Living Rural

With the cost of gas and the state of the economy - vacations are not a priority this year; however, vacations can be Enjoyable AND Affordable! Living in the country adds to the decision simply because we are a minimum of  twenty miles from everything. Here are some ways we have saved money yet still considered ourselves having a vacation.

STAY CLOSE: Research your state or region for attractions and accommodations that are CHEAP!

PICK THE RIGHT DAY: NO holidays or weekends. Hotels and flights are cheaper during the week.

MAKE THE DRIVE: To larger airports where flights might be flexible with times, carriers, and price. Don’t forget to figure in gas, time , and parking for your car.

PACK LIGHTLY: Check with airline for restrictions, rules, and regulations.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Bus and rail systems are designed to get you where you want to go and cost much less.

LOAD UP AT LUNCH: Eat your largest meal at lunch. This time of day, also, lets you sample local fare at a reasonable price.

PACK A SNACK: Request a refrigerator in hotel room, shop at local grocery store, and save $$$.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS: Take advantage of free museums, historical sites, go for a hike, swim, park, or beach for a “thrifty” way to spend the day.

GO HOME EMPTY HANDED!: DO NOT GO HOME WITH OVER PRICED SOUVENIRS - PICTURES AND MEMORIES ARE FREE!

PHONE WISELY: Use a calling card, limit cell phone use while roaming..

“SMART TRAVEL MAKES for SUCCESSFUL TRAVEL.”

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

Most of us know all about “social media” - myspace, facebook, twitter, and of course, blogs. These are only a few of what is available under the heading “social media.” If you are lucky enough to have adolescents, tweens, and teenagers, you are familiar with this term, the time spent using it, the cost of the opportunity, and the infamous number of choices of the gadgets that support this new pass-time. I must interject that this does cross the generation gap and just as many twenty-somethings, thirty-somethings, and EVEN senior citizens partake of the ”goodies” found on social media . A form of what I am speaking of will be found through this link … a new format, a great topic, fantastic people voicing their opinions.

I hope you understand now what social media is, who is attracted to the format, and how it affects their lives. Now, do YOU think we need it? If so, or if not, why?

My personal opinion is a huge, resounding, YES! My reasons can be characterized by the photo above. If you study it, you will see the earth world, what appears to be a business man thinking, and a growth chart showing a huge growth in business, sales, income, clients, whatever YOU want it to be … in my mind, the thinking was the most important step to reaching this goal. Then sharing the thought with fellow “like thinkers” (easier to bring on board, :)!), gaining their support and moving forward to the end product … again, whatever YOU want it to be!  You may be wondering - how does this have anything to do with social media?  I feel it has everything to do with it! Every idea could have been started by something seen, heard, or read on the Internet. It was then discussed online through IM, email, comments, and friends on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Friendfeed, and the many other “connections” available to mingle, share, and learn from one another. Still think there is no correlation between the “thought” and the “product” to social media? 

Then YOU are my target for the upcoming posts. I hope to show you, teach you and convince you that social media plays a huge part in all assets of our lives …

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.

Twenty miles is not far in today’s ‘global society’, until you realize with gas at $4 a gallon and a vehicle that has a 12-14 gallon tank, that you will spend $48 for each full tank and average 28-31 miles per gallon  giving you 7.8 round trips from your house to “town” on one fill-up …

Add the soaring heat to the mix …

And most folks in the ‘country’ will be staying home enjoying the air conditioning!

Tourism is in for a long, hot, dry, quiet summer … to bad, too - lots of really ‘cool’ places to visit here in the rural part of SC.

Yep, it will take at least one of those “$100″ bills to fill up most autos this July 4th for that holiday trip, but it will be worth it - especially if you are coming to South Carolina!

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

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!” % )

What a hoot! Yesterday I spent an hour watching people at the airport in the baggage claim area while waiting for my daughter’s flight to arrive. The hour was much better than prime time TV - the best Reality Show yet!

If the young pregnant woman in polka dots is reading this, did you make it home without having the baby? She is so ready to DROP that baby. I wanted to follow her just in case someone needed to catch it(baby)!

