Mucking About On Mars

They say that this planet is all about war. I would completely disagree. Mars is all about survival. Survival in the extreme, survival of not just your soft flesh, but your mind, and your sanity. Oh sure, were it not for the First Interplanetary War we wouldn't be here now, but that conflict was between the Chinese held Glorious Lunar Settlement, and everybody they could drop a few rocks on. Including my beloved US of A. But, we're not here to debate history nor politics, no sirree. This particular tour guide is just happy to be able to take you on a small journey thru my part of the planet.

I know you all have signed the If I Die I Won't Sue This Stupid Tour Group Form, which I really don't give a plug nickle for, but even here we just have to have lawyers, don't we? What's that you ask? Well, it's true enough that until what was left of the United Nations granted us our sovereignty, we didn't need any damn attorneys, if you'll pardon my saying so.

Well then, since it looks like everybody has arrived here in the Porch, I'll need each of you to find a booth with your name above the curtain. Inside, you will find what looks like a diaper, and a couple of pairs of long johns. There's an instructional video to show you how to clamber into all these, and when you're done just meet out here. When you get back into this area, we'll fit you into your ExoSuit, helmet, and go thru all the checks necessary before we depart.We also have some very nice Wardrobe Assimilation Service Personnel, or WASPs,  that will wander by and give ya a hand if need be. So don't be bashful folks, that's what they are here for, to make sure you get the maximum possible enjoyment from taking a stroll on Mars. And believe you me, there's nothing more irritating than a sore spot rubbed raw by an ill fitting EnviroSuit! Unless maybe it's having a Glorious Lunar Meteorite dropped on your hometown and killing your entire family and neighborhood. Oh, oops, better to not go there, huh?

Since there are still a few good souls struggling a bit with the hard suit and helmet, I'll invite the rest of you wander around in here a bit, take a look thru the various view ports, and if you have any questions, please feel free to pipe up! Now, if you take a gander thru the portal just behind me, that's the real Mars, in all it's wonderful glory. The temperature is a balmy well below what it would take to freeze dry your working parts, and the atmospheric pressure is far less than when my dog farts. In other words, you ain't on Earth anymore, and it really takes us an hour just to get ready to go check the mailbox. Hey, does anybody even have an actual mailbox anymore?

Right then, if you all will step this way, you've been cleared for your first walk on the Red Planet. Which you will see is not really red, but then what can you expect from a bunch of nincompoops a few million miles away? Oh, oops, I meant highly respected dead guys that were persecuted and tortured by the Church. Oh whatever, everybody into the Cargo Resultant Atmosphere Pressurization of Personnel Routine, or what we fondly refer to as the CRAPPeR. Just a little joke there folks, step right in and please have a seat in the buggy. Once the techs have secured your safety straps, the obligatory Safety Video will display on your individual monitors and the sound will come thru your helmet. If you're looking for a barf bag... well let's just say that I seriously doubt that you will really want to vomit in this comet, since you'll be wearing it for the next two hours or so inside your helmet. Ewwww.

Alright then, let's go! Your first sojourn on Mars! Takes me back a few decades to mine, except our buggies were only four seaters, and had a very limited range. Oh, and we didn't get any fancy TV's or rest stops. But you my friends, you get nothing but top of the line today. Course, for what you gladly paid for this trip, you deserve a bit of luxury. So anyways, we have us about one third the gravity that you had back on the home world, or about twice what you get on Luna. Seems just enough to keep our bones healthy, and with some dedication to working out, your muscles will be too. Believe me, playing baseball here is a real treat, unless you happen to play outfield, that is. And as for water, fuggedabouditt, we're really close to the Northern Ice Cap, so we got all we need. In fact, you will see actual snow and ice on the ground up here! Not so lucky all our settlements in the middle of the planet, you know the Valley Marineris and the Tharsis Bulge? They hafta work a whole lot harder to continually recycle each and every drop of this precious stuff. But up here, we actually get to shower in it! And yes, that is true and real luxury on this planet people.

