Travels with Judy & Jeff

Oh Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah

2020-12-19T15:20:00.007-05:00

Picking up in the middle of Hanukkah. Hadassah held its first online party complete with goodie bags, singing and menorah lighting. Jeff and I enjoyed latkes twice and ate enough oil to last until next year.

Another week mostly in the house and daily walking in very cold weather. At least we did not have snow as they did in the northeast.

My friend Judee recently published a cookbook. It is beautiful to look at and full of her delicious soup recipes. I made the pumpkin/sweet potato soup and love it.

A few ZOOM lectures, meetings and a trip to the gynecologist for my yearly checkup.

Today Jeff, Sirius and I walked at Lake Somerset. Chilly, yet sunny and invigorating.

Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas

2020-12-14T14:29:00.000-05:00

Monday morning was the Christmas Bird Count. This is a yearly event that is the world's largest volunteer project. I was the captain of my team looking for birds on the back nine holes of the Okatie golf course. We woke up to cloudy skies and expected thunderstorms. Luckily the weather turned sunny and pleasant. We saw lots of birds and here are a few favorites. On the way in my golf cart at 7:00 am I saw this majestic deer posing at the far end of a nearby lagoon.

Not a bird - Fox Squirrel

An Orchard Oriole in a backyard feeder along the course.

Brown Headed Nuthatch

Great Blue Heron

Pine Warbler and ?

Hooded Merganser Duck who was swimming with a female.

Happy Birthday

2020-12-13T14:16:00.005-05:00

Today is Brian's birthday and also Pearl Harbor Day. It turned out to be a happy, eventful week as Brian and Rori told us that we will become grandparents of a baby boy this spring.

I started off with a Bird Club board meeting. and later Hebrew class. In the evening I went to a fun ZOOM from Hadassah on making latkes. Tuesday was more meetings as was Wednesday with the Hadassah board meeting and Bird Club membership meeting. Jeff went to see his orthopedist and had his sling removed. He will start physical therapy on Saturday and then go three times a week.

We had a special visitor at our feeder - a Pileated Woodpecker. We have had two or three in the yard but this is the first one who had a snack.

Finally it is Thursday and the first candle for Hanukkah. I have been busy addressing and mailing cards for Hanukkah and Christmas. In the morning Sirius and I saw a red fox on our street.

Sun City sponsored a celebration with a large aluminum menorah set in Town Square near the Christmas tree. Jeff and I went, but avoided going inside the Pavilion where they were serving latkes and hot cider. The program was pleasant, but it got a little crowded and we should have stayed home. When we got home I made a huge pile of latkes and we ate them all!

Friday was a beautiful day and Jeff, Sirius and I went to Jasper Park and walked on a trail. At night we lit candles online with Mickve Israel. The Chabad Rabbi dropped off a beautiful Hanukkah Box. It was full of goodies like home made jelly donuts, a chocolate dipped cookie, chocolate coin gelt, a dreidel and an informative booklet. Sadly, I ate all that was edible. Our friends Susie & Art brought over delicious Hanukkah cookies and they are all gone too. OY!

Saturday we did a driveway visit with Lynn and Neal. Today is another gorgeous, warm day and we took a nice walk. Tonight we'll do another online candle lighting with Chabad on Hilton Head Island. Two more visitors.

Great Blue Heron across the lagoon

The Catbird returned

I Love a Parade

2020-12-06T17:42:00.004-05:00

On Monday, Nov 23 we went to a birthday parade. One of our friends, Kay, was celebrating and this is how we do it with social distancing. Friends line up in their golf carts or cars and drive slowly past the house. The birthday gal sits in her driveway on a decorated lawn chair and we all honk and wave and can drop cards into a large bag safely distanced in the driveway. It is a lot of fun.

I am continuing with my conversational Hebrew and enjoying plant based food cooked and delivered by a local woman. I ordered her delicious vegan meatloaf for my Thanksgiving dinner. On Thanksgiving Jeff enjoyed a turkey breast which he prepared beautifully. It was a little sad as we were alone, but thankfully healthy. It is encouraging that an end is in sight and I mean the vaccine.

The night before Thanksgiving Jeff threw out his back. He was in excruciating pain and I had to get him seated in an office chair and then roll him from the kitchen to the entrance of the bedroom. On Friday he got an appointment with the spine doctor. He will ice his back and suffer until next week when he can get a shot in his spine. He had this about three years ago and it worked wonderfully.

A couple of days of rain and some cold weather. Not bad staying inside. The COVID is really bad now and we are advised not to go to the grocery or anywhere else. I am busy with ZOOM meetings and getting ready to assume the presidency of my Hadassah Chapter. Also involved with planning a few events so this keeps me busy and my mind whirring.

On Wednesday I went to get my teeth cleaned. I hate going inside, but figure keeping my teeth and me healthy is very important and the offices are so careful. Thursday morning I took Jeff back to the spine doctor to get his shot which is done under X-ray. He walked out and declared no pain. I am so happy for him. Friday I gave a beginner genealogy lesson to a friend. I have been spending lots of time on my family trees and I do love it.

Saturday was a beautiful day and we took a drive in the country. We headed to the Webb Nature Center, but it was closed for a hunt. I should have checked before we drove 45 minutes. Well it was a nice drive and good to see beautiful trees and sunshine.

This morning I guided a nature tour on the back nine of the Hidden Cypress Golf Course. It was cold driving over in the golf cart before 8:00 am. It did warm up a little, but I had on long underwear, a puffy winter coat and scarf to keep me warm. I saw this Red Shouldered Hawk in a tree behind the house before I left.

