Children's Book Author
Why is Mickey Mouse hanging out with a Saint Bernard instead of Pluto? Isn’t Pluto his dog? And why does the Saint Bernard have a keg of brandy around his neck? I thought Saint Bernards with kegs were sent out … Continued
…And sometimes it’s a cat.
Summer is officially here, and we’re thrilled to have cool water here in the neighborhood. It’s cool, man. Real cool.
Yes, I know the title has a double negative in it. And yes, I know double negatives are usually confusing to the reader. But there’s a really good reason for it. It has to do with turtles. Longtime readers of … Continued
When I was a child, we used to sing a bouncy little song — a lot — about a little white duck. The tune was happy, and even the duck herself was happy. I know, because she took a bite … Continued
I love walking in winter. Some people might find the winter landscape to be dreary, stark or cold. But, if you know where to look, you can still find magic. Look there. Is that just a hollow tree? Or is … Continued
Super Bowl Sunday is coming up. If you’ve already bought the chips, I know where you can buy the dip.
Excuse me while I use a big word. Crepuscular. That’s the word for animals that are active at twilight. Like rabbits. When my oldest was little, she hated being confined in a stroller. So instead of saying we were going … Continued
Our neighborhood is filled with stick people. They’re just like the rest of us, really. Except in the winter. Then, they’re apparently more accident-prone.
The showiness of summer flowers is long gone, and the flamboyance of fall leaves has faded away. That leaves us with the winter landscape. In this world of bare limbs and gray skies, red stands out. It’s just that bright … Continued
In the classic holiday television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the Abominable Snowman is out to cause trouble for our reindeer friends. By the end of the story, however, the Bumble (as he’s more affectionately called), has reformed. He even … Continued
The week after Halloween is always the saddest week at the curb. All the streets in the neighborhood are lined with discarded Jack-o-lanterns. Some are funny. Some are strange. But mostly, they’re just old and tired and sad. The week … Continued
I’ve already pointed out the least scary Halloween decoration in the neighborhood. This has to be the second least scary. Minnie Mouse as a vampire. Not the least bit convincing. Sorry.
Yesterday, Hurricane Ian slammed into South Carolina. Also yesterday, Wordle.
Well, well, who do we have here? Is it Marcelle? Nope. It’s still Not Marcelle.
It’s time to play the mushroom game again. These are a few of my favorite neighborhood mushrooms. Can you spot which ones are real and which ones aren’t?
September 9? Yeah, that’s a little too early…
What a wonderful surprise in the neighborhood! Someone made a sunflower trail for us to follow. Pot after pot of sunflowers, lining the road for blocks. There must have been a reason for it … but then again, maybe not. … Continued
Nikki was very disturbed to find a snakeskin in her backyard. (And quite frankly, so was I!)
Oh! It’s Marcelle, again. I can tell by the distinctive “Oh” on her shell. Looks like we’re becoming fast friends. Well, as fast as a turtle can get.
Some people crave convenience, while others crave experience. For example, some people might rather buy a pre-cut Christmas tree, while others might want to cut one at a tree farm. Some might rather buy strawberries at a farm stand, while … Continued
We named the last turtle we found in our yard Marcelle. That means that this one is named Not Marcelle. Duh.
I’m usually pretty happy when I walk down the streets of my neighborhood. Apparently, the streets are pretty happy, too.
The last turtle in our backyard to enter the Turtle Relocation Program was Turtle #12. Turtle #13 evaded capture and is still lurking out there somewhere… I did not take a picture of Turtle #14. I thought that would be … Continued
I thought I had come across a sea anemone in my neighborhood. By a path. In the woods. Far from the sea. Turns out it’s an anemone stinkhorn. Whatever it is, it’s pretty. And apparently, it’s pretty stinky.
The Lizard Man used to skulk. Prowl. Hide. But now he seems to — dare I say it? — frolic. First he joined in on the Christmas festivities. Then he began trick-or-treating through the neighborhood. Now he’s cavorting in the … Continued
Buzzards are known for their keen eyesight. They circle high above, looking down at the ground for scraps of meat. Carrion. Things the rest of us are too hoity-toity to eat. Isn’t this cheating?
We had enough snow this week to build two snowmen. Snowman #1 was a car snowman — a snowman built from the thin layer of snow that covered our car. We named him Herbie. Snowman #2 was a yard snowman. … Continued
It’s been an unusual couple of years, to say the least. And now here we are in the middle of winter, with unusually spring-like weather. We’ve gotten used to thinking that unusual means unsettling. But sometimes, it simply means unexpectedly … Continued
Christmas is coming, and Sigmund, our friendly neighborhood creature, is ready to celebrate. Looks like he’s about to deck the halls with boughs of holly. And maybe some seaweed.
We have somehow acquired a kitten. Nikki is not amused.
Most Jack-o-Lanterns have pretty bad teeth, especially after Halloween is over. But I’m beginning to think an orthodontist has moved into the neighborhood!
It’s well known around the neighborhood that the Lizard Man loves Christmas. Well, now he’s back for Halloween. And he’s brought a friend!
Sure, you can wander around all Halloween, going up to random porches and demanding “Trick or Treat!” Or, you could come to our neighborhood and take all the guesswork out of it. You’re welcome.
Who in the world came up with the saying “Nothing in life is free?” Whoever it was has obviously never been to my neighborhood. We have free books. Free vegetables. And even free plants. You just can’t put a price … Continued
I’ve written before about the stick people who live in my neighborhood. Well, I just found out what they do on vacation. They go to the beach and play golf!
According to the neighborhood sorting hat, I’m a Ravenclaw! (Yeah, only Harry Potter fans will find this funny. And I’m not even sure about that.)
My neighborhood sits in the shadow of a giant volcano. Aerial photos hardly do justice to its imposing size. It is so big, all who stand at its base … appear to be no bigger than ants.
With all the spring flowers in bloom, the Carolinas are heaven on earth right now. It’s no wonder that South Carolina chose yellow jessamine as its state flower or that North Carolina chose dogwood. We Carolinians love to see our … Continued
It’s spring in South Carolina! All the signs are here: azaleas, dogwoods, yellow jessamine, wisteria, Lady Banks roses, irises, honeysuckle, violets, flowering cherries, periwinkle, Japanese magnolias. And pollen. Lots and lots of pollen.
