09 Jul THT- Isle of Palms Part II

I’m writing today about the second bit of our trip to the Isle of Palms. If you missed Part I, read HERE.

Blogging and Our Trips

Just like my stomach, this summer’s blogging has been a bit irregular. We have planned trips, and my mom has stayed and visited for a week. She goes home this Wednesday, and we are off to Nashville, TN for five days. We are staying at this Hyatt Hotel and it is dog friendly, so we will bring them. It is our 23rd Anniversary on July 14th, and my birthday was yesterday, 56, so just celebrating and seeing new sites. I will be back to more of a normal schedule in August.

I know I will need a recoup from the vacations. Isn’t that how it goes or are you one to just keep on truckin’ with no rest required?
There has been a lot of eating out, and I am sure there will be some great meals in Nashville to be had. After that, I am working with a nutritionist on the FODMAP diet for my Gastroperesis. Enough about my gastronomic issues, let’s talk more about the Isle of Palms!

Isle of Palms

We had a lovely house, merely 5 minutes from the beach, and practically in our backyard, a golf course. My two brothers took advantage and signed up one early morning for a day of golf. Hubby and I went kayaking and paddleboarding and had a great time exploring the scenery, and staying a bit away from the marshland, only later learning that alligators don’t swim in salt water, but freshwater. Egrets dotted some of the shoreline, and there were pelicans lined up along the deck, not to be deterred by the fake “coyote statue” that was at the end of the pier.

We celebrated my mom’s 80th birthday and I bought Iris Arpfel looking “80 glasses” complete with the number for glasses lined in rhinestones, and rose gold. Balloons and a delicious cake, had to be vanilla, and a banner that read the “What happened in the year 1944” was the backdrop. Things I didn’t know other than Casablanca being the number one picture. The prices of houses was about $2,000 and we laughed at the cost of things, not even comparable to today with inflation and time. She was surprised! We all gave gifts of things to do, for mom. We bought her gift cards to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and to the Bluementhal theatre here when she visits. She is very active, and loves shows, musicals etc.h, and memories are always the sweetest gifts.

My mom, husband and I went to Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens,

“Boone Hall Plantation was founded in 1681 when Englishman Major John Boone came to Charleston and established a lucrative plantation and gracious home on the banks of Wampacheone Creek.”hh

The gardens and plantation were extensive, and we took a tour, beautiful oak trees lining each side. I love hearing about the history, and we were on a open air “train” to view the grounds. It was extremely hot that day, but much of our tour was inside. In the entertaining room, with library books lining the shelves, and two grand pianos, we learned that the Boone family had Gershwin performing for their parties. Wouldn’t you love to say, “Oh, George was here last night, playing a tune on the piano.”:-)

The beach was heavenly as we went out first thing in the morning. I mentioned last week, I love to boogie board and have always loved the water. On a day where there weren’t as many waves, I just floated, closing my eyes for a minute, in the relaxing, calming waters.

Seafood was and is the name of the game for me, when we go to Charleston or anywhere you can get fresh fish. The meals we had were so good, by the time the last day rolled around we cancelled our reservations, because we needed a break from eating all the rich food! (first orld problems, am I right?) We decided, instead, we would take mom out when she would stay for the week in Lake Norman.

So, there was a lot of great food, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boogie boarding for the week. We all did some separate things and then came together for others. We mentioned to my niece, who loves haunted stories, to go on a haunted tour. They toured this haunted jail in Charleston, which is always fun. She was convinced, she was touched by a spirit.

Each couple had a night they had to cook dinner, so that worked quite well too. Helping to save a bit, it gave us a chance to all sit around the dining table and be together.

Mom and I shopping at a boutique

My little buddy and 6 year old nephew at dinner.h

All the pelicans

A nature tour on kayaks

MOm’s 80th party! Wearing our 80 glasses and other 1944 decor

Boone Plantation and Garden

Garbage from the ocean, made into a pelican sculpture. Do you see the flip flops?

Have you ever been to Charleston’s beaches? If so, where?

Other Posts on Charleston

Charleston Vacation Part I

Charleston Part II

Join me for TURNING HEADS TUESDAY

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