Now that we've been toddling along for a good few miles, I think it's about time we all got out, and stretched our legs a bit. But before you even think about moving, I release the safety straps from up here in what passes for a cockpit, and then each of your seats will swivel to face outside, at which time you will notice a rather wide running board to step down upon. Our two techs will be there for anyone who needs a hand in getting your feet under you, so don't feel bashful. And yes, I have fallen quite a few times, and not all of them due to Brown Bottle Swallow, if ya know what I mean. but if you slip, don't worry, you really won't crack your helmet or tear your suit. Cause if you did why then you'd look like a fountain of watermelon jetting up thru the cracks, ha! Oh, um, never mind.

So yes everybody, there's a reason I brought you to these coords. We are going to approach, on foot, the very site that, well, actually that I discovered many decades past, where I found what is commonly referred to as The Skeleton. A billion, that's with a B not an M, years old, and just stuck out in the desert. Now, the real one is locked up in a lab somewhere, and no I don't where and I don't want to, that's way above my pay grade. But what we have here is a mold of the actual item, painted to match exactly. Anyways, you can imagine just what was running thru my mind when I quite literally stumbled over this thing! Let's face it, an old, ex mil type with too many years in, and basically put to pasture here, and what do I do? I fall on top of the as yet only proof that there really is some other sentient life in this galaxy! Yup, right over there it is, go ahead and slowly amble around it. Remember, any fast or sudden move usually means one thing, you get reintroduced to Mr. Ground again. As you can see, it looks like the head is pointed South, and made of bones of some type, and the legs and such are up above it, and appear to be a mesh of various fibrous wires? I was glad that Fido, that's my personal nickname for him, wasn't alive when I came around. I imagine that just one chomp from that ugly beat would seriously ruin your day! Gawd what I wouldn't give to see Fido's spaceship!

Alright, listen up folks, if we've all had a chance here to see the only specimen of life from Somewhere Not Home, we're gonna get back aboard the buggy, and go to our next destination, The Enclosed Sea Of Mars! Keep your hands and feet inside the car at all times, and here we go. Now, no matter what you've heard about The Enclosed Sea, it really lies in between two ginormous ice rifts here at the Northern Cap. What some of our bright boys discovered was that this here terrain actually sits on top of a volcano, that could provide enough heat to melt the water, if only we could keep it there. So then some other bright boys came along and figured out how to make genuine glass from the materials we have here, namely the aforementioned water, and all this sand, and so keep the sea from literally evaporating into the sky! Well sir, that worked quite well for a good long time, and then some really bright gals decided that we could actually extend the enclosed sea, and make it a tiny ocean. Now, don't ask me what the difference is, except that part is under glass, and part isn't. And why the part that isn't, is, well I just don't know. But I never pretended to be an egg head, so I just admire it for it's beauty.

Now if you look forward, at about the 1:00 position, you can see where the last Mars Rover, Desperado, yeah they were running out of names then, finally came to it's last resting spot. Our little friend there made a lot of important discoveries in it's day, and as we drive close to it, you can actually view on your monitors the last image it took. If you remember your history books, does anyone read books anymore? Anyways, that last image is what decided that we could build the Enclosed Sea, something to do with the particular silicates in this area.  Now, as I said, I'm just an ex mil type with a flat top haircut, and just enough nanotech to keep my gizzard running, but even I can see why we want an open sea on Mars. I just don't know how that picture told the nerds and geeks down in Marsdome is all. You can see right away it's a False Color Image, and I reckon that all those false colors musta meant something to somebody, cause our next stop is the sea itself folks. You are in for a very real treat, yes sirree, you good folks are going to watch the sun set over that same sea, and it is a sight you will never forget. So let's drive to our next set of coords, and then we can all get out and unkink our backs again, what say?