We’ve all heard the old saying, “When the cat is away, the mice will play.” Well, apparently, the opposite is also true.
Here in the neighborhood, we pride ourselves on our manners. We say “Yes, ma’am.” We say “Thank you.” We wave to everybody and smile. That’s just how we were raised. Even our leaf piles are polite.
All kinds of people live in my neighborhood. Including stick people. They walk to school, ride the school bus, play at the park, take walks and hold down jobs. They’re just like the rest of us. Only skinnier.
2020 has not been a great year. To say the least. But the optimist in me knows that 2021 will be much better. We’ve already handled whatever 2020 could throw at us, and we got through it. We will rise. … Continued
Here in South Carolina, we are obsessed with Palmetto trees. So at Christmastime, it’s nice to see the rest of the world share our obsession. Oh, everyone else might think these are palm trees. But we know them for what … Continued
Everybody knows about Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. After all, he had a whole song written about him. He doesn’t need any more publicity. But it’s nice to see the Bumble getting a little attention from time to time. The Bumble? … Continued
I understand that turkeys are a little nervous this time of year and might not want to draw attention to themselves. But I’ve been seeing a weird trend lately… Turkeys disguised as pilgrims. Do they think we can’t tell the … Continued
Fall is here! There’s a crispness in the air and a crunch in the leaves underfoot. Autumn is leaving its fingerprints all over the neighborhood. And, as it turns out, its fingerprints are orange.
Ever feel like someone is watching you? That’s because they are.
It’s Halloween — time for the neighborhood witches to take flight. And then park. What? You were expecting brooms? I don’t know about your neighborhood, but the witches here have gone high tech.
Mailboxes share important milestones in our lives. They know about the birthday parties we are invited to, the happy graduations we attend, the weddings we are thrilled about. They know about the gifts we order and the gifts we receive. … Continued
We have more pirates in the neighborhood. But we also have more Marines. Law and order prevails.
I am a very curious person. I see the things that are left by the side of the road and wonder, “What’s the story behind that?” But sometimes, I don’t have to wonder. Sometimes, the story is already written for … Continued
Catching bugs is one of the great pleasures of childhood. There’s just something fascinating about trying to outwit a cricket. Or watching a ladybug gently walk across your palm. In my neighborhood, people still use mason jars for catching insects. … Continued
The chalk artists were back at work this weekend, and they had a message for all mothers. Enjoy!
In these trying times, just remember that you are loved. My neighbors don’t want me to forget it. I don’t want you to forget it, either.
What a glorious addition to the neighborhood.
I didn’t get to walk around the neighborhood on Good Friday. That’s OK. The angels were still watching out for us on Good Saturday.
During this COVID lockdown, I miss my church family. I miss the smiles, the greetings, the fellowship. I miss the serenity of sitting with friends in a quiet sanctuary. I miss the sound of my daughter laughing with all her … Continued
My grandfather was a man of few words. Whenever we grandkids visited, he never called out a greeting or yelled for us to come join him in the garden. Instead, he would silently crook his finger from across the yard, … Continued
This is a strange time. To say the least. With store closings and social distancing, it’s hard to get together with friends and neighbors. But my neighbors are still finding ways to say hello. To send messages of hope. To … Continued
Who was in charge of designing this St. Patrick’s Day flag? Did no Irish Setters or wolfhounds apply for the job? Just wondering.
My neighborhood is full of friendly faces. Sometimes, though, they”re in the most unusual places.
And on earth peace, good will toward men.
Sure, I love the inflatable Santas and Grinches and snowmen that pop up in my neighborhood during Christmastime. But sometimes, on a cold winter night, nothing warms the heart more than reminders of what the season is really all about.
At first it was the dogs of the neighborhood who waited on buses. Then the pigs started taking buses. Now that the holiday season is here? You guessed it. The snowmen have started hanging out at the bus stop, too.
Whenever I see the elusive Lizard Man in the neighborhood, I get excited. After all, I wrote a book about him. Did you know he’s actually not that elusive during the holidays? You might think that’s strange, but I guess … Continued
So, the Christmas Octopus has started making visits to our neighborhood, and I’m not sure how I feel about that. At first, he seems all jolly and everything, hanging out with Olaf and Mickey Mouse and the rest. But when … Continued
In this, the Year of the Pig, everything I post seems to revolve around Piggly Wiggly. For every holiday, it seems there’s a matching Piggly Wiggly mood — from Independence Day to Halloween. So it should come as absolutely no … Continued
The scarecrows in our neighborhood are usually the typical, standard-issue scarecrows. Happy, rustic … perhaps a little stiff. But not this pair! These scarecrows have jazz hands! (Now that I’ve said that, you can’t unsee it, can you?)
The neighborhood fall smackdown has begun. In the battle of scarecrow vs. crow … never bet against the crow.
It’s the week after Halloween, which is usually a sad time in the neighborhood. Carved pumpkins are tossed to the curb, where they forlornly await trash pickup. But this little fellow doesn’t look too sad. In fact, he looks downright … Continued
I’m sorry, but this has to be the neighborhood’s most UNscary Halloween decoration of all time. And, no, the exclamation point doesn’t help.
It’s almost Halloween: Time to go to the pumpkin patch. And in the Year of the Pig, where else would we go? Piggly Wiggly, of course.
Walking through a neighborhood churchyard, I saw this beautiful feather lying all alone on the grass. It seemed so out of place there, in the middle of that manicured lawn, that I had to pause to take a look. The … Continued
I am beginning to think we have pirates in the neighborhood. That’s OK, because we also have Marines. I’m feeling kind of safe now.
Mushrooms are popping up all over the neighborhood. I’ve taken pictures of the ones I find most interesting, but here’s a little game for you. Which mushrooms are real, and which are not?
