November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kiawah is a bit overcast this morning, but every now and then the sunshine tries to peep through the clouds.  There should be lots of happy pilgrims today playing outside and working off that huge dinner!

A THANKSGIVING POEM
'Twas the night of Thanksgiving,
But I just couldn't sleep
I tried counting backwards,
I tried counting sheep.

The leftovers beckoned -
The dark meat and white
But I fought the temptation
With all of my might.

Tossing and turning
With anticipation
The thought of a snack
Became infatuation.

So, I raced to the kitchen,
Flung open the door
And gazed at the fridge,
Full of goodies galore.
 

I gobbled up turkey
And buttered potatoes,
Pickles and carrots,
Beans and tomatoes.

I felt myself swelling
So plump and so round,
'Til all of a sudden,
I rose off the ground.

I crashed through the ceiling,
Floating into the sky
With a mouthful of pudding
And a handful of pie.

But, I managed to yell
As I soared past the trees....
Happy eating to all -
Pass the cranberries, please.

May your stuffing be tasty,
May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes 'n gravy
Have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious
May your pies take the prize,
May your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off of your thighs.

May your Thanksgiving be blessed!

- author unknown -

Weather: It is 65 degrees at 8:50 this morning. We have the possibility of showers today, perhaps even thunderstorms.  Highs in the mid-seventies with a 50% chance of showers. Tonight's low should be in the low fifties, also with a 50% chance of rain.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Five white-tailed deer, two double-crested cormorants, one raccoon, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

November 21, 2007

It is sunny and warm on Kiawah this morning, so we have at least one more day of nice weather before it turns chilly again. 

Folks are arriving on the island for the holidays, and are hitting the bike paths, the links, and the courts too.  Please be careful driving, as there are far more people here now than for most of the fall.

Weather: It is 64 degrees at 9:05 this morning. Today's high should be near eighty! The low tonight is supposed to be in the low sixties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Three white-tailed deer, two double-crested cormorants, one raccoon, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

November 20, 2007

Kiawah is sunny and gorgeous this morning. There are only a few light clouds in the sky, and the slight breeze is just enough to feel pleasant. Perhaps this would be a good day to jump on your bike and go "critter scouting"?

Weather: It is 57 degrees at 9:05 this morning. We have more amazing weather in store for us today!  Highs in the mid-seventies, lows tonight in the upper fifties. 

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Three white ibis, six white-tailed deer,two double-crested cormorants, one raccoon, roughly a dozen American alligators, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

November 19, 2007

It is lovely and sunny on Kiawah this morning. Yesterday the weather was perfect, and loads of folks were out & about to enjoy it.

KICA sponsored the Pet Adoption Fair on Saturday and the Craft Show on Sunday.  Both were terrific events.  Hope you had a chance to attend!   

Red-tailed Hawk Betsey Porter had quite a "critter day" this past Friday.  This red-tailed hawk was one of the many critters she spotted.  Do you have a photo you would like to share? Click here to send it.

Weather: It is 57 degrees at 9:05 this morning. Highs today in the low seventies, lows in the mid-fifties. Now that's more like it!

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count Spotted at various times & places around Kiawah during the week-end: one osprey, one red-tailed hawk, one black vulture, three male and five female white-tailed deer, one anhinga, several Black-crowned night herons, three great blue herons, seven brown pelicans, five double-crested cormorants, one raccoon, two male cardinals, bottle-nosed dolphins playing in the surf and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

November 16, 2007

Kiawah is beautiful and sunny this morning, but watch out!  The sunshine is deceptive, it's a bit chilly out there.  First we have a few fabulous days of "convertible weather", then WHAM! Mother Nature springs COLD upon us!  What's up with that?

Don't Forget: Saturday KICA sponsors a Pet Adoption Fair from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at Night Heron Park.  This event will feature organizations representing both dogs and cats. All proceeds will be shared between the organizations, which are in need of funding for medical care, proper nutrition and housing. Please click here for more information.

Astronomy 101: The Leonid meteor shower will be visible Saturday and Sunday night. As always, the meteors are best viewed in the "early morning hours" (translate that to between 4:00 & 6:00 a.m.). Leftover dust and ice from Comet Tempel-Tuttle create the meteors. So grab a lawn chair and a really warm blanket, face east to look for the constellation Leo, and start watching! You should be able to see 25 to 50 very swift meteors per hour.