So yes ladies and gents, I decidedly did save the best for last! Sunset on Mars, over the Eternal Sea, which is what they're calling it now, stupid name if ya ask me, is a memory you will take with you to your grave. You know here on Planet Four, or just Four, our day or Sol, is just about forty minutes longer than on Planet Three. Yes young lady, that would be Earth, very good! We'll make Martians of all you folk before the day is done by golly. Oh yeah, we get an additional forty minutes here, and it's my decidedly unscientific opinion that those same forty minutes come at sunset. It just seems that the sun hangs above the horizon, which you notice is quite a bit closer than back home, and truly is magical. I'm no poet, gawd knows, but if I was, it would be for those incredible moments of beauty then. Now you might just have noticed that we miraculously have gone around the entire ring of Hab Modules, and are right back where we started. I assure that this was in fact our intended Flight Plan, and you goodly folk have kept me quite entertained on our tour. I do hope that you take full advantage of your time on this planet; whether you're here on holiday, as my Brit buddies would say, or business or even planning on becoming a neighbor of mine. Once Mars gets under your skin, you realize that this is a frontier, and hopefully not our last. Now, lets all go enjoy that sunset, then we can go in and have a barbecue that will knock you outta your boots... Martian style!

Joueaux Noelle... {meow}

It was a dark and stormy night. No, really it was! OK, how about this; twas the week before Christmas, and all thru the house, a new creature was stirring, and she is no mouse. No? Well, then lean back, get a cup of hot cocoa, and I'll relate how my beloved Barbara and I came to be found by a just too adorable kitten.

It all started the week before Christmas. Up here in The Hundred Acre Woods By The Inland Sea, it's *almost* guaranteed that we will enjoy a White Christmas. This year certainly lived up to The Weather Channel's considered opinion that we indeed would have snow. Not enough that they sent out Jim Cantore, or even Mike Bettis, but a good, old fashioned White Christmas to be sure. If you're across the pond, in Merry Olde England, or Scotland, you probably have some not so fond memories of that blizzard. I know of more than one dear friend that complained about bitter cold, stiff wind, and too much snow. Over here, in contrast, that's simply another wonderful day Up North. Yeah, we're used to it, and actually enjoy it. We even have a saying here, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing choices". Oh, and we mean it.

In fact, there are people that will blithely choose to don Arctic Survival Gear, and go traipse thru the woods to a blind, in hopes of stocking the freezer with fresh venison. Happily, your humble narrator already had his freezer stocked, and so didn't feel the "Call of the Wild" to go on such an aforementioned misadventure. But two of our hale and hearty (and young) nephews did feel that call, and so drove up to spend the weekend with us. Blizzard be damned, they are men, and deer will be bagged. Well, with a true Northern Michigan Blizzard (40+ mph winds, heavy snowfall, no end in sight, repeat daily as needed) they wisely chose to spend most of the time indoors.

To help ease their pain and frustration, that fateful evening, we bundled into Steve's pickup truck (hurray for 4 wheel drive) and snow plowed our way to Rosie's Place. Rosie's is known far and wide for having the best burritos and pizzas within an easy drive. We were just about the only crazies in the place as most sane folk stayed at home that evening. So we noshed on a great pie, and a pitcher of beer, and very much enjoyed each other's company. Both Steve, and his brother Edward are made of sterling stuff, and we enjoy them immensely.

Soon after warm, satisfying meal, we decide to brave the blizzard once more and more or less "snow plow" our way home. {cue music} We slowly proceed, and Barb decided that we should divert from the normal route, and take a back road as it might be less windy? You see, the wind was still whipping about 45mph, and the visibility was just barely beyond the hood of the truck. As we crawl down the road, thru the deep and deeper drifts, we spot some red flashing lights ahead in our path. {music intensifies} We inch along, and stop a couple of car lengths behind a small car, with it's Hazard Lights blinking. Whew... well the nephews decide that we should render aid if we can, and we trundle out. Turns out the car belongs to neighbors, and yes they were stuck. since they had a cell phone, they had called for a tow truck, and it's arrival was imminent. Well, we couldn't just leave them, and uh oh, our truck can't turn around either! So no real choice but to wait for the wrecker, which would pull out the car in front of us, and we'd follow in it's tracks.

Well that was a nice plan, wasn't it? Only problem was that the tow truck arrived *behind* us! But the driver smartly stopped quite a ways, and walked up to survey the situation. Which, as we had guessed, was impassable from our rear. Plan number two; he drives around the country block (getting semi stuck at least three times) and arrives in another 45 minutes or so, from the front. Now we'll get somewhere! Good thing as we all had to take turns warming up in the truck, in order to avoid frostbite and freezing appendages. Speaking of which, two of us really, really, really had to go (pitcher of beer?) and believe you me, I have never, ever been so concerned about freezing *that* appendage before!

