The end of a long week in the workplace. Work sometimes is the easy part..it’s those co-workers that keep you keyed up. Thanks Millie Hart for sharing your brown bag lunch. (I love the Sharpie pen note written ON the slice of bread.)

Maybe there should be more food property rights  negotiations between lunch makers and lunch eaters? It’s important in the marketplace as well as back at the office.

“Oh those kids today.” Well, apparently, here in South Carolina about 50% do not graduate high school. That places our state in the 50th position in the US. In Charleston County,  20% of 9th graders read at the 4th grade level. Good column today Brian Hicks.

We ARE discussing/moving toward better water quality in this area. Folly Beach did some trash talk a few nights ago. Remember the slogan: “Water The Future.”

Handicap parking by not-so-handicapped drivers really came into the news a while back so it’s time for an update. Pull into this clearly marked space. Thanks for the blog emphasis at Think South.

What can you say about Veggie Cous Cous that hasn’t already been said? I just like the sound of saying it. However, getting it into a conversation is not easy to do.

Several beautiful local sites (sights?) for weddings are featured today. Just click here or snap here.

Gotta get up early tomorrow for Barcamp at the Old Navy Base. Hope you all took a look at my  Two Redheads posting and the need to support our  “local” music scene.

Thanks for following the Lowcountry Bloggers.

Well, for those who WERE off Monday, the week just flew by.

Speaking of banks, I see a local one has gone mobile. Hmm.. I am picturing a recreational vehicle with a bank name spray painted on the side. Would I be eager to deposit my money in something with wheels on it? And the motor running?

I think they announced they are using Twitter or Facebook as opposed to strictly online banking

Self-torture could be a planned activity if its for a worthy cause. Hey, I found my cat at a mall pet store years ago. He had his back to me and never turned around. He must have been on break. I got him anyway.

What a pleasure to be reading GMLc again. It’s sort of like smelling pluff mud once more after you’ve been away from it for a while. I mean this in the nicest way.

Do not go to Google to answer the Eunuch Quiz. This blogger challenges us often with mind-teasers that makes you keep a tab open to Wikipedia. Check it out.

Flipping through the paper yesterday, I saw a familiar name in the Community section and enjoyed a view “behind the camera.” Might be time to drive over to the old Navy Base and see what’s going on in all those refurbished buildings and new businesses popping up.

And, now for the further adventures of Squeaky Man. It is just a coincidence that the Smart place she went to shop for her Pet is the same store where I bought my orange cat four years ago. Then they had an agreement with the local pet shelter and displayed available critters.

Here’s a guy who is no longer a “heavyweight” and mighty glad to break another barrier on his way to scaling down. He talks about a weighty topic though, so go and see what’s on his mind.

A lady we know presents an interesting view  of what’s going on in her country and I salute her loyalty and energy in trying to make a difference both here and at her home. “We need to love our country and our neighbors.” Keep it up Kat.

If I read the Tweet correctly, it appears there are more Ben Folds fans here about. I hope she was able to see him in concert a few months ago at the PAC. If you are into arts and crafts, see what this “stoned” lady is creating.

Several people chided me about my recent vacation postings that seemed to center on drinking beer in Ireland and Munich. Because I do not wish to bore people by focusing only on a limited topic, I am pleased to recount my Dublin Literary Walking Tour experience.

Life is too short to limit yourself ..or to drink cheap beer.

Back before I retired, when I used to go to work each day, my company posted a list of “official” holidays off. Columbus Day never made the list. Were any Lowcountry Bloggers off today? Do you work in a bank? Or deliver mail?

If you’re Canadian….Happy Thanksgiving.

We just heard from the College of Charleston’s SGA person. I still get nervous when someone says “what can we do for you today.”

Swine flu is all set to go head-to-head with “regular” flu in a battle for vaccines. I copied several emails about the subject and sent them to my doctor. I asked for his suggestions on what someone my age should do. Some people are concerned. Some are confused. Hey, stay healthy out there.

When a place has the word “burgers” in its name, I have a pretty good idea what’s going on inside. But when there’s an eating contest that makes it even more fun to stop by and really check it out. Better show up hungry. And you probably should like burgers.

So Today would be a good day to take a look at Charleston. Well, we live here (most of us) so we look around but here’s a site with THAT activity for a target.

Or, you could plan to keep a watch on Charleston. There’s two thought-provoking places to take a look below the surface. What did we do before blogging?

Here’s a lady who brings a smile to my face. I can depend on it. Some days that is crucial but she has a delightful take on….just about everything. And anything.

Here’s a blog to read after every meal or every six months. I get that mixed up sometimes. Both are good ideas and you’ll find some probing thoughts here. You might feel a little pressure. Just sit back, relax.

