Yikes!!

Now this is what I learned.......that little fellow in the glass case is called a red rat snake or corn snake and loves to eat mice.  When I got a little squeamish because there are no snakes in Hawaii and I'm not used to them, Linda said..."Everything in Nature has a reason to be here, or it wouldn't be here."  Now, I thought that was very profound, don't you?  And, it makes total sense.

What a Long Snout you Have, Grandma.

This is another example of the wildlife in the Myrtle Beach area.  The Education Department of Brookgreen Gardens provides many learning opportunities which teach children to respect nature and take care of the environment.  As I said, this place is just right for me, a little dog that loves to learn and take care of Mother Earth.

Looking for Dinosaurs?

No, this is not a fossil hunt.  On the grounds of the Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington estate, Brookgreen Gardens, the staff uncovered the remains of the overseer's house.  This area of South Carolina was known for growing "Carolina Gold" rice and slaves were used to plant and harvest the crop.  In the mid to late 1700's, Charleston, a town south of Myrtle Beach, was the richest town in the United States because of rice.

 

Catch a Wave........

This sculpture felt like home.  I was just on my way to the restaurant when I passed it and couldn't resist taking a picture.  Did you notice the plants in the garden?  They're edible!

Got Timber?

At Brookgreen Gardens, as part of their educational program, they have a room showcasing the history of the area.  Harvesting trees and making turpentine was big business.  There was the coolest map painted on the floor which showed the rivers and stands of forest.  This coastal area of South Carolina is rich in natural resources.

Guess Who?

Can you guess?  Did you guess?  

So.....if you are ever in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, historically called "The Low Country", due to the ocean tides pushing fresh water from the rivers over their banks and a perfect place for growing rice, please make sure you venture further south to Pawley's Island.  That's were  Brookgreen Gardens is located.  For more info go to: www.brookgreengardens.com

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina-- the Low Country

                               

Isn't this reporter beautiful?  And her personality is just as beautiful. Libba Holland reports the Fox Morning News on WFXB.  She was interviewing me because I'm doing a storytelling hour at the local library that, I know, will be lots of fun!!

Live Better with Shane Norris

                             

Shane produces shows for the Fox, Channel 13, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  He is the broadcast journalist who invited me to be on the news when he found out I was doing a storytelling hour at Chapin Memorial Library.  We talked for a good hour after my taping.  I really like this new friend;  he's full of wisdom and great ideas to better others' lives, and he likes sharing.

Summer in the City, THE City

Yes, can you see that statue in the distance?  I'm in the Big Apple.  I love this city---it has so much to offer.  I am always learning, learning, learning when I visit here.  Come along..........explore with me!

The Grand Deli-----Dean and Deluca

I needed some nourishment so I stopped into this very well-known delicatessen in Manhattan to look around.  Debbie was showing me the olive section.  Can you imagine, this is just the olive section!  That's New York City for you.  It has everything!

Should You Want to Rent

Be prepared.  Living in the Big Apple is very, very expensive.  Give Lance, the broker, a call and see if the price has dropped on this studio in SoHo.

Take a Whiff

I am in one of my all time favorite restaurants, Homemade, in a suburb of Brooklyn called Red Hook.  This is the front window!  It was such a cool place to eat and the food was perfectly delicious.  Kombucha, Mom's #1 drink, was on tap.  Homemade kombucha.

The Ambiance of Homemade

Talk about comfy.  This is the dining room---relaxing and inviting, don't you think?
What I like most about New York City is the creative energy that flows through the town.  I always get inspired when I'm here; little touches that make a big difference get me thinkin'.

Anyone for a Slice of Cheese?

I was tempted.  And what little dog do you know that doesn't like cheese?  It's in our blood!

Slurp! Slurp!

Homemade lemonade right on the counter.  Perfect for a hot summer afternoon.  That's Jenny in the background.  She's the one who brought me here.  She's a famous food writer so she knows all the city's secret spots for great food, reasonable prices, and a cool setting.

Step out the Back Door, Please

This is the garden terrace of Homemade.  So simple, yet so well-designed.  I love that Americans are following the lead of their friends in Europe and dining out-of-doors.

About as Fresh as You Can Get

Yes, the chef at Homemade, the restaurant, has a garden out back.  This place is a must see, must dine experience when visiting New York City.  You can take the subway or a cab to Red Hook in Brooklyn and discover for yourself the excellent atmostphere and cuisine.  I know you will be pleased!  I know for sure!

Hmmmmmm......Toad Hall

.........Yes, Toad Hall.  It's a charming bookstore in an old bank in Rockport, Massachusetts.

Follow me on in.......

And I Recommend........

The selection inside Toad Hall was fabulous.  Kelly helped me find a book for Mom called, THE OUTLIERS, by Malcomb Galdwell.  It was well-received.  This bookstore is a non-profit, 501c3 shop started as a direct result of the first Earth Day in 1972.  The net profit funds

environmental projects in the Rockport area.  Now, I think that is pretty cool!

There's Nothing Like a Good Book

Reading is right up there with my favorite things to do, three others being eating and sleeping and getting petted, which is typical of a dog, don't you think?  I just descended the sprial staircase down to the children's room and spotted my favorite Dr. Seuss book, THE LORAX.  Put it on your list of great publications.

And for a Bite to Eat

There are a few small sandwich shops in Rockport and this is one of them, Ally's Eatery, on Dock Square.   Steve, in the dark hat, was happy to serve me lunch and Peter's soup was delicious.

