Nightwalking

Since Big Daddy and I began walking last March, we have seen SO MANY critters in the forms of animals and insects. Some insects I have never seen. I wish I had brought my camera those times. But here are some I can identify and were fun to spy in the dark...

'We have seen armidillos galore. Three nightly on our street alone. And an odd one in the parking lot of Publix. Let me say, they have NO FEAR of humans....or cars. Thus their shells along roadsides.






Cute little bunny rabbit by CVS:




Imperial Moth . They are huge and so pretty! Look, it's almost as large as my hand.








Tree Frog on my window. There have been a few actually. I have lights that shine upon my house at night. It attracts flying bugs. And frogs eat bugs.

How cute are frogs....

Secret Garden

There is a secret garden. Its located in the metropolis of downtown Birmingham, beyond the traffic wizzing by and trains that holler a few blocks away.  Sitting next to a busy interstate and landmark factory, this quite garden blooms. You have to poke around to find it. But mother and I did, and found ourselves in a world of great beauty. We discovered paradise beyond the parking lots! Here are some photos from this garden (located at behind a small house that serves as the Birmingham Historical Society).

Brock

My first born baby is no longer a baby. Gone are the toddler years, the preteen and teenager years too. Today Brock turned twenty. I cannot fathom a more composed and well adjusted young man at this age. I take delight that he seems so self assured, certain...he has set goals for himself and is working hard to achieve those goals. He is a wonderful young man. I couldn't be prouder of.
Happy Birthday Brock. I love you and always will.

The Lucky One

Friday evening my friends, the Clematis Club, threw me and another member ("Happy Hour") a birthday luau celebration. Its the big number for me. I turn 40 August 4th. I got the most wonderful gifts: jewelry, homemade treats, candles, and a donation made in my name to the Humane Society. They all know me so well. But the real gifts....is the friendships of each of these extraordinary, talented, dedicated women and their beautiful families.I couldn't help but reflect that night as I saw the laughter and the dancing....that I am the Lucky One to have such precious gifts. God is great.

Ps....I guess THIS is how a pirate looks at forty.

Linking to Outdoor Wednesday

Red Moon

Big Daddy and I have been walking nightly now since March. I am amazed at all we have seen on our walks. Nature, wildlife...the things I find facinating. Friday's red moon was one of those facinating things. It stopped me in my tracks. I stared...and then I got my camera. Isn't it glorious?

Stay Gold Ponyboy

"Nothing Gold can Stay", the poem by Robert Frost. I think of it when I see a sunrise..or a sunset depending on the colors. It also conjurs up find memories of watching the Outsiders movie over and over again. The scene where Ponyboy recited that poem to Johnny was a great one. I grabbed my "Ponyboy", Jack and he and I took to a perfect spot for watching the sun dip down over the ridge. What a beautiful show!

PIckles

My friend, Laura Beth knows how I love pickles. She so kindly made me up a jar with a precious little tag and gave them to me. She said they were "prepared sweet and a lil spicy...like her friend." Thank you LB! They were delicious...tasted like Grandma Bratina's That's a HUGE compliment. Must get the recipe!

Buy one Get One Special

Simple Life

I had a portrait session with the Stegall family. I wanted to photograph them and have it appear like it were a time set in the 40's. Simple times.

Wedding Day

My friend Charnita and I teamed up to photograph the wedding of Andrea and Lamar. Here are some of my favorite pictures that I took from the night:

Pepper Place

Went to Pepper Place today. What? Not familiar with Pepper Place? It consist of several blocks where the old Dr. Pepper building is in the Lakeview District of downtown Birmingham. Today the area consist of shops and restaurants and during the spring into early fall, every Saturday there is a wonderful farmers market where farmers drive to sell the fruits of their labors.  There you can find home grown vegetables and flowers, bake breads and cookies, cakes and pies,local bee products. In addition to farmers, bakers and beekeepers you can enjoy local musicians on two stages while sipping a fresh cup of coffee or enjoying a light breakfast. There is a cooking demonstration at 9:00 a.m. every Saturday morning by Birmingham's finest chefs. And that's just the market... While you're there, don't forget to check out the shops that have made Pepper Place known as the city's premier design center.

Pepper Place Address:
2901 2nd Ave S
Birmingham, AL 35233
Get directions: To here - From here

Please join me at Tales from Bloggeritaville in my Open House Segments.
And for Thursday's Thrifty Thursday!
Linking to Outdoor Wednesday.

Come with me as I tour the Saturday Farmers Market.....