Pixie and the Brasstown Falls, Pawsing in Long Creek, South Carolina


The feature image photo isn’t the most flattering of myself. Still, I thought it was adorable of Pixie (my wee doggy). It captured the waterfalls well in the background.A kind walker snapped the photo upon asking and one won’t complain or belittle a thoughtful act.

The drive there was about 45 minutes from Clemson. (I am using Clemson University as a marking point for distance reference.) The drive was beautiful. The last 5 or so miles were back country roads. Thankfully, my Google Maps still worked even though I was out of cell-phone range. Yes, I recommend you use a mapping app to get there. It’s “out there” and the last bit is dirt roads. The track is often very narrow, so slow down, take your time and enjoy!

The parking area at the trail head is very spacious and it’s a hidden gem. There were other locals there whom obviously never spilled this great kept secret. There isn’t an entrance fee and it’s family, pet friendly, which makes it even more spectacular! The rules do state, on the information board, that visitors please keep pets leashed.It also asks to leave no trace behind that you were there. What you bring in, please take out with you!

This trail and gorgeous site are pet friendly. Nevertheless, horse back riding, bicycles,scooters and ATV/dirt bikes are not allowed. It’s not wheelchair accessible (in my opinion). Although, I believe, it is easily managed for even people like me whom aren’t the fittest and have joint damage. I would gladly take my 90 year old grandfather here. I would also bring my nieces and nephews, all under age 10. It’s a joy for all.

Pixie thoroughly exasperated herself while she was hiking. She sniffed all the wonders of the trail. She was quite popular with the other walkers and seekers. I don’t know which she enjoyed more. She loved socializing. She bubbled over the water splashing. She also notified me of critters and other crawlies she spotted. She tells me all kinds of things. She communicates without chase or barking. She talks in her own huffs and squeaks, with ear tips wiggling with delight.

There are 3 deck platforms along the trail’s length. They allow viewing of each section of the waterfalls’ multiple parts. Along the paths an abundance of flora, fauna grow prolifically.

The site is definitely worth the effort. Pixie and I walked, I estimate, about 1.2 miles total (round trip) and we both made it easily. I gave her a treat or two along the way (and always provided water for both of us, when needed.)

To quote Siskel and Ebert, 2 thumbs (and 4 paws) way up!

Lemon Dilly-Tilapia and Vegetable Medley-Easy Snap Peasy Meal


Whether the weather is fine or icky, a quick meal is always nice. It is also very affordable. It’s especially nice when it can be done in less than 25 minutes, start to finish at home!

It’s super easy:

Put all the next items in a slightly deeper skillet:

1 tablespoon coconut oil

2 pieces of frozen tilapia fillets

1/2 tsp minced garlic

1 tablespoon dried dill

Salt and Pepper

2 tablespoons lemon juice (bottled is okay)

1 bag of frozen vegetable mix (I used the one that has broccoli, carrots, sugar snap peas and water chestnuts in it!)

Put the fish and oil on the bottom of the skillet and just dump everything else on top. Simmer for 15-20 minutes on medium-low heat until fish is cooked through and the vegetables are hot. Serve and Enjoy!

Side Tip: Jasmine tea, served hot, pairs very nicely with the meal.

Grandma’s Meat and Potatoes with Baked Veggies-Dinner in 80 minutes, No Fuss!


Who doesn’t like an easy meal that is reminiscent of Sunday Supper at Grandma’s house?

My cousin brought me two semi-thick ribeye steaks this weekend,

I don’t own a grill. I am not a huge fan of skillet fried steak–so whats a girl to do? I grabbed a 9×13 glass baking dish and got to work.

Ingredients

2 ribeye steaks (or roast or whatever beef you got)

1 medium onion, chopped into big chunks

4 medium to large carrots, peeled and course cut into chunks

4 medium/large red potatoes, washed and quartered (no need to peel)

Seasoning to preference (I used salt pepper and Montreal steak seasoning)

1/3 cup of water.

Put the meat on the bottom of the baking dish, layer the veggies on top, sprinking the seasoning in between stuff, pour water into the dish.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. pop in oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 70-80 minutes until meat is cooked and veggies are tender. I set the timer and just “forget about it” and go get other things done in the meantime.

Serves 4-6 depending on how hungry every one is!

Wake and Bake Breakfast Company–lunch in Pendleton, South Carolina


The name itself is rather funny but it’s appropriate–it’s a great place to dine.

My cousin Amy and I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and the great food while we were there. It was a different restaurant all together the last time I ate at the location a couple of years ago. The change is well worth visiting!

The food is prepared fresh with amazing ingredients and the service is wonderful, which is so important!

Amy loved the decor and design of the business that she even purchased a Wake and Bake coffee mug as a souvenir for herself, a fun way to remember our lovely outing!

Station Cove Falls–4 Foot Bridges in- 1 Mile Round Trip-Easy Walk!


A lovely visitor came to see me for the weekend from North Carolina. I couldn’t have asked for a better adventure buddy than my cousin, Amy Reid. We enjoyed a lovely afternoon in the outskirts of Walhalla, South Carolina.

Going to the waterfall at Station Cove was enjoyable. The whole walking trail, from where we parked at the trail head to the waterfall and back, was 1 mile. It was super easy terrain. The natural flora and fauna is outstanding. There are ferns, mushrooms of all sorts, and song birds in multitude. Plus, there are lots of trees and so much more. The walking trail and park is free!