Then I saw the Bald Eagle posing on my way to the golf course.

Here are some photos from this past week and the nature tour.

Kildeer

Anhinga

Momma gator and large babies

Downy Woodpecker

Cute Carolina Wren

Male Cardinal

Baltimore Oriole

House Finch

Black Bellied Whistling Ducks

Goldfinger

2020-11-29T14:05:00.003-05:00

I took this photo last winter on a nature tour on the golf course.

Bird is the Word

2020-11-22T23:40:00.000-05:00

Thursday was a gorgeous day and Sirius and I took a long walk. We saw these wood storks near the Hidden Cypress golf course.

The boardwalk looked so pretty in the sunlight.

And a little fall color in the trees

Sirius had a bath and grooming and looks so handsome in his bandana.

This live oak tree showing off Spanish Moss.

In the afternoon I had a meeting in Riverbend and these turkeys were resting alongside the road.

So lucky to see the eagle's nest every time we go in or out of our street. I caught one of them in the nest.

Another walk with Sirius on a different route. We walked on another boardwalk and saw bald cypress trees and the golf cart bridge in the distance.

A cute little guy with yellow streaks.

On Saturday we went to Fish Haul Beach with Lynn, Neal and their dog Maggie. The weather was perfect and people were in the ocean swimming. Lots of dogs and Sirius was well behaved.

Pelicans fishing

A lazy Sunday and a real treat as a beautiful Osprey was fishing in our lagoon.

Skybird

2020-11-18T23:14:00.001-05:00

This is all about birds. The title is a song by Neil Diamond. A regular Monday with an OLLI class in the morning and Hebrew lesson in the late afternoon. In between Sirius and I walk and enjoy the beautiful weather. So many birds are coming to our backyard feeders.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Female Cardinal

Downy Woodpecker

Black Capped Chickadee

Pine Warbler

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Pine Warbler

Yellow Rumped Warbler

Pine Warbler

Brown Thrasher

Tuesday was a busy day as I led a Nature Tour in the early morning and Sirius went to Sandy Paws for a bath and grooming. It was the coldest day we have had this season with weather in the low 40's. I mistakenly chose not to wear a winter coat and gloves. So I froze in my heavy sweatshirt and jeans while I drove the golf cart to the Okatie Golf Course. I arrived at 7:00 and had a fun time on the front nine holes of the course. We got close to many birds who were anxious to pose for photos. It did warm up a little and turned out to be a pleasant day.

Great White Egret

Cormorants in a tree

Little Blue Herons

Two Nuthatches in a tree

Wood Stork posing

Great Blue Heron

Fox Squirrel

Leaving after the tour I saw this Anhinga sitting on a bench. Funny!

Great Blue Heron

Juvenile Little Blue Heron

Driving home I saw these Pied Billed Grebes swimming in a large lagoon. They are the smallest ducks and so cute. They dive completely under the water to fish and then pop up and swim again.

A special treat were this pair of Ring Necked Ducks. I took a zillion photos and find them gorgeous. Notice the tri-colored beak and bright yellow eyes. They also dive under the water to fish.

And almost home I saw one of our resident eagles in a tree near the nest.

Today was cold again, but sunny and clear. I had a class in the morning and then we had a picnic lunch at Lake Somerset with Jan and Harvey. Spent the rest of the day admiring our new toaster oven and hanging out.

Blue Skies

2020-11-15T23:08:00.001-05:00

Another week hunkered down and waiting for "45" to concede the election. Things seem a bit more hopeful and I am trying to remain calm. More doctor visits and lots of ZOOM meetings, lectures and classes. Sirius and I take lots of walks since the weather is cooler. We did get out for dinner on the porch of our friends Karen and Stuart. We picked up Chinese food and ate out of the containers with plastic forks. We are trying to be so careful.

Lots of birds at our backyard feeders.

Downy Woodpecker

Catbird with a black cap and a red spot under his tail

At the Riverbend dock this Great White Egret at low tide

A Great Blue Heron

And a Little Blue Heron

He got his feet and beak very muddy

And I saw him catch and eat three small snakes

Beautiful Brown Thrasher with yellow eyes

A young gator lounging on our lawn

Female Anhinga in the tree across the lagoon

An Osprey fishing in our lagoon

Anhinga drying his wings

Little Blue Heron across the lagoon

Sirius and I took a walk at Lake Somerset and saw this Great Blue Heron hiding in the brush.

Hail to the Chief

2020-11-07T22:30:00.097-05:00

Celebrate! Over the moon with happiness and hope with the votes counted and Biden/Harris the winners. I am breathing a huge sigh of relief and looking to the future with extreme optimism.

Since the last post the country has been consumed with the election and I have watched TV from awakening until the wee hours of the morning. I did take time for a few meetings and we had a Glazer family ZOOM call on Saturday afternoon - it was wonderful!

The weather has been beautiful and Sirius and I have enjoyed walking with cool breezes and sunshine. We saw this exotic Wood Stork on the lagoon near the tennis courts.

My Christmas cactus is blooming.

On Wednesday I attended a ZOOM from the bird club on raptors. It was really good and I learned so much about hawks, eagles, harriers, kites, owls, vultures and more beautiful birds.

Thursday was a Hadassah meeting, my African American class and then the kickoff event for our local Jewish Federation. The speaker, Simone Knego, was so inspirational and has recently written a book titled "The Extraordinary Unordinary You." All donors were given a copy of the book which I look forward to reading.

