The southern Smokies isolated their settlers fostering the continuing use of many farm ways through most of the twentieth century.

Isolation was true of much of the southern piedmont as well, especially after the coming of interstates. This tenant farm changed little throughout the late twentieth century.

Sharecroppers started leaving the isolated farms during the depression, but many stayed growing a little cotton (see Christmas Cotton which was only a few miles from this scene) and often driving to town to work. City services, however, remained few and far between into the 1990s.

Country stores remained viable throughout the South until recent times selling gas, basic groceries, and acting as post offices.

Pelicans, relict ricefields, marsh and more define the Carolina Low Country come together to create something of the atmosphere of this special place by the sea.

Harmony over the catch isn't always as straight forward as one might wish

Goat is head oyster guy at Bowen's and childhood friend of James and Robert.

The Southern Foodways came to town and had dinner out a Bowen's Island (in background). James is chief cook and bottle washer at this traditional "hole in the table" fish restaurant.

I always thought the tiny gilardia needed a little more attention, so here it is.

Finding shells and crabs and strange little things makes a walk at low tide interesting.

Cypress swamps covered much of the Low Country before Europeans and still are common in many areas..

Camellias are the stars of the winter at Magnolia.

The rolling Tuscan hillsides of vinyards, wheat, and olives are as much a part of our memories as the hilltop villages and wild drivers.

Looking down from Monteriggioni the opposite direction from Tuscan Idyl above

Venice is a city of bright color, light, and reflections.

Beyond the tourists and monuments, the real Firenze provides some provoking vistas.

Campo Santa Margarita children watching the action.

Running arcros the piazza of Santo Spirito brings joy to many a heart-- including mine.

A little football on the campo.

Street muscian in Rome with a little flight of fancy with San Pietro.

Sitting in the sun watching the world go by.

So I am fascinated by the place ballet of Italian street markets. Rialto.