Week-end Weather: It is 44 degrees at 9:05 Friday morning. Highs Friday in the mid-fifties, lows in the upper thirties. YIKES! Saturday will be slightly warmer, with a high in the mid-sixties, and a low near fifty. Sunday will be a repeat, with highs in the upper sixties, lows in the upper forties. ** Plant watch **

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two male and one female white-tailed deer, five brown pelicans, two double-crested cormorants, one raccoon, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

November 15, 2007

It is gray and overcast on Kiawah this morning.  It is currently sprinkling just a tad, though it is not worth getting your umbrella out just yet.

Great American Smokeout: Today is the 31st annual Great American Smokeout, a day when all Americans are encouraged to quit smoking for at least 24 hours. For help, call 1-800-ACS-2345 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, press 3) to find a quit-line or other science-based support in the Lowcountry. Or visit cancer.org or smokefreeyou.org. Click here to read some tips on quitting.

Weather: It is 63 degrees at 9:05 this the morning. Showers are likely today, so be on the lookout! Highs today in the upper sixties. This afternoon the temperature is supposed to drop back near sixty, with a 60% chance of rain. Lows tonight in the low forties.  Brrrrrrr...  ** Plant watch **

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One white-tailed deer, two double-crested cormorants, one raccoon, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

November 14, 2007

Kiawah is sunny and warm this morning.  If you thought yesterday was nice, you may just be ecstatic about today!  Temperatures should be in the upper seventies.  Golf or tennis anyone?

Last chance...  to see the North Taurids meteor shower! You can see the meteors best between midnight & 2:00 a.m. So grab a lawn chair, a blanket, and turn south to look. You should be able to see 10 to 20 bright, slow fireball meteors per hour.

Weather: It is 60 degrees at 9:05 this the morning. We have a great day headed our way today! Look for a high near eighty degrees! Tonight's low should be near sixty, with a 20% chance of showers.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Three white-tailed deer,one great blue heron, two double-crested cormorants, one raccoon, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive. 

November 13, 2007

It is sunny and gorgeous on Kiawah this morning.  Today should be a fabulous day to get outside and play... what are your plans to get out & enjoy this wonderful weather?

Did you know?  The North Taurids meteor shower takes place tonight and Wednesday night in the skies above Kiawah. Naturally the meteors are best viewed in the "early morning hours" (between midnight & 2:00 a.m.).  So grab a lawn chair, a blanket, and face south to watch! If there are no clouds, you should be able to see 10 to 20 bright, slow fireball meteors per hour.

Weather: It is 57 degrees at 9:00 this the morning. We have a few days of nice warm temperatures - yea! Highs in the mid-seventies, lows in the upper fifties tonight.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two white-tailed deer, two great blue herons, one marsh hawk, four double-crested cormorants, one raccoon, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

November 12, 2007

Kiawah is sunny this morning.  After a glorious but chilly week-end, we have sunshine and a bit warmer weather.

Did you know?  A celestial event takes place tonight through Wednesday night in the skies above Kiawah. The North Taurids meteor shower will be here.  Naturally the meteors are best viewed in the "early morning hours" (between midnight & 2:00 a.m.).  So grab a lawn chair, a blanket, and face south to watch! If there are no clouds, you should be able to see 10 to 20 bright, slow fireball meteors per hour.

Bobcat Bobcats can be one of Kiawah's most elusive "critters", but sometimes they appear when you least expect it.  This one was lying next to the driveway at Charles' house when his wife came home from work!  Do you have a photo you would like to share? Click here to send it.

Weather: It is 52 degrees at 9:00 in the morning. It should be slightly warmer today through Wednesday. Highs today in the upper sixties, lows tonight in the mid-fifties.

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count Spotted at various times & places around Kiawah during the week-end: seven white-tailed deer,one bobcat, one marsh hawk, two double-crested cormorants, one raccoon, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

November 9, 2007 Week-end Edition

It is sunny and cool on Kiawah this morning. The sunshine is deceptive though, as you still will need a light coat or sweater to spend any time outside.

Hooded Mergansers Hooded mergansers, or "hoodies" quietly scout a Kiawah lagoon for food.  The brownish one towards the upper left of the photo is a female, while the black and white ones are males.  Do you have a photo you would like to share? Click here to send it.