Well, Mr Tow Truck Driver decides that no, he can't even get the car out from the front! In fact, there is no way for him to recover that vehicle with all the snow it's in (?!). Great. Hey, we're hearty folk, we can deal with this! So we pile the neighbors into the truck, and the rest of us walk along the truck to guide Steve in his quest to drive in Reverse to where he can't see. {ok forget the music, you get the idea} It takes a few running go's for him to clear the truck, but he still has a good quarter mile to backup before he can turn around. So we form an escort to guide Steve rearward along his snow covered way... inching backward, neck craning, eyebrows furrowed in consternation.

He finally gets to a nice wide spot, and starts the cautious Y turn procedure, and the escorts huddle for warmth. I was the last one of the walking warriors, and as I approached, I heard a very distinct, pitiful mewling! I called for the poor kitty to come to me, but could not see thru the dark, into the trees where I heard her plaintive calls. So, I hustle over to Barb, who has a flashlight, and she then scurries back to where I had stood. Soon enough, she comes waltzing over to the truck, with a precious bundle of black and white fur tucked in her jacket. The young kitten would either cry loudly, or purr even louder all the way home. This miserable creature had endured one of the worst blizzards we've seen, and appeared to be quite happy, healthy and very much at home with us. She greedily chowed on food, and guzzled water loudly that first night. when she wasn't busy endearing us to her oh so cute face and vibrato purr.

We put out the word to neighbors and nearby friends, in fear there was a child missing that special Christmas Kitten. No word made it back, and Noelle, stayed put in her new abode. The two other cats were appropriately put off by the new intruder, and Ace the DufusDog made friends quickly. It's amazing how quickly we all adapted, and how cunningly she stole our hearts! Each moment to be treasured, by turns either a black and white tornado, rampaging thru the house, or a completely limp noodle in our lap. She grew a bit and settled in.

And then last week it happened, something we never expected... our new kitty went into heat. No good deed goes unpunished my friends, and this was no exception. That, however, is another blog for a different day. Suffice it to say that even tho Noelle is clearly not broken, she has an appointment to get fixed.

Flogging The Christmas Dog Blog...

Oh my goodness, it's Christmas?! Oh sure, it happens every Winter, right about now, yet this year time has just become so compressed for me... and just why is this a surprise you ask? Yeah... it really shouldn't be, huh? I guess I just want to have the entire planet ratchet down, take a few breaths, and smile for a change. Not too much to ask is it? Oh, and it wouldn't hurt you to sing a few carols either. Why it just might put a smile on your face, a spring in your step, and some joy in your heart! Probably be good for your blood pressure and cholesterol as well.

Ever since I was a kid, Christmas has been my favorite holiday of them all. Truth be told, it still is. In other words, I am a big softy, and especially at Christmas! So, of course everyone else should be too, right? Sure, there's still lots of unresolved problems, big and small, across the planet, and even in your very own home.  Yes, we still have troops across the globe, in what seems to be a pointless exercise of never ending hostility. And I know that none of us have the money we had last year, much less the year before. Point of fact, there's a fewer with a job now, much less a career. Sure, we have lost some very good people as well, some close to us, some not. And the list could go and on, couldn't it?

Well, that list stops right here! Why? Because, quite simply put, I  believe in Christmas. Period. I love to decorate the house, and string up enuff lights to make the Power Meter think it's a Frisbee in flight. Barb and I team up and send out cards to our family. What's that? What about friends you ask? If you receive a card from me, then in my little pea picking brain, you are a part of my Family, don't ever doubt it! Yes, I believe in the Magic of Christmas! Yes, this is a special time of year, and it's up to all of us to make certain of it! We owe not just to ourselves, but (most especially) our children, and our planet. We make it so. Don't ever doubt your individual power to give love. And Love is the very showcase of Christmas. And yes, Hanukkah,  and Ramadan, and Ashura, and Bodhi Day, and especially Boxing Day! Go ahead, look them up, interesting reading there...

