--Hmm, I don't know what to tell ya!

Wordless Wednesdays #011 - Naming Rights or "Lest they be forgotten"

2011-02-15T15:30:00.001-05:00

Skywatch #27 - I40 In North Carolina

2011-01-27T17:11:00.000-05:00

There's that big Carolina blue sky over the westbound lanes of I40 just east of the Tennessee state line.

Click here to see beautiful skies from all over the world over at Skywatch Friday.

100 Strangers - Photograph # 032

2011-01-16T00:01:00.002-05:00

Trey works at the car wash just up the street from our house. I talked with him as he was wiping off my car. He graduated from Indian Land High School in 2007 and is still deciding what he wants to do next in life. By the time he was finished, my car was looking good and Trey was my 32nd Stranger.

Learn more about the 100 Strangers Project!

See all of the photographs at the Flickr Group!

100 Strangers - Photograph # 031

2011-01-14T21:24:00.000-05:00

I was at the car wash the other day when I met Pete. He's originally from Michigan and went to Wabash College in Indiana. Currently he lives in Indianapolis, but was down here in South Carolina visiting his children and grandchildren. I explained the 100 Strangers Project to him and now he's my 31st Stranger.

Learn more about the 100 Strangers Project!

See all of the photographs at the Flickr Group!

Monochrome #13 - Sun City Shots Take 20 - Snow on the Boardwalk

2011-01-14T11:39:00.001-05:00

The recent snow in Sun City Carolina Lakes cloaked familiar scenes with an unfamiliar look.

For more great black and white photography, go to The Weekend in Black and White!

Wordless Wednesdays #010 - Sun City Shots Take 19 - No Work Today!

2011-01-11T22:43:00.000-05:00

2009 CNN interview with William Least Heat-Moon
Wikimedia article on the author

That's my World #21 - Sun City Shots Take 18 - Snow Day

2011-01-10T13:35:00.000-05:00

We woke up on Monday, January 10, 2010 to a blanket of show. I took a walk down behind the Lake House to take these photographs. Welcome to my snowy world.

To see the worlds of others all over Planet Earth go to That's My World!

Rooftops #11 - Sun City Shots Take #17 - "What a difference a day makes...twenty-four little hours."

2011-01-10T09:25:00.000-05:00

January 9, 2011 - 8:45 AM

January 10, 2011 - 8:45 AM

What I'm Reading Now

2011-01-08T16:46:00.025-05:00

My son and daughter-in-law gave me this book for Christmas. I actually read it many years ago and may have that earlier copy stashed away somewhere, but I was glad to get my hands on it once again. It is a perfect book for "spot" reading. You can pick it up, read a little, and lay it down and then come back tomorrow.

William Least Heat-Moon writes about a trip he took in 1978. A trip around the country. Staying off the interstates and traveling the highways that appear blue on old roadmaps, William writes about seeing the little places of America and meeting their people. He's quick to ask questions and tells the reader the answers he gets.

It's my dream, to one day to take a similar trip - a "Lap around America" is what I call it - until then, I can travel with William Least Heat-Moon.

Sun City Shots Take #16 - Winter Golfing

2011-01-08T15:59:00.000-05:00

Three golfers arrive at the Carolina Lakes Golf Club's 14th green on a beautiful January day. For more Sun City Shots click here.

Adventures in Decorating #4

2011-01-06T08:48:00.000-05:00

Looking for the right backspash to install in our kitchen, we wanted something that looked right with the red wall. Just before Christmas we found what we wanted and now it's installed.

What could be the next adventure? I'm thinking lots of bookshelves in the office, maybe.

You can see previous adventures by clicking here.

Rooftops #10 - Sun City Shots Take #15 - The Day after Christmas

2010-12-26T11:36:00.000-05:00

Looking this morning from our patio across the rooftops of the houses behind us. My new 200mm lens captures the view of houses on the other side of the woods. Click here for more views of the rooftops.

