Just a few months ago, upon this magnificent porch at Zero George in Charleston, South Carolina, when all of the northeast seemed a solid block of ice, yours truly began his day with a strong cup of coffee.  Batteries recharged, stepped into

this courtyard, and then onto

this street in order to venture upon these lanes and alleys that make up one of the most beautiful cities in America.

A solid morning spent walking about under the guidance of the esteemed antiquarian Ralph Harvard, this writer was then at liberty to attend a ceremony honoring one of the greatest American preservationists, Richard Jenrette, recipient of the 2014 Albert Simmons Medal of Excellence bestowed in recognition of his astounding commitment to saving beautiful architecture.  There is not enough that can be said about what Dick Jenrette has done for preservation in general and for setting an exemplary tone as to what it means to live graciously.  Regarded as the last gentleman of Wall Street, his second career literally saving America deserves to be lauded in equal measure.  Congratulations Mr. Jenrette.

And then home to this: our loyal hounds.