Company is coming and you want to plan a menu to feed them. I usually make reservations. Heather has been helping people in the kitchen for years. And in all the other rooms around the house.

This is an official “Thank You” for all you do. Where do you find the time??

I’m back from vacation and have made some headway on that towering stack of photos. It’s just too easy to shoot. A few are shared online on my blog and it’s fun to look back at all the overseas places and events I just experienced.

The theme for the monthly Photographers Group meeting this Wednesday is “Beer.” After Oktoberfest in Munich and the “Salute to Arthur “ (Guinness) in Dublin, I feel I am VERY ready for Show & Tell.

Hope you had a nice “holiday” today.

Again with the silly comments from the retired guy. (But a Labor Day  holiday means a Monday off….only if you ARE working.) Oh well. Vacation from a vacation.

I know several people who got Tuesday and Wednesday mixed up.

Here’s a guy who blogs daily so we know he’s on top of what’s happening and affecting our Lowcountry. Thanks for the updates on a wide variety of topics.

And pictures. No, I’m sorry…photographs … by a fellow who knows what he’s doing. He recently moved here and apparently likes what he sees and we are the winners. Sharp mind and sharp images.

Takes nerve to start talking about how-to-fry-chicken round these parts. But this lady walks the walk. I read it twice and did NOT see butter mentioned?? Many local cooks would find that a serious omission. Go check it out and remember, you can always send comments. And YOUR recipe.

Man, that is a sinister looking cat! I suppose they can’t all be cute and cuddly but this critter has an agenda. If he/she wants more kibble or another can of wet food…just do it!

Surfers..lobsters..and the Governor. What a combo when you go back a week or so. A lobster  may have to move fast to keep  itself “out of the claws” of a $2 machine. This signs says it accepts $20 bills and gives no change. Who is getting caught here? There’s even a suggestion here that maybe the surf was up in Argentina ?

New mothers fixing up a nursery know there’s a fine balance to caring for newborns and working while naps are happening. Helpful hands to hold the baby are always appreciated. Enjoy a view of armfuls of love. And, yes, the curtains are almost all the way up.

In “Knucklehead” the “K” is silent. Too bad this fellow wasn’t. As Craig Ferguson said on his late, late night show on CBS “Hey, this isn’t the Jerry Springer Show.”

This is the 8th anniversary of the WTC attack and there have been quiet, somber observances locally and around the country.

My small contribution of respect deals with a photo I don’t have and never will.

I’m Chuck Boyd and I’m pleased to provide this roundup. Take a closer look at the array of local talent that we have at our fingertips. And, have a nice safe weekend.

The week has wound down, the month is almost over, school has started..the cycle continues.

A stitch in time captures some scenes in Atlanta for us to share. High technology in photography keeps me in awe. Back when I started with film, the only option was black & white. And something new called Kodachrome.

Looks like the Russians have solved the mystery of the recent pirate attack. Oops, I mean ship highjacking. Well, when boarders take over a ship and people are forced to walk planks taken from the cargo….

We know where the ships at Patriot’s Point have gone but not quite sure where the berths will be after repairs are made. Storms come through here and anything afloat has to be protected. Even sturdy warships.

Jack and Jill and Humpty Dumpty have a lot in common. No relation to Li’l Jack Horner though. Maybe Marie Antoinette?

Is Life a Game? Is Gaming Life? Here’s an update on a whole world that co-exists with everyday life.  The evolution of graphics is amazing to me and how realistic things now look on a computer. It’s a CGI* world out there. (I am pretty sure that stands for *Computer Generated Images as we saw in the movie Summer Blockbusters.)

It was a good day for leprechaun sightings with all the scattered rain showers and the colorful arcs created by bending light. Of course, one has to believe in the wee ones to claim that pot o’ gold but those ‘bows really grab your attention. Keep an eye on the road.

Anonymity is an interesting subject and here’s a good explanation  – and exploration -  by a person who does give their name.

Photographers often envy artists who can simply leave out distracting parts of a scene. Here’s a sketchbook filled with lots and lots of the good stuff. Take that Photoshop manipulations.

Let’s close with a story of chainsaws and removing bloodstains from clothing. Hey, there’s even a song by “Weird Al” Yankovic although he does not have a cutting tool.

I’m Chuck , it’s the weekend and I’m pleased we can almost see the official end of summer. Just hang in there.

Yes, let’s start the roundup with a silly headline by a retired person.

Of course I respect working people. I used to be one.  But now, it is time to examine Brew Kettle in Cleveland. You might say this is the first draft.

We see a lot of photography on this bloggers group and I want to make sure video producers and directors and cameramen have their time in our Lowcountry limelight. Mainly I am jealous of their fine products. I did find the manual for my little vid-cam. Next, I will read it.

We are almost past summer picnics and those ants that suddenly show up but there is a part of town that actually has invited these critters to come and visit. Confused?

