Living Rural

This morning I checked my email accounts, as I do every morning, and this video was in one from a dear friend, who BTW has no children. This concept is totally new to me - I truly wish it has been available when my girls were small and constantly in or near our pool. It takes a deep breath and some constraint with a lot of will power to watch it through. I want you to know it is so very worth watching it with your family and passing it on to others.

If you are still raising small children, or have grandchildren in and around your pool… then please take the small amount of time it takes to watch. The video gives links to the home site, etc., if you’re interested in having the program come to your area. The program is infant rescue swimming (IRS.)

Swimming Then go to near the end page and watch the three videos there.

Remember… “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

I frown and I am in the South! We are having a very cold week and we are not suited for this much ‘coldness’, so we complain - a lot!

Of course, our youth live for “Snow Days” - teachers, too! And once every five years or so, isn’t to bad…

For die-hard Southerners, snow belongs up North with temperatures below 40. We live here for the warmth and the sunshine. Like I said, we complain a lot! I love the    

South.  

See what can happen when you least expect it! Quite a surprise this morning, yet so beautiful… maybe this would be nice everyday for several months… naw, just for special Snow Days! It is light and fluffy, just the kind of snow you want, without any ice problems. So the children and the adults with their ‘child’ self will be out and about - throwing snowballs, making snow cream, and building snowmen/women (equal time)! 

So funny, for us to have actual snow on the ground it is a big thing - phone ringing with calls from friends making sure I know it’s snowing, emails coming in, everyone so excited… we are a funny breed, aren’t we?

In case you want to see other photos of our area when it snows, go to http://www.scnow.com/

Remember… “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Teams have won/earned the right to play in this years’ Super Bowl. Which team will win? Super Bowl XLIII Arizona? or Pittsburgh?             

Can you see the excitement of what is to come on Sunday, February 1, 2009? A good game no matter who is the winner … well, we hope it will be! GO TEAM!

Remember… “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

If you notice the new look to 451Press and Living Rural Online, you are very observant! 451Press upgraded our sites to the newest version of WordPress. I think we will all like it, once we adjust to the “tweeks.”

Gosh, “THE YEAR OF CHANGE” is popping up everywhere, even in our new design at 451Press! I like it, we like it, and we hope YOU like it!

Change, Change, Change

Check out our new look over on our home page.  http://www.451press.com/

Let us know what you think about everything new at 451Press. All our blogs are listed at the end of each site. If you have not read about your favorite activity from eating to sleeping and everything in-between - give us a try. We are a hard working bunch of bloggers who want to write whatr you want to read, so give us a try, OK?

and

Remember… “Y’all come back soon, ya’ hear!”

thankful for …

The second day of  NaBloPoMo *National Blogger Post Month* and I am 2 for 2 … WTG, Pamela!

This cartoon cracked me up … if you are a “Baby Boomer” with an empty nest … you should be ROFL, I am! Sorry, girls, I know it does not really apply to you, but the cartoon is FUNNY. They are waiting for their ride to the polls to VOTE for their MAN -  John McCain.

Please DO NOT FORGET TO VOTE TOMORROW, this election will go down in the history books for sure. “You betcha! :)  I love the Christianity Today and their webiste. Be sure to check it out before you VOTE tomorrow.

Today is the first day of my last week in this course, The Psychology of Judgement and Decision-Making, at AIU - only nine more classes to go and I will have my Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with Healthcare Management - yay, ME! Wow, I am “tooting my horn” today!

But I want to give a shout out to all the bloggers at 451press to get out and support your candidate tomorrow. In this election, EVERY VOTE WILL COUNT!

Remember, ” Y’all come back! Ya’ hear?”

After posting last night (very early this morning) and putting our economy “to bed”, I awoke at 11 am to hear Congress did NOT pass the President’s Bill. I guess, we are back to square one. And is it a chess move? I was not happy about the bail-out, but I did think the President and his advisers were honestly trying to do the “right thing” for all concerned. I, also, thought that Congress was in agreement with the proposed plan yesterday … what happened? Did the Speaker of the House out fox everyone? And why? Could the party politics not be put aside for the good of America? Apparently not. Could this be one of the reasons we find ourselves where we are tonight? Politics, interest me, but at times are past my understanding … remember, small town Country Gal writing this post. 

On the way home, later today, what is being discussed on NPR? My bank, Wachovia, has been bought by Citigroup, Inc.! What next? Then I read how  Charlotte, NC - home of Wachovia reacts to news … After following the link and reading the article did you wonder, as I did, was the corporate office in denial or suffering from a big case of stupid? Wachovia, forgive me, it is my anger over once again getting to know yet another “hometown bank” while wondering - do I stay or do I go?

