Christmas Berries

No, it is not really holly berries but it looks so pretty and festive doesn't it.  It actually is Pyracantha and was just loaded.  Must be the season for them as I had never seen so such a display of berries.

Bamboo

Why do some people feel this compelling need to deface things.  Just look at this bamboo at Magnolia Gardens.  People have completely destroyed it.  I just don't understand.  What did the bamboo ever do to them to deserve this?  (enlarge picture by clicking on it to see the "artwork" up close)

Cupola

According to Wikipedia this is a CUPOLA.  Charleston architecture is so interesting!  (I wonder if a person can stand up there and view the ships coming in.)


In architecture, a cupola (pronounced /ˈkjuːpələ/) is a small, most-often dome-like, structure on top of a building.Often used to provide a lookout or to admit light and air, it usually crowns a larger roof or dome.


The word derives, via Italian, from the lower Latin cupula (classical Latin cupella from the Greek κύπελλον kupellon) small cup (Latin cupa) indicating a vault resembling an upside down cup.



Cupolas often appear as small buildings in their own right. They often serve as a lantern, belfry, or belvedere above a main roof. In other cases they may crown a tower, spire, or turret.The chhatri, seen in Indian architecture, fits the definition of a cupola when it is used atop a larger structure.

The cupola is a development during the Renaissance of the oculus, an ancient device found in Roman architecture, but being weatherproof was superior for the wetter climates of northern Europe.

Pretty Colors

The cold and the wind are taking all the leaves away.  I have really enjoyed the colors this year.  Not New England but lovely just the same.

Yellow

I think it is a really great idea to get a car to match your house.  Or do you paint your house to match your car?  Either way, I loved this scene!

The Charm of Charleston

I love this city and never tire of walking the streets and snapping photos.  The colors are so wonderful and the attention to detail is unparalled.  Don't you want to stand out on that little balcony and wave to the people passing in the tour carriage?

Fall Beach Scene

I almost titled this "Winter Beach Scene" because December always seems like winter to me but our weather up until today has been in the 70's so it really must be fall, not winter.  This morning it is 38 degrees with a cold front running through.  Hopefully that warm weather will come back for Christmas.

Green Zebra Stripes

The swamps at Magnolia Plantation are beautiful no matter what time of year!  I just love those long shadows!

Little Bridge

I have always loved this walking bridge at Magnolia Plantation.  It is painted red and is always so inviting - even at the beginning of winter.

The Last of the Color

These azalea petals really aren't the last of the color as the camellias are on their way.  There seems to always be something blooming in the plantation gardens.

Sand Dunes

It is hard to believe that there is sand under there but this is South Carolina where things just grow and grow!

Columns

I love the columns on this house.  So Charleston.  See how each level has different style columns?  that was the custom.

Swamps

Everything is turning brown in the swamps at Magnolia Plantation, but the beauty is still there!

Magnolia Plantation in the Fall

Over 2 months with my sprained ankle and I am finally back out. It is still swollen and by the end of the day it can be sore but it is no longer controlling my life! Yea!

We visited Magnolia Gardens yesterday and even without the blaze of color that we enjoy during the spring and summer, it was a glorious day. It was warm and sunny with crisp, clean air.  I thought you might enjoy seeing a spring picture to compare. The one below was taken in April. Fun to see the difference seasons isn't it?

Break Time

I have sprained my ankle very badly and can't get out walking taking pictures and winter is coming.  I apologize but there won't be many postings for a while here.  In the meantime, you can follow my other blog, Townsendtales by CLICKING HERE.