Euro Birmingham - Shady Lady

I drive past this beautiful residence a lot. The other day I decided to stop and take some photographs.

Auntie Em, I Don't Think We're In BIrmingham Anymore!

Buongiorno!

Since I have given you a few glimpses of Birmingham with a French twist,  I thought you might enjoy a little Italy now.  It doesn't look like I will get to visit our friends in Arona or Torino, Italy anytime soon,  so this will have to do for the time being.  This lovely place is  The Arbor.  It is very much like strolling in an Italian courtyard chock full of gurgling fountains, planters of all shapes and sizes and beautiful statuary with an aged patina to grace your home or garden.  This is one trip to Italy that doesn't require a passport.   Tomorrow, how about a taste of Italy at one of Birmingham's most beautiful and popular restaurants ???

The Tune du Jour is "Per Te" by Josh Groban.

The Garage, Something for Everyone

Welcome to The Garage.  Let me try and describe this quirky place for you.   It's a  cross between a European Flea Market and Sanford and Son.  In fact, a lot of  folks say the owner and Fred Samford have similar personalities!   It's a jumble of statuary, concrete planters, rusty, peeling iron work of every description and who knows what else.  There are several inside rooms that I have never darkened,  but from what I could see, there's another world of discoveries to be had in there as well.    Stay with me, it gets more interesting. There is a bar attached that by night has live music and by day serves great sandwiches that can be eaten al fresco amongst the merchandise in the courtyard hence today's photo.  Note the enormous wisteria vine/tree that has wound itself all over the place and provides photographers and patrons with lovely dappled shade.   In chatting with the bar owner, he shared that he often refers to himself as Lamont ( to the owner's Fred Sanford !!!)   I'll share an interesting photo from his place on another day.  The Garage is really a one of a kind place.  Where else can you have cold beer, a tasty sandwich,  and leave with an old gate or a headless statue? 

Previous Garage post: June 23, 2008