South Carolina Flood

Our farm is one of those special places where I always feel at home and I can't wait to visit every year.  For the past decade on MLK Day weekend, my friends and I have been spending our time at our river house which sits on the normally quiet Black River in South Carolina.  This past year something drastic happened when a rain system dumped a wall of water over the Lowcountry of South Carolina.  

Black River flooded higher than it's 500 year mark and our house, that sits a good 12 feet off the ground, was found with 2 feet of water in it pretty quickly. Luckily, my dad was home and managed to get all the cars, the boats, the electronics, and some other items out of the house before they were destryoed.  The bad news is that the home is now gutted and empty.  A shell of our former fun memories linger.

It's hard to say when we'll have enough money to fix the house but it will happen eventually.  At least I hope that it happens before it becomes run down.  For now we just have to wait, let it dry, and try to plan for the future. The old farm house didn't even come close to flooding and for now, it's the new place to stay when visiting.  Even though I know we were lucky, I'm still sad to know that the water took something away from us that we may not get back.

10th Anniversary of MLK Farm Weekend

Back in 2005 my closest co-workers and friends decided to spend MLK holiday at my family's farm in South Carolina.  One year turned into ten and here we are celebrating over a decade of fun-filled weekends together.

Every year has a slightly different cast of characters, though once invited you do have lifetime rights to come back on MLK weekend and join in the festivities.  

Often we take hikes, go birding, get muddy, climb on tractors.

Since my family is a true Southern family there are also guns which we shoot at skeet or cans. Often we have a friendly competition but don't worry, safety is always first.

We also just let loose and have fun.  One year we rode horses, the next year we hiked every day what seemed like miles.  Some years we ride 4-wheelers and other years we climb trees.  Last time we hosted a Farm Olympics with assorted yard games.  

There are some traditions every year - like a walk to the fairy knees, a bonfire, fireworks, good food, hiking, and plenty of libations to keep us lively.

To celebrate the 10 years of MLK Farm Fun, I want to thank everyone who has made this weekend special.  My friends, my family, the dogs, the neighbors, and of course the land itself, has made the last 10 years so memorable.  I hope that in 10 more years we're still having fun on the South Carolina farm!

Going Home

Above is my family at Thanksgiving last year.  I know we won't all be able to break bread together on Thursday but I will see everyone, stay on the farm, and spend some time with my family over the course of an extra-long weekend.  I am beyond excited!  

Home is where the light streams through the pine trees.  Home is where Black River snakes through the Lowcountry.  Home is where the food is home-cooked and every ounce comes with mom's love.  Home is Great Horned-owls calling at night, deer in the corn fields, and Wood Ducks on the river.  Home is sandy soil and red clay mud.  Home is where my family lives and has lived for generations and generations.  Home is a beautiful piece of South Carolina where my family comes together at Thanksgiving each year to give thanks.  

I don't live in South Carolina but that doesn't mean it's not home to me.  On Tuesday, I'm heading home and I can't wait!  There's nothing better than going home.  I know I won't be moving back anytime soon but I can visit, I can remember, and I can feel at home when I'm there.

Carolina Dreaming

One of my favorite things about South Carolina in November is the crunch of leaves and the brisk feel of autumn in the air.  Maybe it's my 6 years living in South Florida but I sure do miss seasons, desperately.  So you can imagine how excited I am to go home every November and visit my family and enjoy the turn of leaves, the jackets and layers, and the feel of a chapter closing, another year starting.  

I wrote about my family time earlier on this blog but I forgot about these photos until today.  How I long to go back to Thanksgiving weekend on the farm, with the splashes of green, yellow, and brown.  The trees were literally dropping with Yellow-rumped Warblers.  For every Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Dark-eyed Junco, I must have seen 10 Myrtles.  

It's fitting that I am missing South Carolina because this weekend I am returning for the annual MLK celebration on the farm.  This year we have a nice crowd of at least a dozen people spending their time at our place.  South Florida, Wisconsin, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and South Carolina will be representing with a collective of friends.  I doubt I'll get as much birding in this time around but I know it will be more than fun.

But for now, I am going to think about the sun-soaked roads, the lush green as it holds on for one more day before giving in to time.  I am going to remember American Robins feeding on the ground, Pileated Woodpeckers swooping between Cypress trees, and the chatter of Eastern Bluebirds on the light lines.

When I dream of South Carolina, I remember fondly destroying sleeping Fire Ant beds with one quick flick of the hand.  A hand full of ants and dirt, and then a swarming bed of activity.  Those days are not long gone.  I often inspect the Fire Ants when I'm home.

Back in November, Emily and I walked the farm with Picabo.  We birded, we played, we explored.  I am looking forward to doing it all again this weekend.  

Except this time, I'm bringing a dozen hooligans with me, fireworks, and new adventures. Wish us luck in taking a few minutes to enjoy the colors and the birds, I know it's bound to happen.  With such a serene and beautiful landscape, a love of my family's farm, and the chill in the air, you better believe I'll be outside living it up this weekend!

Happy MLK weekend to you all!  Enjoy your freedom, your time, and your family & friends.

Thanksgiving at Black River

My family has a house on a lovely farm on Black River in South Carolina.  Each Thanksgiving we come together to give thanks, eat fried turkey, play games, and enjoy the fun.  This Thanksgiving lived up to all my dreams.  We had over 20 friends and family attend and plenty of photo time.

