During this Lenton season, reducing my stress and doing better at living life, a good cup of joe is called for, the local Starbucks is just around the corner from my house and the baristas are so nice! I am enjoying a Cinnamon Dulce breve latte, paid for with bonus stars! Prayers and coffee are an essential.
Sitting on the dock of the “bay” is somewhat accurate, I enjoyed the sunshine on the banks of the Gum Log River/Lake Hartwell conjunction at Tugaloo State Park today, just outside of Gum Log, Georgia. A short, 30 minute drive from Pickens County, an adventure beckoned with such fine and fair weather.
I briefly stopped at the Georgia Welcome Center (after drinking 2 bottles of Spring Water) after I crossed state lines and inquired of the attendant (a very nice lady, whom not only was well informed and educated). She made the recommendation of Tugaloo State park, describing it as a quiet, local venue with superb scenery, amenities, and much more. She wasn’t wrong, she hit the nail on the head for this adventure!
The weather was, indeed, superb. The sun shone brightly, a nice breeze whisped it way through the trees, creating a ripple on the river and lake, and one could hear the birds chirping, traffic was at a bare minimum, and the delights were enjoyed. Stopping by the Rangers station, I purchased a day pass for my vehicle ($5 is a great price for a day pass for a park and allows abundant time to enjoy.) The Ranger Station also offered a small selection of postcards, so of course, I purchased a few to share with family and friends.
A first occured for me, being that I never witnessed a boat being launched before and today, the experience presented itself to me. I am not boat expert but the man did have an externial propellar motor and a sail rigged up and watching the man get the boat down the ramp and unloaded into the water from the trailer was quite interesting. (See the video below)
My packed picnic was unpacked on a park bench (with a small “picnic blanket”) and I soaked in the sunshine, enjoyed a 15 minute trail walk and simply, sat on the dockside of the area, enjoying nature’s finest.
Want to help the adventures Or send a treat? Click the link for the wish list!
While having to work on Christmas morning, I decked myself out in Jingle Wear as the Elves are always around! One never knows who might be watching to put you on the naughty or nice list, too.
Yes, I am at work in some of the photos, and because I work with the public, wishing the customers a Merry Christmas is essential to me. I always find it interesting who comes through, especailly during the holiday seasons as travelers and locals alike mix together and create quite a fun variety. In truth, too, I don’t mind if someone wishes me a Happy Hannukah in exchange, to each may celebrate as they enjoy while me and my loved ones celebrate Christmas.
Later on today, I am super stoked and excited the birth of our Saviour with my sister, brother-in-law, my Sweetness, my Papa, and my Godson, always exciting and, of course, all the pets will be included in the festivities as well, playing their reindeer games!
Merry Christmas!
Yes, I am a fan of one dish wonders; so easy!
2 large chicken breasts
2 tablespoons of oil
2 large carrots and 2 stocks of celery, cut into spears
1/2 onion, course chopped
Italian seasoning
Salt and Pepper, lemon juice
Put all the items in a glass bakeware dish, bake at 350 degree Farenheit for 90 minutes. Serves 3-4 people.
A huge storm in upstate South Carolina proves to be quite the show from the porch. The video would have been a bit longer if the thunder hadn’t shaken the phone from my hands.
While the holiday may be over, a winter wonderland is still something beautiful to behold. While living here in the lovely state of South Carolina, snow, true snow (not a powdered sugar dusting) is a rare event…and something to be cherished for sure.
While it’s true that I grew up in Colorado, living there sporadically through my adult life, I greatly missed experiencing true snow days (which I greatly underappreciated when I was in my teens, taking the break for granted.)
Technology and forecasting predicted the snow, which is a new-age perk, allowing those in the affected area to be able to prepare for inclement weather, which is a blessing on many fronts (pun intended). Forecasted fun and adventures, though, when there is a white out? Naturally!
Adventures at home are a true joy–a stay-vacation! While there is always a list of things to be done, a snow balling accumulation of chores to be done, projects to be finished (or begun), sidewalks to be scooped, animals to feed, etc.
The forecast allowed my Sweetheart and I to clean out and re-line his chicken coop with fresh straw before the storm hit, preventing chaos and worry about the health and well-being of his flock, avoiding the need to go out in the snow and icy roads to retrieve much needed items for the animals and house (and finding a place that is open)–like with any good adventure, a bit of pre-prep work is essential, allowing a much more enjoyable.
Speaking of a bit of prep work, while out and about, purchasing feed and straw for the flock, I did remember to pick up extra wicks for my oil lantern, just in case the electricity went out (which does tend to happen from time to time with bad weather.) My sister, on the other hand, already had the foresight to retrofit her house, when she purchased it, making the fireplaces and her stove natural gas (which is awesome, even without power, the stove and fireplaces still work!) But why prep in advance, one could possibly have everything at one’s hand or delivered while on an adventure? Well….things can get icy without a bit of forethought (okay, cheesy puns aside, nasty weather does make things a bit more challenging!)
And the adventure part? The flurry of choice is an endless blizzard. For me, the adventure is being able to get to read a book, unhindered, delving into the pages, skating through the characters’ lives, snow shoeing through the plot, enjoying the snow day, exploiting the comforts of my love seat as the gusts of a zephyr wind howl outside.
There are several fashionable scarves and pretty pendant necklaces available on my eBay, all handcrafted and locally made here in South Carolina, perfect for the last-minute stocking stuffers and prices that will make Santa go HoHoho.
The items on my ebay are not only handmade and locally crafted (AKA made in America) but the sales also help support me and my travels. Thank you for shopping my eBay
A day out with my grandfather, with local history, a great variety of plants, and even a stuffed mountain lion, it literally rocked as toured the Botanical Gardens and Geology museum–an extra nice perk? The venues don’t charge admission but do take donations (which are well worth giving!)
There is so much more to do and enjoy in Clemson, beyond going to a football game, and there is ample parking! The parking lot abuts to the gardens and is easily accessible, and most paths are handicap/scooter friendly for those who desire to go with some assistance.
A very simple and easy recipe with common ingredients-pretty inexpensive as well.
Ingredients:
6 cups flour-
1 packet of dry yeast
1 1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup white sugar
1/4 cup corn oil (or olive oil)
2 cups extra warm water
1 1/2 tablespoons dry Italian season
Proof the yeast in the warm water, adding the sugar. Mix all other ingredients in a large metal or glass bowl. and the sugar/yeast/water mix slowly to the bowl of mixed ingredients until thoroughly mixed, form into one large bowl and put back in the bowl. Cover bowl with a warm damn towel.
After the dough ball has risen, punch down and split into two loaves (either into bread loaf pans or shape into boules.)
Let the dough rise once again (about 20 minutes). Pop the bread into a preheated, 350 degree oven-Bake for about 45-60 minutes, depending on your oven.
This is awesome bread to just eat on it’s own with fresh, real butter, as a sandwich maker, or with soup. Works also great as a base for homemade turkey stuffing.
My Travels 