Friday I am still glued to the TV and did a morning ZOOM on post election politics from Jewish Federations of America. I was excited because Bakari Sellers was one of the panelists and I am a fan of his. He was a SC legislator and appears often as a contributor on CNN. Late Friday came the great news and I have been on cloud 9 ever since.

This weekend is the virtual walk from my Hadassah chapter. I am rocking my pink breast cancer tee shirt and Hadassah bandana, a gift from our region.

Saturday I took a walk on the Riverbend dock. This is a beautiful section of Sun City that is down the road and sits on a beautiful marsh. I was there at high tide and saw several people crabbing.

Red Bellied Woodpecker

Little Blue Heron soaring and posing for his closeup.

At night we watched the Biden/Harris speeches and saw the terrific fireworks. The UNITED STATES is back baby!

All in all an exhilarating and wonderful week.

Some birds at our feeders.

Eastern Bluebird

Carolina Wren

Cardinal

Tufted Titmouse

Pine Warbler

Downy Woodpecker

Food Glorious Food

2020-10-28T22:30:00.000-04:00

More time and still in the house most of the time. Luckily Jeff and I have lots to do on the computer, reading and TV. On Thursday I took an excellent OLLI class on Reconstruction and the National Parks. One of the park rangers was at Petersburg Battlefield. Jeff and I visited there in January on our trip to Virginia which made the talk very interesting for me. I walked on the nature trail as the weather has been gorgeous. In the evening I had my African American class which I find fascinating and learning so much. Later we watched the presidential debate.

Friday I met Joan at Lake Somerset to go over Hadassah stuff. It is nice to be outside and a plus for living in the south where we have temperate weather most of the year. When I got home we had some excitement as two of my neighbors spotted this young gator hanging near the water drain.

Later Jeff and I drove to Beaufort where we picked up lunch and had a picnic. We sat on a hillside under a huge live oak tree overlooking the water. It was so lovely and Sirius and I took a nice walk too.

Saturday I attended a Bar Mitzvah on ZOOM for a friend's grandson all the way from Indianapolis. He did a great job. Mazel Tov Rafael! Another celebration today was the 78th birthday of our dear friend, Bob. An afternoon ZOOM got many friends and family together to fete the birthday guy.

Sunday should have been the annual Shalom Y'all Food Festival. Jeff and I enjoy volunteering there and sad that it is cancelled this year. There will be a virtual celebration. There was a video from two years ago that was on a local Savannah TV station about the event.

We did salvage the day with a driveway visit with Judy & Sam, Jan & Harvey.

Monday was a busy day with Jeff having outpatient surgery on his shoulder. He had a large tear in the rotator cuff and thank goodness did not need a should replacement. He will have to wear this cumbersome sling for six weeks and then do physical therapy. He is a good patient and managing quite well. On Wednesday we drove to the doctor's office in Hilton Head to have the bandages removed and permission to take a shower!

Wednesday morning I guided a nature tour on the Hidden Cypress Front Nine. It was a beautiful day and we saw a few fox squirrels, deer, a kingfisher and assorted songbirds and waders. At night I had two ZOOMS and then we watched TV.

Happy Talk

2020-10-21T19:54:00.005-04:00

Monday is a lazy day and time to rest and study for my afternoon Hebrew class. Tuesday was restful too and I spent some time getting ready to host the Hadassah meeting on Wednesday. It will be my first time using screen share and other issues.

Tuesday morning Sirius and I saw two Fox Squirrels walking near Lake Somerset on the pretty path.

Lots of activity at the bird feeders and a lovely Kingfisher at our lagoon.

Male and female House Finches

Camelias blooming outside our bedroom window.

Great Egret visiting our lagoon.

The Kingfisher

Our backyard

So Wednesday arrived and I hosted the meeting and it went off beautifully. Our chapter hosted a national speaker who is co-chair of Youth Aliyah. Her talk was wonderful and everyone learned so much about this project. Our slate of officers for 2021 was approved and I am the incoming president! Next I had a political ZOOM and then a region Hadassah ZOOM in the early afternoon. After a short rest period I worked on next year's programs for the bird club. I will be the program VP. I had dinner and joined another political ZOOM.

Here Comes the Bride

2020-10-18T22:24:00.004-04:00

Today is the most special of all as Brian and Rori got married this afternoon. Their original plans for May were postponed because of the pandemic so they decided to do an intimate "COVID Elopement." They planned it beautifully and had their closest friends as witnesses while we and Rori's family watched on ZOOM. I dressed up we sat at the kitchen table

It took place in a beautiful park in DC and they self officiated the ceremony.

No photos until the professional ones are ready, but want to say it was incredible to watch them marry and cannot wait until we can be together to hug and say Mazel Tov in person.

Let the Good Times Roll...

2020-10-17T21:19:00.005-04:00

More time spent quarantined, but also enjoying the beautiful weather. Tonight, Friday, October 2, is the festival of Sukkot and we had a driveway visit with Judy & Sam which always cheers us up. On Saturday we attended a drive in Sukkot service led by Rabbi Haas. It was held in a large field adjacent to a church complete with stage and sound system. You could listen to the service from your car radio or we chose to sit on our lawn chairs in the front. After the short service we were invited to individually enter a makeshift sukkah and shake the lulav and smell the etrog.

That night we met Lynn and Neal at Fish Haul Beach with their dog Maggie. it was cool and wonderful.

Sunday night we met Susie and Art at Lake Somerset for an outdoor dinner. We all brought our own food and this is such an easy way to get together with no cleaning or cooking to prepare.

The next week was more OLLI classes, Hebrew lessons and on Monday a Frank Lloyd Wright house tour. It is amazing what we can do these days from our homes.

