Day after day, year after year, decade after decade the sea rolls in and out changing coastlines and leaving behind evidence of its intrusion.
Hunting Island in the lowcountry of South Carolina is an example. Now uninhabited it is designated as a national park. A lighthouse stands tall on the island, but thanks to continuing erosion it has been relocated times. Now it sits back far from the shore with hope the water doesn’t reach it any time soon.
Along a portion of the beautiful mostly unobstructed white sand beach is what is called the boneyard where lie trees uprooted by the constant in and out of tides.
Some have been exposed so long they are bleached white.
Many of the barnacle laden remains are gradually disappearing below the surface leaving behind hints of what they once were.
Exploring the boneyard sets my imagination on fire. Everywhere I see art, sculptures created by nature.
Some forms trigger a variety of interpretations sometimes humorous, sometimes absurd.
I wonder how many creative juices have been set aflow by the images that abound. Certainly, there is ample opportunity for interpretation.
For sure, when one goes to Hunting Island a camera is a must as there is so much to capture, and with each visit the changing light makes the experience unique.
What makes me sad is that each time I go to Hunting Island more of the boneyard has disappeared meaning the sea is winning as it continues to erode the shore.
Arriving in Maine a week or so ago, the first thing we noticed was a nasty mess on the front porch. It didn’t take more than a glance to determine a feathered friend had chosen it as a safe place to nest. The nest was empty, and the hubby was anxious to remove it and get started on the cleanup.
Just as he was about to knock it down, a chittering mama robin nestled in letting us know in no uncertain terms that wasn’t going to happen. So began a watchful few days.
Except for a few breaks, mama stayed put. Then she began leaving the nest and returning with a squirming caterpillar or some such in her beak, a seeming indication some little ones had hatched.
Initially all I could observe was her leaning down to drop whatever into the nest.
It wasn’t long before a wide open mouth began peeking above the nest’s edge waiting to receive whatever tasty morsel mama had found. To my amazement, she’d put the whole thing into that mouth and I wondered how in the world the little one could swallow it.
To capture the wonder of all this, I had to shoot through a window as mama let me know whenever I stepped on the porch trying for a better shot my presence was not welcome. I was not going to attempt to change her mind!
I was eager to observe the little ones growth and hoped to see their first attempts to fly, but that opportunity didn’t happen. I began noticing there was no action. The nest was still in place, but mama had disappeared and there was no sign of her offspring. Trying to determine what was going on, the hubby got the ladder and climbed up to see. Astonishingly, the nest was empty, no birds, no egg shell remnants…..nothing. What happened will remain a mystery which leaves me with an unresolved sadness.
When we first came to South Carolina, the hubby and I spent time checking out our new surroundings. One of our first adventures was a visit to the Cypress Wetlands in Port Royal where we saw alligators and turtles, hard to recognize as they were covered in duckweed.
TricoloredHeron
There was also a smattering of birds, but nothing like what we saw on this visit. There were hundreds most of which were there to nest and hatch their babies. Fortunately, I had my camera with its super zoom capability, and for several hours I snapped and snapped.
WoodStork
Nesting is the female’s job, but it was not unusual to spot what appeared to be a proud papa checking in.
SnowyEgret
It was exciting to see a soon to be mom stretch her legs leaving her eggs exposed. Getting shots like this made me most appreciative of the camera’s zoom ability!
Most thrilling was spotting a nest with just hatched babies. Those I couldn’t get enough of!
Babies that were a little bigger appeared to be a bit aggressive. Whatever the mama had in her mouth, the little one tried to wrestle it away.
Anhinga
Among the herons, egrets and wood storks was one bird I’d not seen before. Its black and white plumage was stunning.
I waited and waited hoping it would spread its wings so I could get the full impact of the design, but it didn’t happen. Its twig gymnastics, however, were pretty entertaining.
Great Blue Heron
I have so enjoyed South Carolina’s birds, and sometimes I have to look no further than my backyard to spy one searching for a snack or checking us humans out.
I can’t tell you the number of hours I’ve spent trying to get the perfect bird photo.
Always I have a camera with me whether it’s an iPhone or the real thing. You never know what might be seen on a morning walk in Houston where spotting a robin is a sure sign spring is close.
In Maine I sit quietly on the porch with camera focused on the bird feeder that attracts goldfinches, chickadees, nuthatches, cardinals and a variety of sparrows and finches.
Most of the time only one species feeds at a time so it’s a lucky day when two different ones feast together.
On a boat outing, my eyes are always peeled for an interesting shot of sea birds. Here I was attracted to both the textures of the rocks and the gulls.
