Absolutely Ridiculous Weather!

This has been the most miserable week I can remember here in a long time. It has been nothing but wind, rain, and chilly temps for over a week! I am glad I wasn't one of the scores of families who paid to be here this week! I know who they are as I have seen them riding golf carts in their bathing suits shivering and trying to look like they are absolutely thrilled to be here.

All this pent up energy is ready to come out this Memorial Day Weekend! Friends Joe and Pam are going to be staying with us this weekend as their house is rented this weekend. They weather forecast is for highs in the low 80's this weekend. Sounds like a recipe for a major case of sunburn on the beach.

Steven Whetstone

I would like to introduce you to a wonderful new artist. His name is Steven Whetstone. Kaye and I first discovered Steven when we were in Beaufort for dinner at the Saltus River Grill when we saw this wonderful painting in the I Pinkney Simmons Gallery window. This work is 40 x 40 and now proudly hangs in our entry level hallway. Steven lives in Columbia, SC where he graduated from the Unversity of South Carolina.

Last week Steven let us know that he was going to be in Beaufort to deliver several new works to the I Pinkney Simmons Gallery and asked if we would like to have lunch. As one of his biggest fans and his largest collector in the low country we jumped at the opportunity. We went to Wren for lunch where we learned more about Steven, his journey as an artist and his family. He has a very promising future as an artist.

Check out his work at:

http://www.stevenwhetstone.com/index.html

and our friends at I Pinkney Simmons Gallery

http://www.ipinckneysimonsgallery.com/

Rooftop Gardening

When you live in either a small space or in our case an area where the deer eat everything in sight, container gardening can be a great option.

Here on Fripp Island we cannot garden as the deer will eat nearly everything you plant. I really miss gardening and have chosen to resort to rooftop container gardening.

The picture here is of a clay pot container commonly called a strawberry pot. We have planted tomatoes in the top and herbs in the smaller holes around the pot. We have added basil, thyme, parsley, dill, and chives. We have also planted a variety of pepper plants in their own clay pots. The challenge with container gardening is keeping plants adequately watered in the dryer months. Clay pots will draw out the moisture in the soil so it is important to water every couple of days.

12 Veranda Beach Drive

We have decided to put this little piece of heaven on the market. We are trying to get closer to our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter in Richmond, Va. If you are interested in owning your own piece of paradise let us know! Check out our YouTube tour!

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=7008E9E8FFCE21A9&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&v=rMAOPyW5pxc

This is an aerial view of the south end of Fripp Island. This is the Veranda Beach area were our house is located. Ours is the one on the right side of the photo with the "Crows Nest" on the roof.

This is a view of the ocean from our "Crow's Nest" on the roof of our house on Fripp Island. We have the only home on Veranda Beach with a roof top view of the island.

Springtime on Fripp!

We are back after a very long winter! This is the first sunset picture of the spring season. We plan to spend as much time here as we can this year. This has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. Kaye and I spent the day on the beach today with our friends Rick and Irene. The sea breeze is still quite cool and if you are under an umbrella it can be quite cool. You have to spend some time in the sun but at these temperatures you can and will burn very easily.

Old Sheldon Church

Sheldon Church has lain in ruin for more than 120 years. Its gable roof, pediment, windows, and interior have disappeared, but the classic simplicity of its design still remains. One of the first Greek-Revival structures built in the United States, Prince William's Parish Church, erected 1745-55, was once one of the most impressive churches in the Province. During the Revolution, the Patriots are believed to have stored gun powder in it. In 1779, when the British General Augustine Prevost invaded the Lowcountry, the church was burned by a detachment which according to tradition, was commanded by the flamboyant local Tory, Andrew Deveaux. Rebuilt in 1826, the church was again burned by Sherman's men in 1865. The ruins are nevertheless a picturesque site from which the visitor can visualize the grandeur of the pre-Revolutionary church. (source: discoversouthcarolina.com)

This is a very popular location for weekend weddings. We pass this incredible place each trip back and forth to Atlanta. If you find yourself traveling down US 17 & US 21 it is worth the stop.

Passion for Reading Cookbooks?

For those of you out there who like to read cookbooks, boy do I have a great one for you to read. While at the Bay Street Bookstore in Beaufort over the weekend, I found the Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook. It is 553 pages of everything Southern. Cookbook authors Matt and Ted Lee relate in the cookbook their experiences growing up in Charleston and their search for the best local recipes. It includes everything you ever ate or will soon find yourself wanting to try of Southern cuisine.If you don't have this one on your shelf, you should get it. While I paid full price for an autographed copy you can get yours at Amazon.com. You will really enjoy reading the stories behind these time tested recipes. It will make a great Christmas gift for the cookbook collector in your life!