful, the entire area looks like you’ve stepped back in time. This is a photo of our lunch spot. We brought a picnic, opened up the back of the car and sat, ate, listened to the birds, the wind in the trees… wow… Let’s not tell too many people about this place, ok? Keep it to yourself! Have a great weekend!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan Thursday: Block Island Cottage – SL 1059

On June 13, 2013December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans, THOUGHTS6 Comments

Block Island Cottage by Coastal Living – SL 1059, 1820 square feet – Image: CoastalLivingHousePlans.com

An Exclusive Design for Coastal Living by Allison Ramsey Architects, Inc.

Yet another house plan that we’ve had on our radar… even if you don’t plan on building a house it sure is fun to look at plans and dream what you would do differently, how you would arrange things, etc.

Things to change… I would paint the lattice underneath the house the same color as the house so it blends in… and unless I had kids or small dogs to contain on the porch I would go without spindles or use wire… I like that look, and that little window upstairs… I would have it open out. I LOVE THAT! The house has a nice porch (a requirement!) and is more than plenty big enough for us with just the downstairs…

This is a sweet plan that allows the master bedroom to be off on a wing by itself, which is nice for guests. I also like the laundry room nearby… right now it’s in our bathroom which is very convenient, but ahhh, the dust! I cannot complain… it could not be more convenient! Fred and I both really like the more open plans. It’s probably because we have a home with rooms… and the grass is always greener so to speak…

The upstairs is a simple loft design with the rest of the room open to the living space below… might be good for painting, or the treadmill… storage of Christmas decorations, etc. Whew, i’m glad I don’t have to be making a decision any time soon! What would you do?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

HB 2 U!

On June 9, 2013June 7, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS5 Comments

We have the coolest nephew/Godson… his name is Max. It’s hard to believe he’s 15 today (and driving around with his permit!)…

You are the best Max… you’ve always been a blast to be around and we love you with all our hearts.

Here’s a younger photo of Max and Fred… love. this. kid!

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y M A X ! ! ! ! Come visit… S O O N !

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Island Cottage House Plan (SL 358) by Historical Concepts/Our Town Plans for Southern Living!

On May 30, 2013August 6, 2021 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans, THOUGHTS3 Comments

Island Cottage (SL358)House Plan by Our Town Plans for Southern Living

Unique, isn’t it? Like a home built long ago and added on to in the very best of ways. This is actually three different units – perfect for a family living together while maintaining a sense of privacy and having their own space. I can see something like this becoming more and more popular! You’re alone when you want your space and together when you don’t. #winwin

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