After Dark

Patrons enjoying the evening, outside at Avo in Mt. Brook Village.

Christmas Window Shopping

The French would call this " lèche-vitrines" which loosely translates to  "lick the windows".  Well I think we have some wonderful Birmingham shops that qualify!!! SWANK.  in Mountain Brook Village would give any Parisian window a run for their money.

Birmingham Rouge - Sharing

I found these two brothers sharing ( and very nicely I might add!) a snow cone curbside in Mt. Brook Village during the Legends of Motorsports Rally. Who needs an old Ferrari or Lotus when you can find something this adorable to snap?? Oh I can hear all you men groaning!

Le Chapeau Trés Chic

It's almost Easter, so I thought this gorgeous chapeau that I found at Christine's in Mountain Brook Village, would be just the thing. I think it looks like it could very well be in the window of Marie Mercié in Paris.

A Paris Moment Right Here in Birmingham

Next time you're feeling that maybe a little trip to Paris is what you need, visit Charlotte Woodson Antiques in Mt. Brook Village. Owner Dinah Toro and I are kindred spirits. We share a love of Paris and have had some delightful conversations reminiscing about our trips there, sitting in her comfy old slipcovered armchairs. The shop is like a little trip back to Paris pour moi. Today, just a sampling. We'll be back, as I'm sure you've guessed!

Soda Fountain Minus the Drugstore- Table /Chair Series I

I think you will agree that most of the drugstores, with the wonderful old soda fountains, are a dying breed.  Around here the family owned drugstores shed their fountains years ago and have now sold out to the big chains.  Well this is one for the books....Gilchrist Drugs in Mountain Brook Village.  Gilchrist has been in the same spot for 82 YEARS!!!  The drugstore is long gone, there's not a sign of an aspirin or a band-aid,  but the soda fountain remains and does a booming breakfast and lunch business.  And at about 3:05 every weekday, the school crowd takes over.  Sandwiches, hot dogs, salad plates and even tomato aspic top the menu.  Real shakes and malts are mixed up before your eyes, but the hand squeezed limeades are what they are famous for.  I had lunch at the counter just yesterday. Friendliest staff you'll ever want to meet.  Looks like Gilchrist will be around for another 82!

Clickety Clack....Don't Talk Back!

A side trip to Charlotte Woodson Antiques, in Mt. Brook Village after my walk yesterday was yet another treasure trove for me.  I ended up spending about 2 hours with Dinah, the delightful owner, talking about France of course, and photographing so many lovely things in her beautiful shop. This is why I LOVE doing this blog. I meet so many interesting, friendly people!!!  Today,  her mint condition Corona.  Isn't it just the best?