Random Connections – Page 112 – A collection of photography and exploration focusing on Upstate South Carolina and beyond.

O Tannenbaum

December 3, 2011 Tom 1 Comment

Recipes

…or, the development of a theoretical cocktail… The Christmas party for Furman’s Chemistry Department was looming, and my friends Greg and Paul thought that a new drink was needed to celebrate the season. Both had agreed that Bombay Sapphire gin would be the base. Greg had lots of rosemary left over from Thanksgiving, and wanted … Read More “O Tannenbaum” »

Saying Goodbye to Misty

November 27, 2011 Tom No Comments

Family, Miscellaneous

Today we said goodbye to our cat, Misty. She was our oldest, and at 15 had lived a good, long cat life. She was the last of our cats to come with us from our old house off of North Main. Misty and her brother Rascal came to us by way of my father. Unbeknownst … Read More “Saying Goodbye to Misty” »

Black Friday Paddling at Low Falls Landing

November 26, 2011 Tom No Comments

Paddling, Photography

I really despise the term “Black Friday” in reference to the day after Thanksgiving. The thought of battling crowds just to save a few bucks seems silly to me, so I like just about ANYTHING other than shopping. A paddling trip seemed in order, so Alan agreed to meet me at Low Falls Landing on Lake Marion. So, while others were getting up at 4:30 to head to Walmart, I was getting up at the same time for the 3 hour drive down to Calhoun County.

When I arrived at Low Falls I found a parking lot just about as crowded as one at any mall. Every boat trailer place was taken, and boat trailers lined the approach road to the landing. I managed to find a “car only” slot. The boat ramps themselves were in constant motion with duck hunters arriving from their daybreak hunt, and fishermen heading out for the day.

Alan arrived shortly and was able to find another car only space. We unloaded the boats and opted to launch from a beach area next to the boat ramps, rather than try to compete with the boat traffic.

Paddling to Cockspur Lighthouse with LCU

November 14, 2011 Tom 2 Comments

Paddling, Photography

The past several weeks have been quite stressful. I needed some time on the water, and was thankful that my friends at Lowcountry Unfiltered were willing to provide that distraction. For our Second Saturday paddling trip this month we would be heading down to Savannah, Georgia to paddle out to the Cockspur Island Lighthouse and out to Fort Pulaski.

I was really looking forward to the trip, and gave careful thought as to which boat to take. Since it was open water, and possibly choppy, I knew it would either be my 14.5 Tsunami, or the Dirigo 120. This was to be a relatively short paddle, so either would work. I knew getting out at the lighthouse would be a challenge, so a more open cockpit would be better. I also wanted easy access to cameras,etc., so the Dirigo won out over the Tsunami. I had it loaded up Thursday evening in anticipation.

Going Paperless with Google Docs

November 11, 2011 Tom 5 Comments

EdTech

Last week my superintendent came to me to after our last board meeting and said that the board was interested in holding paperless meetings. There is a vendor with a product specifically for this process, but I told him I’d also explore other options. So, for my meeting with my school tech coordinators on Thursday, … Read More “Going Paperless with Google Docs” »

Many Thanks

November 6, 2011 Tom 3 Comments

Family

It seems ridiculous to say that this has been a tough week. It most certainly has. Even having time to prepare, Dad’s passing was not easy for us, and his funeral on Saturday, while a celebration of his life and knowing he is now in a better place, was emotionally draining. The week began with … Read More “Many Thanks” »

Goodbye, Dad

November 3, 2011November 2, 2016 Tom 2 Comments

Family

I almost didn’t write this post. I wasn’t sure I could bring myself to do it. However, I’ve used this blog to document major events in the life of my family, as well as the community at large, so I shouldn’t shy away from this one, either. My father, Houston David Taylor, Sr., passed away … Read More “Goodbye, Dad” »

Blog Update

October 30, 2011 Tom No Comments

Family, Miscellaneous

Things may be a bit sparse of the next few weeks as far as posting is concerned. We are dealing with some serious issues on both sides of the family, and I may not have time to write as much as usual. Not that there’s been a lack of things about which to write. I … Read More “Blog Update” »

Sock Saga Update

October 28, 2011 Tom No Comments

EdTech

Last week I mentioned that I had received one sock in the mail. The idea was that if i wanted the sock’s mate, i’d need to visit their booth on the vendor floor at EdTech. One of my colleagues, Jay Lindler, reads this blog, and and stopped by their booth. He pulled up RandomConnections and … Read More “Sock Saga Update” »

Spirits of Springwood

October 24, 2011 Tom 3 Comments

History and Genealogy, Local, Photography

This past Sunday Laura and went on the Spirits of Springwood Tour sponsored by the Upcountry History Museum. Springwood Cemetery features many historic graves and lots of interesting headstones and carvings. I’ve visited many times on photo walks, but thought it would be interesting to get an “official” tour.

There were two tours scheduled – one starting at 5:00 pm and one at 6:45 pm. I initially wanted to do the 5:00 pm tour because the lighting would be so much better for photography. However, Laura convinced me that the 6:45 tour with flashlights would be fun, and that this wasn’t really a photography tour.

Photography tour or not, I came prepared. I had my DSLR with a 50mm f/1.8 lens, my trusty Nikon S70 sidearm, and the little infrared point-and-shoot I’d used on our Blue Ghost excursion. I knew a tripod wouldn’t be appropriate for a tour, so I brought cameras that would work well (mostly) in low-light situations.

As usual, we arrived early. I took advantage of the waning afternoon light to take a few photos.

Read More “Spirits of Springwood” »