Wow. Months have gone by since I last did an overview. Or since ANYONE has.

It must be about time for a seasonal change at least. Lots of good reading – as usual – so jump right in and come back often.

Here’s a Fish Photo Contest which raises several questions: pictures OF fish? BY a fish? The musical group PHISH? Use a fish instead of a camera? Hey, they all work for scale.

There’s a new telephone Party Line in town. You might say I phone for it.

Cool and summery meal-planning has to include cold sandwiches..right? Can someone loan me a radish?

Whoa. Blood thirsty children is a good topic. Also Camp Puff ‘n Stuff and a certain sunset at a beach on The Edge Of America. Scenic stories. Great combo.

When you have happy  dogs running around your house  you can wear a t-shirt that says “Sit Happens.” If you take pictures of them you can call it a Photo Walk.

Kittens in the house usually means there are no dogs around. Just the BOYZ: Loki, Thor and Jason. Follow their adventures right here. Almost daily depending on the attitude of the computer.

Finally, being a working Mom is always a balancing act. Here’s a view.

Thanks for checking in on the Low Country Bloggers. I’m Chuck and I invite you to wander over and see my comments.

Global warming, huh?

Charleston sunshine and the living is easy. Oh yeah, it just became Spring so it’s too soon for lyrics from “Summertime.”

Actually, living here is not so hot right now. Our cruise ships seem to be  infected  with a resistant stowaway bug and a new virus may be inside your computer. Be very, very wary.

The Aquarium has a new colorful creature with a distinctive look and a temporary name. You can call him Al or “cake breath,” but the public soon will have a chance to suggest a more permanent name.

And, just when you think all the proper names are in place, someone wants to change  longstanding  nomenclature. Next we’ll be calling  the chief residents at Disney World Minnie and Micey Mouse.

Take a look at a pictorial report from a local photographer who is far flung right now. She updates us on  what’s New in New Zealand. Apparently everyone is somewhere else.

The eager beavers in the forest know the seasons have changed. You’ll have a better online closeup view than standing up on the boardwalk – and you’re not allowed to step down into the swamp.

Being a Blogger means you often receive comments contrary to what you might have expected. Even here in the  “polite” Holy City  opinions and reactions fly and the fact of being anonymous often strips away the niceties of civil discourse.

We’re going to hear a lot about The Bridge Run/Walk and everyone has a view on the new Health Care Reform legislation but I wanted to tip you off about a new attraction in Atlanta that isn’t controversial. Well, maybe if you’re a Pepsi drinker.

This is Chuck and it seemed about time to update an overview of the Blogger diversity here in our Lowcountry. Get outdoors and enjoy yourselves. Thank you.

Let’s call it “Polite Charleston Snow.”

It only falls every few years, blankets everything beautifully in white and then is gone the next day.  We’re an active part of the 49-out-of-50. A snow sampler if you would.

There were plenty of snow pictures online, in the newspaper and on television of snowmen, kids romping , stunned & chilled palmetto trees and the sound of “ice bergs shifting overhead.”

Everybody whipped out their cameras and became  photographers to capture the beauty and the odd wonders that appear when our familiar sights became most uncommon. Sharing pictures with friends and relatives up north or other cold climes receive a general response of “You call THAT snow?”

Some of us kicked back, relaxed and realized a snowy Friday leads into a laid back weekend and we all deserve a wintry “time out.”

Hey, be warned that not all those wet spots on the floor are tracked-in snow. Better look closer.

A walking-talking- year-round Valentine is a pleasant person with an upbeat  attitude, a positive outlook and an eye for things that please others. When you find that, share the love.

In the midst of a rare nature’s treat and a heart-felt holiday, we return again to the wonderful drama of loud high-performance cars racing around long and short tracks with restricted and un-restricted plates (whatever that means).

Hope this overview helps you to sample the diversity of blogs produced right here in our lowcountry. Keep your windshield ice scraper in a safe place so you can find it again in a hurry.

