A Weekend Jaunt

With amazing summer like temperatures, this weekend was perfect for a little side trip to the beautiful antebellum town of Beaufort.

One of the first Confederate towns captured by the Union Army at the commencement  of the Civil War this remarkable town was saved from the destruction that would befall the rest of the southern cities later in the war.

A town now standing as if time has stood still, Beaufort offers a look back into the picturesque life of the old south.

Beaufort has offered  literary inspiration, providing settings for many of the works of author & native son Pat Conroy. 

This beautiful site has also been the  location of a number of Hollywood films including The Big Chill, The Prince of Tides, The Great Santini, & Forrest Gump to name a few.

Filled with so much history & beauty Beaufort is a wonderful place to visit on a warm lazy day.

With the majestic old live oaks dripping with Spanish moss to the beautifully preserved historic homes, Beaufort is a photographers paradise.  

I hope you have enjoyed this little tour of Beaufort South Carolina. 

Glad to Get Back

.....to Charleston

 ....in all of it's glory....

.

....& faded splender....

....the bird's song & warming sunshine

......it's welcoming colorful charm

....the palmettos

 ....& the friendly feel of small town Americana.

It's like the parade was just for us!

Out The Car Window

We have left the snow behind & hit the road again for that long trip back down south.

Seventeen hours of driving with little to do but look out of the windows  as the landscape rushes by.

There is actually a lot to see but it flies by too quickly to capture with the camera.

 You just keep on going mile after mile....

....all the while realizing that it is getting warmer & greener as you go.

 And before you know it all that snow is but a distant memory.

Birthday Wishes

 to my sister & Elvis who share the day.....

Happy Birthday to them & to everyone with a January birthday!

Embracing the New Year

This year I have not made any goals or hopeful resolutions. I am entering into 2013 very slowly & quietly.






I am embracing the small things & those most precious to me & allowing the year to take me where it may.


My new years wish for all of you is that 2013 will bring you peace, joy & fulfillment in what ever you decide to do.

Happy New Year !

I am still in Boston. Although we did not have a white Christmas, we do indeed have the snow for a white new years!
















It is chilly out there! And it seems to me that the best way to celebrate is to stay home tonight, cozy & warm & eat up the last of the Christmas cookies!

I will think about making resolutions tomorrow.......

Happy New Year to each & everyone of you!

Decking the Halls Charleston Style

I tried to post this earlier in the season but something clearly went awry, so I am making another attempt even though the timing is not quite correct. Perhaps I just like looking at these sunny photos & I suppose it is never too late to send good wishes your way.


Before I left Charleston I did not have time to do any Christmas decorating. Maybe, that is why I especially enjoyed looking at all of the pretty trimmings that were there to be seen. Here are a few photos of just some of those lovely decorations. 

It does seem like there is a distinct Charlestonian flair when it comes to decking the halls. The abundant use of all of the lush local greenery is extremely appealing. 

Magnolia wreaths are very popular & so pretty with the coppery tone of the underside of the leaves.

The Wreath below is a real tribute to local flora &  fauna, showcasing cotton bolls, spanish moss & all manor of regional foliage. Although the magnolia blossoms are silk, the leaves, trigs, berries & even antlers are all natural.

Christmas time also presents a chance to embellish Charleston's beautiful iron work as in the ornate blue fence  below.

Two of my favorites were this silvery magnolia wreath & the tiny wreath made with the white berries of the local popcorn plant.

Wishing you all a very happy & festive New Year!