Living Rural

It is official - I have completed the first leg of my journey … by completing my Associate Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Health-care Management. Whew, I did it. The next step began on Monday, July 21, when I began my Batchelors Degree.

As I traveled, the journey seemed long, now looking back it was a fleeting span of time. A time of hard work, new friends, late nights, “Hubby” taking over cooking, cleaning, and everything in between! Thank you, honey!! Anyway, this is a milestone for me, one I am proud of and wanted to share with you … *patting myself on my back*

Beautiful isn’t it? This is what can be seen as you drive through South Carolina at this time of year in many areas. The drive, even with the price of gas is worth it. Put South Carolina on your list of places to visit - you will not regret it!

I have had computer problems, posting problems, and this site in a non-accessible state with the lose of three drafts/posts which is the reason for my absence - all not in my control. I have been told the problems have been solved … I hope so. The most upsetting has been the lose of written drafts … time, effort, creativity lost.

Oops, I did not mean to go off on a rant.

I wanted all the readers to see the beautiful landscapes to be found around my state now and give an invitation to visit. Tourism everywhere is suffering because of gas prices, our economy, and money needs elsewhere, but in this stressful time is the best time to take a moment and “see the sights” and then, “breathe” … when you return home - you will be amazed at the difference in your outlook after a break from the routine of your life.

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

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!”

Yes, February is National Heart Health Month. I am a member of the Advocacy for the Cure campaign. AHA has made tremendous strides in making the public aware of heart disease and stroke. Our area, the Pee Dee and surrounding counties in South Carolina, have one of the highest death rates due to heart disease and stroke in the nation, yes, in the NATION. This is the reason I have chosen the AHA as my focus this year for volunteerism. “You’re the Cure” as one campaign is known has been instrumental in a letter writing campaign to all legislators, keeping them aware of bills in our legislature concerning these diseases. It has been very successful. We have met with the legislators in our state for breakfast, sharing and getting to know one another.

Now, the AHA is looking for actual stories of how heart disease and/or stroke has impacted lives. I received this letter asking for my help or the help of people in my circle.

Share Your Story of Heart

Dear Pamela:

Our advocacy efforts can make a greater impact with legislators when the message comes from the heart – from people whose lives and families have been touched by heart disease or stroke, or have a personal stake in this fight to save lives. Are you one of these people?

Please share your story with us. Submit your personal account of how heart disease or stroke has affected your life or that of a loved one.

We have been working nonstop during American Heart Month to raise awareness about what can be done to beat heart disease and stroke – and your story is a powerful tool in this fight.

Why do you advocate for the cure? Did you or a loved one survive heart disease or stroke? Are you concerned about the toll cardiovascular disease is taking on our country and the affect it will have on the next generation? We could use your story as part of a future campaign to help fight cardiovascular disease – the No. 1 killer in the U.S.!

There are people just like you, living right in your community, who have already shared their story. Won’t you do the same?

It’s these kinds of personal accounts that really hit home and bring the facts to life for your lawmakers. By sharing your experiences, you’ll help encourage more people to get involved in the fight against cardiovascular disease – so please, share your story with us!

Thanks for your support this American Heart Month … and for all you’ve done to help the American Heart Association save lives.

Sincerely,

Clarissa Garcia
American Heart Association

P.S.- Do you know someone with a great story to share as well? Forward this message on!

Heart Disease and Stroke. You’re the Cure.

Sign our “ballot”, simply a contract with yourself to do what YOU can for yourself and your loved ones, you ARE THE CURE!

Healthy Heart!

“Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

In South Carolina!

It happened quietly around midnight last night. The upper part of the state was expecting the lovely, white stuff, but not in the Pee Dee area, closer to the coast … well, mother nature said, “Snow in the Pee Dee!” and it did.

It was not much, enough to cover everything in white and then the rain started and the wonderful white stuff was gone!

SNOW, South Carolina, Pee Dee area, winter

I will not post today. Our area is in shock over the death of seven(7) students, from the University of South Carolina and Clemson University, in Ocean Isle Beach, NC after a fire destroyed the beach house where they were enjoying a last weekend at the beach. The AP story my be found here

My heart is aching. My physician’s son was one of the students that did not survive. Today will be a day of mourning.

My blogging neighbor at HOUSEHOLD TIPS talked about fire safety here.

Ocean Isle Beach, NC, USC, Clemson, tragedy, fire, mourning, fire safety, Columbia, SC, Florence, SC

If you’re looking for something to do this month, scroll through the list …

there’s something for everyone - URBAN and/or RURAL. Enjoy!

SC June Festivals, Events

Jun 1-2: Allendale Paleoamerican Expedition - near Martin - volunteer to help excavate

Jun 1-2: Relay for Life - Rock Hill - benefits the American Cancer Society

Jun 1-3: Indie Grits Film Fest - Columbia

Jun 1-4: Sun Fun Festival - Myrtle Beach

Jun 1-10: Piccolo Spoleto - Charleston - local arts festival

Jun 1-10: Spoleto Festival USA - Charleston - international arts festival

Jun 2: Clover Scottish Games and Scotch Irish Festival

Jun 2: Coastal Cajun Festival - Hilton Head Island - music, food, family fun - benefit

Jun 2: H.O.P.E. Run / Walk for ALS Research - Isle of Palms

Jun 2-3: American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure - Columbia - cycling

Jun 2-3: Under the Crown - North Augusta - historical interpreters and reenactors, free!

