Nelson's Neighborhood

My birthday is next week and as I approach 37, I'm amazed at all the wonderful things I've been able to do and say. I'm also writing this today, February 24, very bittersweetly as this is the anniversary of my best friend's murder. Everything changed 13 years ago when Peyton entered our home in Denver to find a man from a local halfway house waiting in our home. He was a 6'5', 350 lb pound monster and needless to say, Peyton was brutally killed and raped. He received life in prison with no parole and I must say that when they didn't give him the death penalty, I was shocked, but as Matthew Shepard's mom put it when his killers received the same, "At least I won't have to see them every year when they want to appeal their conviction". And it's so true.  I haven't seen his face since 2000 and I'm happy about that. Not to say that his mug isn't burned into my memory...it is. But I am grateful I don't have to make a trip t

It was quite a day at the Irvin~House Vineyards in Charleston, SC for the Grapes Gone Wild! event. Oysters, wine, wine-a-ritas, Firefly tastings, food and fun! If you haven't visited yet, why not? Get out there! They're open Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm. Cheers 

This weekend the Lowcountry will be going wild for wildlife. We invite the public to enjoy the wildlife and the libations at Irvin~House Vineyards for Grapes Gone Wild! tomorrow from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the vineyard. Admission is free but patrons are encouraged to bring their cash and credit for a wide variety of libations and food options. Oysters will be available for purchase by the bucket, along with delicious food by Farm on Fire. Guests are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the music of Kristi Starr and Gary Hewitt. Tastings in the Firefly Vodka distillery and Irvin~House Vineyards winery are only $6.00 to taste 6 of 12 flavors of Firefly Vodka and Sea Island Rums and $4.00 to taste 5 wines. Patrons will receive complimentary glasses during both tastings. What: Grapes Gone Wild!  When: Saturday, February 18, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.  Where: Irvin-House Vineyards  Wadmalaw Island 559-6867  Irvin~House Vineyards is open Tuesday - Saturda

Valentine's Day is tomorrow. So why not go LOCAL when it comes to buying them a gift. Shop at Sweet Olive in Mount Pleasant . Look at these cute ideas!