Speaking of gulls, they can get pretty aggressive when they spot you having an on board picnic. If so much as a morsel is dropped, they swoop right down to get it and you don’t want to have your hand in the way!
Some miles off the coast of Maine is an island where puffins breed. Only once did we venture out hoping our timing would be right. Luckily it was and I was excited to get a photo or two. It wasn’t easy as we couldn’t get closer thanks to the danger presented by the rocks and my telephoto goes only so far!
Looking through my photos, I am amazed by how many bird photos are in the library and what stories they tell. There may well be fodder for another post, so stay tuned.
In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks. John Muir
Though I have lived in Houston many years, I haven’t always taken the time to explore all that it has to offer. Now that I am here only a few months of the year, I make an effort to discover which opens the door to many surprises.
One such surprise is the Houston Botanic Garden located just minutes from downtown on 132 acres which my Houston native hubby tells me was once the site of a golf course. As described the garden features a collection of themed gardens including Global, Culinary, Stormwater Wetlands and the Coastal Prairie.
On a gray Saturday it was a treat to wander and discover each of the areas. I was enthralled by how complementary were the various gardens. A real plus were the well planned walkways that allowed easy access to all.
Much of the activity involved the dismantling of what must have been a fabulous dragon themed light show.
Though much had been disassembled, the remaining sculptures added a playfulness to the morning stroll.
I always wonder about the creative force behind such installations,and I can’t help but wonder what happens to them once they are removed. Anybody know?
Thinking about this one being set in such a natural environment made it seem quite unique.
Another day it would be lovely to see the garden in bloom and filled with butterflies and bird sounds. This time it was an introduction and shared with a friend made the discovery all the more special.
The first year we were married Valentine’s did not turn out so well. As a thoughtful gesture, the hubby suggested we go out for dinner. I was all for that, but we learned the hard way that Valentine evening is not one for going to dinner without a reservation.
We drove around for almost two hours trying to find some place, any place for that matter, where the two of us could dine. Finally, we gave up, and I don’t remember what we had for dinner. Maybe it was something from one fast food place or another. In any case, I decided then and there that in the future the evening would be spent at home.
As it turned out that has been a good idea. Sometimes it’s just the two of us enjoying a special dinner with a good bottle of wine. Other times we have two or four friends over which makes a no stress evening for all.
It’s a fun occasion to set the table. Year after year I use many of the same things like these heart dishes. I think they were gotten on sale at Williams Sonoma way back when.
Though much is familiar, I add something new to the table each year. This time it is heart wrapping paper from Michael’s that doubles as a table runner.
For Valentine’s you can’t have too much red or pink.
I got carried away and knitted a red cozy for the wine bottle and found a heart carafe at IKEA for water. Oh what fun it is to put this table together!
Napkin folds are such fun to do and add that something extra to any table. It took me a while to fold one that resembled a heart, and I do hope others recognize it as such.
While setting the table, I was thinking about what to serve and decided on steaming bowls of cassoulet with a leafy green salad dressed with lemon juice and sea salt. I’m even going to try my hand with a chocolate soufflé topped with raspberries.
However you spend Valentines, may you feel loved by all who are special in your life.
I love my bells! Years ago, I started collecting them because I was drawn to their fragile beauty and tinkling sounds plus they were a collection that didn’t take up space whether displayed or carried in luggage.
Wherever I am there are bells on whatever flat surface is available.
When we were designing our Houston home, the architect noticed my bells were here and there, and he surprised me by creating tucked in shelves where all could be seen together.
Since tablescaping is a part of everyday life, you can be sure bells have found their way to many a table.
While most of my tables are simple, occasionally I like to get out the china once belonging to my mom. That’s when an assortment of beautiful bells lend just the right touch to the table.
Bells know no season. They mix well with whatever is on the table no matter the time of year.
While my collection focuses on glass and crystal, a few other bells have found their way into it. For years I gave my daughters figures from Beatrix Potter’s stories of Peter Rabbit and friends so there was no way I could resist tiny silver ones depicting all of the characters.
Every bell is a memory of place be it an antique shop in an obscure place in Maine or a finding from one trip or another. No doubt they have not the same meaning to my daughters or granddaughters, but I hope a few will become their treasures.
Thinking about my bells makes me wonder what collection do you have that is a precious reminder of time and place?
This time of year it seems there are many favorite lists floating around especially those having to do with books. As I preview those I am astonished at how few I have read considering how much I read. Always I am reading one book and listening to another.
Speaking of listening, it’s taken me a while to get used to audio books, but they have really upped how many books I consume in a year. There are so many times during the day when I can listen which I thoroughly enjoy while cooking, getting dressed, driving or doing the million and one other things that fill my day.
