Living Rural

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!” % )

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!”

My goodness, it can not be … but it is … another Monday! Maxine says it best, “The only thing worse than a Monday is a decaffeinated Monday!” Old Maxine always says what I feel and it is getting scary! My college, AIU, started back today. I am taking Medical Terminology and Accounting. Both classes are very detailed and lots of material to cover in five (5) weeks - wish me luck. The weather has turned cold again … a freeze warning tonight … March 20 was the FIRST DAY of SPRING, right? Daylight savings time screws up everything, doesn’t it! My days and nights are a little mixed up since the change which makes the time to study interesting.   Even with the chill in the air, my “little piece of heaven” is a nice place to be! I’m headed out …Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ here!” 

it is a true winter day,

crisp and clear with a forecast for colder weather tonight.

WINTER finally made it to South Carolina!

Normally, depression will strike some readers when winter arrives. Why?

The reasons are vast, but most physicians say lack of sunshine/daylight is causing SAD.

Seasonal Affective Disorder sufferers have feelings of sadness, experience lethargy, and fatigue. DO NOT ASSUME it is “winter blues.” SAD is a depression disorder and should be treated. The link above is to the Mayo Clinic site and it has tons of helpful information!

Now it is simple to bask in artificial sunlight in your home or office. Check out this site. LampsUSA

winter, South Carolina, SAD, Mayo Clinic, Lamps USA, depression

The primary is this Saturday, January 19, 2008 In South Carolina. Our primary is one of great importance to the Presidential election in November, 2008. Mike Huckabee and his staff flew in to Florence at 1:00 PM today for a press junket stop at the airport. The crowd was enthusiastic even with the rain and cold. Chuck Norris and his wife were there to offer their support and to invite the crowd to a “virtual BBQ” on Saturday by web cast, of course. Included will be a tour of the Norris ranch in Texas! Former Governor Beasley and his precious wife, Mary Wood were there, along with Mike Campbell. Mr. Huckabee traveled with a cool group for this junket!

I was undecided until today. I found myself shaking my head “yes” to his comments and clapping like a “mad woman” when he listed his priorities for his time in the White House. I am no longer UNDECIDED. My vote will be for Mike Huckabee, this Saturday, in the South Carolina Primary! If you are a registered voter in South Carolina, please take advantage of this opportunity to put the RIGHT person in the White House. The first step is voting in the Primary in South Carolina to insure Mike Huckabee is on the ballot as a Republican Candidate for President. See for yourself!

Mike Huckabee for President, Republican Party, Conservative, Election 2008, Florence SC, South Carolina

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

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

To my readers, NaBloPoMo, 451Press and to the promise I made myself … to post everyday, 7 days a week for the entire month of November … I had to break that promise/commitment this weekend. Life will sometimes “kick you in the butt” to get your attention and let you know who is in charge! First, read the original post about NaBloPoMohttp://www.livingruralonline.com/nablopomo/ ; then read about my college, AIUonline http://www.aiuonline.edu/. You will be caught up to the present and my apology.

The third session of AIU ended at 11:59:59 PM CT, Saturday, November 10, 2007. My classes this session were Algebra and Computer Systems Management . The computer course was very helpful and not a problem. The Algebra class was quite another story! Anyway, to make a long story a short one … I did not have my assignments completed and began a marathon last weekend playing catch-up which we all know is usually impossible to do. I was giving it my best effort when my daughter called from her doctor’s office on Friday with the news that she was being admitted to the hospital for intravenous antibiotics and hydration; also, to be seen by an infectious disease doctor. Wham! All concentration and knowledge of my world around me vanished. The mother “thing” took over. Worry. Panic. Crying.

Posting was suddenly moved down the list of priorities by at least 10 other “priorities” and that gets us to … an apology. I am sorry I missed Saturday and Sunday, had I posted it would have said, “Still no answers for Betsy” and I still have no answers. They are “growing cultures” to find out what type of bacteria has invaded her body, un til they have the results, she will remain in the hospital on an intravenous antibiotic (which they are not sure is the “right one”, comforting!)