The color yellow has been on my mind lately as I walk around the neighborhood. It’s a bright, sunny color of summer, true. But it is also the color of school crossings, school buses, and #2 pencils. As the summer … Continued
I’ve written before about my odd fascination with stormdrains. I love the way they feature gentle reminders about how everything drains to our waterways. Well, apparently I’m not the only one who finds stormdrains worthy of study. Here in the … Continued
I’ve written before about the painted rocks that randomly show up in my neighborhood. Well, it seems to be a more organized effort on Pawley’s, where a small display at Town Hall allows you to easily scatter rocks — and … Continued
I’ve written before about the Little Free Libraries that keep cropping up in the neighborhood. Every time I see one of these little structures, I pause to take a closer look. But this “library” is a little different. OK, so … Continued
I’ve talked before about how we tell the changing of the seasons here by the changing of the Piggly Wiggly signs. Well, it looks like it’s almost Independence Day! Happy 4th of July, from our neighborhood to yours!
Sometimes, it can be dangerous to walk through the neighborhood. But I’ll take my chances.
As I’ve chronicled many times before (well, five to be exact), people are putting things in birdbaths that are not birds. Here’s another. It’s a fish. Which, come to think of it, a fish doesn’t seem so out of place … Continued
Unfortunately, lost animal signs are always popping up in the neighborhood. There are lost cats. And animals that might be cats. And then there’s this one. I hope he has found his way home. Surely, he couldn’t have gotten far.
I don’t think I could ever win Yard of the Month. That sounds too stressful. But Yard of the Day? I think I could handle that.
This Little Free Library at the beach seemed to be missing something. There, fixed it.
When I see “For Sale” signs in the neighborhood I always wonder why. Is a growing family moving to a larger house? Is an older couple downsizing? Is a person moving across the country for a dream job? But when … Continued
I caught a glimpse of the neighborhood leprechaun today, probably up to some kind of mischief. Funny, he’s a lot bigger than I thought he’d be.
I cover a lot of ground in my neighborhood. In fact, there are probably very few roads I haven’t been down at least once. Life’s little errands take me down many of these roads; flights of curiosity take me down … Continued
Usually, this bench is occupied by dogs waiting on a bus. Today, it’s a pig waiting on a bus. I bet he’s going to work. After all, somebody’s got to bring home the bacon.
Happy Chinese New Year! It’s the Year of the Pig, and that seems kind of fitting, because here in the neighborhood, we follow the changing of seasons by the changing of the Piggly Wiggly signs. Here’s what a typical year … Continued
Well, folks, it’s a wrap. The Year of the Dog officially ends next week. And so does the Year of the Dog challenge. That was one year of dog-related posts. One year of insights into a dog’s world — with … Continued
Here’s something all the neighborhood dogs love to see. A squirrel in jail. Or, wait a minute. Maybe that’s actually a squirrel breaking out of jail. Nuts! * Follow along with me on the Year of the Dog … Continued
Yes, this is exactly what it looks like. Dogs waiting on a bus. Sometimes alone. Sometimes with friends. Wonder where they go every day… * Follow along with me on the Year of the Dog challenge — a new dog-related … Continued
Honestly, sometimes these blog posts just write themselves. Happy New Year from my neighborhood to yours!
The week after Christmas might be chilly, but these neighborhood characters are sure to warm your heart. Come visit the Christmas dogs. They should be around for a couple more days. * Follow along with me on the Year of … Continued
Here he is, the neighborhood swell, all dressed up for Christmas. Handsome, isn’t he? This makes me very happy. * Follow along with me on the Year of the Dog challenge — a new dog-related post every Walkabout … Continued
Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a beautiful green wreath with a happy red bow. And maybe a big “Beware of the Dog” sign underneath it. Happy Howlidays from my neighborhood to yours! * Follow along with me on … Continued
The Holiday Beagle is back in the neighborhood for Christmas. See him over there? And there? And there? And there… * Follow along with me on the Year of the Dog challenge — a new dog-related post every … Continued
Well, I finally found it! Now I know the source of all those pesky squirrels that drive the neighborhood dogs crazy. They’re all at the Nut House! Every neighborhood has one, right? * Follow along with me on … Continued
Yes, this is exactly what you think it is. A Thanksgiving feast, celebrated by dog pilgrims and dog Native Americans. And some squash. Happy Thanksgiving from my neighborhood to yours! * Follow along with me on the Year … Continued
The Mayflower has landed in the neighborhood, and guess who was aboard? The Holiday Beagle! I told you he’d be back. * Follow along with me on the Year of the Dog challenge — a new dog-related post … Continued
The week after Halloween is usually the saddest week at the curb, as all the once happy jack-o-lanterns slump tiredly by the road, waiting for trash pickup. But these throwaway pumpkins don’t look sad at all. In fact, they still … Continued
Have a doggone good time trick-or-treating tonight. Happy Hallowiener! * Follow along with me on the Year of the Dog challenge — a new dog-related post every Walkabout Wednesday. Or, feel free to read Down Girl and Sit … Continued
First, there was the year Daughter #1 named her pumpkins Rainbow, White Sunshine and Orange Love. Then there was the year Daughter #2 named her pumpkin Polly Sally. For this year’s Halloween edition of Throwback Thursday, let’s revisit the year … Continued
There’s a reason you see cats on Halloween flags instead of dogs. Cats know how to be creepy. Dogs do not. The end. * Follow along with me on the Year of the Dog challenge — a new … Continued
It’s been awhile since we’ve had to relocate a turtle. And in the past, it’s been a fairly quiet process. The turtles retreat into their shells and have absolutely nothing to say. Then along came Turtle #13 … This one … Continued
The holiday beagle is back in the neighborhood. This time, he’s here to welcome the crisp days of fall. I guess the dog days of summer are officially over. Let’s do a Snoopy dance! * Follow along with … Continued
Yes, I know it’s the law to clean up the messes our pets make. But where do I even start? With the boxes Nikki has torn up? Or the Frisbee she chewed to pieces? Or perhaps the ball she left … Continued
We have lots of signs about dogs in the neighborhood. Some are about strange dogs. And some are about their strange owners. Here’s one about both! * Follow along with me on the Year of the Dog challenge … Continued
We have a fairly robust colony of feral cats here in the neighborhood. And for a population of strays, I must say they look pretty sleek and well fed. They also seem to be a rather happy lot: hiding under … Continued
Back in the day, when I was going to school in the neighborhood, the rules were much different. As I remember, the two things that were prohibited were running in the halls and chewing gum. Now, apparently, it’s dogs and … Continued
Another squirrel! Made you look. You now know what it’s like to be a dog. You’re welcome. * Follow along with me on the Year of the Dog challenge — a new dog-related post every Walkabout Wednesday. Or, … Continued