I do go out to doctor visits and on Tuesday had blood drawn for testing in preparation for my annual physical next week. Then I headed over to the Bloodmobile to donate a pint. Makes me feel so good to give blood.

Birds at our feeders. Titmouse

Downy Woodpecker

Wednesdays are always busy with my MI class in the morning and a monthly meeting of the bird club in the afternoon. At night I had a Hadassah online event and then the Vice Presidential debate.

Thursdays are filled up too with a Hadassah meeting in the morning as we plan a Chanukah party. Late afternoon is my USCB African History class which is always fascinating.

Friday wasn't too busy so we drove to Beaufort and voted! Only waited in line for one hour.

This Saturday was very special as we attended a ZOOM Bat Mitzvah for Massina, granddaughter of our dear friends Sue and Bob. She did an outstanding job and we are all so proud and happy to be able to share as she was on Long Island, NY. Later we had a back yard visit with our friends Jane and Larry. So good to see friendly faces in person, albeit six feet away at least.

Another week and more meetings and classes. Had my physical in person and made it to another year with no prescriptions. Yea! To celebrate I headed back to the Port Royal boardwalk and took a nice walk and some photos.

Brown Headed Cowbird

Snowy Egret

Using a truck tire to create an oyster bed.

Ruddy Turnstone

Next day was the monthly Hadassah board meeting and at night we had dinner with Jan and Harvey on their porch. We bring our own food. It is much easier for me to do that since I am eating a plant based diet.

Jeff took this photo from our back door as the colors are so pretty this time of year.

Friday was extra special as I joined a group from the bird club to walk in Pinckney National Wildlife refuge. We got there at 8:30 a.m. and had the place to ourselves. We walked one mile to the Ibis Pond, saw some birds and ducks and then walked back. Spent two glorious hours there.

Gallinules

Female Blue Teal Ducks?

Gallinule

Female Gallinule

Coots

Osprey

Male Anhinga

Fritillary

I'll end this on Saturday which was our 49th wedding anniversary. We celebrated with a trip to Fish Haul Beach with Sirius. Sirius and I took a walk at the edge of the water and saw some birds. He is my photo assistant and sits still while I take pictures. A great companion except he likes to eat sand which cannot be healthy.

Tri Colored Heron

Snowy Egret

Jeff enjoyed the solitude and ocean breezes.

Later we did a driveway visit with Lynn and Neal, Judy and Sam. We got cards, flowers and a balloon. Watched some great TV including a movie that we loved in the 1980's, The Gods Must Be Crazy. I laughed so hard, a very funny and sweet movie.

Monday Morning

2020-10-01T22:30:00.001-04:00

It is Monday and only 36 days to the elections. Jeff and I have applied for absentee ballots and intend to hand deliver them to the Election Bureau in Beaufort. I usually work at the polls, but not taking a chance this year.

So Monday was Yom Kippur and I fasted and spent most of the day at services. We belong to Mickve Israel in Savannah and they did a beautiful job doing the services on YouTube. A member is a professional videographer and he puts so much work into appropriate videos to accompany the music and prayers. Many people were in the services and most of it was taped over the summer.

That night I watched a televised debate for our Congressional candidates. That was a practice for what was to come on Tuesday night with the first Presidential debate. I will not comment as history will tell the story of that debacle. We were supposed to have dinner with Jan and Harvey, but it was pouring rain and we did not want to sit on the porch. So they brought over my Mexican food and we stayed home.

Wednesday I attended my study group and this week we discussed Jewish authors. I gave a report on Herman Wouk and want to reread some of his books which I read as a teen or young adult. I had a Hadassah training on ZOOM in the afternoon and an OLLI class at night. I am so busy and find that amazing since I barely leave the house. I do continue to walk every day. Sirius and I do about a mile in the morning and then I try to go to the nature trail and do another two miles. As it is cooler now it is lovely to be outside.

Today was very special as Jeff and I took another road trip to Hunting Island State Park. It was a gorgeous day, sunny and not too hot. Perfect to find Painted Buntings, a colorful bird that I heard were at the park's nature center. It takes about 45 minutes to drive to the park which is located northeast of Beaufort and the drive is wonderful crossing lots of water and marshes. We got there before noon which is not the best time to go bird watching, but it is what it is. We went to their nature center and saw some tanks with snakes, turtles and other small creatures. Then we went outside to walk on the pier which is under repair.

Next we started to walk the mile long trail to the beach. It was full of bugs that started biting and I went back to the car to get bug spray. When I returned Jeff was heading back saying his neck had started to hurt. So he headed for the car and I headed towards the beach. I was not seeing any birds and it was deserted so I decided to walk back. On the way I met another birder and did see a few birds. There were lots of palms, pines and hardwood trees. These branches were full of resurrection fern which were looking very green and healthy with all the rain we have had recently.

When I got back I returned to the feeder area and saw a bird that I think is a female Painted Bunting.

Now I had a real treat as two young raccoons arrived and started eating seeds that had fallen from the feeders. They were so cute. But then one of them climbed a tree near me and could have easily jumped on the railing next to me. So I decided it was time to leave after snapping a few more photos.

Determined to find a male bunting we stopped a a marsh boardwalk that is part of the park and I walked to the end and back, about a half mile. Very pretty.

Fritillary Butterfly

Phoebe

Last stop was the beach area which had lots of standing water which had some of the roads and parking areas closed. I walked out to the beach and passed the famous lighthouse. There is lots of beach area here and we never come in the summer as I hear it gets crowded and often they run out of parking spaces. This time of year there were just a sprinkling of people.