Yum, Yum, Yum!  Don't those Cowboy Cookies look good?  Sometimes I'm a Cookie Monster!  Lucky these are healthy cookies; they are just right for me.

Do you see anything on the menu you like?

Around the Town

Rockport, Massachussetts is full of charm and beauty.  Everywhere you look there is a garden, an old gingerbread house, a fancy boutique.  This is one of the town's landmarks---Mill Pond.  The stream is flowing out into the harbor.

A Quiet Respite near the Sea

Yes, the air was buzzing with insects and the breeze was blowing the smells of summer across my little doggie nose.  I liked this park.

Ka-Boom into History

What I like about the East Coast of the United States, especially New England, is that it is filled with so much history of our country.  Small towns, once called villages, have countless artifacts and landmarks that shaped our past.  This cannon in Rockport is just one of them.

Just Like Plymouth Rock

All along the coast of Massachusetts there is grey granite.  Rockport, especially, is known for this high-grade rock (Get it? Rockport).  It's everywhere in the town.  There are two quarries that were running for several hundred years that provided granite to many building sites in the state and throughtout the country.  A special form of the sloop was designed just to transport the rock to faraway destinations.  

The Artists' Colony

I think creative individuals are drawn to Rockport because of its natural beauty.  Inspiration abounds.  As I said, just walking through the town, and that's the best way to travel, is a journey within a masterpiece----an artist's touch is everywhere.

It's Suppertime

I found this really good restaurant, and how ironic, it called THE SEVENTH WAVE.  Just perfect for a little surf dog like me.  The food was very good and there was a million dollar view of Rockport Harbor.

Home Away from Home

Yes, this is where I get to live when I am visiting Rockport.  It's such a wonderful house full of love and good cheer, not to mention French Cuisine.  Did you notice the seashells on the railings?  It was built in 1870 by Mom's dear friend's great grandfather, George McLane.

What's Going on out There?

Traveling gives me the opportunity to meet and make new friends, and furry ones are my favorite!  Isn't this little pooch cute!

Off on a New Adventure...Next Stop, NYC

Well, it's so long to Rockport and hello to the Big Apple.  I just love taking the train, after my bicycle, riding the rails is my favorite way to get around.

Massachusetts----New England

I'm ready to step into the bus and take a very inexpensive tour ($1.00) around this charming fishing village turned art colony on the Atlantic Coast, just north of Boston.  Come along with me!  Tour Rockport.

Passenger #1

Only me, and I got to talk to the driver the whole way around the town.  It's a loop from the Rockport's recycling center, along the beach front, and back.  Great for tourists who want to leave their cars, hop the bus, and not worry about finding a parking space.  Residents get a special sticker and have priority over visitors, so parking is limited.  Also, get this, you are issued city garbage bags and you must take your waste to the recycling center---no truck pick-up. Can you imagine?

Oh, My Goodness

Now I'm on Front Street passing this giant, giant pile of firewood.  It's a tradition in Rockport to have a huge 4th of July bonfire at the beach, and that's after an incredible parade through the town.

Motif #1 -- Be Impressed

Right in the heart of Rockport is a little alley to the bay.  This view of the red barn is the most painted, sketched, photographed landscape in the United States.  Interesting, huh?

I Love Maps!

Take a look at this very cool, small town.  Many tourists come here to visit and experience the wonderful architecture, quaint shops, scenic ocean views, and charm of Rockport.  Do you see the red barn/Motif #1?  (Remember to click on the photograph to enlarge it.)

Take a Seat

As I said, there is beauty everywhere you turn in Rockport.  Stone benches are my favorite  Aren't the flowers wonderful!

Art, Art, and More Art

Because Rockport is so beautiful and inspiring, many artists have always lived here.  The Rockport Art Association is the oldest one in America.  It supports art education in the local schools and has an art show with student work in the Spring.  There are also weddings in the garden out back!

Step Inside......

Many local artists in Rockport are represented by the Art Association. There was something about the painting of flowers in the top photograph that grabbed me.  Maybe because it's bold and graphic just like I am!

And if You Want to Shop.....

Rockport is filled to the brim with shops because when you are visiting, shopping is a fun activity,  that's if you are a female.  Step inside Willoughby's and look around.........

Meet the Artist

Elizabeth Harty works in Willoughby's and paints when she's not here or at the beach.  I love her work.

She would come to Rockport as a child when she lived in Boston.  Several years ago she bought a 300-year old house that used to be a tavern and made this charming seaport town her home.  See her work at  http://elizabethharty.com/Bio.html

Just Say "No" to GMO

Awakea was gearing up for a big march through Haleiwa Town.  The community and 90% of Americans want genetically modified foods labeled.  There was a big turnout.......

The Big Guns were Out

Carter Allen has owned Celestial Natural Foods since 1974.  It's the only health food store between the North Shore and Pearl City.  Carter has been advocating for GMO-free food for years and here he is ready to join the march.  ("Aina" means "our land/our home" in Hawaiian.)

One of my Favorites

Here's Drew Toonz, an incredible animator/cartoonist, joining the crowd.  Click on his t-shirt---it's pretty cute and really gets the message across!  Do you think he might make one in my size?

And the Band Played On

Cab, holding me, and Jerome were cutting up, laughing, and feeling great about standing up for GMO-free food.  They made me laugh too!  Jerome was on the drums and Cab pulled the wagon.  If you want to see a video of the whole march go to "YouTube Haleiwa March"