Click on the picture to see it larger - it is better that way.

What a fun little gadget this is. Give it a try with your photos. I love playing with it.

http://www.befunky.com/

4th of July on the 3rd

Because the 4th fell on a Monday this year we decided to celebrate on the 3rd.  We did the usual neighborhood thing with everyone out for a cookout and shared dishes.  We just sat in the yard in the shade of the tree and had fun!

Derek and Marc

It has become a tradition to blow up a mailbox so on Friday Kirby went to Lowes and purchased a new mailbox for Arlene as it was her turn to sacrifice her mailbox (because a tree had fallen on it a couple of months ago and it was kind of messed up anyway.)

We were having such a good time we didn't realize it was almost dark and we hadn't blown up the mailbox yet.  In these two pictures what you see is the mailbox after the FIRST blow-up!  They then put it back together and did it again!  Fun times in the Hood!

Here are Christie (my daughter) and Michael enjoying the nice weather and relaxing time!!

And Grandson, Casey, and his friend Callie.

Kirby and Jonathan.  Jonathan was a perfect pyro-technician that night.  He did great with his fireworks!

We didn't have any order at all.  Chairs were here and chairs were there and then they moved around. 

Here are Phil, Charles (a new neighbor) and Kirby.  Ah and Jake too.

Socks and Lacy were in treat heaven with other people to offer goodies to them!

Man Cave Remodel

Two and a half years ago, the guys built a bar in Phil's garage.  It has gone through many transformations since then.

Marc on the left and Kirby on the right

The tile floor was added, various flat screen TV's, a wood burning fireplace and a large window AC unit.  A large roll-up screen is used in place of the garage door when the weather is nice but the bugs are out.  Yesterday the guys all worked to make some modifications to the bar itself.  I think they just needed a project!

Painted Bunting

Male Painted Bunting

I will apologize right now for the fact that these are not my pictures.  (can you believe that??)  But we had a visit from two Painted Buntings today and I spent my time looking at them and not running for the camera.  The first one appeared on our bird bath and I immediately knew it was a male Painted Bunting.  Having seen them only in books before I couldn't believe my luck!  But I had to refer to my Peterson guide to determine for certain that the second bird was indeed the "wife".  Her color was almost parakeet green.  I hope they decide to settle here for a while and I get to see them again!!

UPDATE:  Almost a year later, we had another Painted Bunting visitor and this time I DID get a picture.  Nothing of the quality of these but check out this beauty!   Click on "check out this beauty".

Female Painted Bunting

This is what Wikipedia says - The male Painted Bunting is often described as the most beautiful bird in North America. Its beautiful colors, dark blue head, green back, red rump and underparts, make it easy to identify, but is very difficult to spot since it hides in foliage even when it is singing. The plumage of female and juvenile Painted Buntings is green and yellow-green, serving as camouflage.

Almost Ready

This cute innocent little house really is home to a world of fireworks.  Firecracker Bill's is an institution here in Mount Pleasant and we stopped to pick up a few boxes to contribute to the neighborhood explosion that we will have here on Sunday evening.   Kirby took a head count and estimates we will have 30 - 40 friends and neighbors for the cookout and fun.  Pictures will follow!

A Grandmother's Delight!

You probably don't know that my number 2 grandson, Casey, is an intern with my company, Scientific Research Corporation.  Casey has finished his 1st year at Clemson University.  I absolutely delight in having him there near me each day and even though he is way at the other end of the building, I make a point of seeing him at least once each day.  I mean, how lucky can a grandmother be??  This is so special and I can't waste any of it!

We go to lunch together every week or so and sometimes we invite others to join us - like Kirby! Today we met Kirby at our most favorite pub in the world, MADRA RUA.  Madra Rua is in the Park Circle area of North Charleston and just the best pub ever....and we do pubs!  They always have a great selection of brews on tap, their prices are fair, the decor and atmosphere are The Best and the food has NEVER failed me.  Oh, and the service is always friendly and prompt. Can it get any better than that??  I don't think so!!  We try to always drag our visitors here so if you have come to visit, you will recognize it and if you are coming...you will get to enjoy it with us if at all possible!  It passed the test with Casey - he had the fish and chips and said it was perfect.  I had the Reuben sandwich (and have the other half for tomorrow) and Kirby got the famous beef burger - theirs is the best!

More "Commuting"

I had so much fun with yesterday's picture that I was shooting all kinds of pictures on the way to work today! Here are three for you.

This one is in our development/tract/compound as I am leaving.  I love having that small pond/lake there to see each morning.  There are alligators in there and sometimes I can see them.

This is a divided road and sometimes there are other cars with me, but not today.  Today I had the road to myself.

But, I have to admit, we do have some construction going on right at the entrance to the freeway.  And now you have seen it all!  It is a nice place to live (especially if you leave for work before 7:00 AM like I do!)

Eat Your Heart Out, California!

7:04 AM this morning on my commute to work.  I-526 - sun shinning and no traffic!  Just the way it is supposed to be!

All Day Brunch

We were invited over to James and Denise's for Sunday Brunch. These are the folks that we have been doing brunch with for the past 6 months and it has become quite the tradition for us. This time Denise decided to have brunch at their home.

Their home was gorgeous!  I loved the large dining room and huge table.  You have to notice the crystals on the chandelier...some of them are colors.  What fun!

Of course we had champagne!  Don't you just love that flute?  I wanted to put it in my purse but refrained!

Dana, Adam, James, their son, Jonathan, Kirby and Denise

Dana and Adam were visiting from upstate New York.  I love meeting new people!  I think that is what most people enjoy most about a bed and breakfast - the interesting people you meet.  Anyway, we all enjoyed the She Crab Soup, Shrimp and Grits, Spinach Salad and for the finishing touch, Denise make Bananas Foster!  Oh, was that ever good!  It was all very fun, fun, fun!

Tomatoes and Basil, Oh, and Kirby!

This year Kirby started his tomatoes from seed and now they are almost ready to harvest.  He brought in a small "Early Girl" yesterday.  Let summer begin!

That turquoise bucket has a hole down near the bottom that you probably can't see - and a tomato plant comes out of it.  It was an experiment and it is working.  That plant is loaded also.  And see that white box in the background, next to the AC? - well that is the pump for the well that Kirby put in.  Now we have the greenest lawn on the block and the water is free.  Having a well here is pretty easy as the water table is so low.  Quite the farmer, eh?  Tomato plants from seed and well water!  And all organic!  Yea!

This picture was taken BEFORE the Early Girl came in the house.

 

 These are little grape tomatoes.  (how can tomatoes be called a "grape" anyway??)

And, did I tell you that he started basil from seed also?  We eat basil salad all the time now!!  That is the grape tomato behind the basil.