Unfortunately I didn't see any interesting shore birds, just a few sea gulls. I can return and try my luck again. On the way back we stopped at a seafood place and ate outside for the first time since March. They had two patios and were at a large picnic table with no one within 15 feet. It was great!

We got home in time to walk Sirius and I had my African American class. Tonight we continued watching Inspector Morse on TV. One of my favorite shows that Jeff had never seen before.

What a Day for a Day Dream...

2020-09-27T18:22:00.004-04:00

Tonight is Kol Nidre, the night beginning the holiday of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year. On Rosh HaShanah the book of life is opened and on Yom Kippur it is sealed with your fate for the coming year. It is a time to ask forgiveness of those you may have hurt or offended.

When I wrote last we had a wonderful road trip. That night I was on a ZOOM with Hadassah and guest Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia. What a thoughtful, lovely man he is and I so enjoyed hearing him speaking informally. Wish he had been our vice president.

On Thursday I had Hebrew review session and the last time with our morah Or Adi. She is a shelicha and returning to Israel. I learned so much and found her to be an interesting teacher and person. Next I attended the Hadassah Savannah Installation of Officers on ZOOM. My friend and rebbitzen April Haas was installed with a co-president. Then I rushed off to ZOOM my weekly class on Afro American Studies. It is crazy to be so busy and never leave the house.

Friday morning Jeff and I took a Computer Club course on Google Photos. Then we dropped Sirius off at his salon to be groomed. We headed to the supermarket to shop and get flu shots. Then we unpacked the groceries at home and I went back to get Sirius. Another busy day. At night we finished watching the TV series "Dexter." Eight seasons - we liked it and kept us occupied.

Saturday was a lazy day and I decided to return to walking on the Nature Trail. Wearing a mask it seemed safe, although only half of the walkers were masked.

We went to Lynn & Neal's porch for dinner after picking up pizzas. It is so wonderful to actually see people and have a decent conversation though our masks. They have a large, screened porch and we socially distance.

Today I slept really late and then spent a few hours doing genealogy. I returned to the Nature Trail to walk and got to see a few deer standing near the boardwalk.

As I was watching the deer it started to drizzle and I hurried back to my car.

Now we are going to have dinner and Jeff and I will go to Kol Nidre Services on our computer. Not the same as in person, but a good alternative while staying safe.

Blue Velvet

2020-09-23T18:01:00.002-04:00

Monday afternoon I guided a nature tour on the Okatie Creek Golf Course. The tours had been on hiatus since March and this is the first week back. I led the group of 10 on the back nine holes. Jeff came along to drive me and the tour driver brought up the rear keeping everyone together on the cart paths. It was a good weather day, but we saw no wildlife and just a few birds. We did see one huge alligator sunning in a lawn. Luckily he was across a lagoon so we felt safe. Here I am showing off a bluebird box and giving a history of our community.

The weather is getting cooler and it is pleasant to be outside. Tuesday morning Sirius had his annual physical and three year rabies shot. The vet's office is very careful and no human parents are allowed inside. Several parking spots have numbered signs with the office phone number. You call and a tech comes out to walk your pet to an exam room and take notes on any issues your want checked. Then the veterinarian came out to discuss the visit and take my credit card. Finally the tech brought Sirius out with my card and receipt. And a few treats for a very good boy.

Today was a glorious, sunny day with a high of 79. We decided a road trip was in order and off we went. Jeff and I decided to visit Habersham, an isolated community on the way to Beaufort. You literally can't get there from anywhere, but you can driving down a narrow two lane road in the middle of nowhere. We were shocked to find several hundred drop dead gorgeous homes, townhouses and lots of new construction. The place was perfect for the Stepford wives with little pocket parks and shady lanes with overhanging live oak trees. We were shocked! There is a marketplace area near the entrance with several small restaurants and other shops. So cute!

This is a large park with walking trails and ponds.

Afterwards we hit a Burger King and I had my first Impossible Burger in months - yummy!!! We took our food to the waterfront in Port Royal and had a picnic in the car. Then I walked on the long boardwalk that is on the inlet overlooking Parris Island. There were several people there which was shocking as it is usually empty. Most were fishing or crabbing and it was high tide so all the oyster beds were submerged.

I talked to a nice guy who let me photograph him with his crab trap along with blue claw crabs that he had trapped and would cook for dinner.

Further down I saw two small cruise ships that are docked due to the quarantine. We have seen one of these before docked in Beaufort. They do an upscale cruise along the intracoastal waterway stopping at picturesque towns along the way.

The observation tower is the end of the boardwalk (actually made of concrete) and climbing up gives a great view of the area.

I was lucky to see a dolphin.

Looking north from the parking lot the beach was under water.

I loved seeing this lone man fishing on the dock. Great way to spend an afternoon.

Driving out we saw these ibises...

And a tri-colored heron. I thought he was eating a small snake, but now I think it is a shrimp.

Last stop was the docks by a seafood restaurant on the water. This dock was where much of the movie Forrest Gump was filmed and the scenes for the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company.

Bird is the Word

2020-09-21T14:42:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday to the World! It is Rosh HaShanah and I attended services online from Mickve Israel. Dinnertime we did a ZOOM with five couples who form our Shabbat Group. It was fun to see everyone and enjoy Jeff's delicious Challah.

On Sunday I went to second day services and then took a three mile walk. I saw this weird looking stuff on the bottom of a tree. I think it is a shedded snake skin. I'd rather see that then a live snake. Then I chased this Great Egret down the street as he strolled though yards.