I have to confess to not loving every book, but unless it’s one I just can’t get into I finish every one. I feel that authors who have shared their words deserve at least that.
So, in no particular order are a few books that are my favorites this year.
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. Set in the south of India, it follows three generations of a family that loses one member by drowning in every generation. I listened to the audio version read by the author which made this epic novel even more outstanding.
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. This is the skillfully told story of small town secrets and people who keep them.
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano. What can I say about this one? It made me laugh and cry and touched my heart. The Padavano family is complex and William is a flawed character thanks to having felt unloved by his family. This one I had a hard time putting down.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. The author is a gifted story teller and this book is all about family, love and growing up. Read by Meryl Street, the audio version is even better than the printed page.
All theSinners Bleed by S. A. Crosby. A good thriller is hard to beat, and this one is just that. Titus, the first black sheriff in a small Virginia town, is faced with multiple challenges in a story filled with twists and turns.
The First Ladies byMarie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. I expected this book to be about the wives of presidents, but it was about the partnership and eventual friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune.
Romney by McKay Coppins. I read this book not only to learn more about Mitt Romney but hoping to gain some insight into the political mess we are experiencing. I was not disappointed!
How to Know a Person by David Brooks. This is a quick read that applies to us all in that it addresses the need for deeper connections, something that seems to be missing in society today.
The Wager by David Grann. No surprise here as it is on many lists of favorites. It is a nonfiction page turner that reads like a novel.
The Red Hotel byAlan Philips. Talk about a book that addresses something about which I knew nothing, this is it. The Metropol Hotel in Moscow has a storied history and here is presented the intrigue and role of women there during WW II.
There are other titles that could be added to my list of favorites, but enough is enough. Here’s to happy reading in 2024.
Who knows when it began, but for a very long time I’ve been attracted to log cabins. In fact, I’ve dreamed of building one and have it all laid out in my head. Sadly, the hubby never thought it was such a good idea!
In an unexpected way, the dream has come true. A daughter added a log cabin to her real estate properties. Once she had it done to her satisfaction, the hubby and I were privileged to spend a few nights. Talk about being thrilled!
It was no surprise to find every little thing done just right.
This girl has a talent for finding the perfect items to make her properties fit their time and place.
Here, everywhere I looked was something to catch the eye.
Seeing the unpolished silver pieces displayed on the wall made me rethink keeping silver bright and shiny.
Preparing morning coffee was a treat. While it was brewing, I enjoyed thumbing through cookbooks and taking in all the extra touches.
This was more than a log cabin. It is, indeed, a log castle with two spacious floors which strikes me as unusual for the time. I know what it is now, but I would love to know more of its history.
I like thinking that after a few nights here that I am part of its continuing history. If ever you are in Franklin, Tennessee, looking for a cozy place to stay, you could also become part of its history.
Charleston is one of the jewels in the southeast, but that has not always been the case. Following the Civil War Charleston’s economy declined as it was no longer benefitting from the slave trade. Later some natural disasters resulted in considerable destruction, and folks left in search of better conditions and opportunity.
After languishing for a number of years, things began to change in the latter part of the 20th century thanks in part to a forward thinking mayor. The result is a restored historic district and a thriving economy driven in no small way by tourism.
Recently, I spent a day exploring Charleston’s historic district paying attention to what I thought characterized the city. It’s impossible not to become aware of wrought iron.
It is everywhere making the ordinary a visual pleasure.
It is rare to see a house without flickering gaslights reminiscent of days gone by.
Containers of flowers and walls of peeling stucco and exposed brick always caught my eye.
Not uncommon in the southeast are steeples and Charleston is no exception.
In the heart of the district is Washington Square named after George Washington in acknowledgement of his having received General Cornwallis’s surrender at Yorktown in 1771. I would not have been as surprised had some confederate general been commemorated there.
Close by the confederacy does get its due with a soaring shaft paying tribute to the sacrifices of those South Carolinians who fought during the War Between the States.
Part of Charleston’s scenery is sidewalk displays of woven baskets representing Gullah tradition. You can be sure I never walk by a display without paying attention to the creations of talented hands.
Observing the process of creating holds a special appeal for me.
Always curious, it is a pleasure to engage with one who is willing to share tidbits of the Gullah history.
No visit to Charleston is complete without taking time to eat. Chicken livers on grits made me swoon.
Those were followed by a ham sandwich with pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes served with a side of fried okra. Having several of my favorite things in one sitting was a treat beyond description!
A special bonus was finding the recipe for she crab soup boldly enscribed on a door. That’s another favorite and it looks pretty easy to make.
Charleston is a fun place to visit and discovering its uniqueness makes it a special adventure.
Lulu’s Musings…. 