The Battery – Charleston, SC – Repair…

On January 11, 2014January 9, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

The Battery is one photogenic place in Charleston, SC. There are the gorgeous old homes, White Point Gardens (park) and more beautiful homes. Right now the city is working on repairing portions of the battery… There is a slight detour, nothing major. It’s definitely a fabulous place to walk (and take photos, hee…) I simply cannot walk downtown without a camera of some sort… Here’s the info you need to know (from charleston-sc.gov):

Seawall Repair 2013

The first phase of the Battery repair & reconstruction project involves the reconstruction of “The Turn” – the portion of the High Battery that connects the stone High Battery along East Battery with the Low Battery along Murray Boulevard. This portion of the Battery was identified in the Seawall Evaluation and Study, prepared by Cummings & McCrady,Inc., as a priority due to substantial deterioration of the underlying wooden deck and pile system. More specifically, the work will include:

Lane closures and traffic control to establish a safe work zone
Installation of a temporary cofferdam and dewatering systems to allow work during all tidal cycles
Removal and disposal of the existing concrete seawall
Removal of the timber platform
Testing and removal of selected timber piles
Installation of new composite (concrete and steel) piles
Construction of a new reinforced concrete foundation and seawall structure
Removal of all temporary cofferdams and traffic control

The estimated time for construction is nine months. The Engineer’s estimate of probable cost for the project was $3,500,000. Three bids were received from seven potential bidders that were prequalified due to the complexity of this project. The bids ranged from $2,665,000 to $3,939,000. After careful review of the bids, staff is recommending award of the contract to the apparent low bidder, Crowder Construction Company, in the amount of $2,665,000.

We will commence construction on “The Turn”, which should be completed nine months from the construction start date. Design services for the next phase of the High Battery restoration are underway. This phase includes the renovation of the stone High Battery from “The Turn” to its northern terminus. The renovations will consist of resetting and repointing the existing stones to provide a more level walking surface and more aesthetic appearance. It is anticipated that the bidding and work on this phase will begin after “The Turn” is completed. Once the High Battery is completed, work will begin on the Low Battery portion.

F L A S H B A C K

O n e Y e a r A g o: Featured Artist… Gay Faulkenberry!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist to watch… Logan Hagege!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Ina’s Mexican Chicken Soup!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A sunny December walk in Charleston, SC.

On January 5, 2014December 31, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

Walking in downtown Charleston... — Walking in downtown Charleston…

Fred, Charlie (woof) and I took a walk the Sunday after Christmas… we headed downtown and the weather was perfect! I tried to sneak in a few shots… not easy at a brisk pace, but I managed a few ;) The sun was out and the day was gorgeous! I don’t think one car went by us. It was heavenly. See, I can post these beautiful photos while friends and family in the colder regions are probably cussing me because they’re stuck in a deep freeze… but they get their fun with me come summer! So I have to get my beautiful weather photos in while I can! Hee.

F L A S H B A C K

O n e Y e a r A g o: The not tough dog toy that stood the test of time… well, kinda!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: An addictive whole grain snack!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Say bye bye to Panera’s original chicken noodle soup!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A walk in Charleston… St. Phillips Church!

On December 13, 2013December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments

St. Phillips Church - Charleston, SC — St. Phillips Church – Charleston, SC

Warm golden light. That gorgeous light that makes you look healthy and tan (ha ha)… it gives you a glow. Well, it does the same thing for the buildings. Charleston, SC is such a beautiful city. The history, architecture, food, and art galleries are beyond compare. Everywhere you look you see gorgeous settings just like this one! If you aren’t from this area, stop by, check it out… visit the restaurants, stores and galleries. You’ll be coming back year after year!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… Looking for a good restaurant in Charleston, SC? try Husk!

T W O Y E A R S A G O… Gift idea: Mark Roberts Fairy!

Catch you back here tomorrow! I’ll be back to my normal posts next week!

The Golden Light… Charleston, SC Photo…

On December 12, 2013December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments

Truly, one of the best places to walk around – Especially with a camera! This golden light is incredible, just as it is in a painting, to see it in real life, well, it just makes everything look so much better!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… Featured Artist… Wayne McKenzie!

T W O Y E A R S A G O… Artist to watch… Daniel Merriam!

Catch you back here tomorrow! I’ll be back to my normal posts next week!

Sunset on the Ashley River Bridge…

On December 11, 2013December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

This doesn’t need words, does it? This was on our way home from Mt. Pleasant… the sky was on fire it seemed… The sky is so vast in this photo…

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… Corn Pudding Recipe – Christmas Dinner

T W O Y E A R S A G O… Going to see Santa 1966… YES, I was alive then!

Catch you back here tomorrow! I’ll be back to my normal posts next week!

Philadelphia Alley – Charleston, SC

On December 9, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS1 Comment

Philadelphia Alley (nicknamed “Dueling Alley”)… located between Cumberland and Queen Street in the French Quarter of Charleston, SC, this is one historic alley. Read more about it HERE. Fascinating, isn’t it??

This is also Charlie’s favorite little walk downtown… gotta keep the puppy happy, right? If you get a chance, check it out… too cool for words!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… Ocean House Hotel, Port Clyde, Maine!

T W O Y E A R S A G O… Artist to watch… Walt Pasko!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A place where time stands still…

On November 24, 2013December 13, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS1 Comment

There is a sleepy town not far from here where it seems like time stands still. It’s called Rockville, SC – and it’s the most beautiful little spot. Truly I bet it looks like it did years and years ago. I mean that in a very good way. It’s not commercial (no stores, gas stations, restaurants). It’s like life the way it should be… the houses are beautiful and so well kept. The oak trees are extremely large and appear to be very happy. Rockville is Charleston County’s oldest surviving summer resort, dating back to 1824! I love places like this… it’s nice to be busy, but it’s nice to be where the pace is slower… and thanks to Ken DeWaard for this shot… I would never have seen it, but since he is way up in the clouds (tall), I saw him snap a photo, but couldn’t see what he was taking a photo of… so I pulled out my viewfinder and lifted my camera up high – EUREKA! I wanna be tall! What else am I missing??