I’m Chuck and my palm trees have already recovered. Oh, and be sure to support live music.

The rotten weather has shifted to California …and back to the middle of the country. Whew – finally – a breather for us in the Southeast. We almost experienced a Lake (Murray) snow effect and Canada was worried about a possible cold snap from South Carolina.

The chill whetted my appetite but not quite to the point of an 11-pound pizza. Well, depending on the toppings. And, you always want to be careful planning a SURPRISE! 70th birthday party. I know, I recently had a nice one.

Bad weather keeps the kids inside so Moms have to keep on their toes to stay ahead. And you tend to read a bit more thus a quote  such as “the body was splayed on the kitchen floor” will more than likely grab your attention.

Venturing out of course opens the door to all sorts of social events and we are always looking for new views of Charleston and what is of special interest here in the Low country.

The terrible news from Haiti did produce a rare bright spot and here are some observations – and photos -  on the bird whose ” mouth holds more than its belly can.”

Speaking of photos, a local man with a Leica muses on why he took a particular photo which prompts me to share the news of finding a new camera very suited to my needs. If you are patient, they will build it and people will buy it.

This is just a sample – an overview – of delightful blogs produced locally.

This is Chuck. Go see what the fuss is all about. Thank you.

Global warming has been delayed. You might even say it has been put on ice.

There is no fireplace handy so can’t throw another log on the fire but it’s tempting to nudge the thermostat up a notch or two. Can’t remember if Charleston’s climate is listed as “tropical” or “semi-tropical” but right now it’s certainly not “typical.”

It’s safe to say that when your toothpaste is frozen the temperature is in free fall and it’s probably time to reassess your surroundings, your relationships and your expectations.

A series of cold, cold days in an unrelenting row is a good time to do some indoor testing, especially if you’re in the midst of a pell mell meltdown. And, reaching out to help someone in need is especially good when there are 24 degrees of anxiety. Sometimes a supportive kind word or suggestion is all it takes.

Ever have a sinking feeling that leaves many unanswered questions? In depth research – and underwater photography – often provides answers and allows an informed discussion of an issue. Just the facts, ma’am.

Chill out. While it’s not always Red Sales In The Sunset, selling items no longer needed is a good way to gain a few bucks, clear some space and provide treasures to someone else.

The 300th time just might be the charm. Doing anything that often is bound to bring results – expected and unexpected. Makes you want to stay the course and aim for the 400th. Or 500th?

Peeling tomatoes often is the easy part part in a tasty sausage pasta meal when you know how to do it. Has to be easier than taking the skin off those tiny little grapes. And Vice Presidents usually don’t misspell “grape” either.

“First do no harm” is part of a special oath for professionals and probably should be a goal everybody aspires to in their lives. Not a bad place to start regardless of the weather or time of year.

“Hey, look at that“ is another common expression that could help one share an experience on a frosty evening. I’m Chuck and hope you’ll enjoy the views I’ve gathered here for a Roundup. Thanks…and stay warm.

If you’re looking for gold star charts showing  “Best of the year” or “Decade Of  The Century” or “Millennium Moments,” etc. better look elsewhere. Lots of people are making their lists and checking them twice. This, however,  is a roundup of local bloggers posting their thoughts as the year winds down.

They had me at “Squeakquel” even before I started seeing Sold Out signs at the theaters. Grabbing my attention meant the search for tickets was on…A-L-V-I-N!

Delightful kitchen aromas beckoned us to nosh and chat and enjoy family gatherings . Diet is a 4-letter word that will come to mind a little bit later. Just savor the moment for now.

The red Santa suit is hanging back in the closet with moth balls in the pockets. ‘Tis the season to relax and reflect on yet another successful production.

Meanwhile, an enjoyable Myrtle Beach musical interlude was captured by an experienced photographer and he shares his love for the band with all of us. Jot down the name of the performers ( it has a familiar ring) and try to catch their live show as soon as you can.

