Random Connections – Page 53 – A collection of photography and exploration focusing on Upstate South Carolina and beyond.

Newberry Schools and Churches Ramble – Part Three

April 8, 2016 Tom No Comments

NOTE: Once again, I’m playing catch-up. I had interrupted my Newberry ramble with a couple of other posts that were a bit more time-sensitive. Now we’re back to our trip from a couple of weeks ago.

My sister Glynda and I had been on a photo trek across Newberry County searching for old schools and churches. We had left Newberry and dipped down into Saluda County for a bit. We would eventually make our way back to Newberry and make some more discoveries.

Newberry Schools and Churches Ramble – Part Two

April 8, 2016April 8, 2016 Tom 2 Comments

Photography, Rambling

Glynda and I were on a ramble through Newberry County. I had several points of interest loaded into my GPS, including some schools and historic churches. So far we had visited three historic schools one one church, but we were just getting started. There was much more to see.

Kites and Herons

April 6, 2016 Tom No Comments

Local, Miscellaneous, Photography

This past weekend had already been incredibly busy. There was the Morten Lauridsen event, SC Comicon, and I was barely getting started. Seems like everyone had an event planned for this first weekend in April, and I was going to hit as many of them as I could.

SC Comicon

April 5, 2016 Tom No Comments

Local, Weirdness

This past weekend went from the sublime to the ridiculous – from the ethereal sounds of Morten Lauridsen to the total weirdness of South Carolina Comicon.

A Weekend with Morten Lauridsen

April 5, 2016April 5, 2016 Tom 1 Comment

Local, Music

Morten Lauridsen at First Baptist Church — Photo by Wesley Smith

This past week Furman University and First Baptist Church of Greenville have played host to composer Morten Lauridsen. Lauridsen taught several master classes at Furman, then worked with the choir from First Baptist and the Cantus Chamber Choir from the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts. The weekend culminated in a performance of Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Vivian Hamilton and accompanied by members of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra.

Newberry Schools and Churches Ramble – Part One

April 3, 2016April 4, 2016 Tom 9 Comments

Photography, Rambling

Glynda was at our house for dinner and we were looking out the back picture windows with a view of our lake. She made the comment that everything was getting green so fast. We were almost past the point of winter rambling, where vegetation doesn’t obscure the hidden treasures on backwoods roods. We decided it was time for one last photo trek before the leaves set on in earnest, hiding old buildings and other items of interest. Our target area would be Newberry County and parts of Saluda County.

I made my usual trip preparations – recharging camera batteries, scanning Google Earth and Facebook for possible targets, and loading up my GPS with points of interest. My POIs for this trip included several old schools, some of which I’d missed for whatever reason, along with several historic churches and cemeteries.

The REAL Children’s Cemetery

April 1, 2016April 4, 2016 Tom 12 Comments

History and Genealogy, Local, Photography, Rambling

Duncan Chapel Cemetery near Furman University is often called “The Children’s Cemetery.” It’s rumored to be haunted, and paranormal investigators have left toys on the headstones to engage the spirits of the children. Dubious science aside, this whole notion and nickname are based on a false premise. While I was out and about exploring Greenville I made some discoveries that cast doubt on the idea of this being a “children’s” cemetery.

Memo’s Family Restaurant – Meat-n-3.5

March 31, 2016March 31, 2016 Tom No Comments

Restaurants

While out and about exploring all of the Wilson’s locations the other day I found myself in the Pleasantburg Shopping Center around lunch time. I had spotted Memo’s Family Restaurant, and decided to give it a try.

Dime Store Memories

March 31, 2016 Tom 5 Comments

Local

The forecast predicted good winds, so I decided I’d take my kites out to Legacy Park. Since the winds were supposed to peak a bit after noon I packed a lunch, then sent out a general Facebook invitation for anyone that wanted to join me. I wasn’t sure who might decide to spend lunch with kites, so I knew I’d need to make sure all of my gear was in good order. That meant string, spars, and perhaps a couple more inexpensive kites for kids the might come along. In the past I’ve had success finding these things at Wilson’s 5 cents and $1, so that’s where I headed. Every time I visit, I’m unprepared for the flood of memories that wash over me when I step through the door.

Saint Patrick’s Day on Saluda Lake

March 22, 2016 Tom No Comments

Local, Paddling, Photography

There’s a problem with belonging to several paddling groups on Facebook. Everyone is posting these fantastic shots of their paddling trips, and I start to develop a case of paddling envy. With beautiful weather this past week, I decided I had to get out on the water, even if it was just a short paddle on a local lake. After looking at several options, I decided on Saluda Lake on the west side of Greenville.

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