Wordless Wednesdays #009 - Sun City Shots Take #14 - Christmas Greetings

2010-12-22T09:56:00.000-05:00

Sun City Shots Take #13 - The Frost is on the Honda

2010-12-03T08:35:00.000-05:00

It was cold enough last night in Sun City Carolina Lakes to put some frost on the Honda, but by eight o'clock this morning, a bright December sun was doing its work.

Skywatch #26 - Rooftops # 9 - Sun City Shots Take #12

2010-11-26T14:09:00.000-05:00

Looking from our patio after the morning rain, it's a gray-blue sky looking across the roof tops.

Click here to see beautiful skies from all over the world over at Skywatch Friday.

Sun City Shots - Take #11- Carolina Lakes Golf Club

2010-11-24T19:24:00.000-05:00

A late November view of the fifth green from the end of Baltusrol Drive.

100 Strangers - Photograph # 030

2010-11-22T18:53:00.001-05:00

Two of my friends, Earl and Garland, and I stopped at a pizza place for lunch. Corey took our orders and we chatted for a while. He told me he was originally from New Jersey, but he lived most of his life in Pittsburgh. About a year ago he moved to Charlotte. His favorite NFL team is Miami and he cheers for Texas on the college level. After I explained my 100 Strangers Project to him, he agreed to be my 30th Stranger. Side note - the food was good.

Learn more about the 100 Strangers Project!

See all of the photographs at the Flickr Group!

Skywatch #25 - Marriott's OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes

2010-11-18T13:41:00.001-05:00

That's a big blue sky over the Marriott's OceanWatch Villas in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The morning was warm and perfect for a walk on the beach.

Click here to see beautiful skies from all over the world over at Skywatch Friday.

Wordless Wednesday's #008 - A Little Bird Told Me

2010-11-16T17:04:00.000-05:00

100 Strangers - Photograph # 029

2010-11-16T00:01:00.001-05:00

Jose was fishing on the beach when I met him. He's from Brooklyn - born and raised. He comes to Myrtle Beach every year, but other than that sticks close to home. He's a veteran who served in the 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. I thanked him for his service and explained my 100 Strangers Project to him. He's my 29th stranger.

Learn more about the 100 Strangers Project!

See all of the photographs at the Flickr Group!

No Strangers Here #002 & Sun City Shots Take #10 - Phil and Teresa

2010-11-15T19:39:00.003-05:00

One of the greatest things about living in Sun City Carolina Lakes is having the chance to meet and make new friends. Today, we went to breakfast with Phil and Teresa who live up the street from us. They moved here from the Boston area in order to be close to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Married over 56 years, they still enjoy life and each other. We never knew them until we came to Sun City, but they're no strangers now.

You may have seen my 100 Strangers Project postings. But, there are lots of people I come in contact with on a regular basis who don't qualify as strangers - so here's my second posting from another project - No Strangers Here!

That's My World - #20 - McLeod Farms Roadside Market

2010-11-15T14:00:00.006-05:00

Located on South Carolina Highway 151 just outside of McBee, McLeod Farms operates one of the largest peach orchards in South Carolina. In addition to peaches, they grow strawberries, red potatoes, cabbage, sweet corn, squash and almost any other vegetable you could think of. In their roadside market they sell whatever is in season along with a wide variety of sauces, jams, jellies and all kinds of preserves. We stopped there the other day. Now, the McLeod Farms Roadside Market is part of my world.

To see the worlds of others all over Planet Earth go to That's My World!

100 Strangers - Photograph # 028

2010-11-14T18:19:00.001-05:00

While walking on the beach, we met Jodie who was feeding the sea gulls. Jodie is from Jonestown, Pennsylvania and was in Myrtle Beach on a vacation with her husband. The morning we met her, he was playing golf with some friends. We talked for a while and I explained my 100 Strangers Project to her. She is now my 28th stranger

Learn more about the 100 Strangers Project!

See all of the photographs at the Flickr Group!

Echoes Slam – Three American Sentences*

2010-11-13T23:22:00.000-05:00

Echoes - return from across the field above the ravine - hello, hello, hello.