Sunday night I watched the Emmy's where they did a great job with an empty theatre and all the nominees and attendees at home. Now we have to watch Shitt's Creek since it swept the awards for comedy.

Some birds I have seen recently at our feeders.

House Finch

Downy Woodpecker

Carolina Wren

Tufted Titmouse

See you in September

2020-09-19T17:29:00.004-04:00

More time has passed and we are still hunkered down, but keeping very busy.I continue with my Hebrew classes and Hadassah activities. Jeff prepared and delivered a new class for the Computer Club and also did a new OLLI class called, "I Hate Passwords." On Wednesdays I have my Mickve Israel study group and once a month the Hadassah board meets on a Wednesday morning. I also attend several meetings and workshops with Hadassah region, on voting and a course for new presidents. Lots of information.

I continue to chair the Hadassah project where we deliver snack baskets to the local hospitals. The volunteer coordinator takes these from our car and puts them in break rooms throughout the hospital. It is a very rewarding project and so many of our members contribute items.

We got back to the beach on August 27 and it is now pretty empty. Most of the tourists have left and the water is wonderful. That night I started an undergraduate class at USCB (University of South Carolina Beaufort) Intro to African American Studies. I had forgotten how much reading and watching videos are required for a regular course. It is exciting and I am learning so much history that was never covered in my academic career. Luckily there are no tests or grades. This class meets weekly until Thanksgiving.

Sirius and I returned to Fish Haul to walk and he still avoids the water. It is great when there are only three other people on an entire beach. Easy to social distance. The next day Jeff and I went to Folly Field to walk and swim.

Lots of rain these days, but luckily no hurricanes - yet! Wet ground makes many mushrooms.

The bird club is back in business and having their monthly meetings on ZOOM. I have agreed to be the vice president for 2021 and will be in charge of programs.

Jeff and I watch TV most nights and have discovered lots of shows on the networks, Hulu, Netflix and Prime. Also watched several Israeli series and it helps me with my Hebrew. I have been reading more and attended a book club meeting.

Our friends Lynn and Neal came over for dinner on the porch. This is so easy since we each bring our own food and bring our own drinks. We are so careful and give thanks each day for our health. Later that night I attended Selichot services online. It is fun to begin the holiday season and have something to look forward to.

Sirius and I continue to walk morning and evening. One day this luna moth hitched a ride on our golf cart.

This week I went to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned. At night I zoomed the Kamala Harris/Hilary Clinton fund raiser. I enjoyed listening to these two brilliant women talk candidly. The next night I went to a lecture on Jewish chicken farmers in NJ. So interesting as I remember going to buy eggs with my father and watching the farmer candle the eggs.They hold the egg up to a light to make sure there is no blood or embryo inside.

Wednesday night I zoomed a fund raiser for our Senate candidate and hope he can beat the incumbent.

Last night was Erev Rosh HaShanah and tonight we are having our holiday dinner with our Shabbat group. Jeff baked a beautiful Challah with raisins. I made gefilte fish - without the fish. Hope this tastes good. I actually ordered seaweed sheets online and ground them to give it a fishy flavor.

Under the Boardwalk

2020-08-19T15:20:00.001-04:00

More time has gone by and we are still quarantined with COVID-19 cases rising locally in Beaufort County and South Carolina. Things are quiet for us and I spend a lot of time on ZOOM with classes and meetings.

On Monday, August 9 we went to Driessen Beach with Jan and Harvey. Sadly clouds rolled in with thunder and everyone was ordered out of the water. We left, but returned on Friday to glorious weather. Our friends Lynn and Neal met us there and Lynn and I walked a mile to the Westin Hotel and back getting good exercise. The we cooled off in the warm, calm ocean.

This week was the virtual International Jewish Genealogical Society Conference. Saved a lot of money by going viz ZOOM and not flying to San Diego and staying at the conference hotel. I learned so much and now busy working on my family tree.

On Saturday Jan and Harvey brought over dinner from one of favorite places. We sat far apart on the screened porch and talked. Then we had a National Geographic moment as our alligator put on a show. I had seen what I thought was a white plastic bag in the lagoon that morning. Turns out it was the white underside of a deer carcass. During dinner we heard a splash and there was the alligator playing with his/her prize. It actually looked like a smile on his face.

On Sunday I met some Hadassah members at Lake Somerset. We put together a nominating committee and potential slate of officers for next year. I am getting good at sitting at a safe distance and yelling through my mask. New skills!

Monday we went back to the beach with Jan and Harvey. The weather was perfect and I walked to the Westin and back adding two miles to my iWatch. The water temperature was perfect and there were no waves. So many pelicans were out looking for lunch. It was dreamlike to see them fly in a single line and all skim the water as if in a ballet.

Today I had my Mickve Israel class and the members gave reports on Jewish woman of valor. I gave information on Henrietta Szold, the founder and first president of Hadassah, Zionist and mother of Youth Aliyah.

By the Beautiful Sea...

2020-08-06T16:37:00.000-04:00

Sunday, August 2, I went to Fish Haul Beach with Sirius. It was sunny and breezy. We had a pleasant walk. He is terrified of the ocean and can't seem to figure out why the water moves. I waded in, but he refused to get his feet wet. Luckily there were very few people there and we were easily able to social distance.

We had quite a scare with Tropical Storm/Hurricane Isaias. He came right at Florida and lucky for us stayed at sea until he was north of us. We had an hour of rain in the morning and then it was sunny and calm all day. Further north they had wind, tornadoes and power outages all the way to New England.

