Charleston, SC #2

 Today was another beautiful day in Charleston.  After breakfast with Stu and Mary Ann, we went to their church - Unitarian in downtown Charleston.  Believe it or not, it had been built in 1772!  Great sermon by Rev Rebecca Hinds on Solstice (which was today at 10:03 a.m.).  Interesting sermon built around the fact that it is the longest night of the year and then increases by two seconds tomorrow.  Small step, but it is a great change because it signifies the beginning of longer days and more sunshine.  By next Sunday, the day will have increased by a whole minute.

The chalice which I took a picture of was one donated by Mary Ann on her 85th birthday.  She commissioned a local artist to do the work but had the general idea of what she wanted done. In today's service, they lit the candle in the chalice which represents wind, fire, air, and earth and then before the service was over, they extinguished it. 

After church we went to downtown Charleston to explore several areas.  Awesome areas, crowded streets, lots of tourists, and fun shopping.  Old buildings abound - it somewhat reminded me of New Orleans, but with its own flavor.  Drove along the waterfront and walked along the promenade to the river.  Charleston is actually on a peninsula caused by two rivers flowing to the bay.  Old Custom House, slave trade auction area, neat cafe to have a bite to eat - just all-around fun.  Afterwards we drove to Mt Pleasant where Mary Ann and Stuart may end up as their retirement home.  Then it was on to Isle of Palms where they used to live and a visit to Sullivan Island.  At the cafe where we had lunch, I bought a magnet which had the Sullivan Island lighthouse likeness, so nothing but we had to go see the real thing. 

Amazing homes on Isle of Palms and Sullivan Island.  Stuart didn't want to hear what the price was now of the house they used to live in (it's for sale now), so he put his hands over his ears; but then asked after we found out.  2.3 million which was considerably more than they sold it for years ago :-).  If only we had a crystal ball and could predict the future!

Afterward, we came home and left Mary Ann and Stuart and I went over to Costco so I could gas up for the trip tomorrow.  After looking at Mary Ann's atlas, I changed my plan about driving to Jacksonville and then over to Pensacola.  I can stay off the interstates and go southwest to Valdosta GA which looks like a neater way than taking I-95 and I-10.  I have reservations in Valdosta, so the die is cast!

Back home for the evening.


2025-12-21 - Solstice


 

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