Week-end Weather: Once again it is 48 degrees at 9:00 in the morning. Brrrr!  Friday's high should be in the low sixties, the low in the mid-forties. With a high upper sixties Saturday will not be much warmer! Lows Saturday night in the mid-forties.  The high Sunday is supposed to be in the low sixties, the low in the mid-forties.

** Plant watch **

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Four white-tailed deer, one marsh hawk, two double-crested cormorants, one raccoon, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

November 8, 2007

Kiawah is bright and shiny as a new penny this morning. The sun is gleaming brightly, looking like a typical warm sunny day. Until you go outside that is! You might want to have a sweater on if you venture outdoors today.

Weather: It is 48 degrees at 9:00 this morning. AGAIN! Who can believe it is this chilly in November? Highs today near sixty.  Lows tonight are supposed to be in the low forties. 

** Plant watch **

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One male white-tailed deer, two double-crested cormorants, one raccoon, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

November 7, 2007

It is sunny on Kiawah this morning, but very cold for this time of year.  Heat pumps came on all over the island last night, as Mother Nature decided to give us an early taste of winter.  Baby it's cold outside!

Weather: It is 48 degrees at 9:00 this morning. YIKES!  There is even a frost warning starting at midnight tonight.  Yikes again!  Today's high should be upper fifties.  Tonight's low should be near forty. 

** Plant watch **

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two female and one male white-tailed deer, one anole, three double-crested cormorants, one raccoon, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.  Last but not least, for you Ohio State fans out there, two common buckeye butterflies!

November 6, 2007

Kiawah is sunny and gorgeous this morning. It is just the sort of day that makes you want to throw off your shoes and wriggle your toes in the sand. Kiawah's beach sand remains pretty warm, although the ocean waters have certainly cooled. Do you think you will make it to the beach today?

Don't Forget: If you are a member of the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol, tonight is the annual volunteer dinner.  Be at the Sandcastle at 6:30 p.m. to celebrate with your fellow patrollers!

Weather: It is 64 degrees at 9:00 this morning. More fabulous fall weather is on the way today, but look for much cooler temperatures tonight. Highs in the mid-seventies today, lows tonight in the forties.  Brrrr...

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two white-tailed deer, two great blue herons, five double-crested cormorants, one raccoon, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

November 5, 2007

It is sunny on Kiawah this morning but quite cool. Once again Kiawah has blessed us with a fabulous morning! The sun is shining, a dazzling ball of bright light in a sky of azure blue. The air is crisp and cool, Kiawah's version of fall weather is here!

Weather: It is 53 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Today should be a perfect fall day! Highs today in the low seventies, lows in the low fifties. 

The eagle has landed... The bald eagles are back! The eagles that call Kiawah home have returned to our fair island.  Keep a sharp eye out and perhaps you will spot them too!  Do you have a photo you would like to share? Click here to send it.

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count Spotted at various times & places around Kiawah during the week-end: one bald eagle, one fox, four white-tailed deer,one red-tailed hawk, one American alligator, two great blue herons, two double-crested cormorants, one raccoon, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

November 2, 2007 Week-end Edition

Kiawah is finally seeing a little sunshine this morning after several days of overcast skies. While Kiawah does not celebrate fall with the orange and browns of the northern climes, it does have a distinct fall palette. The sweet grass and groundsel, goldenrod and marsh grass, all contribute their unique colors to the fall landscape. What colors have you noticed on Kiawah this fall?

Week-end Weather: It is 60 degrees at 9:00 Friday morning. We can expect very cool temperatures this week-end. Highs Friday near seventy, lows in the upper forties.  That is NOT a typo!  Upper forties... brrr...  Saturday is supposed to bring a high in the upper sixties and a low in the mid-forties.  It will be no warmer Sunday, with a high near seventy and lows in the mid-forties.  Guess we should be thankful there is no rain in the forecast, right?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two female and one male white-tailed deer, two double-crested cormorants, one raccoon, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

November 1, 2007

It is overcast on Kiawah this morning. Do you think that the gray skies are a fitting beginning for November?  

November comes
And November goes,
With the last red berries
And the first white snows.

With night coming early,
And dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.

The fires burn
And the kettles sing,
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring.

- Clyde Watson

Weather: It is 67 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Though it is overcast, it should be a lovely fall day. Today's high should be in the mid-seventies with a 20% chance of showers. Lows tonight in the upper fifties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two jack o'lanterns, two female white-tailed deer, two double-crested cormorants, one raccoon, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.