Classic Traditions...
Yikes, I almost forgot.
Easter is coming up this Sunday and I sometimes forget to post my favorite chocolate bunny cartoon.
Here it is again.
I just wish I could credit whoever created it.
Came across it online many years ago and it makes me laugh every time I see it.
Hope you're smiling too.
What? I can't hear you.
On Tuesday I went on a chilly Photo Walk in Azalea Park , followed by a leisurely tour past some of Summerville's grand old homes.
Our knowledgeable guide - and long-time resident - is a member of my Photography Group.
Charles walked us along Laurel and Sumter Avenues, past St. Paul's Episcopal church and back to the park.
We were bundled up and comfortable and the azaleas, camellias and dogwoods were awesome.
Obviously we were slightly ahead of the 200,000 who will converge April 5-7 on this area for the annual
Flowertown Festival.
Cameras of all shapes and sizes were aimed at the profusion of flowers, vintage homes and elaborate private gardens.
Close-up lenses captured the beauty and intricate details of individual flowers and clusters of blooming bushes.
The sun appeared then dipped behind clouds. popped out again, throwing long afternoon shadows.
Oak trees soared above us, grabbing our attention.
Spanish moss danced on the wind as cool breezes started and stopped.
Dressing in layers was a good idea. Spring?
A few were taking their gloves and mittens on and off .
The sun disappeared and the sky was steely gray and gloomy as we criss-crossed the street to change angles on St. Paul's Church.
To me it seemed logical to shoot this charming building in black and white.
Then I put my glove back on and hurried to catch up with the others.
We strung out as one or another stopped to capture a view that had caught an eye.
I stood and studied an imposing oak tree for a few moments.
Mentally I formed a caption
"Angel Oak, you are my inspiration."
Per usual when the Group does an outing, we create an online album. Please click the link.
Each member/photographer is encouraged to upload a few of their favorites.
Comments often provide praise and pointers from the others.
Also, per usual, I try to come up with something funny to say.
I have azalea bushes at my home. Quite a few.
Frankly, the flowers that bloomed
early had been beaten down by the rain and strong wind gusts whipped them to the ground.
Hoping that Flowertown would have a splendid setting, I was pleased to see color everywhere downtown in the Square area.
As you can see in this posting, I'm not really a nature or landscape photographer.
Many others in the group ARE and make macro shots that get you so close, you're almost on the other side of the flower.
Composition is another talent obvious among the members. And seeing things that others just walk right past.
Actually I prefer to step back in a situation like this.
Take pictures of the people taking pictures.
My brother and his wife were able to join our Tuesday afternoon walk. He had not been feeling well so it was great to see them mingle with the other members.
Yes, he took pictures and I snapped him doing that. We both were happy.
Thanks for joining us on the Azalea Photo Walk.
(Click on the photos for more details.)
When you go to the Flowertown Festival, be sure to take a camera.
Duh. Or a phone that can take pictures.
Enjoy Spring. Warmly.
Labels: 40th year of annual Flowertown Festival, Angel Oak wannabe, Azalea Park, chocolate bunnies, St. Paul's Episcopal Church
"You Had Me At KWAK..."
So the last time I had seen a Kwak served in the distinctive glass in it's miniature wooden holder was in Belgium.
It's a requirement when serving it properly.
By Belgian law.
Or tradition.
With 700 different beers - and particular glasses for each one - it can get confusing.
But
Oak Barrel Tavern in West Ashley does it right.
If you're heading to Gene's Haufbrau or crossing the street to Triangle Char or Mellow Mushroom, you might miss the small store front.
Seek it out.
You'll be glad you did for a change of pace. And taste.
And, speaking of Easter, it's time for me to dust off my two favorite "seasonal" shots.
The bunnies of course came from the internet.
I buy a chocolate bunny each year but keep forgetting to take pictures as I bite off the ears.
The other shot of a cancellation sign was taken on James Island about 12 years ago.
A church's annual Easter tradition ran into problems and could not be presented.
I love tradition.
Chocolate bunnies or reliving a beer drinking experience in Bruges, Belgium.
(Clicking on the pictures usually produces more detail. A shot taken from the internet does not always enlarge. My small collection of beer glasses includes a tall
yard of ale glass, a
half-yard, a
foot and a tiny
toe. Collect glasses responsibly.)
Labels: Belgium, Bruges, chocolate bunnies, glass for each beer type, Mellow Mushroom, Oak Barrel Tavern Triangle Char, Pearlz
The BIG Three.....
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NOT Ford, GM and Chrysler. Not the three well-known auto companies.
NOR am I referring to The Holy Trinity.
So, ta-da, it must be the third anniversary of my
blog. Big whoop.
Actually, it IS a pretty important milestone. One can call oneself a "blogger" but you must post entries to be a true blogger.
The name (short for Web Logger) has come into public awareness these days and I feel almost like a pioneer.
I use a tracking program that tells me this is my 228th message posted and more than 18,934 viewings have been made by people in all 50 states, DC and two US territories as well as 95 other countries.
Since I started the end of March in 2006, the anniversary is usually close to Easter so I bring back a sign I captured a few years before I started blogging.
It is in the "spirit" of this time of year.
And, you might also remember this seasonal gem from the past.
For some reason, this cartoon always causes me to smile.
Hope it gave you a happy moment too.
Thanks for following along.
Labels: chocolate bunnies, Chrysler, Easter bunny, Ford, GM, Holy Trinity, Resurrection, web log
Not A Good Easter Pet.....
It's THAT time of the year when articles appear about baby chicks and why they are NOT a good choice as pets for children.
That makes sense.
Baby chicks are cute. They go "cheep" "cheep", they are yellow, fuzzy and tiny, they start out as a small handfull but then grow into, well, chickens.
But who is warning about the mishaps that befall chocolate Easter bunnies?!
Each year thousands are maimed...or worse.
Labels: chicks, chocolate bunnies, coops, Easter bunny
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