Home Again

I'm back in Michigan and the 3 weeks that I was away just flew by. It was so lovely being with my family and I enjoyed myself immensely.  From meals out, homemade strawberry jam, the beach, Brookgreen and trips for ice cream, it was a 3 week extravaganza.
Here is a picture of a beautiful Painted Bunting taken at the state park....he is so handsome.

Feeling Sad

Leaving for Michigan tomorrow and I am feeling really lonely already. I loved being here and I always get into a routine while I'm here and feel very comfortable fitting into my family's lives. I will really miss them but have Christmas to look forward to.
And,oh, how I will miss the sunny days and perfect temperatures. Yesterday, I was sitting on a bench at Brookgreen, taking in all the beauty and wishing that I could live here in SC. Dream of having my own little place and going everyday to the gardens or the beach.
Anyway, it's off tomorrow to an always stressful flight and home to face realities of my everyday life. Look forward to seeing my son and grandson and looking forward to my tulips in full bloom.

Great Blue

from the causeway.....

Standing Guard

Marsh Walk Loafers

Where ever there was an old pilings there was a sea bird perched on top. Close enough to the new dock to get some good photos.

                           
 I love pelicans....they are so prehistoric looking and make some very strange movements. Yesterday, when we were at the beach, a huge flock kept flying up and down the beach.

 I think that this is a ringed-billed gull.

 Double Crested Cormorant

Laughing gull....don't know for sure.

Beach

OMG! More Food....

 Yesterday we had lunch at  Miyabi Junior then.....

 Dinner at PF Changs

 Our favorite...lettuce wraps

 My sweet and sour chicken

 Allison's curry chicken salad

 John had his favorite "Great Wall of Chocolate"

 Allison and Takeshi shared fried bananas

Today, Allison and I went to the beach to shoot some pictures and we had lunch here...Riverside Cafe

Sat at that middle table and had a good American burger.

Ha!

Food

It does seem silly taking pictures of food but I love remembering some of the great dishes that I had.... believe me.....we have done a lot of eating. From Mexican at El Cerro to Italian at Scatori's to The Melting Pot,we have done them all. 

Frank's (Pawleys Island)

4

The food was the best at this gourmet restaurant....we all ordered small plates and shared so we could try everything. This is what I ordered.

Deep fried deviled eggs, delious!

Shrimp, grits and fried green tomatoes, the flavors were to die for.

Allison's dessert

My Creme Brulee

Takeshi had blueberry cobbler

Allison and her dad.

Cafe Old Vienna

This authentic German restaurant was someplace different complete with German music. 

This is Allison's Chicken Schnitzel.

My meal of Chicken Schnitzel and Spatzle with mushroom gravy.

Today I think we are doing Japanese,

Every one of these meals were done over again for lunch as there was plenty of take home.

Pawleys Island

 Amy and I spent a little time shopping at the little shops at Pawleys Island.....do it every year.

Got my eye on you...........

(Click to enlarge)

Flowers

 It's kind of in-between time for flowers here at Brookgreen. All the spring bulbs and flowering trees are done and it's too early for annuals but some perennials are blooming. I especially enjoyed the irises. I've seen a few butterflies   as well...see below...a Black Swallowtail and I also saw a few Tiger Swallowtails.

 While I was out this day, I saw a few song birds (and turkeys). The White-throated Sparrows were everywhere, a few Bluebirds and Yellow-rumped Warblers were about.....Mockingbirds and Carolina Wrens and many Cardinals.

What I'm doing on my vacation....

sitting around.................

A Friend I Made

Makes me smile....

 at Brookgreen Gardens

Ocean Waves

I feel so sorry (not) that I am missing the terrible weather in Michigan....they have had torrents of rain, ice, flooding, downed wires and over 300,000 home without power....one of those is mine. I did get power back last evening but my son's is still out. More ice and snow today....they are so over it that they are not even complaining anymore. That storm front traveled across the whole country and we had a thunderstorm here Sunday night.This photo was taken the next morning and you can see why the red flag was up.

While here in South Carolina it is sunny but cool. Went out to shoot this morning and was complaining that it was only 50 degrees and windy (sunny). A few hardy souls kayaking on the marsh on the ocean side of the causeway at the state park this morning.

(click to enlarge)

In The Mix

 Brookgreen Gardens is a sculpture garden and this is a new installation that was done this winter.
(more info below). It was interesting....made entirely of natural materials, one is able to walk into and around the structures.

 Birds are already finding a ready home among the twigs, like this Carolina Wren that was singing so beautifully when I was there.