Dogs of all kinds are welcome at Pawleys Island. But one breed seems to be much more popular than the others. In fact, I bet if I objectively counted all the different breeds that visit and tallied the results, I … Continued
The secret garden is full of hidden delights. And one of my favorites is this boy and his dog, frozen in time. One talking, one listening. Loyal companions. Forever faithful. Forever friends. * Follow along with me on … Continued
I just spent another week in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. It is truly one of the most magical, most breathtaking places on earth. And I’m sure all of the dogs frolicking on the beach would agree. But, as the … Continued
My childhood dogs were Cocker Spaniels, and I have a spaniel mix now. So it’s no surprise that I love this neighborhood weather vane. Of all my dogs, though, I think Becky, the English Setter, would have been a better … Continued
I’ve talked before about all the flags that fly proudly in my neighborhood. It’s nice to know that my neighbors are so patriotic. It’s nice to know that their dogs are patriotic, too. Happy Independence Day! * Follow … Continued
The dog owners in my neighborhood are just about as happy and friendly as their dogs are. Except when they’re not. * Follow along with me on the Year of the Dog … Continued
Many years ago, I was asked to create a poster for a beautification project in my hometown. My idea was to feature all the little ways that people could add welcoming touches to their homes — those little accents that … Continued
I don’t like seeing the lost animal posters that go up in the neighborhood. A few times on my walks, I’ve helped corral runaway dogs that are enjoying a brief taste a freedom. But mostly, I am left wondering if … Continued
Last week, I talked about how obedient the dog statues are in our neighborhood. They never move. Not even to chase a squirrel. But this statue gives me pause. All the other dog statues hold stone baskets that are filled … Continued
The dogs in our neighborhood are very obedient. Tell them to “Sit,” and they do. Tell them to “Stay,” and they do. For hours. Days. Even years at a time. OK, so maybe our real dogs don’t. But our statues … Continued
Here is a cat. Here is a sign. Here is a cat under a sign. Can cats read? Or do they just not care? * Follow along with me on the Year of the Dog challenge — a … Continued
How do dogs mark their territory? Just like everyone else. With decorative address stakes. * Follow along with me on the Year of the Dog challenge — a new dog-related post every Walkabout Wednesday. Or, feel free to … Continued
Last week, I featured the best dog-themed mailbox in the neighborhood. Equal time requires me to now feature a cat one. Or perhaps I should say THE cat one. In this whole neighborhood, there is only one cat-themed mailbox. The … Continued
This is without a doubt my favorite mailbox in the neighborhood. I’m sure you can see why. Every time I walk past the mailbox, it reminds me of Becky — one of the inspirations for the Down Girl and Sit … Continued
I pass these two fences quite frequently. The yards they enclose seem very quiet. But then again, there are those signs… Are the signs telling the truth? Or are they bluffing? And do we really want to find out? … Continued
Cruising through the neighborhood the other day, I saw this startling sight. The shadow of a huge boxer. Or maybe a Great Dane. Or maybe even a giant cat. What in the world was making that shadow? I stopped the … Continued
When I’m out and about early enough, there’s one house in the neighborhood I love to go by. It’s the house with the cats. The morning cats. In the afternoons, I never see the cats. But in the mornings, … Continued
It’s one of life’s little certainties. Whenever there’s a holiday in the neighborhood, Snoopy is bound to show up. Here he is, celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day with us. But I have the feeling this isn’t the last holiday we’ll celebrate … Continued
Apparently our neighborhood is full of slow children, dogs and old folks. And as for those people who aren’t slow — we wish they were. * Follow along with me on the Year of the Dog challenge — a new … Continued
Chinese New Year begins on Friday — the Year of the Dog! As the author of the Down Girl and Sit series, it’s common knowledge that I love dogs. And I love living in a neighborhood that appreciates dogs as … Continued
Have I bored you yet talking about all things palmetto? No need to answer that. Today, let’s look at the ever-popular subject of trees on houses. Here in South Carolina, we put palmetto trees on pretty much everything that stands … Continued
I’ve written before about serendipity. It’s when you find something you totally weren’t expecting to find. Yet, at the same time, it’s something the universe wants you to find. Or maybe it’s not the universe. Maybe it’s a Facebook group. … Continued
When winter gets a little too dreary and my soul yearns for the sight of a colorful garden, I don’t have to go far. I just look at one of the neighborhood bottle trees. The sight of a bottle tree … Continued
I don’t know why sewer medallions fascinate me. But they do. OK, so I probably made up the term “sewer medallions,” but what else would you call those plates attached to storm drain covers? The ones that remind you to … Continued
Well. Here’s something we don’t see that often in South Carolina. Oh, sure, we’re used to seeing geese on the neighborhood ponds. We’re just not used to seeing them standing on the neighborhood ponds.
Right before Christmas, I did a blog post about the reindeer mailboxes in the neighborhood. I started to include these two mailboxes, but decided they needed a post of their own. After all, these are not Christmas reindeer mailboxes. They’re … Continued
So, the end of the year is upon us once again. Time to do another “Blog in Review” post to look at the most popular stories of this year. (Or last year, actually, for some of these same posts were … Continued
Back in my day, the most famous snowman in the world was Frosty. Well, move over, Frosty, there’s a new snowman in town. Disney’s Frozen movie came out in 2013, but its popularity shows no sign of waning. In fact, … Continued
Loyal blog readers, you know by now that I love a good mailbox. And at Christmas, the neighborhood mailboxes go out of their way to look festive. Here’s a sampling of the neighborhood reindeer mailboxes. I don’t need to introduce … Continued
Next to rabbits, I think the most popular thing to put in a birdbath that is not a bird is a plant of some kind. Usually, the plant is in a pot. But sometimes, the homeowner will get creative and … Continued
The palmetto tree is the most recognizable symbol of The Palmetto State. Together with a crescent moon (which is really a gorget from a state militia uniform), our beloved palmetto tree is everywhere — most notably on the South Carolina … Continued
The neighborhood is all decorated for the big day this week. No, not Thanksgiving. The Carolina-Clemson game! As you can see, I live in a very Carolina-centric neighborhood. But in the interest of journalistic integrity, didn’t I at least try … Continued
I love this pumpkin turkey. Not only is it cute, but it’s practical, too. When you’re finished with your Halloween pumpkin, you can just recycle it into a turkey. How’s that for being green? (Or orange, as the case may … Continued
There are just certain things I don’t expect to see on a yard flag. A quote by Albert Camus is one of those things. Enjoy.