What else is happening in my rural space … weather is gorgeous, other children are fine, hubby is happy, and TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY! So, Happy Birthday to me!

I must listen for the phone, plug away at overdue assignments in algebra, and begin two new classes at AIU … I am not whining … I am “sharing”. Anyway. remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

birthday, NaBloPoMo, AIUonline, health, hospital, bacteria, daughters

The post today is an article from our area paper, Morning News. It was written by Jamie Rogers. Thank you for a well written warning for all drivers during this hunting season.

Motorists need to keep both eyes out for deer

FLORENCE — S.C. motorists constantly are reminded to practice defensive driving techniques to avoid collisions with other drivers, but during the fall and winter months, motorists also need to be on the look out for deer.
According to the South Carolina News Service, the number of deaths, injuries and accidents because of deer increased last year in the Palmetto State.
Most deer-related accidents are reported during the fall and winter, which are the primary times for deer migration and mating.
Florence resident Amber Hines said several dents on her Honda Civic are the result of a close encounter with a deer one night last winter.
Hines said she was traveling on Enterprise Drive in Florence just before hitting the deer.
“I saw it on the side of the road, so I said to myself, ‘let me slow down until it passes,’’’ Hines said. “It’s one of those pee-in-your-pants moments because you’re not sure what it’s going to do.”
The deer walked into the roadway and crashed into the driver’s side of her car before darting off into the woods.
“I looked at it, and it looked at me, and he just bumped my car; I’m not sure what part of him hit me,” Hines said. “But it was big; it was huge.”
There were more than 3,000 deer-related car crashes reported last year, with about a thousand of them resulting in injury, according to data released by the S.C. Department of Public Safety.
There also were a reported 17 deaths because of deer and other animal collisions last year.
In Florence County last year, there was 1 death and 21 injuries out of the 61 reported deer-related crashes.
Hines said she considers herself blessed because she was not injured or killed by the deer.
“Yeah, it definitely could have been a lot worse,” she said. “He could have jumped in my car and rocked my world.”
News service officials say there are certain precautions drivers can take to avoid hitting deer or, in Hines’ case, deer hitting them.
Motorists should drive with caution in areas known to have a large deer population, especially during early morning and evening hours.
Drivers also should use their high-beam lights to see the eyes of deer that might be standing on or near roadways. If one is spotted, drivers should sound their horn to scare the animal away.
If hitting a deer is unavoidable, drivers should brake firmly and stay in their lane—swerving can make matters worse.
Motorists should call 911 to report the accident, and then call their auto insurance company immediately. Hines said she did not report the crash because she was afraid the accident would cause her insurance premium to increase.
South Carolina News Service Executive Director Allison Dean Love said that is not necessary true.
“There are a lot of factors that companies look at. Such as the number of miles, you drive to and from work. But the most important factor is the type of car and your driving record,” Love said.

By Jamie Rogers

A note about the weekend posts here at living-rural. They will be informal and about MY life living in a rural area. Be prepared and not surprised, OK? It is a gorgeous day! Last night the temperature was a little cooler, a nice change from the unusually warm and humid weather we have had all fall and the forecast said it would be the same for today. The sun is out and it is a tad bit cooler, a great day to be outside. So after church, all our members stand outside and get caught up with each other and the happenings in their lives. It is a nice twenty to thirty minutes, laughing and caring about each other! Our town is rural and our church is small, but the love shines through … it is a shame we are losing that closeness in our surrounding larger towns. It seems wethey want to go to church and be out at noon to race to the Country Club or a restaurant to eat quickly so they can get to the golf course or tennis court or “whatever” for the afternoon. For me, I like the fellowship in front of our church rather than the “hustle and bustle” of keeping up with the “Jones.” My, my I am ranting today. I just was so happy and when I write I go where my heart leads, so it was on my heart and went right to the page. You will get used to that, if you come here often which I hope you do. I will write and hopefully you will comment!So until tomorrow … go outside and enjoy your “space” and remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

church, weather, nature, small towns, Country Club, restaurants, weekends