What will be in the news tomorrow? Congress works out differences and moves forward … Wall Street rallies … Palin is given a chance to let viewers form an opinion of her “worthiness” as a candidate - after the debate on Thursday … guess the morning news will not be dull. Goodnight all.

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!” 

The proposed coal-fired power plant(shown here) reared its ugly head again today. The documents (a case by case Maximum Achievable Control Technology, MACT) submitted by Santee Cooper to DHEC for approval has been given a Draft Notice of MACT Approval (NOMA) written by the Bureau of Air Quality outlining the proposed  project and applicable regulations. The draft is not approved and is STILL open for comment from the PUBLIC, Santee Cooper, and the US EPA.

As I have discussed,

Energy Challenge while livingrural …,

before, it is being promoted as a positive addition to the Kingsburg area due to the new jobs it should bring, the additional electricity demands it will meet and an overall boost to a sluggish economy in this area after the closing of Delta Mills and just recently announced closing of Wellman Industries. This is all true;  however, may be exaggerated in the favor of Santee Cooper.

What has not been talked about in groups of people actually living in the area is the reason for the NOMA (Notice of MACT Approval). It is necessary because the US Court of Appeals eliminatd the Federal Clean Air Mercury Rule for power plants! So until the EPA issues a new power plant regulation, EACH NEW POWER PLANT will have to propose emission limits to control hazardous air pollutants, including mercury. Which is a ‘biggy’ for this area, being located on the Great Pee Dee River - fished by many and enjoyed as a recreational get-a-way. Does it not seem strange that the power plant will write its own emission controls? It bothers me, but apparently only a few others as shown by the poor turn out for the public meetings held in the surrounding towns over the last year and a half. Although, publication of dates and times were publicised, it was not enough to get the word out into the community. But as they say - past is past.

These are the hazardous air pollutants that will be emitted from this plant: Mercury, Hydrocholric acid, Hydrogen Floride, non-Mercury HAP metals and organic HAPs. Property is available, would you like to make an appointment to view it?  The real worry is the following wording, “If approved, the conditions of this NOMA will be incorporated into Santee Cooper Prevention of Significant Deterioration Permit … this permit is still in draft form and has not been approved. The BAQ WILL make a final NOMA decision and PSD decision at the same time.” (Public Notice #08-085-N-H, September 23, 2008)

DHEC is holding a public hearing on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. in the gymnasium of Hannah-Pamplico High School at 2055 S. Pamplico Highway, Pamplico, SC. DHEC representatives will explain the NOMA at this hearing. Oral and written commnets will be accepted. If you have strong feelings either for or against, this will be your last opportunity to voice them. Written comments will be accepted through the close of business on November 6, 2008. To learn more about the project, the webpage is:  http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/baq/SanteeCooper.aspx

I will try to post the outcome of the hearing in October. It feels good to get that out to the public!

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Concert!

The vibe in the HOB was phenomenal! In fact, when Delbert McClinton (a great group) arrived and began to play - it was a little disappointing after the electrifying music played by SOUL FUNCTION . Everywhere in the HOB - the questions were, “How do I get in touch with the ‘openers’?”, “Who the heck are they and where have they been?”, “Are they a local band?”, “Do they have a CD available?”

OK, Mr Manager Man, a small bit of advice: Do not let the band lose this opportunity for some fantastic PR and wonderful memories! Get cards for each band member, do the leg work - flyers on every post, window, bar, hotel, business, and welcome station across SC, NC… Well, whereever you think. Remember, this is your job - PROMOTE, PROMOTE, PROMOTE!

And SOUL FUNCTION - get your sound on a demo CD, NOW; share it with friends (word of mouth PR is the best kind), have the CD with contact cards available when you play a gig. BE PROUD. you have earned the praise. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Add to your play list, continue to solo band members - introduce your members, and thank your fans, family, and friends for their support.

WEB SITE - is there one? If not, WHY? This is where people will go to try and learn more about SOUL FUNCTION , their history, bio of members, calendar of when and where they will be, and to hear snip-its of their material. Have a comment space … ooo, a MYSPACE page immediately!!! THEY HAVE A MYSPACE PAGE …HERE.

The headliner, Delbert McClinton, a fine performance - especially the solo music by members of the band. To be fair, this was my first exposure to Delbert McClinton and his band. I liked them. I will purchase several singles from their play list. If you want their “stuff, you can find it through, MUCH MORE FOR LESS ONLINE.

The effort for this Country Gal (back and sinus surgery) to get to the concert was TOTALLY worth it. The best outing for me in a long time! WTG. SOUL FUNCTION and daughter of mine for a great experience. OK, folks, keep your eyes and ears open and watch out for Soul Function … looks like they will be out and about in the Myrtle Beach area. If they are in your area, make it a “MUST DO” to see and hear them perform.