Hey, we see a pattern developing here – perhaps setting a 20-30 year high, er, that is, a 20-30 year low. Bring in the plants and throw another log on the fire. Think about hot and humid summers.

The teens have their vampires and werewolves and  slow-moving zombies continue their undead shambling for our attention. So where does Lady Gaga fit into all this? Check here for all the answers.

A good thing to remember when using SKYPE and your webcam to communicate with others is to smile and not shake and shiver violently. Try to remember the heat and humidity that will show up here again. Eventually.

Is it possible to have a happy car crash? Sure, if your dozing dogs are doing the crashing and NOT doing the driving.

This year ends, the new one starts and the debate will continue on what defines a decade.

I hope you get to see and hear Rory Block when she comes back to Charleston. I saw the Blues and root music star perform recently and wrote about the evening at the Pour House. Thanks.

One big downside to being retired is missing the office parties and grazing through trays of sugar cookies in the break area. Yeah, that’s about the ONLY bad part.

Planning an office party at a bowling alley should be so easy that even a caveman could do it.

This time of year we are especially reminded of how important we are to businesses. People with products and services to sell are wise to make an extra effort to make customers feel wanted and appreciated.

As the year comes to an end, it’s often good to look back at important milestones…such as a ‘stache review. And you should always encourage a new blogger when they do their first posting.

Football and Bingo usually go hand-in-hand (?) but, when you really think about it, maybe there could be a connection. This is a blogger Roundup – not The Answer Man.

It would take a whole committee to answer some questions and situations and, fortunately, some people have grouped together to share their “collective wisdom.”  It’s good to see what is on their mind(s) every now and then.

Yes, you did hear a loud sigh of relief as a semester ended and the second guessing began. Do students still stop the instructor and ask “will THIS be on the exam?” I always thought that was a good approach to studying.

Vintage bike pictures are always a treat, especially when the clever captions are supplied by a clever man who really knows his bicycles.

And that’s a good segue to discuss pictures taken one hundred years ago on large glass slides and viewing them on a modern laptop computer. This is Chuck and that actually happened a few days ago at a photography meetup.

Stay warm this weekend. Thanks.

I have two tickets to this event, benefits go to MUSC Children’s Hospital. If you’re on Twitter follow #FOW.

To enter, leave a comment and I will randomly select a winner tomorrow at noon.

As I’m sure many of you have noticed updates here at LowcountryBloggers.com have become more and more infrequent. I want to thank everyone who has been involved with the community in all of its forms over the past few years

Dan Tennant has moved to Pennsylvania and I have had as much as I can handle with the growth of Home-Ec101.

The community has also grown, blogging is no longer the only game in town. We have Twitter, Facebook, Friendfeed, 21st Century Photography, and even some activity on Google Wave. There is also  Social Media Club Charleston a group that works to help locals understand and use various social media platforms. I have been talking with Ken Hawkins at TheDigitel to see if there would be ways this community could be taken under their wing, but there isn’t a definitive plan at this moment.

Speaking of The Digitel, they are looking for a few writers and this may be something some of you are interested in:

Well then you might have the right stuff to join TheDigitel’s writing team. We’re looking for a few folks to spend 5 to 10 hours a week writing about their community.

Your time will likely be spent covering live stories, interacting on social media, reporting about other great local reporting, and everyone’s favorite: rewriting parts of press releases.

If you’re not yet familiar with us, TheDigitel.com is a hyperlocal online media site that does primary reporting and “context aggregation” in Charleston. What this means is that we’re the gateway for all things local.

Last item on the table. Google is hosting a picnic tomorrow (Saturday November 14) at Cypress Garden, here is their press release along with contact info to learn more. The weather should be gorgeous, so maybe we’ll see you there.

