mountain scenes. Down the little drive and up the main road I shiver-walked, a move that resembles the monster mash on fast forward. With the glow of my cabin behind me, I remembered that this is also bear country. Through chattering teeth, I belt out my best, “hey bear, whoa bear,” occasionally merged with lines from Going on a Bear Hunt. Shuffle, chant, chatter, curse, down the road, up the hill and into the cabin of sleeping board members, who hadn’t even locked their door. I settled in for some coffee, cookies, and also consumed most of the book of Psalms thanks to the Gideons, before someone awoke. I awkwardly explained the situation, snagged the keys to a vehicle and set off to find a ranger in my new pajamas and mountain inspired slippers. Only 90 mins had passed but I’ve managed to maintain my core heat and scared off every bear in Pickens County. The ranger not at all phased by my request let me back into my cabin, offered a lesson in proper door operation and observed that my chances for a hot shower wouldn’t come back around again for another hour. Not a big deal. Wouldn’t want to go out in this climate with a wet head anyway. The good luck continued when our canned and bottled beverages froze and exploded inside of the refrigerator and our previously balanced budget was thoroughly busted with stacks of six dollar firewood bundles. We’d set out to make this be a memorable event and delivered on that promise. After returning to the Lowcountry, I shared the stories of our memorable retreat with a close friend who indulged me patiently, paused and offered this valuable insight, “Well, at least you had new pajamas.” Very true and I’ll never leave home without them. AM
James A. Dyal F U N ERA L H O M E
Full funeral and cremation services. Serving the Lowcountry since 1963.
303 South Main St. Summerville, SC (843) 873-4040 / jamesadyal.com
Dorchester Memory Gardens Mausoleum • Cremation Gardens • Urn Niches Beautifully landscaped and perpetual care.
11000 Dorchester Rd. Summerville, SC (843) 871-8080 dorchestermemorygardens.com
Lowcountry Monuments Offering a wide variety of marble, stone, and bronze memorials accepted in all area cemeteries. We can also provide many statuary options for private garden or cemetery display.
11000 Dorchester Rd. Summerville, SC (843) 871-2016 lowcountrymonuments.com
Summer 2022 AZALEAMAG.COM
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