Once again, another sad, sad time at the curb.
Last year, I posted a Throwback Thursday picture of the Halloween pumpkins Daughter #1 named when she was four. There must be something about that age. When Daughter #2 was four a couple of years ago, she also named the … Continued
The neighborhood has once again been invaded by giant spiders. It seems to happen every year at this time. Please, if you receive this message, send us a giant can of bug spray. Or perhaps one very large shoe.
Southerners are known for hospitality. And here in the neighborhood, we always try to remember our manners. Even around Halloween. So, it’s not that we’re trying to be rude, or anything — but here goes… Boo. Y’all. (Hope that wasn’t … Continued
So it has happened again. There’s obviously been another sale at the Pumpkin Flag store. Once again, monogramming is included. But apparently, only for the letter B. (I wonder if both of these families’ names actually start with a B. … Continued
This used to be one of my favorite neighborhood views. And then, on this day two years ago, we had the catastrophic Flood of 2015. The little tucked-away road from which I took this picture was totally washed away and … Continued
September is slowly fading away, taking the flash and brilliance of summer with it. All of the bright hues are now gone, letting us see the colors that are left behind. Right now, I’m seeing a lot of purple. Purple … Continued
For centuries, windmills have harnesed the energy of the wind to pump water and grind grain. Here in the neighborhood, we’ve been on city water for a long, long time. So why all the windmills? There’s only one option. The … Continued
And now, a neighborhood nursery rhyme… This little piggie went to market. This little piggie had 2-liter pig drinks. This little piggie ran screaming all the way home.
I love serendipity. And every now and then, that’s exactly what you find in the neighborhood. A spectacular sight you weren’t looking for … but you turn a corner and there it is. Or, in this case, you cross a … Continued
You thought I had covered every possible aspect of palmetto tree mailboxes here in the neighborhood, didn’t you? You thought wrong. Sure, I talked about the mailbox stands, and then the mailboxes, and then the mailbox flags…and even the yard … Continued
It’s fun to walk through the neighborhood and see what people are doing with their front yards. You can enjoy the flowers, the sculptures, the yard ornaments…they’re right out front, ready for everyone to enjoy. But every now and then, … Continued
“Suddenly a panel in the wall slid open” And that, my friends, is why I spent a lot of time looking for hidden panels in my childhood home. Nancy Drew seemed to find a hidden panel everywhere she looked — … Continued
Columbia, SC, is in the path of totality for the solar eclipse next week. On Tuesday, everybody around here will be focused on the sky. But here’s a reminder to look up everyday. You just never know what you might … Continued
It’s Book Lovers Day again. And who loves books more than the stewards of the little libraries? I’ve written before about all the little libraries around here — both the official and the rogue. But on this particular day, I … Continued
At Pawleys Island, my family and I have a treasured stash of creek shoes. Over the years, any pair of tennis shoes that is too small, too old or just too ugly ends up in the creek shoe basket. What … Continued
I have already pointed out that these two things in birdbaths are not birds. They are rabbits. However, perhaps it is not enough to point out the incorrect placement of rabbits in proximity to birdbaths. Perhaps it would be more … Continued
For the past several summers, I have been lucky to spend time at Debordieu Beach, where one of my favorite things to do is look for turtle tracks on early morning walks. This year, the nesting season has been quite … Continued
Family, friends and a Nancy Drew puzzle. An awesome way to spend a rainy day at the beach.
Three more turtles have now entered the Turtle Relocation Program. In a nice change of pace (for us, but most especially for the turtles!), our dog Nikki did not bring these turtles into the den. In fact, Nikki was not … Continued
Keeping up a yard is hard work. But did you ever think about it being hard work for the garden tools, too? In the old days, when horses spent a lifetime plowing the fields and pulling up stumps, they were … Continued
There used to be an Ursuline convent in my neighborhood. No, not the original one. That was in downtown Columbia and was burned by Sherman’s troops. Even though it was supposed to be spared. If the convent had been in … Continued
When I walk through my neighborhood, I see stories everywhere. And some of these stories are found in the things that are lost or thrown away. It’s not always the items themselves that inspire a story…it’s the combination of items. … Continued
The Summer Solstice is here. Today is officially the longest day of the year, when the sun is at its northernmost point. We don’t celebrate any solstice festivals here in the neighborhood. No druids or bonfires. Sorry. But we do … Continued
Nobody in my neighborhood puts out flags for Flag Day. Let me emphasize that last part: for Flag Day. Nobody puts out flags for Flag Day because the flags are already there! I live in a very patriotic neighborhood and … Continued
One of the highlights of my childhood was “First Week” at Pawleys Island. As soon as the school year was over, my family would head to the beach for the first week of summer — a week full of cousins … Continued
Sometimes, that big bird staring down at you is a hawk. And sometimes it’s not. Sometimes, that big bird staring down at you is a turkey buzzard. Yeah, that’s creepy.
Best Mom Ever Lives Here! Right here in my neighborhood! Sure, Mother’s Day is already over. But here in the neighborhood, we love our expired holidays. I’m thrilled to see this Mother’s Day flag still flying proudly. In a neighborhood … Continued
The pollen has finally been swept, and the furniture has been washed. The summer office (AKA the back porch) has re-opened for business. I’ve already had my first visitor.
I’ve mentioned before that our neighborhood is 100 miles from the nearest ocean. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need good lighthouses here. To keep ships from running into garden benches. To keep birds from flying into houses. And to … Continued
There’s nothing like Spring Break on Pawley’s Island. Sure, there’s the sun and surf to enjoy. But during Spring Break, there’s the added treat of nesting season. Birds are everywhere! The sandpipers run through the waves, the red-winged blackbirds perch … Continued
So, the Easter Bunny has been seen tooling around the neighborhood this week. Of course, that’s just one interpretation of the Easter Bunny — and his eggs. I like my 6-year-old daughter’s interpretation better. Happy Easter!