My all time most favorite Christmas memory comes from way back, when I was about 8 years old or so.  My family drove from Lincoln NE to a tiny town in Georgia where my folks were from. We stayed with my grand parents, in a small farmhouse, in a very rural community. There was so many family in from out of town, that I was bedded in the living room, on the couch. Back then, as a small fry, I could fit quite comfortably on the sofa for a good night's sleep. Well, Christmas morning comes, and I wake up, to see the lovingly decorated tree, with what had to be a gazillion presents underneath and all around. The adults that were up were loudly singing carols, and some wonderful breakfast aromas filled the house. Eating breakfast, unwrapping presents with all my extended family all around, singing all the while. Brothers and sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles, grands and parents, all together to simply share love. Yes, there was joy in that little house in the corn field. Any wonder I'm a total sap for Christmas?

Flash forward to the present, and you'll find me at a couple of different locations being Santa Claus.  I think I was invited since I don't need additional padding? Or maybe it's cause I have a hearty belly laugh, and really do love children. Whatever the reason, it is indeed a privilege to take part in those activities. Just look at the pic up top and you'll see why. And each locale has some interesting differences as well. In Onekama, the children are usually quite well behaved, and would never think of being put on the Naughty List. In Thompsonville, the kids are generally well behaved, if a bit pushy, and some of them are quite proud to be on the Naughty List! Wha? Huh? I suppose that since quite a few of the parents probably grew up on the Naughty List, it's a comfortable fit for their children? But each child is such a unique treasure, and you can believe that Santa shows each one love. Santa may only have half a minute with each little gem, but every hug is a crown jewel!

No, you don't hafta be religious to celebrate this holiday, and yes there is far too much crass commercialism ongoing. I mean, when I see Christmas stuff on sale in a drug store in the middle of October, well I really grit my teeth! For Heaven's sake, it's not even Halloween yet?! Arrgg... Of course everyone knows that Christmas is a holiday rooted in Pagan Traditions, that was subverted by the Church. Wise move, if you ask me. Since the early Christians didn't have a fun Soltice party, they co-opted one. And the celebration of Christmas has not always been so welcomed, even in the short history of America. There was time when both the Church, and the Politicians tried to ban it outright, on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Well, happily, that never worked either. Guess you could say that the Spirit of Christmas outshone all of it's detractors.

Nowadays, we seem to have a movement afoot to trivialize Christmas. This is brought to you by the same fascist thinking groups that use Political Correctness s a means to negate the possibility that God exists, or that we should ever think about God, much less be permitted to speak about it. No, I'm not a Thumper, but I am concerned when some supposedly well intentioned group tells me that every opinion about our society, and culture, is to be valued. Every opinion, that is, except the one they don't like. So, I, for one, refuse to enjoy a "Mid Winter" School Break, and I don't send out "Happy Holiday" cards. And yes, I do cheerfully attend Christmas Eve Service, and enjoy it. Mid Winter? Really? At least they could have called it Beginning of Blizzard Season Break, and been honest about it?

And I certainly respect anyone with a differing opinion than mine, and a different set of beliefs. It's the quasi intellectual types that constantly have an axe to grind, and deliberately take away any, and every thing that could be special to us that I can't stomach. Christmas is more than just a religious holiday. It is a special time of year. A Season that brings the darkest day of the year, and so reaffirms our faith in many things. A time of year when people lighten up a bit, and do silly things and even wear silly clothes. But best of all, Christmas is a time when it's acceptable to show everyone around you, that yes, you do love them. And that, my friends, is why there will always be the Magic of Christmas!

As usual, all the photos are mine, except for the top one. That was snapped by Digitally Loco, she's a wonderful personal friend, and abso awesome photog. If you need any great pics, tell her I sent ya!

TuckSun AZ

When I made the flight reservations for my trip to Tucson AZ, the gal at the other end of the fone kept pronouncing it as "Tuck-Sun, Air-ee-zonia".  No matter, I got to where I need to go, and a rose by any other name and all that.