Jun 2-16: Conductors Institute of South Carolina - Columbia

Jun 4: South Carolina EXPO for Teacher Recruitment - Columbia - job fair for teachers

Jun 7-9: ParrotStock - Myrtle Beach - charity concert event

Jun 7-9: Party in the Pines - Whitmire

Jun 8-9: Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival - Mount Pleasant

Jun 9: Columbia Midlands Soap Box Derby

Jun 9: Scottish Games & Highland Festival - Greenville

Jun 9-10: Edisto Riverfest - Walterboro

Jun 10-16: Southeastern Piano Festival - Columbia - University of South Carolina School of Music

Jun 13-16: Mighty Moo Festival - Cowpens

Jun 14: Flag Day - Thursday

Jun 15-20: Chautauqua Festival - Greenville - the past brought to life

Jun 16: Out of this World Breakfast - Columbia - SC State Museum

Jun 16-24: Hampton County Watermelon Festival - Hampton

Jun 17: Father’s Day - Sunday

Jun 19: Friends of McLeod Plantation Annual Meeting - James Island - public welcomed

Jun 19: Heritage Aire Celtic Ensemble - Summerville’s Town Square - free concert

Jun 21: Summer Solstice - Thursday

Jun 22-24: South Carolina Festival of Flowers - Greenwood

Jun 23: Round the Fourth - Conway

Jun 27-30: Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina Billfish Tournament - Governor’s Cup Series

Jun 28: Carolina Day - remembering America’s first military victory on June 28, 1776

Jun 28-30: Carolina Low Country Tomato Festival - Edisto Island - food, street dance, more

Jun 28 - Jul 2: Island Heritage Festival - James Island - honoring the Gullah People

Jun 29: Jazz for Peace Benefit Concert - Columbia

South Carolina Area Events for June

3/16/07 - 9/16/07
Edmund Yaghjian: A Retrospective

View more than 100 paintings and sketches by one of the most important artists of the 20th century, Edmund Yaghjian. A native of Armenia, Yaghjian immigrated to the United States in 1907. He later moved to South Carolina where he taught art at the University of South Carolina for more than 21 years. His work provides glimpses of familiar scenes of such places as New York City and the South Carolina State Fair. State Museum Lipscomb Gallery.
Related Link: www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org

5/1/07 - 9/30/07
Aliens: Worlds of Possibilities

This 6,500-square foot exhibit explores planetary conditions in the forms of robotic aliens, alien landscapes, a “genuine” fake alien, and 20 interactive stations. Explore the characteristics of the solar system, learn how scientists study planetary life and discover the possibilities of life beyond Earth. $3 in addition to regular museum admission for ages 3 and up.
Related Link: www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org

5/19/07 - 6/1/07
Seeds of Change: South Carolina and the Great War 1917-1918

Guests will learn of the establishment of military installations in the state and the building up of ones already here, such as Camp (now Fort) Jackson in Columbia, CampWadsworth in Spartanburg and Charleston’s Navy yard. Also featured: the establishment of war bonds and the publicity around the campaigns; the changing roles of blacks and women in the war effort; and the war’s contribution to the great flu epidemic of 1918. 803-898-4921
Related Link: www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org

5/26/07 - 9/30/07
Bubbleoosa

Tiny bubbles! Gigantic bubbles! Dome-shaped bubbles! Square bubbles! Bubbles in bubbles! Kids in bubbles! Join us this summer as we explore the science of bubbles at EdVenture’s super-popular outdoor exhibit, Bubbleloosa! Free with paid museum admission
Related Link: www.edventure.org

5/29/07 - 6/1/07
Dynamic Dinos

Mad Science of Columbia Summer Program. This camp lets young paleontologists go on a dinosaur “dig” and learn about the habits and characteristics of dinosaurs. 9 a.m. - noon.
To register, call 803-739-2122.

Related Link: www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org

5/31/07 - 6/4/07
Sun Fun Festival

This event includes four days of live entertainment, air shows, professional sand sculpture contest, parade, pageants, sporting events, kids fair, celebrity meet-and-greet and more.
Related Link: www.sunfunfestival.com.