In the last installment, I made it clear that this is not a bird in a birdbath. Now I have to point out that this is also not a bird in a birdbath. These are rabbits, people. That is all.
When remodelers are busy at work, I’m glad Captain Obvious swoops through the neighborhood. If he hadn’t set out this Port-a-John sign, we might have thought this lovely room was a home addition.
We had a recent patch of cooler, mistier weather…which meant it was the perfect time to visit the parking lot seagulls! On a dreary day, the seagulls hunker down on the pavement, and their necks all but disappear as they … Continued
Usually on Walkabout Wednesdays, I post pictures of things I see in the neighborhood. But this past week, I left my home in the sandhills and went to the mountains. Right off the bat, there were signs that I wasn’t … Continued
“Oh, George! Bess! Listen to this! At last I think we have the clue we’ve been looking for!” George and Bess studied the paragraph to which Nancy had pointed. Oh, Nancy. That’s nice of you to pretend that your chums … Continued
Will this discussion of palmetto tree mailboxes ever end? No! I’ve already discussed our love of palmetto trees here in the neighborhood, and how you’ll see that love reflected in our choice of mailbox posts and the mailboxes themselves. So … Continued
The Haunted Showboat was always one of my favorite Nancy Drew Mystery Stories. And why wouldn’t it be? There was a mysterious bayou (complete with an alligator), an abandoned showboat and the grand pageantry of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. … Continued
I love the Little Free Libraries around here. But I also love the little lending libraries that take their own path. They pop up with names like “Community Book Exchange.” Or “Take a Book, Leave a Book.” They don’t have … Continued
My favorite Nancy Drew Mystery Stories were always the ones in which Nancy leaves River Heights for some more exotic locale. It could be just down the river, like Lilac Inn, or it could be much farther away–like Shadow Ranch … Continued
It’s the day after Valentine’s Day and the heart flags are still flying happily in the neighborhood. That’s great, because the world needs more love and happiness. I hope they stay up until the end of the week. Oops, did … Continued
By the time I was born, this neighborhood was already well-established. But 20 years earlier, a neighbor’s friends asked why he had moved out to the country. There were horses in the neighborhood then, he said. Of course, there were … Continued
I’ve said many times that Nancy Drew is perfect. But don’t take my word for it. Let’s see how author Carolyn Keene describes her in The Haunted Bridge: Nancy was an only child, but the fact that she had neither … Continued
I’ve mentioned many times that my neighborhood is smack dab in the middle of Suburbia. Not a farm or barnyard in sight. So it always surprises me to find signs of chicken life. Literally. Signs of chicken life. These two … Continued
Years ago, I worked on a PR project for a local restaurant that required me to peruse all kinds of delicious food writing. In the book Home Cooking, Laurie Colwin had this to say about chicken salad: “Like the little … Continued
The Chinese New Year begins on Saturday, when we usher in The Year of the Rooster. Here in the neighborhood, we have always had a fondness for roosters. We put them on mailboxes and fence posts. We put them on … Continued
Chinese New Year begins this Saturday — the Year of the Rooster. Let’s celebrate by looking at a few of the Nancy Drew books that involve Chinese culture. More specifically, three of the ones that involve encounters with Chinese dragons. … Continued
What happens when you tear down the neighborhood bank? Well, this past fall, we had a chance to find out. Apparently, the bank building falls down. But not the bank vault. Three months later, the bank vault is still standing. … Continued
My daughters will never know a world without cell phones. Or without the neighborhood cell phone tower. It would amaze them to know that Nancy Drew not only managed to survive, but actually thrive, in a world without cell phones. … Continued
In Nancy Drew Mystery Stories, there’s rarely any doubt about who the criminals are. Oh, sure, sometimes masks are involved. But even when they’re not, the criminals are still easy to spot from a mile away. Just look at how … Continued
Who would have thought this topic would need more than one post? Let’s review. This is a bird in (or at least on) a birdbath. This is not a bird in (or on) a birdbath. That is all.
So, the end of the year is upon us. Time to do a “Blog in Review” post to look at the most popular stories of the year. Maybe this will help me see what types of posts you’d like to … Continued
Tonight is the longest night of the year. Which means that tomorrow, the daylight hours will lengthen just a bit. And the next day will be even longer… Still, if today is feeling too short, and the night too dark, … Continued
I could go on and on with reasons why Nancy Drew is better than you. But why not let her chum George give you an example, just as she does with Bess in Nancy’s Mysterious Letter. “It’s starting to snow,” … Continued
It’s Christmastime and the neighborhood is looking quite elegant. There are silver and gold bows on mailboxes. Scarlet ribbons on lamp posts. Twinkling lights on porch railings. And then there’s the inflatable reindeer flattening Grandma with a steamroller. I love … Continued
So this should be my last post about Mortimer Bartescue. Should be. But I can’t promise. There’s just something fascinating about that man… I wrote last week about Mortimer’s makeover between the 1937 and 1972 versions of The Haunted Bridge. … Continued
If one wreath is good, two wreaths are twice as nice.
Out of the 51 Nancy Drew books I read as a child, I remember only a handful of secondary character names — and bits and pieces, at that. Except for two. There are two character names that I remember distinctly … Continued
One year ago, we brought Nikki home—and look at her now! We’ve managed to survive a full year with this little rascal, although several pairs of socks, a washcloth and many, many ponytail holders did not. Happy anniversary, Nikki!
I’ve talked before about the palmetto tree mailbox posts here in the neighborhood. But what about those neighbors who feel that a post is just too costly? Or perhaps too … permanent? Well, never fear. There is a palmetto tree … Continued
Nancy Drew is the smartest person alive. I am convinced of that. But sometimes, things happen in Nancy Drew Mystery Stories that defy explanation. And when that happens, you just gotta go with them. Like this incident in The Phantom … Continued
Nothing says Thanksgiving like an Oreo turkey. Happy Thanksgiving from my house to yours.
I love Thanksgiving inflatables. Because that’s how I feel after Thanksgiving dinner. Inflatable.
