Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Tuesday, June 15, 2021 -- Mattie died 611 weeks ago today.

Tonight's picture was taken in July of 2003. Mattie was about 15 months old and this was his first trip to the beach. Though we rented a house right on the water, we truly never got on the sand. Mainly because Mattie's first trip onto the sand and by the ocean did not go well. Mattie did not like how the sand felt and the crashing waves scared him. Instead, he was happier playing on the deck and using the garden hose. Naturally we went with it but the follow year, we reintroduced Mattie to the beach and he loved it. 

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins. 

• Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 33,480,811
• Number of people who died from the virus: 600,159

I remember the first time I came to Kiawah, I was stunned to see bicycles on the beach. As I have never seen such hard packed sand on any other beach I have been to. But during low tide, this is what the beach looks like. If you stay on Kiawah Island, everyone rents a bicycle. It is a great way of seeing the island and beach. 

I like hot, but today felt like 1,000 degrees! We got up early because we had an 8:30am conference call for a grant we are applying for. Foundation work does not stop for a vacation.

After the call, we drove about an hour off the Island to Charleston. Near the area we parked, we saw this artwork! It is Charleston's version of Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party. 

We had lunch at Magnolia's today. We have dined there two other times in the past, and I loved it! Today I did not feel the same way. I have noticed many stores and fine restaurants have closed, most likely as a result of COVID. Never to be seen again. Frankly, I think Magnolia's is no longer the same quality restaurant it was. I purposefully made a reservation to sit in the front of the restaurant by the windows. Where did they sit me? In the back by the kitchen and bathroom. I complained and they moved us to a different table, but it was still in the back of the restaurant. I feel the food wasn't as interesting or well presented. So in other words, it was disappointing. 

Peter had the catfish and grits. 

I had Mahi Mahi with rice, and the rice seemed soaked in butter. It was tasty, but very heavy. 

A typical Charleston sighting.... horse drawn carriage tours. I truly felt for these horses today because just walking a couple of blocks felt sickening. 

Though the houses are on top of each other, many of them have charming backyards and gardens. 

Charleston is also known for its incredible iron features and gates!

This is typical of the architecture in Charleston. This type of house is called a Charleston Single. A single house has its narrow side (often two or three bays wide) with a gable end along the street and a longer side (often five-bays) running perpendicular to the street.

When the city's first streets were laid out in 1680, residential lots were long and deep but had little street frontage. Placing the house sideways on the lot made the best use of space. This also allowed the home to take full advantage of the prevailing southerly breezes, necessary in the hot summer climate.

Charleston is also known for its colorful homes and streets. 
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The historic part of Charleston is a small area, but nonetheless, these streets are filled with beautiful architecture. 

When I think of Charleston, I think of the Single House architecture, wrought iron gates, and incredible flower boxes. 

Every house you pass, has an unique arrangement on display!

See what I am saying!

This is St. Philip's Church. It was built in 1836 and is considered a National Historic Landmark. The photo may not do it justice, but its beauty captures you while walking around town. You can also see the spire from many locations in the downtown area. 

The College of Charleston is located in the historic area. This yellow house is the English Department! Not a bad place to work. 

This is King Street. It is described as one of America's most visually spectacular avenues, King Street runs from Charleston Harbor to uptown, with three sections rightly known for shopping opportunities — the Design District on Upper King, the Fashion District on Middle King, and the Antique District on Lower King.

With that said, to me the vibrancy of the street has been effected, and I attribute this to COVID.