As the Year Turns

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As the Year Turns

I am sure you have noticed that the end of the year offers up what seems to be an excellent opportunity of increased stress and depression, which seems odd as the Holiday Season and Christmas should be a time of joy and delight. It’s a colorful time of the year, and many people extend happy greetings and a few gifts. Reflections are made, and hopes are spoken of, for the New Year. When we consider the fact that stress is one of the worst offenders of good health and happiness, maybe we should reconsider how and why we allow so many things to get our goat...

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A New Year and a Best Friend

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A New Year and a Best Friend

In my numerous travels in the Carolinas, I have met many people with four-legged family members. I have gotten to know many of them and when I revisit or call it is common for me to ask of about their wellbeing. Larry and Ginny in Murrells Inlet share their home with two Jack Russell Terrier’s Winston Churchill and Margaret “Maggie” Thatcher. Sometimes more are in residence. During my visits, I have witnessed the value and love shared with their four-legged housemates that can best be described as a family...

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Now THAT'S entertainment

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Now THAT'S entertainment

There are times it’s good to sit at home and think about all the wonders of life and then there are times to venture out for a good show at a local theater. We have many options and opportunities for supporting the performing arts in our various communities in the Carolinas. The more intimate venues offer a good helping of something many of us not only enjoy but crave, and that would be a great scene of nostalgia. Many of our historic buildings have been saved from neglect and given a new life as a place where people gather to celebrate life events and the performing arts...

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The Flag Man

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The Flag Man

One of the many benefits of being in the Carolinas is the beauty of the four seasons, which provides constant change for our drives. I was recently on such a road while on the way for an interview with Air Force veteran Bud Byers. As we would say, Bud lives out in the country. I was enjoying the drive and all the sudden as I was coming out of modest curve I saw what can best be described as an impressive Veterans Flag memorial garden. Situated in the gentle arc of the road, as if the road was placed perfectly to allow drivers to get an effortless view.

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A rainy day at the barbershop and Peggy the witch

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A rainy day at the barbershop and Peggy the witch

I enjoy my visits to the barbershop for a variety of reasons. The more practical reason is to get a good haircut, but if you limit your experience to the utilitarian purpose of walking away with shorter hair, you will surely miss out on a treasure trove of cultural edification awaiting. In other words, hold onto your hat, things might just get a little hairy.

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A boat ride to Ocracoke and talks of Blackbeard

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A boat ride to Ocracoke and talks of Blackbeard

When I started out for my third visit to the Island of Ocracoke, I remembered a friend telling me he enjoyed taking the Swan Quarter Ferry because he had less drive time and more time to relax or do a bit of writing on the ride over. I normally enjoy taking the longer way, especially when the opportunity to see something new is around the corner. Today was different. I was traveling solo and the idea of having a driver for a few hours appealed to me.

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A full moon on the island and Amy’s stories

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A full moon on the island and Amy’s stories

It was to be a full moon night when I arrived on the Island, I had checked into The Cove Bed and Breakfast, as is my normal habit when researching for another Island story.

Sharon is the Inn Keeper and has a good feel for everything happening on Ocracoke. I ask if there were anything interesting going on that night and see said, well Amy is doing the Ghost Tour that blends in a lot of the Island history. An historic ghost tour on a full moon night sounded perfect. Sharon made the call and I was added to the list. 

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Blackberries and Cobbler

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Blackberries and Cobbler

This story started with a simple question from Ken. “Do you know the history of the blackberry cobbler?” When asked, I had to stop and think for a moment. I knew I liked blackberry cobbler because over the years I have eaten a lot of it.  I recalled that my grandmother made a great cobbler from wild blackberries; however, I had to admit I not did know the real history of the cobbler. Without hesitation, I committed to learning about and sharing my findings.

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The Hounds of Summer

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The Hounds of Summer

Warm summer days in the South are not uncommon and the Dog Days of Summer take things to another level. For the most part, we don’t mind sweat because we know it’s good for us. Sweat is an equalizer for all people…somewhat that is. I recall a conversation with Ginny Biddle in Conway SC. We were talking about the hot weather and the sweat of summer. She reminded me that horses sweat, men perspire and women glisten.  This expression seems to have originated from the Victorian era. I listened as she explained and later I did a bit of research because I know that sometimes etiquette suggest we say things in a politer way, and often, there is good reason.

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Cars Cars and More Cars

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Cars Cars and More Cars

Vintage and classic cars have a way of making folks feel good. I’m sure if you are a driver you can recall a moment that when you were driving down the road and spotted a well-maintained, older car cruising in the other lane. At that very moment, you smile and have one of those happy feelings. Maybe it’s nostalgia or just wonderment of something that appears so unique and special.

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A Country Doctor and Tea Pots

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A Country Doctor and Tea Pots

With as much as I had learned on the first tour, I was surprised at how much I gained on the day of our production. The new discoveries were to the delight of my producers as they feel if I discover things on camera for the first time, it is more exciting and natural. We were all pleased with the production and how the segment turned out when it aired some months later.

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