Azaleas and Springtime in South Carolina.
March 26, 2008 by Kathy Gardener



A celebration of everything pink and purple!  Springtime in South Carolina... a visual treat of splashy azalea blossoms in front of nearly every building in every town, from the most humblest abode to imposing monumental structures... everywhere you look you see fabulous amounts of color!

This is an exciting time of year for me.  When I was growing up in Ohio, my grandparents grew azaleas on a bank in their front yard overlooking Ridge Avenue.  In a climate that was not conducive to azaleas, my grandfather sweated over his and pampered them into an amazing display of hot pinks each year.  The Cincinnati Enquirer would often feature the yard in a black and white photo on their Gardening Page, which drew a string of slow moving cars cruising down Ridge Avenue each April, looking for Mr. E's garden.  You could spot it in a heartbeat.

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Southeastern Wildlife Show Weekend.
February 19, 2008 by Kathy Gardener



I just got back from a fun-filled weekend in my favorite city - Charleston, SC.   I was reminded again of some of the things that make people fall head over heels for this lovely place.  Subtle things that whisper "Move to Charleston" and "Never Leave".

It is a gorgeous city. I am not a world-traveler, but I have been to every major city in the southeastern United States, and to most, I have been multiple times.  There is no place quite as stunning.  The picturesque historic area on the peninsula is so, well, picturesque.  I can't put my camera down.  Every little alley or driveway invites a photographic recording - beautiful old brickwork or ironwork, or a resident's lovingly-cared-for garden where daffodils boldly open in the February sunlight.  I just can't get enough.  The waters surrounding the peninsula are broad rivers, with sailing ships, cruise ships and freighters all deftly plying the splashy sun dappled waters.
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