We donned our comfy sneakers and off we went, bottled water in hands–the trail head information sign states that it takes about 30-40 minutes to go round trip from parking area to waterfall and back. Amy and I, though, took our time and spent a total of about 2-2.5 hours as we chilled on the flat table rocks on the edge of the waterfall pool and did what we do best, talked, looked at the waterfall, splashed our feet, and talked a whole lot more!

The trail is super easy for walking. At one point, it splits off into another trail that leads to another site 2.7 miles away.We weren’t brave enough to trek through that today! The trail is easy, as stated, and allows bicycles (non motorized). The trail is also very family and pet friendly. However, I don’t believe it’s accessible or usable for mobility aids like wheelchairs.

Enjoying the delights at Mocha Mountain, Walhalla, South Carolina


My lovely cousin, Amy, drove down from North Carolina to spend the weekend with me in Upstate, South Carolina. We kicked things off with a wonderful and spectacular lunch at Mocha Mountain in downtown Walhalla, South Carolina. It is just a few blocks up the street from the historical St. Johns Lutheran Church (worth checking out!)

While we waited for our lunch to be served, Amy shopped the boutique within. It hosted a lovely assortment of handmade goods. These ranged from goat milk soaps to yeti items and more. Amy purchased a little souvenir treat for herself while there and I snapped some photos. I found Yeti–a mural of him anyway! Why is that we assume Yeti is a dude and the Loch Ness Monster a cool chick? Wonders never cease but I digress!

I ordered the Mountain Club. I had avocado added. I chose rye bread with homemade potato salad on the side. It was absolutely delicious. If my stomach would have allowed, I would have eaten two of them, it was that good! Amy also chose the club. She enjoyed it on white bread with mayo added. She scarfed it down with a side of chips. She ordered a caramel latte and I had the London Fog, both amazing beverages. You can choose a real, ceramic mug or a to-go mug. This is a great feature because I prefer a real mug. Mocha Mountain is the only place in this region that serves a London Fog. It is one of my absolute most favorite hot beverages. It really added the dazzle in our dining adventures!

After lunch, we felt full. We headed to Station Cove Waterfalls, which is about a 10-minute drive up Highway 11. The adventures continue!

Collection of 21 Oil Paintings–Make me an Offer! Free shipping–secure buying via eBay!


There are many paintings, all crafted and painted by me, Anna Potthoff. I am selling 21 of them as an assorted lot–make me an offer! I am Spring Cleaning my Studio and need to make some room! Free shipping to the United States but can ship them world wide for a small additional shipping fee. Here are the 21 original, one of a kind paintings included in the lot–various sizes from 8″x10″ to 24×30″—some are framed, other are not but all are ready to hang and be on display in a gallery, library, office, home or given as gifts!

The link to my eBay is here! Or click on the link below! Happy Shopping

I am an American Artist currently living in upstate South Carolina and am seeking to create more beauty in the world and help clear out some of my studio. The dream is help promote my small business and other small business–neighbors supporting neighbors.

One of a kind Oil Paintings–American Artist Anna Potthoff available for purchase–with free shipping to USA (nominal shipping fee for worldwide delivery!)


So many stories to tell in each painting–everyone comes with free shipping the addresses in the USA–but can be shipped world wide with nominal shipping fee.

Each painting is hand-painted and ready to hang–some are framed, others are not but can be hung unframed–and have the ability to be framed if you choose!

Happy Shopping! Click Here to purchase on my eBay store!

When Manners Matter-Traveling Local, Road Trip or Abroad, it all matters–and makes it so much better! Tips for a more joyful, successful experience.


Travel, or any interaction for that matter, manners truly do matter. There isn’t a language or cultural barrier that being polite and mannerly doesn’t help.It even aids in the work place. While manners won’t be a cure-all for every situation,manners and a smile can truly go a long way.

Why do manners matter? For starters, being a sour-puss or abrasive is a turn off and off putting. Most don’t want to being around a person or group that is obnoxious or nasty–it is the personification of rancid body odor and poor reflection of the person. Rudeness or lack of manners always portrays the person isn’t giving a dickers damn about anything, which is not conducive to much.

While “polite society”, as my grandmother would say, would kindly over look such ill-behavior. Most won’t likely hang around long and few might even bring it to light (in a discreet setting).

What are the perks of being mannerly and polite?

  1. It allows for a better experience, crossing barriers that may exist (language, cultural, diversity, etc)
  2. It aids the traveler in getting what they may need, help finding a specific location, a recommendation for dinner, a cool place to jive or enjoy some local delicacy and so much more.
  3. Helps in a pinch if one gets lost.
  4. Assists in business transactions, especially in making new deals or keeping repeat business.
  5. Manners can introduce new, happy experiences. A simple but genuine smile is universally accepted as nice!
  6. Smile and be patient
  7. Use a pleasant tone
  8. Ask openly
  9. Make eye contact and listen
  10. Be curious, respectfully

Here is a link to give some tips if you like to know more!

Lemon Flounder Quinoa Bowl–a zesty hot meal made easy


Let’s kick of the New Year with a healthy homemade meal–with flavor and fiber!

4 pieces of flounder filets (I use frozen, super easy!)

1/2 cup of quinoa

1 bag of frozen carrot-broccoli-cauliflower mix

2 tsp of Roasted Garlic and herb mix

Honey

2 tsp of Lemon Juice

2 tablespoons of butter

dash of olive oil

1 cup of water

Cook Quinoa in the water on medium low until done-add the butter while cooking

Simmer Flounder fillets in the olive oil with the lemon

Steam the vegetable blend with the herb mix until aldente

Layer up bowls with quinoa on the bottom, vegetable mix in the middle, and the fish on top, drizzle with just a hint of honey, serve hot. Serves 4

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