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… What are these?? Vending machine stamps…

T W O Y E A R S A G O… Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

[charlie photo] Waiting for a carriage??

On September 14, 2013September 14, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME2 Comments

DSCN2397 — Fred and Charlie – Charleston, SC

Is Charlie waiting for a carriage to come and pick him up? Is he on stage? I’m thinking it’s more of the latter, although he would be too thrilled if a horse came by to visit him! This was taken on a hot humid day downtown Charleston, SC… we are all looking forward to fall/winter/spring! No complaints about the cold from me! This has been the best summer since I moved to Charleston in 1989… amazing! Windows open two days in August, and again today in mid September… that NEVER happens!

Woohoo, grateful for the small things! Have a great day… Catch you back here tomorrow!

FLASHBACK

O N E Y E A R A G O: Featured Artist… Nancy Rhodes Harper!

T W O Y E A R S A G O: Our Favorites at Trader Joe’s!

Paris Preview with Rhett Thurman at the Sylvan Gallery… tonight!!

On September 5, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist, TRAVEL2 Comments

"Beloved Cliche, III" by Rhett Thurman — “Beloved Cliche, III” by Rhett Thurman

The Sylvan Gallery on King Street in Charleston, SC is having a Paris Preview with artist Rhett Thurman. If you’re in the area you won’t want to miss this!

Visit Rhett in her studio tonight (September 5, 2013) at 241 King Street from 5 – 6PM for a preview and sale of her latest work… and then…

Meet at the Sylvan Gallery at 171 King Street for a reception, preview and sale from 6 – 8 PM!

It’s always nice to see where artists paint, what their space is like… and of course to see Rhett’s new work!

If you aren’t in the area… check out Rhett’s older work as well!

I t ‘ s S T U N N I N G !

From her trip to Monhegan…

"Room with a View" by Rhett Thurman — “Room with a View” by Rhett Thurman

as well as her Charleston paintings!

"Queen Street Grocery" by Rhett Thurman — “Queen Street Grocery” by Rhett Thurman

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… Charleston Restaurant Week September 5-16, 2012!

T W O Y E A R S A G O… Husk Restaurant in Charleston, SC is the top new restaurant in AMERICA!

All images via TheSylvanGallery.com!

What a neat building downtown Charleston, SC!

On August 18, 2013December 21, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME3 Comments

Carolina Antique Maps & Prints sure has a cool building. I love the trim color, it’s so Charleston! Walking downtown and taking photos is so much fun, there is beauty everywhere you look! Of course I can find beauty just about anywhere, but some great strong colors downtown. I’m not really into maps or prints, but I just looked through their website and I have to say, they’ve got some really interesting things!! I’ll be stopping in this place!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

My post from one year ago… A walk downtown… (Charleston Photograph)

My post from two years ago… Foods that should never cross your lips – part one…

YoBo Cantina Fresca – a delightful healthy Mexican restaurant – Charleston, SC

On July 23, 2013December 17, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD1 Comment

Recently a great little Mexican restaurant opened up in South Windermere shopping center… it’s a short walk away, which is the ultimate in convenience! If you haven’t ventured to YoBo Cantina Fresca yet, peruse their menu, then head on over!

The interior is very cool too… dress however you like…

They’re a friendly group over there… we’ve tried several items on the menu. My favorite at the moment are the chicken tacos… Next I’m trying the fish tacos… also want to try the salad… great salsa’s that are really different, and oh so fresh!

Yobo uses fresh ingredients! {Image} — Yobo uses fresh ingredients!

Don’t miss their specials… Monday night all tacos are $2.50 starting at 4PM…

Wednesday is 1/2 priced bottle of wine night…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images from YoBo Cantina Fresca website or facebook page!

Interior image: Image: Bette Walker Photography – Image from YoBo Cantina Fresca’s Facebook page

Charleston Photo: Rockville Door

On June 29, 2013January 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME3 Comments

Back in time, right? Rockville, SC is pure charm… everywhere you look! Have a great weekend…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston, SC Photo: Rockville, SC Road

On June 23, 2013January 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME3 Comments

Several weeks ago, my sister was in town. We hit all the galleries, many restaurants, then headed to Charleston Tea Plantation and Rockville to snap some photos. I’ve written about the tea plantation before… the landscape… STUNNING. Like Rockville, there are huge, very old live oak trees. The setting seems like it’s way back when…

Rockville, SC retains that captured in time feel. There isn’t a store or a restaurant or really anywhere to go in Rockville (unless you belong to the yacht club), but it is a great place to snap photos (especially if you’re into photography, or if you’re an artist… whoa!). Subject matter galore! So… if you’re ever heading out that way… BRING YOUR CAMERA (bring spare batteries as well… I speak from experience)!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Photo: The Beach at Botany Bay…

On June 5, 2013January 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment

Have you been to Botany Bay (near Edisto, SC)? I could not believe that we just made it there a few weeks ago, and I’ve lived here over twenty years! We will be going back!

The beach is so dramatic… you park your car and walk out on a boardwalk to the beach. You cannot take the shells ($470 fine) and you don’t want to take the shells. The unspoiled beach is just too pretty to change a single thing!

So if you’re looking for a road trip… hightail it to Botany Bay!

Back to regular posting tomorrow!