Driftwood Beach

Hi. My name is Leigh
I am a rock collector.
Shell collector.
Stick collector (my son comes by his obsession honest).

I am not alone. My mother also enjoys these past times. One of our favorite places to go for "stick collecting" is Fort Morgan Beach, where we collect driftwood. I am delighted at a beach filled with the most beautiful wave and water tossed strewn wood. I wanted to take home so much. But had to leave the bigger, most beautiful pieces behind. It was that or leave the kids. Hmm?
Here are some shots I took along the beach as we strolled in search for the perfect pieces of driftwood.

Fairhope Arts & Crafts Show

I attended the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Show....and met up with 2 very precious bloggers, who I am lucky enough to call friends: Jennifer (Dust Bunny Hostage) and Kristin (The Goat). These are some of the scenes from the artshow...

The dogs of Fairhope. It's a given, dogs in this city are always welcomed. At shops and stores, outside you will see waterbowls for thirsty four legged shoppers, the firehydrants are dog friendly-painted and planted with fresh cut flowers....and many dogs in Fairhope like to dress up for their day out on the town, for example, these dogs.....

Fort Morgan, with your Tour Guide, Jack

Jack is my resident history buff (he also has an great affinity for math-Blah). He constantly tells me things I never knew about history. He reads constantly, checking out "adult" history books on topics ranging from battles/wars, ancient history (his personal fav), world wonders, geography, and countries. He is obsessed with it. These aren't all pictures books, mind you, these are thick books on wars, etc. He loves it!
It was a no brainer to take him to Fort Morgan on our visit to the beach. Though he had been three years earlier, it was now a whole new world. We had to force him to leave. He was like a kid in a candy store. He would run from place to place, reading his brouchure on the Fort. He would elaborate on history using his own knowledge where the brochure lacked. I learned alot from him. I often do. My little wiz kid. He constantly amazes me.

Beach+Birds

While on my beach vacay, I made certain-as I always do, to make a trip to the Gulf St Park for some hiking and bird watching. These are some of my bird photos I took while there and about in the area.

Brown Pelican

















Osprey (Fish Hawk) If you look closely, you can see his catch. A fish tail under his breat, the fish is in his talons.

















Red Bellied Woodpecker























More Brown Pelicans. I just love these birds. You cannot help but smile seeing them. It appears they are smiling too. They are like cartoons, comical.....


















Two types of Herons,(Great Egret and  the other? ) fishing the same pond.

















Sanderling

















Now this little bird was one of those moments in life that you will never forget. It literally followed us down a hking trail, walking the trail, eating bugs like mad along the way. When I bent down to photograph it, it literally flew and landed in front of me, as if to say, "Please take my picture!". It was amazing!
I have looked and looked and am trying to ID this bird.



UPDATE!!!! Keetha has ID'd the bird. It is a Hooded Warbler> Keetha, thank you so very much. I spent the better part of Thursday trying to figure it out. I actually saw the Hooded warbler, but the photo I saw was a female, who has no visible "hood". Thank you Keetha for solving the mystery of the bird. Just like a school teacher. I adore you!

Happy Birthday Sister Sledge!

My precious daughter, "soul sister sledge".....on your birthday, it was I who got the greatest gift! You!
I have enjoyed so many moments with you. You are my cheerleader (in so many ways). You inspire me.
Maybe one day I will grow up to be like you! You gots soul! And spirit. And heart.
I love that, and I love you!

For Elaina's 12th birthday, we went to the beach. All these photos below were taken on our trip.

Peace:

Pipe House

Two little birds made a home from a yellow pipe that came out of the ground. I have no idea what the pipe was for, but the brds certainly put it to good use by building a nest and laying eggs. I could've sat there all way and watched, but I did take so many photos. I thought I would share this one of Mother bird on top and Daddy bird inside tending to the eggs. Sounds like a mighty good man.

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Fields of Clover. I see some 4 leaf clover. Do you?

The Wild Hogz & Friends

My son and his "gang" the Wild Hogz, along with their other friends had a picnic at Cahaba Lily Park today.
I made sure to get a group shot of the gang.

Addie Leigh! Addie Leigh! (Said like Hercules! Hercules!)

I visited the offspring of my two Shih's this weekend.
Addie Leigh (named after me...so honored) is the lovechild of my furbabies, Lucy Lu and Jeffery Windham. Sister of Miley.
I can see the family resemblance in that smile!

Bearden Farm

Work on the farm comes to an end with a glorious sunset.

Going to the Chapel....

.....To photograph John & Sarah.
Big Daddy and I have known John for the better part of twenty five years.
I was honored when he and his lovely bride, Sarah, asked me to capture their wedding day.

They make a lovely couple. All the best!

We Got Your Back!

My nieces and Sister Sledge vs. J Smooth.
Looks like the girls are "on top"