Friday, May 18, 2018

May in the Lowcountry

It's a dark, drizzly day here so I'm using it to catch up on long overdue emails, update this and just generally try to get caught up. It was suppose to rain most of the week, and I had made my peace with that, but we haven't gotten as much as expected, and we really do need it. Yards are suffering and lagoons are way down, so I hope we get more.

My major accomplishment is that I've finished our vacation video after three revisions. After I posted the original, I knew there were things I wanted to re-visit and I also received some wonderful shots from real photographers who were with us, people with real cameras! Then, I was sitting outside with Rosie one Friday and Tippy, who went with me, called to say that she had friends in town and they had decided to have pizza and watch the video that evening. She asked if I wanted to come over, which I did. By the time I got there, neighbors had joined the party so we declared it the Lowcountry Premier!! Everyone seemed to enjoy it but thought I should slow it down a bit (though I was trying to keep it short so as not to become boring). Anyway, I slowed it a little, included the great photos, as well as a video of the staff saying goodbye to us at Mbugani Camp, and a surprise bonus at the end. It is now 25 minutes long, but shorter if you don't watch the bonus.....but I think you will want to see and hear it! Anyway, I could work on it forever but this is officially the final copy! When you have the time, you can see it here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SaI4jsMJCBNZljD2UJs4aL-c705rmLdK/view?usp=sharing
So, pour yourself a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy! Both Tippy and I continue to marvel at the awesomeness of it all!

One advantage of fiddling with the video much longer than I should is that it took my mind off politics and the misery many of us feel. That proved to be temporary!! One week I went to Drinking Liberally on Wednesday, Surf the Blue Wave Rally on Thursday, and Liberal Ladies of the Lowcountry on Friday!! The Africa trip was a wonderful escape on so many levels, but with all the heinous crap happening on a daily basis, it's difficult to pull back. I am thankful for having liberal friends with whom to commiserate and vent, otherwise it would be unbearable!

Tippy, Kieran and I went to the Bluffton Mayfest last weekend. I had not been in years and really had no plans to go until Tippy texted. I was so conflicted and couldn't make up my mind, finally asking her to text again when they were leaving home. I ultimately decided to join them and am glad I did. The fairs are all  much the same, but we enjoyed it and had a fun time.....and a nice lunch! I've asked them to put the Bluffton Christmas Parade on their calendar as it is always quirky and fun......and I also haven't been in ages, so it's time to go again!

Am looking forward to a visit from Eileen in early June. I'm doing a little cooking and freezing, as well as keeping a list of whatever is happening during her stay, so we can take it easy and enjoy ourselves.The weather is not yet too hot and I'm hoping it lasts through her visit. Eileen will just need to brace herself for all the loving she's going to get from Rosie!!

Speaking of Rosie....I bought her a little cooling vest for the heat of summer. 
I know! Don't say it......BUT, with her short legs, she gets the heat from the sidewalk....and won't walk on the grass (which is for pooping!). She is also black on top and has very compact hair!! I think the vest will work if I can get her accustomed to it. I moisten it with cool water and wring it out well.  It does keep her body cool, but she has been cutting our walks short when wearing it. I'm hoping that in the real heat of summer she will appreciate it. You can tell by her stance and ears that she isn't a happy camper!

Was just reminded of this boy in the top photo who was found by one of the ladies (Dawn) who saved Rosie. His name is Reeve and his story is different in that his injuries happened a while back and has begun healing incorrectly. Dawn is trying to raise money for his care and recalled Rosie's story on Facebook. She posted these photos,  which reminded me of how hurt and frightened Rosie (Baby Ruth then) was. Look at that sad, pained face and those akimbo ears! But look at her now!!! I do hope sweet Reeve has the same results. He certainly has the right people on his team! He has had two surgeries and things are looking better. Think good thoughts for him.