Living Rural

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!”

for December 28, 2008, the first Sunday of Christmas…

• Endangered Species Act signed, 1973

• sunrise- 7:07 AM

• sunset- 4:57 PM

The New Moon began on Saturday, December 27, at 7:22 AM. I’m sure you are wondering, who cares? If you do not know the reason, then you are not the spouse or significant other of a HUNTER!

Every evening when HOM (husband of mine) returns from his ‘outing’, he gives a blow-by-blow account of everything he saw, missed, etc. and then the question, “When is sunrise and sunset tomorrow?” Now you would think he would/could use the Farmer’s Almanac that I bought for him in 2008, but he would rather his DG (Domestic Goddess) look it up on the weather site on the Web … usually request made when the DG is in the middle of writing or studying. Most of the time I stop and look it up for him - for 2009, I will not do it! He has a copy of Farmer’s Almanac for 2009 and my New Year’s resolution is: HOM WILL LEARN to USE IT!

A quote: “When all is said and done, more is said than done.” Unknown

Don’t forget December is the month to find gardening tools on sale.

Also, review gardening tips, plantings, plants, and items on sale in December here

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

Technorati Tags: December, gardening, hunting, weather, quote

Today the sun is shining, the temperature is close to normal, finally above freezing! Everyone is doing last minute shopping and making last minute preparations for the BIG meal tomorrow. People are smiling. The smells are fantastic! It is beginning to smell, feel, and look like CHRISTMAS.

Our family, all but Leslie and John, will gather here at Mill Run in the morning. We will hug and laugh and begin cooking! This year we will fry the turkey(2), a whole chicken and bake a ham. Of course, we will have herb stuffing, cranberry sauce(the jellied kind!), rice and butter beans, squash casserole, sweet potato souffle, biscuits, sweet ’southern’ tea, and pumpkin pie… yum!

We have decided to keep Christmas very simple this year. We chose to fore-go presents and share a small amount of money with each person. It eliminated the hassle of holiday shopping, the awful traffic, and was less expensive. Our present is our health, our happiness, and our family sharing the holiday. My prayer for you and your family - being together, safe, warm, and happy…

Merry Christmas! 

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

Exactly what is S.A.D.?

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Seasonal affective disorder
Light therapy lamp for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression or winter blues, is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter or, less frequently, in the summer, repeatedly, year after year. The US National Library of Medicine notes that “some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. They may sleep too much, have little energy, and crave sweets and starchy foods. They may also feel depressed. Though symptoms can be severe, they usually clear up.” The condition in the summer is often referred to as Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder, and can also include heightened anxiety.

There are many different treatments for classic (winter-based) seasonal affective disorder, including light therapies with bright lights, anti-depression medication, ionized-air administration,cognitive-behavioral therapy, and carefully timed supplementation of the hormone melatonin.

Wikipedia is not a source that I use often, but when a simple explanation is desired it is a good quick read. I, also, do not like to copy and paste, but for this post I did. I know some readers will not click on a link to read further and I wanted each of you to get a good definition S.A.D.  You may wonder, what is the big deal … it is many people suffer with these symptoms and do not know about S.A.D. It can disrupt your life. The remedy, in most cases, is getting outside in the sun for at least 15 to 30 minutes a day … simple!

If you have been inside for an extended period of time and have begun to feel down, depressed, etc. … get up … head outside … walk and enjoy the fresh air and SUNSHINE!

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

and inside.  YUK!  If only it did look and feel  like my favorite photo at the right … but today is gloomy,  gray,  and chilly with that feeling it may rain any moment.  So far it has not rained, oops - just started. I hope tomorrow will be better!

Did anyone follow my suggestions on planning your holiday gathering, etc.? I hope so! It does help to have a list, for sure. Other “helpful hints” for this holiday season:

• Limit $ amount for gifts
• If large family, draw names
• Make a donation to the recipient’s favorite charity
• Adopt a family in need and make THEIR Christmas special
• If someone you know is alone for Christmas, include them in yours

Until then check out the links below:

Piper Classics

Creative Christmas Decorating

Country Christmas

Take a breath, tell someone you care, hug-a-lot, and enjoy the season … and pass it on to those in your circle.

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

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