This trip came up a bit unexpectedly, and was not a vacation, nor a holiday. I have a wonderful cousin there, whose health is flagging, and so she decided to move back home to Michigan., and be closer to her family. So, after a one day layover at home (aye yup, just one day after returning from Charleston SC, really!) I was in the air and went Westward Ho!
So from a hot, wet climate, to a cool, comfy climate, to a warm, very dry climate, in the space of about three days. Yeah. Boy howdy did my body ever scream at me! I actually had laryngitis for the next four weeks! It was so dry in Tucson, that I drank over a gallon of water in two days, and hardly ever seemed to need to go to the bathroom. Every morning when I woke up, my throat was feeling burnt and parched!
Ah well, all in a week's worth of Life. My fave Aunt, Lynne had flown there separately, and she and I would pack up cousin Laurie's stuff into boxes. Then, Laurie's sis and hubby would fly out, we'd all pack up the rental truck, and Paul would drive that, as Laurie's sis , Kim, would drive Laurie and her car back.
So, you see, I don't have a lot of memories of wonderful touristy adventures during my time there. I do, however, have some fond memories of talking, and joking with Auntie Lynne, and Cousin Laurie. Laurie and I never really knew each other well at all, having only met one time prior. But hey, family is family, and you do what you can. Laurie is a woman of no indeterminate opinion, and has a very direct view of Life, and no problem sharing. So we all enjoyed the company quite well!
Nor was my trip all work and no play. for one lovely late afternoon, Auntie Lynne and I drove thru the Sagauro National Park. They have an amazing 7+ mile loop you can toddle thru, and get an idea of the landscape there. We were graced by not only a wild boar that walked across the road, but later a dramatic sunset over the mountains!
Tucson is on the floor of a valley, surrounded by five mountain ranges, at about 3,000 feet above sea level! This creates a rather unique environment, and a scene of stark beauty, and dramatic detail all around. One particular morning, as I was leaving my hotel, I saw, and HEARD two Stealth Fighters (from the nearby Air Force Base) scooting around the inside rim of the mountain ranges. It sounded like a rock concert when they make the sound go around in circles, and it was LOUD!!

I enjoyed the people of Tucson, everyone was quite friendly to me, and somehow could just tell that I was an "Out of Towner"? Especially in the Circkle K, where English was clearly not their Mother Tongue *chuckle* But I still received good, if a bit cool, service. Everyone at the hotel was very friendly and helpful, and also the restaurants seemed to have good help.
And speaking of eateries (you just knew I was gonna talk about food, didn't ya?) anytime you go to Tucson, I would highly recommend El Charro Cafe!  They have been awarded as "One of the Top 50 Plates in the Country", and I believe it! We were at the Broadway location, but heard many good things about the others, especially downtown. This, my friends is what authentic Mexican Cuisine (yes, you can put those two words together in the same sentence) is all about! Oh, and while you're either reading the link, or at the table, make sure to scan thru the history of the place! It's as amazing as the food. So our intrepid little party of Michiganders dined there on our last night together. A very enjoyable time with family that all got along (miracle) and a great eatery. The next day we all took off for the return to home trip. My aunt and I flew home to the arms of our waiting, and muchly missed spouses. And the rest of the gang toddled their way across the States, and also arrived safely.
Sometimes a trip is not really a holiday, but there's nothing that says you can't enjoy it anyways! We did some good for a family member, and in a real, physical way. Plus we all got to get to know each other a bit better, and enjoy the company as well. And so what if Tucson has no humidity? It's not like I'm ever gonna hafta live there *chuckle*

A Brief History of Charleston...

A long time ago, a bunch of white guys from Europe came over in smelly boats, stole the land from the native people, and then largely killed them off. Then the white guys imported a different bunch of native people from another continent, and made those people do all the really hard work. No, you won't read that in the real history books, but that pretty much sums it up. Happily, Charles Towne has never stopped trying to improve upon itself, and grown to be a true Grand Old Lady of the South.