I continue with lots of classes and ZOOM meetings. Online Mah Jongg is great and lots of TV including news. Trying to read more and just finished the Mary Trump book. On to some good fiction now. Sirius and I walk about a mile every morning before it is too hot and at dusk we take a ride in the golf cart with Jeff driving.

Last night we visited Lynn & Neal on their large, screened porch. It is good to see other faces even if they are at least six feet away.

Zum Gali Gali

2020-07-30T22:23:00.000-04:00

I last wrote on July 2 which was my parent's anniversary. So a month has gone by and the pandemic is worse now in South Carolina. And to add to it we are approaching hurricane season. As I write a tropical storm is in the Bahamas and heading towards Florida and us. Hopefully it will not become a hurricane. Our big fear is would we evacuate and where would we go?

We keep busy with ZOOM classes, meetings and visiting friends, Brian & Rori online. We read, watch lots of TV and spend way too much time on the computer. It is too hot to do much walking so Sirius and I go out early in the morning and again just before dark. Usually Jeff takes us for an evening golf cart ride and that is a big treat. Either Jeff or I go to the grocery store and I love going to the local farm stand to get fresh vegetables and peaches. We rarely leave the house except for doctor visits. We did go to the beach again and I love swimming in the ocean. I will not go to the outdoor pool as there are too many people.

I continue my Hebrew lessons on Monday afternoons and have enjoyed many OLLI classes online. Every Wednesday I take a class with Rabbi Haas and I try to go to services on Saturday morning. My calendar actually looks full as I take so many classes including a great series from JewishGen which helps with my genealogy research. I am continuing with the plant based eating and have taken several online classes to learn more about this healthy lifestyle. Jeff and I both spend a fair amount of time cooking and enjoying it. Jeff also bakes and has been making challah most Fridays. He is also doing blueberry cobbler and some baked goods with peaches.

We had the Trabb's over for dinner on the porch. They brought their own food and sat at the table while we sat 20 feet away on chairs. Another night we went to Lynn & Neal's porch where they set up a separate table for us and we all had Chinese take out. I am wearing my binoculars because we were going to see the Neowise comet. We did see it one night, but kind of blurry. Still something to add to our life experiences.

On July 14 I attended the Hadassah National Meeting which was an all day event and wonderful. There were great speakers and information sessions. Now they are offering monthly workshops for leaders and they are well worth the time too. July 26 we did a family zoom with Terry, Marilyn and our California cousins. We see these family members more now then before the pandemic.

I am still playing Mah Jongg online and have discovered several Israeli TV series that we really enjoyed. Tonight we treated ourselves to Hamilton as new subscribers to the Disney Channel. Luckily we saw the play two years ago at the Kennedy Center in DC. Just as wonderful seeing it on our TV.

I cam up with an idea for my Hadassah chapter to make up snack baskets for the health care workers at area hospitals and nursing homes. I am chairing this project and today delivered the first basket. We have had a great response from our members and it felt good to do something positive for these health care heroes.

Brian and Rori modeling their Washington Nationals masks.

This afternoon I put on another hat with my Indivisible Chapter. We are advocating for everyone in South Carolina to be able to vote absentee in the upcoming election. So we created a petition and got 2000 signatures. Today we delivered the petition to our State Senator, Tom Davis. He was so gracious and sat with us for an hour discussing voting, the pandemic and answering all our questions.

This cute Carolina Wren visiting our feeder

Let's Do the Twist

2020-07-02T12:32:00.001-04:00

A few more weeks have come and gone and our situation is a little worse as South Carolina has become a state leading in COVID cases. By now BLM is a secondary lead in the news as the virus takes the headlines.

On day 92 I ventured to Hilton Head and the dentist's office. I was nervous, but they were very careful and I had already canceled one appointment. Next day I had my annual eye exam and my annual mammogram figuring I would lump everything together and then get myself tested. Jeff visited the dentist too and had a few more doctor visits.

I continue to take classes and have meetings on ZOOM. Most fun is visiting online with Brian, Rori and her parents. I walk Sirius twice a day and try to take my own walk too. One day I heard The Twist and it really helped me to move quickly and dance down the street. Cattails along the boardwalk.

June 22 we went to the beach. It was wonderful and we found a secluded area to pitch our umbrella. I loved swimming in the ocean - twice - and walking in the sand. Wonderful!

Now we are counting down to the November election and I am working with Indivisible to get the vote out and ensure absentee ballots for everyone who wants one in our state. Continuing with the Hebrew lessons and taking courses with the OLLI summer program. Lots of time to do genealogy and writing to people who are DNA matches.

After all the doctor visits Jeff got an email from one office that his doctor had tested positive for COVID. OMG! Now we are panicked. So on Friday, June 26, Jeff and I went to a drive through COVID testing site. It took about a half hour and they came to the car with the long swab. I'll say it was unpleasant, but not painful. They certainly go far up the nostril and do both sides. Now we are waiting for the results by mail and six days later - no word yet. Meanwhile we are totally quarantined just in case.

So this week we stay in except for my walks and it is much too hot to even sit on the porch. We watched all three seasons of The Handmaid's Tale and found it fascinating and frightening. Now we wait for season four next year along with Bosch and Ozark.

A special treat is driving around in our golf cart with Sirius. One night we visited the bird rookery a few blocks away. We saw Ibis, Wood Storks, a Little Blue Heron, Egrets and Anhingas.

So now it is day 108 for us and things are not better. We ordered groceries online for curbside pickup as we were running out of food. I long to go the farm stand down the road, but have to wait until I get the test results.

We did have some backyard visitors although fewer birds are coming, probably because it is so hot.