See what happens when you let the Country Gal come to the city!

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Kingsburg is a small community in SC where Santee  Cooper is planning to build a huge coal burning plant. There is opposition to this coal burning plant due to the quality of air that it will produce. Santee Cooper is naturally presenting a “pretty” picture to the community and surrounding areas siting the number of new jobs that it will bring, how it will help met the energy needs of many customers and the money it will save their customers. Of course, not much is said about the amount of money it will make for Santee Cooper. Check out their annual reports HERE and form your opinion.

We have an energy challenge in South Carolina. It’s time to come together and change our future.
When it comes to finding solutions, we must meet climate change goals while keeping costs down and electricity available. America needs a plan. Immediately. Because we all know that our energy needs keep on growing - every day. Now is the time to have a candid conversation with your elected officials. Together, we can find answers and take action. Start the conversation today at Our Energy.
Our Energy, Our Future, A Dialogue with South Carolina

Source: Ad from, Living in S. C., August, 2008

It took many years to grow the trees above. It will take only days to chop them down to clear the land for the new coal burning plant proposed by Santee Cooper. Watch your local news for dates and times of the meetings being held to show convince us how wonderful the new plant will be for our energy needs and our economy, put them on your calendar and ATTEND. Listen to what Santee Cooper has to say, then research coal burning plants used for energy and form your opinion and then talk to your elected officials. We are being pushed to this source as the only source - it is not the only answer.

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Oops, I made an error - I know I can not believe it either!

Correction: I  mixed-up the names of the two power suppliers, SEC and Santee Cooper. I apologize if this may have caused any inconvenience to SEC or Santee Cooper. The company responsible for building the new plant near Kingsburg is Santee Cooper.

Yep, I did it! I am now a graduate of AIU with a degree - ASSOCIATE ARTS BUSINESS - HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION … 11:00 AM, July 26, 2008.  It was a \”virtual graduation”\ - sounds strange, but it was very nice! Our speaker, John Woods, was excellent. If you are interested and want to view it, take the link above and sign in with your last name and password: aaba720085 and celebrate for me!

Now, it will be filling out my resume and applying for JOBS!

There must be someone looking for a new graduate with actual work experience in their chosen field of study … anyone … come on people … at least leave me a comment and let me know I am not alone!

Alone?  Ha!  My location, the SC coast … never alone during June, July and August. The tourists are everywhere! Tourism is a major source of our income; therefore, the natives have a love-hate relationship with all of our summer visitors. This is not whining … the more the merrier! Y’all come on to sunny SC and spend, $$$, spend!

As you can see, today my thoughts are on MY special day …

GRADUATION … JULY 26, 2008 … AMERICAN INTERCONTINENTAL UNIVERSITY … ASSOCIATE of ARTS in BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION … ME!

Well, I am off to celebrate. Remember, “Y’all come back! Ya’ hear!”

My last post was July 4 … no, it is not my fault … in fact, it can not be blamed on any one person or event. Simply put, 451press was experiencing growing pains! I do not think TPTB really had a clue as to what to expect with the upgrades, new servers, … pretty much new and improved everything!

The really “new look” of the site and blogs themselves took my breathe away. Hats off to Steve S., Captain of this ship, great job! I know we whined, emailed over and over, and talked about the l. o. n. g. time it was taking, among ourselves, but I(we) hung in there … despite all of it! I, for one, am glad I did. Thank you for the hard work you put in on this project. Now, we can all get back to WORK and write, write, write.

I have to admit I was surprised when I logged in without any “heavy load” message, so much so, that I have totally lost my thoughts which had been processed with a great idea for my first blog back … That surely means it would have been outstanding (loosing thoughts has to be the down side of growing older). Of course, getting the “Senior Discount” makes up for loosing your mind!

This is so much fun - being back and working hard for the money! It’s not so much the hard work as it is finding the time to sit down and actually write … hang in there! I’ll be in the groove with the next post, I promise! Until then … Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

If you have tried to get here over the past few weeks, you probably had trouble. The reason for the delays,“experiencing high load” message, and “unable to load page” is a change of server, upgrading the system, and upgrading software, etc. The inconvenience to each of us should be worth it once it is complete. That is my story and I am sticking to it! Insider humor, bear with me it has been a long, hot week. Thank you for continuing to try, it is good to have you here!

In honor of the Fourth of July, here is a salute to our freedom and those who protect it and a little history lesson from my long distance carrier, AmericanFone …

INDEPENDENCE DAY!