It is impossible to walk or drive around town without bumping into some fascinating history along the way.
Barb and I always make it a point to get to know some local history wherever we journey to, and let me tell you there's plenty of it here! Just about each and every building has some historic significance. The Bureau of Architectural Review was established in 1931, and decreed that any building that is 75 years or older, cannot be torn down. So, yes, each year more buildings are added, but far more importantly, these buildings are also being restored to show their beautiful heritage.
everyone knows of the great earthquake in San Francisco, but did you know that before that, in 1886, Charleston had it's own earthquake and fire? The locals here had a clever idea to help strengthen the remaining buildings. In between the floors, they would attach bolts thru the length, and width, and secure them with nuts to tighten them up. So you see a lot of these black discs in between the floors of a lot of the property here. But in the oh oops category, years after some engineer type realized that they had all tightened the screws too much! So now, if another tembler rolls thru town, those are the buildings you really, really don't want to be in. Oh, oops.
And if you're the sort that enjoys Churches and Cathedrals, you will be in heaven here (all puns included). With about 90 different churches in Charleston, there is a wide variety of faith, and also history. You will also want to look at the link for Churches of Charleston, simply breathtaking.

But I suppose that were wondering when I would get around to the War Between the States, or the War of Aggression by the North? Yup, that's what they call the Civil War down here. And yes, they do have a rather different opinion as to it's causes than do the folks that live North of the Mason Dixon Line. Be that as it may, the opening volley of that conflict was right here in the harbor. Then towards the end of the war, when Charlestin was under seige by the Union, the very first submarine successful attack was performed by the CSS HL Hunley. It was to be a "one and done" however, as shortly after the submarine sank a war sloop, it too sunk under mysterious circumstance.
But going back before the war, you probably didn't know that Charleston was one of the most affluent cities in the State. In fact, there was far more wealth accumulated here than in New York city! This was largely due to rice plantations, and the back breaking labor done by slaves. Ironically, the slaves on the Rice Plantations were actually treated better than on other plantations, which could tend towards brutality of punishment. On a rice growing and producing facility, if you worked towards a certain daily quota, then you could even get a day off! Unheard of really. but after the end oof the war, and the slaves were freed, no one could operate the rice paddies at any where near a profit. Somehow I think that the former slaves were just fine with that.

Good Eats... Charleston Style!

This post is dedicated to one of my favorite hobbies (no, not that one), a hobby I happily indulge in as much as two, or three times a day! Really! If you know me at all, you know that I love to cook, and especially to eat. And I abso luv southern cooking, and fresh, local Seafood.
Happily for me, Charleston SC has plenty of both! In fact, if you Google "Restaurants Charleston SC" you will get "about 688,000 results". Wow! Talk about a town that just loves it's food,and this one has to make anybody's short list. Forget any of the fast foodss, and don't bother with any chains, and you still could eat at a different restaurant, for every meal, for quite a few years. And we have certainly had some of the best dining in our careers.

In no particular order (what, you think I really can remember any particular day?) I'll share some our more memorable times when we gathered around the table and had a good nosh. Let;s start with Hanks a premiere Seafood Restaurant with an unassuming name. Go ahead and nose around that previous link, especially the photos. They will show you a bit about the decor and the food. It's ok, I'll still be here when you get back. This is the one meal where our entire family somehow managed to assemble, and what a joy it was! Yes, Hanks is also the most expensive eatery we've been to, but every once in awhile, you just hafta give yourself a treat. Even more of a treat was that Barb's sis and hubby graciously picked up the entire tab! The waiters all wore white jackets, the atmosphere was top class without being snobby, and every dish was superb. Our waiter was from Connecticut (is anyone here a native?) and had some wonderful wine, and food suggestions. But far more impressive than any wine, was a perfect Martini, and perfectly served! Vodka for me (none of that bum Gin belongs in a Martini glass) with no more than 2 drops of Vermouth, served up (never on the rocks, that would be an insult) and teeth cracking cold. Ah, civilization at it's finest! And yes, fresh, local Seafood certainly is the order of the day. And today this order is done Southern style, which means interesting ingredients and a rich taste. All around the table our family was ooohing and awwwing and sharing and smiling. Really rather amazing that eight people as diverse as my family, with far ranging views on anything, could all agree that this is simply the best seafood any of us have had in an age. But such is the delight that is Hanks. And if you are thinking that you don't like Seafood, you simply haven't had it done properly. I seriously doubt that anyone could walk away from here without a full tummy, and a smile.