Reflections - a mirror, facing a mirror facing a mirror – echoes.

My Shadow - dark and long, connected to me, following me, but not me – an echo?

*A poetic form using seventeen syllables developed by Allen Ginsberg. Click here for more information

Click here or on the graphic at the left for more impressions.

100 Strangers - Photograph # 027

2010-11-12T20:56:00.000-05:00

On our way to Myrtle Beach the other day, we stopped at the McLeod Farms roadside market on Highway 151 in McBee South Carolina. McLeod Farms operates one of the largest peach orchards in South Carolina and sell a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, peanuts and all kinds of preserves. Next to the market is Mac's Pride Antique Museum. This free museum includes dozens of cars and tractors from each decade since the early 20th century. There are also all sorts of antique household and commercial items. While looking around, I met Bobby who was born and raised in McBee and is the caretaker for the museum. He gave me a history lesson about McLeod Farms and after I explained my 100 Strangers Project to him, he became my 27th stranger.

Learn more about the 100 Strangers Project!

See all of the photographs at the Flickr Group!

Skywatch #24 - I77 in Southwest Virginia

2010-11-11T17:24:00.001-05:00

Through the windshield (my wife was driving) on northbound I77 in southwesten Virginia.

Click here for to see beautiful skies from all over the world over at Skywatch Friday.

Wordless Wednesdays #007 - Carolina Peach

2010-11-09T23:50:00.000-05:00

That's My World #19 - Really

2010-11-09T08:08:00.000-05:00

On November 9, 1967 in Washington, D.C., the center of my world was established when I married my wife, Anne. Today we celebrate forty-three years of marriage and next to Jesus, she has been the focus of my world every day. We have a wonderful son, Tony. We have gained a special daughter, his wife Paula. We have two beautiful grand-daughters, Jordan and Kendyl. The Lord has been good to us.

So today, I can say - "That's my World!"

To see the worlds of others all over Planet Earth go to That's My World!

100 Strangers - Photograph # 026

2010-11-07T18:19:00.000-05:00

Anne and I recently went to McCormick & Schmick's in Charlotte to celebrate our upcoming wedding anniversary. One of the best things about our great dining experience was Tennile, our server. She brought the true meaning to the old phrase, "service with a smile." Tennile is originally from Roswell, Georgia and is a college student majoring in English. I explained my 100

Strangers project, she thought it was "cool" and became my 26th Stranger.

Learn more about the 100 Strangers Project!

See all of the photographs at the Flickr Group!

Skywatch #23 - Looking East

2010-11-04T15:33:00.002-04:00

Stopped in Woodstock, Virginia looking east across Interstate 81 towards the George Washington Forest and the Shenandoah National Park beyond.

Click here for to see beautiful skies from all over the world over at Skywatch Friday.

Wordless Wednesdays #006 - Sun City Shots Take #10 - Fence with SCCL Logo

2010-11-02T22:42:00.000-04:00

That's My World #18 - Sun City Shots Take #9 - The Lake House

2010-11-02T17:55:00.000-04:00

Shown above on a beautiful November afternoon, the Lake House is the amenity and recreation center for Sun City Carolina Lakes. It's right at the center of my world. For more views of the Lake House, click here and here.

To see the worlds of others all over Planet Earth go to That's My World!

Sun City Shots #8

2010-10-28T00:08:00.000-04:00

Fall is easing in to Sun City Carolina Lakes.

This view is looking south on Raven Crest Drive at about 8:00 a.m.

Wordless Wednesdays #005 - Sun City Shots #7 - The Witch up the Street

2010-10-26T21:37:00.000-04:00

That's my World #17 - Sun City Shots - Take 6 - Carolina Lakes Golf Club

2010-10-26T00:06:00.001-04:00

One of the great things about Sun City Carolina Lakes is the golf course. Walking around, you're never too far from a great view. While, I don't play, I certainly appreciate the course. It's part of My World.