We relaxed around the yard, played washers and corn hole, and enjoyed cooking and sharing our time together.

The weather has been so hot in Florida this year, I was so happy to wear a jacket and longsleeves on the farm.  And the food was delicious as always.  My mom always delights us with her good home-cooking.  Oh how I wish I had more of Mom's butterbeans right now!

It was great to come together with my cousins, aunts, uncles, and parents.  They make me miss South Carolina more than I usually admit.  The changing leaves, the dark tannic river, the crisp air, and new frost on the ground all remind me of how much I love my home state.

I also did some birding while on the farm.  I'll have a post up later this week with my bird tally.  

Harvest Time in the Redlands

Most people take the road to Everglades National Park from Homestead and drive right through those farm lands without slowing down for a second look.  Of course, the birders stop though because we know those redlands harbor much sought-after shorebirds during migration.  As I was driving down to Lucky Hammock this week I stopped to watch the farm workers picking crops.  I was curious so I stopped the car and shot a few photos off.  It was a beautiful day with a scorching sun and most of workers had large brimmed hats.  They were picking beans, large containers full of them.  The field after that held large ripe tomatoes.  The one down the road was partially tilled but once had squash.  It's harvest time in the Redlands.  Next time you're driving by take a minute and check out the fruits of the land.

Western Massachusetts

Sandy Browne has the cutest cottage in the edge of the woods.  Emily and I were able to spend the weekend with her in her little cottage.  Each morning we woke up to the chill of the air and sound of White-throated Sparrows outside.  We had breakfast on the dock of the little pond and watched as the sun-rays streamed through the autumn foliage.

Em took me to Mt. Holyoke College to relive some of her old college days.  We had a great time wandering around and exploring the various buildings.  Oh, to be young and in college again.  I think I would've had a grand time at Mt. Holyoke.

We spent our weekend between the little cottage and Hartford, CT where the wedding was taking place.  The wedding was perfect and beautiful and one of the prettiest I've seen but the best part of the weekend was spent in the countryside.

On Sunday, Sandy took me to my first ever corn maze AND it was in the shape of Noah Webster's head.  We had loads of fun running around the maze trying to solve word puzzles.  I couldn't have asked for a better first corn maze experience.  The two gorgeous girls below gave me one a-mazing weekend!

After the maze we drank apple cider, petted the little goats, and checked out the pumpkin selection.  We even had the chance to pick out our very own pumpkins to take home.  Unfortunately, we couldn't fit them into our luggage so I hope that Sandy has found them a good home.

Thank you Western Massachusetts for giving me a wonderful weekend full of fall colors, fun friends, and a beautiful wedding.  I miss you already.

California Day 7 & 8: Accidents, Peanuts & Napa

On Friday we had grand plans to check out Muir Woods and Point Reyes but on the way for breakfast burritos I severely sprained my ankle and was out of commission for the day. So on my last day of the California trip we decided to keep it light and head towards the Napa area.


Our first stop was to the Charles Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa. If you're a fan of the Peanuts comics you will enjoy strolling through the originals, learning the history of Charles Schulz, and also seeing some interesting tribute art like the piece below by a Japanese artist that uses Peanuts comics to portray this classic Lucy/Charlie Brown scene.

It was a gorgeous day and we enjoyed strolling about the property and taking in all the sights. I was disappointed in my lack of complete mobility but at least we were out of the house and having fun. Though I will admit that being stuck in the bed all day was made a lot better by my gracious host who cooked me home-made soup and arepas. No matter what your injury, that will always make it better!

After the museum we headed towards the hockey rink and gift shop area. I never knew that Schulz was such an admirer of ice skating. It's quite clear in the comics but I never would've guessed that he would have a private rink, which he made very public for everyone to use.

As a kid growing up Snoopy was my favorite cartoon character. I often thought we would be great friends since we shared a strong urge to drink root beer, play all types of sports, and like little feathered animals.

I would've loved to have seen Muir Woods or had the chance to bird Point Reyes but under the circumstances this was a great way to spend my last day in California. I owe it to Geraldine for being very patient with my slow limping and hobbling about.

Next we headed to wine country and took the side roads from Santa Rosa towards Napa. The rolling hills of grape vineyards were perfect to behold on such a bright blue-sky day.

Cows littered the landscape and they were beautiful with their spots and patterns. I have a strong like of cows and as I've stated in the blog before, they always remind me of childhood. In some ways I suppose this was a running theme of the day, comics to cows.

Upon arriving at Napa we soon learned that a Blues, BBQ, and Brews Festival was going on. I didn't think I would be in the heart of wine country with a beer festival taking place but I couldn't complain. The music was nice, the beer sampling was enjoyable and I even had a glass of white wine called Más, which I enjoyed.

We ended the day going back to San Francisco and having dinner in the Castro. It was a bittersweet end of an excellent trip. I was sad to say goodbye to a good friend and I didn't want the adventure to be over. Of course the good news is that this weekend Geraldine and I will be back in action exploring the North Carolina mountains with my mom. I'm excited to see fall colors, Asheville, and of course I am looking forward to spending time with two of my favorite people in the world.