It’s football season. And for those of you who love a good game, you really ought to read Nancy’s Mysterious Letter. In just about every Nancy Drew Mystery Story, we hear about her “favorite date” Ned Nickerson’s prowess in football. … Continued
Cranberries. Yeah, we don’t grow those down here. Nor do we have Plymouth Rock. Or Pilgrims, for that matter. But we do have Southern hospitality. And what is Thanksgiving Day about if it’s not about hospitality, graciousness and gratefulness? Oh, … Continued
When I wrote before about Nancy Drew-isms, the words and phrases author Carolyn Keene uses over and over, I can’t believe I left one out! I’ve been chiding myself about that ever since. And, of course, that word is…chide. Maybe … Continued
So what has Nikki torn up now? That would be my daughter’s school Code of Conduct booklet. You know, the one that lists inappropriate behavior. The one that lists offenses that could result in suspensions from one to ten days, … Continued
Fall is my favorite time to walk through the neighborhood — especially this glorious time between Halloween and Thanksgiving. When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock, And you hear the kyouck and gobble of … Continued
I don’t know about your neighborhood, but over here it’s a sad, sad week at the curb.
One would think that a writer would occasionally talk about writing on her blog. One would think. But I’d much rather talk about Nancy Drew. So let’s kill two birds with one stone, shall we? Let’s talk about back story. … Continued
You’re almost there! Stop at that tree. Climb that ladder to … a dog party! That’s the ending to P.D. Eastman’s classic Go, Dog, Go! (Oops, perhaps I should have put a spoiler alert before that.) Anyway, have you ever … Continued
This is a Throwback Thursday post to the year when Daughter #1 was four and decided to name our Halloween pumpkins. Meet Rainbow, White Sunshine and Orange Love. Given those names, you might think my daughter dressed up as a … Continued
Nothing says “Halloween” quite like…disembodied zombie hands. I’ve been keeping my eyes on them, and I have to say I’m quite unimpressed with our neighborhood zombies. It’s been days now, and they’ve only managed to get their hands out of … Continued
There are several pieces of writing advice that I find myself returning to again and again, and this quote from Annie Dillard is something I’ve been reminding myself of lately. One of the few things I know about writing is … Continued
Sounds like a Nancy Drew mystery, doesn’t it? But this lighthouse is right here in our neighborhood. 100 miles from the nearest ocean. I’m assuming the cobwebs are Halloween decorations. But, then again, maybe it truly is overrun by giant … Continued
Need another example of why Nancy Drew is better than you? In The Haunted Bridge, Nancy, Bess and George arrive at a cabin in the woods just as an old man emerges to go squirrel hunting. Unfortunately, his gun misfires … Continued
Nikki turns one today. Care to join us for some Frosty Paws? That would be dog ice cream. Yep.
It happened before with the frog flags. And now it’s happening with pumpkin letters. These neighbors don’t live near each other, but they all obviously got the same coupon for a big sale at the Pumpkin Flag Store. It just … Continued
One of the most iconic symbols of fall is the scarecrow. My family sees scarecrows at all the happy places we go in the fall: apple orchards, pumpkin patches, harvest festivals. A couple of years ago, we even made our … Continued
As far as I know, the Redcoats never invaded my neighborhood. The Yankees didn’t, either. I guess they didn’t think our yard flags and patio furniture were valuable enough targets. But if they ever do come back for our plastic … Continued
Part of the fun of the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories is seeing the criminals collapse under pressure and confess all. Oh, they try the silent treatment at first. But usually the criminals are so overwhelmed by Nancy’s superior abilities, they … Continued
The first time I saw a Little Free Library, I was intrigued. That just wasn’t the type of sight I was used to seeing around here. Now it is. Little Free Libraries have popped up like mushrooms all over the … Continued
Speaking of Nancy Drew and The Clue in the Crumbling Wall… (And we were, weren’t we?) I like mollusks as well as the next person. And The Clue in the Crumbling Wall certainly does not disappoint. We learn about the … Continued
The leaves are still green and the flowers are still blooming here in the neighborhood. The only way we know it’s fall is when the yard flags tell us so.
This is a bird in a birdbath. This is not a bird in a birdbath. That is all.
Ahoy there, maties! It’s the 19th of Septembarrrrrrr. The pirates of Amelia Island join me in wishing you a happy Talk Like a Pirate Day!
Nikki with a ball is a picture of pure joy. She loves her balls so much she could — and does — chase them for hours. First, she drops her ball. Then she dashes out into the yard and waits … Continued
So I was driving through the neighborhood and suddenly I thought I saw the Lizard Man. It was tall, and green and … What’s that? You don’t know the story of the Lizard Man? Well, back in the summer of … Continued
As a child, I was very lucky to spend about six weeks out of the year on two very special islands: Pawleys Island, SC, and Amelia Island, FL. These childhood experiences gave me a lifelong love of the coast, which … Continued
Why not celebrate “Read a Book Day” by reading a Nancy Drew Mystery Story? You could even choose one that prominently features books — such as The Whispering Statue. Bookstores have played important roles in several Nancy Drew mysteries — … Continued
We South Carolinians are proud of our palmetto trees. So proud, in fact, that we call ourselves the “Palmetto State.” Not only are our palmettos beautiful, but they also saved us during the Revolutionary War. Fort Moultrie wasn’t quite finished, … Continued
With Labor Day comes the unofficial end of summer. It’s time for kids to give up their summer jobs and go back to school. Well, except for Nancy Drew. She doesn’t have a summer job to give up. Or a … Continued
Hooray for rescue dogs! The rescue organization said Nikki is a spaniel mix. I’m thinking border collie/dachshund, instead. Any other guesses?
Who knew it was a thing?
I can tell this will have to be a continuing series, so I might as well title it as such. You see, Nancy Drew is the picture of perfection. She is ever so much more than you — or I … Continued
My neighborhood is filled with lots of ponds and lakes. (Of course, not as many as there were before the Great Flood of 2015.) And where there are fish, there will be fishermen. Or not. Good thing herons can’t read.