A early morning view of the tenth hole from Del Webb Boulevard

The twelfth hole viewed from Sun City Boulevard.

A late afternoon view of the fourteenth green from the end of Rosebay Court

To see the worlds of others all over Planet Earth go to That's My World!

Sun City Shots - Take 5

2010-10-25T07:00:00.009-04:00

A late afternoon view of the bocce ball courts.

Sun City Shots - Take 4

2010-10-24T07:00:00.006-04:00

Houses on Raven Crest Drive on a bright weekend morning

Sun City Shots - Take 3

2010-10-23T07:00:00.006-04:00

A view towards the Lake House, as late afternoon shadows fall across the boardwalk.

Sun City Shots - Take 2

2010-10-22T07:00:00.008-04:00

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." Albert Camus

By the bocce courts, late afternoon, Thursday, October 21, 2010

Skywatch #22 - Sun City Shots - Take 1

2010-10-21T14:40:00.002-04:00

A view from Del Webb Boulevard on Wednesday afternoon, October 20, 2010

This is my submission for this week's Skywatch Fridays. I've also tagged it as a Sun City Shot. Sun City Shots is my new series of photographs of places, people and things in Sun City Carolina Lakes.

Click here for to see beautiful skies from all over the world over at Skywatch Friday.

Wordless Wednesdays #004 - A Question of Balance

2010-10-19T15:34:00.001-04:00

That's My World #16 - Phillips Place

2010-10-18T18:01:00.001-04:00

Stretching along a two-block long Old World style street in Charlotte, NC, Phillips Place is collection of restaurants and other retail establishments. I took an enjoyable walk there early one morning last week. Now, Phillips Place is part of My World.

To see the worlds of others all over Planet Earth go to That's My World!

100 Strangers - Photograph # 025

2010-10-16T00:01:00.002-04:00

Norman Taylor is an accomplished bluesman from New Jersey. He was in Camden, South Carolina for the Downhome Blues Festival when I talked to him on the street. You can read more about him on his Myspace page. I explained my 100 Stranger Project to him and he gave a big smile and became my 25th Stranger.

Learn more about the 100 Strangers Project!

See all of the photographs at the Flickr Group!

100 Strangers - Photograph #024

2010-10-15T13:19:00.000-04:00

While we were waiting of a new group to take the stage at the Downhome Blues Festival in Camden, South Carolina, I spotted Kevin walking up the sidewalk with his daughter in his arms. I talked to him a while and found out that he has been a member of the local police department for 12 years. I was explaining my 100 Strangers project to him when his wife, Tabby, joined us. He then became my 24th Stranger.

Learn more about the 100 Strangers Project!

See all of the photographs at the Flickr Group!

100 Strangers - Photograph #023

2010-10-15T00:13:00.000-04:00

During the afternoon at the Downhome Blues Festival, I came across Joy. She was offering carriage rides up and down the street. Her company Camden Carriage, provides tours and is available for weddings and parties. Her horse's name is Shadow and after hearing about my 100 Strangers Project, Joy agreed to be my 23rd Stranger.

Learn more about the 100 Strangers Project!

See all of the photographs at the Flickr Group!

Skywatch #21 - Uptown Charlotte from the Intersection of Fairview, Tyvola and Park Roads

2010-10-14T13:35:00.000-04:00

The Bank of America looms over Charlotte geographically as well has economically. But that's still a Carolina blue sky.

Click here for to see beautiful skies from all over the world over at Skywatch Friday.

100 Strangers - Photograph #022

2010-10-13T00:07:00.000-04:00

We were at the Downhome Blues Festival in Camden and I stopped by the food booth operated by Two men and a Grill. I talked with John Beam, who is the head grill guy. His partner is Dave and they are from North Carolina. He told me about an award they recently won and after I explained the 100 Strangers Project, he became my 22nd Stranger

Learn more about the 100 Strangers Project!

See all of the photographs at the Flickr Group!