And of course, there were ten or more of the cutest babies ever … in strollers, in ‘Snuglis’, on shoulders, in bouncing arms, crying, laughing, smiling, and some sleeping! I so want a little tiny baby to hold! *hint-hint*

Cell phones … every single person had one and was talking on it … amazing! What did we do before cell phones? Duh, we conversed face to face and exercised self control, patience, manners, and paid attention to our surroundings and our human acquaintances. The ring tones - music, sounds, loudness, rudeness … someone make them stop! But, stop they will not … newer, faster, and smaller ones will come with even more irritating ring tones!

To read about other people and their travel check out the link. My daughter’s flight arrived, ON TIME, the hugs came next, then the bag (one, a really BIG one), and the walk to the car and the hunt for food at 10:30 in a NC city on a Sunday night … another blog.

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

The much anticipated  HARD ROCK PARK  is officially opening today, Friday, May 9 in MyrtleBeach, SC. This is the world’s first rock ‘n’ roll theme park on 55-acres with 50 attractions for all ages. ‘It is all about the experience – where rock comes to play.’  A huge success with the pre-opening crowds of the past several days helping to check that all systems were on GO … HRP passed with flying colors.

            Season passes are available. Check out prices, entertainment scheduled, and availability here. 

Fans are pouring into Darlington, SC for the big RACE on Saturday, May 10, the Dodge Challenger 500 NASCAR SPIRIT CUP Series, 367 laps, 501.3 miles. To warm the fans up, the racecars, the drivers on the new surface at the famous track will be the Diamond Hill Plywood 200 NASCAR SPIRIT CUP Series Race, 147 laps, and 200.3 miles on Friday night, May 9, 2008. *  Race fans will pour $millions$ into the small southern town and surrounding area, the PEE DEE, over this race weekend. Especially advantageous with the rise in gas prices and the slump in our economy, welcome Race fans!

 And for BIKERS and fans … today is the start of the annual Myrtle Beach Spring Bike Week, May 9 – 18, 2008, with thousands and thousands expected to descend upon the Grand Strand for “Jack Daniels’ CRUISIN’ the COAST Spring Bike Rally. Traffic will be a nightmare for the locals, but tolerated, grin, as the $mullah$ pours in to local restaurants, hotels & motels, shopping venues and entertainment scheduled! WTG, HARLEY DAVIDSON!

What fun this weekend and next week in South Carolina!

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

*Due to problems today with our server at 451Press, this event will be over by this posting. I apologize for any problem this might cause.

Well, Friday was the day we took our youngest to the airport to fly back to school in the frozen tundra, Maine. Now with the security systems in place, you can no longer watch the plane take off, which somehow makes a mom worry just a bit - I liked seeing the plane disappear safely into the clouds . It is reassuring . Now, I wait for the phone call that she is safely back in her “home-away-from-home” .

The traffic was awful. Naturally we did not allow enough time for Friday afternoon traffic in a large southern city and arrived at the airport 40 minutes before take-off - not good, but it all worked out. Thank goodness!

So, once again our “nest” is EMPTY.

I miss the laughter immensely, but school starts again on Monday for me. I am looking forward to studying, writing, research - brain growth!

It is almost morning. I must get some sleep now.

Remember, “Y’all come back ya’ hear!”

Yep, I’m dreaming of a white Christmas … are you? Our family is divided on this weather occurrence … two, yays … one, NO WAY … two, either way … one, maybe. Does not matter, I am still dreaming of a white Christmas!  

My excitement is due to this session being over at AIU. This one was really hard, Business Ethics and Psychology. The reading in one, technical and boring - got behind, played ‘catch up’ the entire session, did not catch up, instructor not happy - neither am I! The other one, loved it! Aced it! I am officially a sophomore, yea me! I am shameless, nothing like ‘tooting your own horn’. Now three lovely weeks to regroup, enjoy family, and have a Merry Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, only three more days … I am not decorated yet … are you? Not to worry, we always decorate the week before, sometimes on Christmas Eve Day! 

Tomorrow, our youngest will arrive for the holidays - our oldest will stay in NH - hoping the two in the middle will be off work and able to come. It would be nice to have a houseful again. Especially since the weather is still nice - one likes to camp, she might get too. 