Wait a minute..now we hear the rich are NOT getting richer? When did this start happening? Well, we might have a South Carolina lottery winner of millions of big bucks who has not come forward yet. Hmmm, if he or she is already rich…

Does this roundup have a poet’s corner? Well, of course it does. You always have corners when you are well rounded. Remember, this is just a teaser so you’ll look closer at the local blogger community.

(I’m keeping a eye on the lightning  and do not want a sudden shutdown of my computer.)

Remodeling and having a new look to your home is always exciting but currently I am not involved in doing any of that. Here’s a new mother who is and who has some beautiful pictures and suggests “have you thought about doing this….?”

The police are in the news a lot right now. Officers are being added, soon surveillance cameras will keep a watchful eye on things 24/7 and other high tech gadgets continue to help the fight against crime.

Lightning is crackling more  – and closer  – so it’s time to close with thoughts on …. an open door policy.

Have a great weekend.

Next to Wednesday – Hump Day – today is the best day of the week. Of course I’m retired so it means a LOT more to others but I remember to appreciate the end of the work week.

All a Twitter? Afraid of losing Face (book)? Is this the end of Civilization as it is was just becoming? The Social Media folks took a hit yesterday and they are hopeful today is a better day for communications.

If you have no idea what Twitter is, you’re probably more calm than some.

Remember Rosanne? Can you recall she was a stand up comic and had a weekly tv show before the baseball stunt with the National anthem and how outraged people were with her? Well, she’s back. Not exactly in hot water but definitely back in the kitchen.

Have you ever read the instruction booklet that came with your movie camera? Take a peek and see if you can do Timelapse Stop-Action. In fact, I just found out my small digital Canon camera can do videos with that feature. Yeah, I’ve had several of these hang-on-your-belt cameras and did not know that. It’s in the instructions. Really.

Book signings and Farmer’s Markets and Zia and, now Five Guys, this food critic gets around and has some tasty opinions. Holly is a Lowcountry jewel and I like her style. I’ve seen her really lay out an operation and make it take a hard look at itself but I’ve also heeded her suggestions for some some great dining experiences. She walks the walk.

I grew up downtown a block from the fire station on Wentworth Street so my family always was keenly aware when alarms would sound, sirens would moan and the big growling trucks would pull out of the large doors, lights flashing. We also knew that within minutes a white sedan – with FIRE CHIEF marked on the side -  would come by fast, racing to catch up with the crews.

Things have changed a lot since the 1950s.

Kittens discussing the President’s proposed Health plan… Doe, a deer, in the back yard…Thor looking forward to a Loki Sunday?

August: a year ago I was eating free Charleston ice cream and a few days ago it was Charleston Cookies. This being retired can really add on pounds if you are not alert.

Get out there and have a fun TAX FREE weekend. You’ve earned it.

Here’s a Friday Roundup that touches a lot of bases: book burnings, a peek at what makes Gamers tick and putting a tax on marijuana.

Sara Dobie’s Blog recounts a scary mid-America library experience that makes her want to find a quiet spot up in the hills as a retreat to get away from all the crazies.

Well, that tax idea is out there in money-starved California and The Column, Reloaded has some of the hazy, munchie details.

There are a ton of Gamers out there and today there’s a peek behind the curtain to see the wizard. Yikes Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore.

Surfing could become rather complicated - inland – down in Australia according to this geographical revisit. This is NOT The Washout we know and love.

Children Summer Camp for Architects ended with several tiny handmade downtown blocks of scale models and even a building with a green roof. I remember I made a wallet when I went to summer camp. Or was it a belt?

Tomorrow is Saturday so naturally, there is a Farmers Market on Upper King Street. Do all Farmer Markets – and I’m assuming there is more than one – do a good job of telling people where and when? Selling the produce, er, the product.

Ian and Kat had a fun time wandering along on a downtown Photo Walk last week and have hundreds of pictures to prove it. Got a minute? Well, sit and have a beer too.

Be sure to stop by Shadow of Diogenes and Patrick’s Place to see things in a different light. They both are very observant and often I learn something new.

Finally, loyalty is important and it’s always a good idea to eat and drink locally.

Looking over the ever increasing stack of new entries for Friday, I am pleased to have such an array of suggestions for you to check out.

A message from Saturn,  time-lapse scenes of Charleston and chocolate cake. Yep, a good starting list.

So now that I am reassured of my car’s warranty, let’s take a fast spin around the city/area

And, I did mention cake.

Dark Sky Magazine promised a Friday afternoon read to get us ready for the weekend. That’s cool.

Stay inside with the AC running.

Hope this works out as an overview for your blogging enjoyment. When you wash your car, expect it to rain. When you blog about unceasing rain, day after day, expect the sky’s to clear and the sun to shine.