Dear Reader:

Impromptu, last minute get-always are one of my favorite things to do… especially when one starts the New Year with one of multiple virus ” bugs” going around that spreads throughout the neighborhood… and not just mine but Brookie has had her share of recent ” upsy-daisies” too.

So today ( in spite of another Noah’s Ark rain) Brooke and I are celebrating our ( finally) Social Security increase… largest one in ( well-forever) … we are in the ” Fourth Wednesday of the month SS girls ” category to get our always welcome SS check!! Retired school teachers love you Social Security!

But there was also another reason for ” getting out of town” for a couple of days…( especially for Brooke living in Walterboro) – the infamous Alex Murdaugh trial started Monday with jury selections.

Local, national, and even international news reporters and stations have flocked to little Walterboro, SC. Just getting around town will be a challenge for locals. A mini-break from it all was perfect timing! So to beautiful Beaufort we go … where beloved movies like the Big Chill, Prince of Tides, and Forrest Gump were filmed.

Historically Beaufort is the second oldest city in SC after Charleston and shares many similar scenic backdrops… another charming sea town that is all about storytelling and southern comforts. For Pat Conroy… Port Royal Island on which Beaufort is located ( the largest of several smaller sea islands) became his real life home while starting his teaching career on a nearby smaller sea island… later memorialized in his first bestseller ( turned into a movie-The Water is Wide-Conrack.)

Rain today or not… it doesn’t stop one from eating and Beaufort is known for its southern cuisine… we hope to hit some seafood restaurants and local favorites known for fried chicken and pimento cheese sandwiches. ( Beedos) off the Sea Island Parkway!

So until tomorrow… Make every day an adventure at home or away… life is too short… not to…!

Today is my favorite day… Winnie the Pooh

We usually think of ” nine months” as the gestation period for a little baby… but look what nine months of braces did for Jake! ( now will just be on a retainer)