Our Blue Jay returned

Our first Hummingbird

Jeff and Sirius schnuggling on the couch.

Eve of Destruction

2020-06-12T15:04:00.003-04:00

Another Friday and more days have gone by. It is now our 88th day hunkered down and staying as safe as possible.

Last week was uneventful for us except for the peaceful protests going on around the world. Watching TV is unbelievable and, hopefully, this time a tragedy will bring about change. It is good to see the young people take to the streets and reminds me of the Viet Nam War protests. Sadly, more people have now died from the Covid-19 virus then in that war and that is the second lead on most news shows. We also have torrential rains this week and it seems that the world is coming apart. I long for "normal" times, but with changes in society for the good of all and a vaccine for the virus.

Jeff is continuing his physical therapy for his arm and I am taking conversational Hebrew through a Hadassah online program. I find it harder to remember as I get older. I do remember lots of words from my Ulpan lessons years ago. I continue to walk and have some study groups and lots of ZOOM lectures. OLLI has started it summer series on ZOOM and I have a busy schedule lined up. Jeff taught a class this week on his passwords plan. We play games online with Brian and Rori and also our friends. We go to doctor visits and both have dental appointments coming up. Other than that we stay in except for the grocery store and some errands.

Jeff celebrated his 73rd birthday with a visit from friends. No one comes in the house and we meet in the driveway or a few folks we allow on our back screened porch.

I did early in person voting for the primary election. It was well run and good social distancing. Of course, I wore my mask. Better than going to the regular polls and fighting the crowds. Oh the privileges of being a senior. I am working to assure that everyone in South Carolina (and the US) can do an absentee ballot and avoid the polling places.

Not much going on in the backyard. This cormorant came to visit and everything is soaked and lush from the rains.

I Walk the Line

2020-05-31T17:16:00.000-04:00

Well, more time has flown by. Since I last wrote I continue to walk with and without Sirius. It is getting hotter and usually in the 80's now. The smells are so intoxicating as honeysuckle, jasmine, magnolia trees and gardenias are in bloom. You actually feel drunk as the aromas mingle in the air.

I did an exciting thing on the 67th day of quarantine and got my hair done. What a relief and I was completely masked and covered as was my hairdresser. other than that we only venture out to walk or do grocery shopping. I did drive to the beach one day and took a walk in the sand. I go to a little known beach with few tourists. There are no waves or swimmers and lots of shore birds.

Memorial Day weekend came and went. Our community opened the pools and athletic venues and gyms. You need a reservation and there are limits to how many people can enter. I am not ready to take the plunge yet. Inside with air conditioning feels safer. I do have my cleaning gal come in every other week. We stay on the porch while she is here and it seems comfortable and safe.

I continue to take classes on ZOOM and we played online games with friends and Brian Rori with her parents. Still watching lots of TV and working many hours on genealogy.

Today is Sunday, May 31. This past week has been horrible with the senseless murder of George Floyd and our country coming apart by its seams. I am having trouble coming to terms with the hatred that has been unleashed or at least acceptable to act out in public. I can't understand the hatred and I condemn it. Watching the TV coverage is sobering and sad. The looters and people taking advantage of this horrific situation are just as bad as the murdering cops. I pray that the next weeks see things calm down and we get back to worrying about people dying every day from this terrible pandemic.

So ends day 76 and I'll share some bird photos from our backyard.

Pine Warbler with a mouthful of meal worms.

Blue Jay - an infrequent visitor to our yard.

Juvenile Eastern Bluebird. Our babies have fledged and this could be one of them.

Not a bird, a butterfly outside our bedroom window.

Pileated Woodpeckers keep trying to eat at our feeders, but they are too large. These photos are taken through the screen.

Lazy Day

2020-05-21T09:27:00.001-04:00

I am back after missing many days. Even though we are still in quarantine the days go by quickly and always something needs to be done and more to accomplish.

So, back on May 7 we had our new roof installed. It was a clear, cool day and the work was completed and all cleaned up by late afternoon. It is now good for 25 years and, hopefully, something we won't have to worry about again. Best was we had hail damage and insurance paid for most of it.

We continue to meet friends in parking lots and driveways and we sit in our golf cart or bring chairs. It is good to see people in the flesh. On Saturday we had a Glazer family Zoom call. That was fun and good to see several generations. One afternoon we did a Zoom with Brian, Rori and her parents and we played an online game like Pictionary. It was lots of fun.

A big event happened on May 13 as Sirius went to the groomer. Wish I had taken before and after photos as he looked more like a sheep before his trim. Many businesses have opened up here and the beaches are opening too. So far we continue to only go to the grocery store and WalMart, Target or Lowe's when necessary. Terminix came out to do our quarterly service and they will not come inside unless there is a problem. So he did an outside service and we smiled through the storm door. That same morning I arranged a Zoom board meeting for Hadassah and it was great seeing the gals and hoping to reschedule all our events when this is over.

The weekend was very sad as Brian & Rori were to be married on May 17. Everything was postponed and we all stayed home. We look forward to their wedding and hope it can be soon.

Saturday night we sat on friend's patio and brought our own chairs and dinner. I spent Sunday morning insidd at a Zoom Hadassah regional convention. It was good with speakers and lots of valuable information.

This week is quiet with hot weather and torrential thunderstorms. As I write it is May 21, day 66 of our quarantine. I did a few online classes and a meeting set for this afternoon. We have a parking lot visit scheduled for Saturday afternoon. The beaches are open and I may venture out to take a walk. I will avoid the weekends and tourists who are arriving despite the virus.

The newest fad on Facebook is to create your avatar. Here is mine.