 Always remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

AIU, college, holiday, Christmas, decorating, snow, weather, camping, Business Ethics, Psychology

I left my rural home on Tuesday to fly to Boston … missed my flight by 30 minutes! One of the drawbacks of country living (twenty miles of country roads and then 40 miles with tourist traffic!) and really hard to explain to the very sick child waiting on you to arrive to offer some TLC.

That was 15 days ago. It was a frustrating, tiring flight experience going up to Portland, ME and returning to Myrtle Beach, SC. So much so, I have not been able to finish this post. You see, I started writing it on Sept. 5 and it’s now Sept. 13 and still can not put the miserable flight experiences in writing. My first writing of this trip will be to the airline that caused the problems. I hope they will offer to mend their ways and offer compensation for the inconveniences I was put through. After thinking about this, I will give them a chance to reply before finishing this post … keep checking in to see how this ends …

Oh, child is fine! She made it to her first day as a senior at MECA! TLC works every time!

Spirit Airlines, Portland ME, Myrtle Beach SC, airlines, flying, travel, Maine College of Art, MECA

I thought you might enjoy visiting Italy and see how living rural is across the Atlantic …

Living in Italy is Easy
www.InternationalLiving.com/Italy

traveling, Italy, living rural, Atlantic Ocean

Today was a day of “waiting”

… for word that my daughters made their flight from Boston

… that the flight was on time

… driving to MYR airport to meet their flight … tourists and their crazy driving!

… to eat lunch

… to get home

… to hear from my youngest (21, as of 6/4), left behind in ME

… YAY, she did get the second job with Lane Bryant!

… to find out when a doctor appointment was scheduled for daughter #3

… did her hubby kill a hog while hog huntin’?

… is my ankle sprained or a slight hairline fracture … I’ll explain in another post

… to connect to online help with my Internet provider’s technical support, for 2 hours (I know, unreal, but my ankle was elevated and I really didn’t have anything else to do … RIGHT!)

… to eat the wonderful plate of country cookin’ my hubby was bringing from his monthly Wednesday night Men’s Supper Club … yum … WORTH the WAIT!

… to finish this post

… to put my tired self to bed.

And I thought I didn’t have anything to say today … except,

“Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

flights, airports - MYR, grown children, driving, Lane Bryant, Internet, country cooking, hunting, Boston, Maine, sprains, tech support

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

I did not realize when I posted my last entry that my power supply to my iBook would be electrocuted by the motel’s surge protector electrical outlet, but it was. This has caused quite a problem with writing for livingruralonline. Hopefully, everything will be back online on Tuesday, May 29, 2007. Thanks for your patience. And to think this happened in a large “city” in Maine! Country Gal is signing off to get some needed sleep … it’s true, “you need a vacation to get over the vacation.”

iBook, motel, surge protector, Maine, vacation

The last post dealt with statistics about Pamplico, SC based on information from the US Census Bureau. I have traveled away from my rural living space in SC by plane from Myrtle Beach, SC (a fun place!) to Boston, MA. Then by car to Portland, ME.

First, everyone north of the Mason-Dixon Line, speaks “Northern”; twangy, fast and not at all like “Southern.” It’s very hard to understand and you’re constantly asking “them” to repeat. It’s much easier to converse with your own kind … just kidding! I love traveling and the North; no, angry posts or emails, please!

Second, gasoline costs MUCH more in the North; $3.10 approximately for regular; $2.79 at home for regular. Of course, being Americans EXPECTING freedom, price of gasoline does not keep us out of cars. Which brings me to number tres.

Third, drivers here in the North are fast and furious! They can whip in and out of traffic, make turns, stop and brake “on a dime” while “flipping you off” all at the same time. Southern drivers are slower by nature. It’s how we approach life … slow and leisurely. We will hold up a lane of traffic, while motioning someone “y’all come on through” and make your left turn in front of us and the lane of traffic next to us, into the on-coming lane of opposite traffic … because it’s the polite thing to do.

Three differences, two groups of people, several states; yet, deep down rural living and “city” living is a lot alike: caring, hard-working, family oriented men and women trying to make it in this world of ours. I like the differences and cherish the similarities. County Gal hears lobsters calling her … until next time … take care.

SC, MA, ME, airports, rental cars, dialects, North, South, drivers, traffic, leisure, gasoline, family, lobsters, rural, city