Wordless Wednesdays #003 - Through the Garden Gate

2010-10-12T18:23:00.000-04:00

That's My World #15 - The Carolina Downhome Blues Festival

2010-10-12T11:01:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday we drove to Camden, South Carolina to spend the afternoon at the Carolina Downhome Blues Festival. A stage and several food booths were set up in the middle of two blocks of Broad Street that were closed off. We enjoyed both the music and the atmosphere. Here are some photographs of what we saw as the "Blues" became part of My World.

To see the worlds of others all over Planet Earth go to That's My World!

100 Strangers - Photograph #021

2010-10-11T00:08:00.000-04:00

When we arrived in Camden, South Carolina to attend the Downhome Blues Festival, workers were still setting up the stage. So we slipped into the Carolina Cafe and Grill to get a bit of lunch. Jenny, whose mother is the owner, greeted us with a smile and was our server. She's the mother of three and after learning about my 100 Strangers project agreed to be my 21st Stranger. And, oh by the way, they have some really good chocolate cake.

Learn more about the 100 Strangers Project!

See all of the photographs at the Flickr Group!

ABSOLUTE AUCTION!

2010-10-10T21:33:00.000-04:00

Sixty feet back from the

river road next to two gray barns,

a broken house waits.

This week's prompt from One Single Impression is "lonely"
Click here or on the graphic at the left for more impressions.

Confessions #001

2010-10-08T23:15:00.001-04:00

In the October 11 issue of the New Yorker, James Surowiecki writes a interesting book review of a collection of essays entitled. Procrastination; “The Thief of Time” (Oxford) edited by Chrisoula Andreou, Mark D. White, George Ainslie,and George Akerlof. In his lengthy review Surowiecki provides us with an excellent summary, highlighting the many theories about the origins or causes of procrastination. I learned much from the review and know that I would learn even more if I read the book. However, just as Surowieki confesses about difficulties in finishing the review, I'm not sure ever I would ever be able finish the book. I must confess that it took two days for me to completely read the review.

Click on this link when you get around to it. What we can learn from procrastination: newyorker.com

100 Strangers - Photograph #020

2010-10-07T21:35:00.004-04:00

Each Monday I join several of my neighbors for lunch. We go to local restaurants were we sit, eat, solve the world's problems, and have a good time. Last week at the Big View Diner, Scottie was our server. Wehen we talked, she told me that she had worked there ever since they had opened up and that before that she worked at a bowling alley. She's is a native of Charlotte and a fun person. Scottie is my 20th Stranger.

Learn more about the 100 Strangers Project!

See all of the photographs at the Flickr Group!

Skywatch #20 - Harbour Town Pier

2010-10-07T16:07:00.000-04:00

Flags are stiff in the wind and all of the craft were safely moored as a major rain storm moves into Calibogue Sound at the Harbour Town pier. That's Daufuskie Island in the distance.

Click here for to see beautiful skies from all over the world over at Skywatch Friday.

100 Strangers - Photograph #019

2010-10-07T00:32:00.002-04:00

Last week when we were vacationing on Hilton Head Island, we got a good tip. Someone told us about Chef David's Roastfish & Cornbread. Located in the center of the island on Marshland Road, the restaurant has a bright, tropical feel. We arrived a little before 6:00 and were seated immediately. They have a wide selection of seafood with definite Low Country/Caribbean spin. Anne had grilled tilapia, greens and sweet potato cornbread. I had the tilapia with slaw and hush puppies. We also sampled the Indian Style Lemonade that is both sweet and spicey with a tart aftertaste.

Much of our enjoyable evening was due our friendly server. Ramsey was raised in Boston, but has lived across the country in places like Austin and Kansas City. She once was a bartender, but now works at Roastfish and Cornbread. I told her about my 100 Strangers project and she agreed to be my 19th Stranger.

Learn more about the 100 Strangers Project!

See all of the photographs at the Flickr Group!

Wordless Wednesdays #002 - Low Country Red Chairs

2010-10-05T22:19:00.001-04:00