6/1/07 - 6/16/07
In My Backyard and Digistar Virtual Journey

What can you see from your backyard? Join TV host and keynote speaker Fred Penner as he takes a wild ride with the unique “laser” graphics on the Digistar projection system. Enjoy the soothing music and visual parade of shapes that move across the 30 ft. planetarium dome and take a fast-paced trip through an amusement park, including a ride on the virtual roller coaster. You will be truly amazed by the wild ride you will experience. 9 p.m.
803-641-3654

Related Link: rpsec.usca.edu/planetarium

6/2/07 - 6/3/07
Colonial Times “Under the Crown”

Friday night dinner (ticket required) with people in 18th century attire serving and telling of life in first person followed by an 18th century dance. Historic Saint Paul’s Church on the site of Fort Cornwallis (Augusta, Ga.). Saturday, 4 p.m. battle representing the siege of Fort Cornwallis on the original site of the fort. Living history demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday at the Living History Park, Spring Grove and Lake Ave. in North Augusta. Free admission. Refreshments available for purchase. Rain or shine. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 803-279-7560
Related Link: www.colonialtimes.us

6/7/07 - 6/9/07
Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival

Enjoy one of the largest displays of West Africa’s multi-generational ancient art form, recently designated the official State Hand Craft. Visitors will be treated to more than 100 Sweetgrass basket makers demonstrating their basket making skills, along with an assortment of authentic Gullah Geechee cultural musical groups, praise dancing, Gullah cuisine, story-telling and more.
Related Link: www.sweetgrassfestival.com

6/8/07 - 6/10/07
Trail Rides at Broxton Bridge Plantation

Broxton Bridge Plantation, 7 miles south of Ehrhardt on Highway 601. Rides begin at 9 a.m. RV spots, rooms and supper available. 800-437-4868.
Related Link: www.broxtonbridge.com

6/13/07
Reedy River Concert Series

Mystic Vibrations (6th), The Work (13th), Gigi Dover and The Big Love (20th), The Robbie Ducey Band (27th). Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic supper and sit back and enjoy a variety of musical concerts featuring jazz, country, patriotic, rock & roll, blues and reggae. This free, outdoor family event provides the perfect way to spend a warm summer night. Peace Center Amphitheater. 7-9 p.m.
Related Link: www.greatergreenville.com

6/20/07
Reedy River Concert Series

Mystic Vibrations (6th), The Work (13th), Gigi Dover and The Big Love (20th), The Robbie Ducey Band (27th). Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic supper and sit back and enjoy a variety of musical concerts featuring jazz, country, patriotic, rock & roll, blues and reggae. This free, outdoor family event provides the perfect way to spend a warm summer night. Peace Center Amphitheater. 7-9 p.m.
Related Link: www.greatergreenville.com

6/23/07
Round the 4th

Enjoy music, food and fun on the river. Event includes concerts, train rides, bass tournament, boat tours, arts and crafts, fireworks, kids’ pavilion and more.
Related Link: www.roundthefourth.com

6/27/07
Reedy River Concert Series

Mystic Vibrations (6th), The Work (13th), Gigi Dover and The Big Love (20th), The Robbie Ducey Band (27th). Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic supper and sit back and enjoy a variety of musical concerts featuring jazz, country, patriotic, rock & roll, blues and reggae. This free, outdoor family event provides the perfect way to spend a warm summer night. Peace Center Amphitheater. 7-9 p.m.

I apologize for causing you to miss the events on June 1, 2, and 3. I’ll try to post next month’s events during the last week of June.

festivals, SC, travel, entertainment, music, art, bands, museums, culture, Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Myrtle Beach, Greenville, Peace Center, Koger Center, shopping

Florence is not known for being a “big city”. It is the county seat for several much smaller towns (one of them is Pamplico, where we live)and this area is known as the “Pee Dee.” Even though it isn’t huge, the Pee Dee works hard to have regular events and happenings. Some of the upcoming events for the Month of May:

May 11 - 20, 2007: Bike Week in nearby Myrtle Beach, SC

May 17 - 19, 2007: Fox Trot Festival in nearby Marion, SC

Florence Chamber of Commerce: Business After Hours
Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 5 PM at the Bank of America on Evans, St
Come out and meet your hard working fellow business people.

Florence-Darlington Technical College Graduation
May 17th, 2007 at 7 PM, Florence Civic Center

May 18 - 19, 2007: Children’s Home BBQ Cook Off, Columbia, SC

May 17 - 20, 2007: Charleston Maritime Festival (Tall Ships), Charleston, SC

May 17 - 20, 2007: Greek Festival, Greenville, SC

May 19, 2007: Aiken Highland Games and Celtic Festival, Aiken, SC

May 19, 2007: Rosewood Crawfish Festival, Columbia, SC

Florence Phantoms Professional Football
May 19th, 2007 at 7:35 PM, Florence Civic Center

May 18 - 20, 2007: Battle of Central (Civil War Reenactment)

May 19 - 20, 2007: Blue Crab Festival, Little River, SC

May 22 - 27, 2007: Senior PGA Golf Classic, Kiawah, SC

May 25 - 26, 2007: Plum Hollow Alternative Bluegrass Festival, Campobello, SC

May 25 - 27, 2007: Gullah Festival, Beaufort, SC

May 25 - 28, 2007: Atlantic Bike Festival, Myrtle Beach, SC

May 25 - June 10, 2007: Piccolo Spoleto, Charleston, SC (also called the Spoleto Festival)

May Fly Air Show
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Location TBA (Contact the Florence Chamber of Commerce for More Info)

May 31 - June 4, 2007: Sun Fun Festival, Myrtle Beach, SC

Please let me know if you would like your festival or event features in this blog! CountryGal is off to visit her youngest daughter at Art College in Maine - I’ll be a traveling blogger this week!