We declared our independence, our right to be free as a nation, 232 years ago this month. If there is one lesson we have learned in that time, it is that freedom and independence are not solid and eternal. They are slippery and constantly changing. You cannot put them in an air-tight viewing box, like the Declaration of Independence itself. If you do not watch carefully, if you do not tend them and keep them alive, they die out. They go away.There may always be people with less-than-honorable intentions ready to chip away at your freedoms and usurp your independence if you let them. But thankfully, America is also full of people who are fiercely protective of what our forefathers’ and patriots throughout the generations since have fought to protect. Not only in wars, but by writing, speaking out, voting and battling injustice in the courts. A salute to the courageous patriots who Keep the flame alive!

A SHORT HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE DAY  “Taxation without representation is tyranny!” That was the rallying cry of the American colonists rebelling against British rule. The colonists were being forced to pay taxes to England with no representation in British Parliament. They had no say about how much tax they would pay no say as to how their tax money was to be spent. With rumors of rebellion, growing, British troops went in to keep the colonists in line. The colonists tried to broker a peaceful solution, but their attempts were repeatedly rebuffed. On June 11, 1776, the colonist’s Continental Congress met to declare officially, in writing, that they were no longer willing to live under British rule.Thomas Jefferson, known for his great eloquence and statesmanship, was given the job of creating the document. In addition, a difficult job it turned out to be! More than 86 alterations were made to the document before it was declared complete. On July 4, 1776, the final version of the Declaration of Independence was signed and copies were sent out among the colonists. The Fourth of July has been celebrated in the United States every year since, but it was not until 1870 that Congress officially declared it a National Holiday. In 1938, Congress re-affirmed Independence Day, making it a paid holiday for all federal employees. Today, people across the country celebrate and acknowledge their priceless gift of freedom they enjoy with parades, picnics and glorious fireworks displays.

the PEE DEE and the GRAND STRAND.

The summer is definitely coming. The attractions and cool stuff is getting ready for Memorial Day, for sure.

The Bikers on Harley Davidson’s are enjoying the beach, and more, during the Myrtle Beach Spring Bikers Rally through May 18th. Traffic is traffic, traffic, traffic, in other words, it is everywhere. Drive safely, please. Bikers remember to wear your helmet, riders, too!

Two events in our area this weekend promise to be real crowd please-rs! The Annual Blue Crab Festival in Little River, SC. The Blue Crab Festival features quality “art and crafts” with lots of Coastal Carolina Country Cuisine. Many recipes feature the famous Low Country Blue Crab. The beautiful “walk about” setting in Little River, SC is a “scenic fishing dock” on the Inter-coastal Waterway.

The second event, May FLY, in Florence at Florence Regional Airport (I think) on Saturday. The weather is supposed to be wonderful for both events.

And in Marion, SC, on Saturday is the Foxtrot Festival with a parade at 10 AM and Street Dance between 7 PM and 10 PM.

Oops! You just missed McCain’s fund-raiser on May 9 in Columbia, SC at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. It was price-y$. Patron tickets - $2300 and general reception a mere $1000! Thus far, McCain has raised $60,594 in South Carolina through March, 2008, if I understood the wording in the article.

Back to the Grand Strand …

As mentioned earlier, the Harley Davidson Bike Rally during Myrtle Beach Bike Week until May 18 is a huge event, not to be missed, if you are a “Biker” or a lover of fun and excitement!

Good Vibrations! is a kid friendly show running until October featuring a virtual tour of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s at The Carolina Opry. Check it out at www.TheCarolinaOpry.com

LeGrande Cirque, at the Palace Theatre is for all ages and is Spellbinding! It runs until the end of December. Shows are Monday through Saturday at 8 PM; Wednesday at 10 AM; Thursday at 2 PM. Find out more at www.Palacetheatremyrtlebeach.com

One the Show is kid friendly at the Alabama Theatre through October 24, 2008 and the kids are free Monday, Wednesday, Saturday at 7:30 PM. Look here for all the details at www.alabama-theatre.com

Legends In Concert featuring “five legends” is here until October 31, 2008. Check for details at www.legendsinconcert.com/locations/myrtle-beach/

For ART Lovers …

Art Exhibit: “People Reading: Selections from the Oresman’s collection” is 60 works of art featuring “people reading” through October 5, 2008 at 3100 S. Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. Get the details here www.MyrtleBeachArtMuseum.org

The Artist of the Month exhibit features photography of Suzanne Goff’s “Flower Power” until May 30, 2008 at 532 Broadway Street, Myrtle Beach, SC from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. A good family outing! We were not able to get any photography by Ms. Goff. Luckily my niece, Gwen, in Florida is allowing the debut of her latest art piece. Thanks, Gwen!
UP COMING:

Sun Fun Festival, June 5 - 9, 2008

Tickets to EVERYTHING at http://www.ticketsnow.com

WOW, lots of choices for some good old Southern FUN! Hope to see you at all of them!

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”