Community Benefit Event Set for Cypress Gardens

Proceeds will be donated to The Supporters of Historical Cypress Gardens

(BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.) – The Supporters of Historical Cypress Gardens and Google, Inc. will team up to host a Community Benefit Event on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The benefit – featuring live music from the Hot Shots and Shakin’ Martinis, an inflatable castle, children’s fossil dig and swamp fishing, face painting, balloon art, a raffle and other surprises – will be held throughout Cypress Gardens.

The Palmetto Bar-B-Que Company will sell food at the event with 20 percent of the proceeds benefiting the Supporters of Historical Cypress Gardens, the non-profit organization that supports Cypress Gardens.  Raffle tickets can also be purchased at the event. The raffle is sponsored by The Supporters of Historical Cypress Gardens. Raffle prizes will be provided by Google, Inc., who will also match proceeds from the event up to $5,000.

Cypress Gardens will offer reduced admission for attendees — $5 for adults and $2.50 for children. These special admission prices are only valid with a discount coupon, which is available at any Berkeley County library while they last. Attendees can bring the discount coupon to Cypress Gardens on Nov.14 and purchase a discounted ticket at the door. Without the coupon, tickets to Cypress Gardens will cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. The discount coupon is only valid on Nov. 14. On the event day, the park will be open only for those with a ticket.

For more information about the event, please visit www.google.com/berkeleycounty or call 843-553-0515.

WHO:              The people of Berkeley County, community leaders, representatives from Google, Inc. and the Supporters of Historical Cypress Gardens

WHAT:             Google Community Event to Benefit Cypress Gardens

WHEN:            Saturday, Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE:           Cypress Gardens is located at 3030 Cypress Gardens Rd., Moncks Corner, S.C. 29461

EVENT DETAILS:

Parking: Free parking will be available at Cypress Gardens

Tickets: The admission price is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children with discount coupons available at any Berkeley County library.

About Cypress Gardens

Beautiful Cypress Gardens has been a preferred group and family destination since 1951. Visitors from all over the country come to experience this unique and exciting attraction, which has been featured in numerous national magazines and has offered the setting for some of the most memorable scenes in motion pictures such as The Notebook, The Patriot and Cold Mountain. Nestled within a genuine black water cypress swamp, Cypress Gardens offers a variety of adventures for adults and children of all ages, including thrilling swamp boat rides, 4.5 miles of scenic nature trails and an amazing Butterfly House.

Part of the fun of looking at blogs is learning something new. Or being reminded of something you already knew but had forgotten. That makes it new. Again.

Michael has not posted lately but he has great tech techniques he’s willing to share. Because I find myself hanging onto high tech by my fingernails, I appreciate he is there to help.

Camden is a Revolutionary kind of place and spending time there is educational and healthy. There’s a new hiking trail that is described as “relatively flat.” Works for me. The Patriots learned a valuable lesson in warfare in Camden. Go check it out.

Speaking of the military , remember you should never call a US Marine a “soldier.” The Marine Corps celebrates its 234th birthday November 10. It’s ok to say “Happy birthday Marine.”

A recent survey of people using the internet tells us that some users connect with four or more devices.I couldn’t even think of more than one, well, sure, a fancy phone and maybe my little netbook. But more? I did see that many still use Dial Up as opposed to Broadband.

Let’s see..Thanksgiving is coming later this month so a check in the mailbox would be a thankful event. Maybe the IRS will do just that. Actually, they are trying to do that again for lots of people who may or may not expect it.

“Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ….“should sound familiar. Maybe it’s like that art joke that laments there wasn’t enough of Degas to make the Van Gogh.

Many people react to certain buzz words like “sex” or “sea creatures” or even “cooking.”. See what comes to mind when this blogger provides details.

A new Wrapper came riding in on the scene in 1979. It was in New Jersey but he was from Britain and he didn’t frame it in a musical way. Something else to think about.

This will be my last Roundup for a while but I invite you to enjoy a quick Hollywood Moment at Chuckography. My blog started out talking about the 1960s. Now we’re up to the 1970s.

Possibly, something to think about.

Looks like a nice weekend. Get out and enjoy yourselves.