After 112 years, golf is once again an Olympic sport. Before that, it was an official part of the Games only in 1900 and 1904. Too bad it wasn’t part of the 1936 Olympics. Nancy Drew would have been a … Continued
The pencils have been sharpened. The lunches have been packed. The bookbags have been to the Blessing of the Backpacks. It’s the first day of school here in the neighborhood! I hope it’s a good one for all of you … Continued
Here in the neighborhood, we’re very proud of our trees. Oaks and pines far outnumber the other species, but we also have magnolias, persimmons, dogwoods, pears, hollies, maples, sweet gum… Oh, and then there’s this tree. It’s so tall, it … Continued
It’s Book Lovers Day! Not only is it a perfect day to celebrate my favorite books – the Nancy Drew Mysteries – but it’s also a wonderful day to celebrate bookstores. Most of us book lovers would drive to a … Continued
My most popular books by far are the Down Girl and Sit series. Or, as they are often described, the “hilarious adventures of two confused canines.” This illustrated chapter books series stands at four volumes right now—and I’m excited to … Continued
There is no place on earth more beautiful than the South Carolina Lowcountry. Truly. Last week, I was lucky enough to spend some time there, taking in the natural beauty. OK, back to the real world now.
In honor of the squid I saw on Sunday, I thought I do a “Strange Fake Sea Creatures that Attack Nancy” edition of Nancy Drews-day Tuesday. The first one comes early—in Book #4, The Mystery at Lilac Inn. Nancy is … Continued
Sounds like a bad TV show, doesn’t it? But that’s exactly what I saw when I was walking on Pawleys Island yesterday. That half a squid has me wondering… What do you think? Is this simply fish bait that someone … Continued
I love going to the beach in the summer. Or the winter. Or any time, really. I love the beach so much, I wrote a book full of poems about it. Seals, eels, jellyfish, lobsters…I wrote rhymes about all kinds … Continued
Not only is it Nancy Drewsday, but it’s also Aunt and Uncle’s Day, so let’s give a shout out to Miss Eloise Drew – Carson Drew’s schoolteacher sister. Nancy loves spending time with Aunt Eloise, whether it’s in her New York … Continued
Nikki has a new ball. Life is good. That is all.
On Walkabout Wednesdays, I like to take a closer look at the things that interest me in my neighborhood. Architectural details, yard art, signs… Last week, I decided to walk around Siberia instead. Enjoy.
“One of my ancestors,” Miss Armitage began, “was an aristocrat in old Czarist Russia. She was very wealthy and owned beautiful things. Much to her family’s dismay, she fell in love with an American and came to this country to … Continued
When I work in the summer office, I see plenty of birds throughout the day. Crows swoop through the yard. Hummingbirds flit by. Hawks circle overhead. And sometimes, I hear the vibrant sound of woodpeckers — a sound that makes … Continued
Vacation season is upon us. If you’re flying to your destination, why not take a moment to reminisce about air travel in the simpler days of Nancy Drew, when nobody worried about the TSA, or Homeland Security — or security … Continued
Allow me to add a little red, white and blue to your day.
Nikki loves boxes. Shoeboxes, shipping boxes … even box turtles. There is nothing better than going outside to enjoy a good shoebox in the sunshine. Unless it is going back inside to enjoy a good shoebox in the air … Continued
Mysterious packages have been appearing in the neighborhood. Some of these objects are all bundled in black; some are wrapped in white. Even the Crime Watch Zone has been infiltrated! What could these bundles be? Oh! Fire hydrants. Who would … Continued
So I’m reading along in The Invisible Intruder, about a summer ghost-hunting trip that Nancy Drew and her friends take, and come to this passage: Finally all of them went out to the stone parapet in front of the inn. … Continued
Nikki showed up in the Summer Office, rarin’ to go. She is now under the table, having long since given up on the idea that I’ll actually “do something.” Such is the life of a writer’s dog.
I love it when farm stands start popping up in the neighborhood. It’s a berry good thing.
It’s June – time again for June Week at Emerson College! Nancy Drew and her chums Bess and George have been invited to Emerson by their “special friends” Ned, Burt and Dave. After a motel mix-up, the girls end up … Continued
The neighborhood schools let out for the summer three weeks ago. That means we’ve already had three weeks of wearing flip flops, eating ice cream sandwiches and catching lightning bugs. Maybe we should have waited until today to officially start … Continued
So far this year, we’ve only lost two pairs of flip flops to Nikki. I’d say that’s worth celebrating.
Have you ever been walking along, admiring your neighbor’s house, and then realize your neighbor’s house isn’t there any more? Yeah, that’s weird.
I love a good exclamation point. (Unfortunately, that last sentence didn’t require one!) And the Nancy Drew mysteries have certainly added plenty of exclamation points to my life. I’ve written before about how the mystery format of the Nancy Drew … Continued
Two months into a new blog and this is my first post about food. I think I’ve shown remarkable restraint.
I love old American roadside attractions and amusement parks. One I haven’t been to yet is Rock City, near Chattanooga. This attraction gained fame through an ingenious marketing campaign that involved painting “See Rock City” on the roofs of barns … Continued
I wrote before about Nancy Drew inspiring me to write. And in many ways, she also taught me how to write. For instance, through the Nancy Drew books, I learned lots of new words. In The Mystery at Lilac Inn, … Continued
The hummingbird feeder is hung. The birdbath is filled. The hydrangea is blooming. And the office assistant is in place (but still not trained.) The summer office is open for business!
It’s the first Friday in June, so that means it’s time again for National Doughnut Day. I know two dogs who are very happy about that: Down Girl and Sit. (Yes, I know they’re not real. Just humor me.) In … Continued
Sometimes when I walk through the neighborhood, patterns begin to emerge. The trend I’ve been seeing lately can only mean one thing. There’s been a big sale at The Frog Flag Store. This neighbor obviously went to the store, too. … Continued
If it’s Tuesday, it’s time for Nancy Drews-day! That’s right, a new blog feature to celebrate the world’s most famous girl detective. Why? I owe so much of my writing career to Nancy Drew. The Nancy Drew books by Carolyn … Continued
Here’s Nikki when she first came to live with us. She was about 6 weeks old and deceptively cute. Now she is seven months old, and a 20-pound bundle of BAD. Don’t let this picture fool you. Do not look … Continued
Well, hello there. Welcome to the suburbs. Land of yard flags, mailboxes and squirrels. Birdbaths, swing sets and patio furniture. Dogs that are on leashes, and cats that aren’t. On my walks through the neighborhood, I find all kinds of … Continued