And at the other end of the spectrum would be the Voodoo Tikibar. fun and funky, and a low impact on the wallet. They feature such exotic items as Lobster corn dogs, Tater Tots with truffle, and even  Duck Sliders!? Yes, Duck Sliders, and they are yummee! Go ahead and look around the link, it's definitely drool worthy. And yes, the Martini's are great here too. Best of all, it's a five minute drive from our condo. Of course, downtown is only a ten minute drive, so we're in an ideal location.

Well kids, Charleston is famous for fresh, local seafood, especially She Crab Soup, and Shrimp and Grits. What, you say, in the world, is a She Crab Soup? Simple really, you use the roe, or eggs, from Ms. Crab and put into a very rich, creamy chowder, and use sherry to finish it off. It's not really yummee, it is incredible! After having sampled this delish delicacy all over town, we have firmly decided that the best of the best is to found at Toast. And about those Shrimp and Grits, well, here's what the menu says, "Sauteed shrimp, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and sausage with garlic, deglazed with white wine and served with thyme cream sauce over grits". Again an item not to be missed!
Think I'll end this blog (I saw you nodding off back there) with a last review, of Vickery's Shem Creek, a casual dining eatery on the wharf with an open air deck, and an intimate interior. The service was prompt, the food delish, and we enjoyed muchly!
On a sadder footnote to this particular blog, we just found out that one of our extended family just had to put their Yellow Lab to sleep. GoodBoy Ben suffered from an injury, and simply couldn't recover. Since I do know that Ben enjoyed shrimp, and eating in general, I am dedicating this post to his memory.  Ben, you are now happily woofing in the Elysium Fields and merrily bouncing along...

A Wedding and well that's really it....

Hi kids! We're still in the Deep South of Charleston SC, and I thought to share some of the wedding we came for, and a few other bits of magic as well. So kick back, put on your fave wedding moozik, and enjoy the ride. Just in case you need something to set the tone, click on this over played link.

One of our fave nieces, Staci, was thoughtful enuff to invite her old Aunt and Uncle to come share in the nuptials and festivities, and we were honored to have been asked. Staci is a wonderful young lady, and has always been quite beautiful, and very loving. Her fiance, David, was raised here, and this is indeed an extraordinary city in which to wed. As a "destination wedding" Charleston lacks for nothing. It has all the history, romance, and attractions to keep even the most jaded of travelers wonderfully entertained and engaged. The dining *anywhere* is top shelf, (very fresh, very local seafood, yummee) and so are the people.

Staci and David had both the small ceremony, and reception that followed at the Harbour Club. This is true Southern sophisticate hospitality at it's finest! The vows were exchanged up on the third floor, open air deck. With the sun at our backs for an early evening wedding, it was quite beautiful. Even if the Groomsmen did squint quite a bit at the direct sunlight! But no matter, Staci was truly one of the most radiant brides ever to grace a pavilion. And David was obligatorily nervous,  altho he still did his bit quite well. (good thing the Reverend gave him his lines) This particular deck on the third floor actually looked out at another open air eatery, on the fourth floor, just across the alley. So there a few more "guests" present at the wedding than were invited. Happily as the loving Bride kissed the Groom, everyone on both decks broke out in applause. I was concerned that some wag over there might be tempted to shout over the wrong kind of "encouragement" and put a damper on the affair.

So nuptials were performed, and down a level for a fantastic dinner, and dancing. Food, drink and laughter all flowed easily as old friends got reacquainted, and new friendships were forged. At our table, my own dear Barb was lucky (?) enuff to be the Captain of Fun, and her job was to ensure each of us had a good time. {Just so many bad jokes there that I can't even start}
So, Barb and I had an enjoyable dinner, some fun (and free) drinks, and a great time dancing together. At one point the DJ even played our song, Truly, Madly, Deeply. And yes, each and every time we dance, especially to this song, we fall in love all over again. See, that's us over to the right...
So maybe this is the place to finish off this post. I know I promised you some voodoo Magic, and I'll get to it later, but for now just know that the absolute bestest thing in the world is to be in love with the one that is in love with you!