Cool Cats and Hot Dogs - Do Dah Day 2010

Where do I begin with this one? I'll admit that this was my first Do Dah Day Parade and it was something else! I found a spot in the median on Highland Avenue and had a front row seat for the oncoming parade traffic. Today a few offerings but there will be more, I can assure you!

Blue Skies Smiling At Me

Earlier in the week, I was enjoying this terrific spring weather on my patio and noticed that the sky was a particularly gorgeous blue! I took this photo from the comfort of my Adirondack chair! Notice the pinus palustris Miller ( Southern longleaf pine ) in the photo. My California blog friends were curious as to what kind of pines we have in Birmingham, so here you go, the State Tree of Alabama. I hope your spring weather is a glorious as ours right now.

Today one of my favorites, Willie Nelson, has a tune for you right here.

Sunny Side Up

Besides fresh produce, jellys, cheese, herbs and plants, the Pepper Place Market even has farm fresh eggs.. no yolk!!! ( Forgive me for that. I couldn't help myself.)

A Southerner's Glimpse of South Pasadena

A few short weeks ago I had a most wonderful visit with my dear blog reader Judy and fellow bloggers in the Los Angeles area. One afternoon and evening was spent in photogenic South Pasadena. Laurie, Glimpses of South Pasadena, showed us all around and can you believe it, I recognized some hot spots from her blog! Actually, I have more, so stay tuned!

South Pasadena Rouge???

Happy Feet

Blue Crocs, Red Toes

Guitar Man

We're back at the Magic City Blues Society's festival held a few weeks ago. I've always loved to listen to a guitar being played, but now I've found something else I love to photograph!

How about a little Bread singing "Guitar Man" today!

California Dreaming

What happens in the "Denas", stays in the "Denas"

Well I've been home from Southern California a week, but the fond memories linger. Many of you have asked for more photos and of course I'm happy to share!

Today a trip to the Huntington Gardens. Our rowdy band of bloggers photographed every leaf and petal there. We also enjoyed a delightful tea in the Rose Garden Tearoom. Much talk and laughter ensued. I'm pretty sure we were not their typical "tea" crowd. :)

A little tune for you today. You know what it is!

By the way, there's a bit of California on my Paris blog today as well! Have a look here.

L'arbre faux bois était trés belle!

You Win Some, You Lose Some!

This is Laura Kate the "baby" in our family. She lost her first tooth which means that everybody is growing up! (Cousin Davis, who is one day older, is still hanging onto his.) I'll admit I'm a little sad. But, look at that face. She's pretty excited that the Tooth Fairy has come and gone and dropped $5. Times have changed! Happy Mother's Day to all my dear readers. I'm counting my blessings today, believe me.

Soft Spring Breezes

I stopped in at the Oak Street Market yesterday and there was a delightful breeze blowing their cute burlap curtains. Don't you just love spring???

The Sincerest Form of Flattery

My very talented friend, Birmingham artist Amy Collins, gave me a gift yesterday that I will treasure. With my permission, she painted this lovely oil from one of my favorite photographs of Continental Bakery. I couldn't be more pleased. Merci mille fois, mon amie!!

( A larger version of this painting can be purchased here! )

Amy and husband Sam have been friends for a long time. We first met when I taught their dear Sarah in third grade. They are both medical illustrators by day, but each has found another avenue for their creativity. Sam does some terrific photographs of Birmingham, with a clever twist, and Amy, as you can see, is an accomplished painter. Please visit their websites to see and purchase their work. By the way, my Birmingham readers can meet Amy in person tonight at Artists Incorporated in Vestavia where she will be joining 4 other area artists for a reception from 5:30-8:30. Hope to see you all there!

Shady Ladies!

How lucky can I get?? I spotted BOTH of these cuties in one morning at the Pepper Place Market. I must be living right. If they don't make you smile, nothing will!

I'm not sure, but I think this little miss has made an appearance on BADP right here. What do you think?

The Cast of REAL Characters

Judy (My terrific hostess), Kathy (The Chieftess), Ron (Mr. Earl's Musings), Petrea (Pasadena DP), Laurie and Raine (Glimpses of South Pasadena), Karin (Alatadena Hiker), moi

Thanks to our dear fellow blogger Tash, Palos Verdes DP, we have this nice group shot. Most likely the only time we stayed together and had our mouths closed or almost closed at the same time! We were touring the Huntington Gardens in San Marino and they were spectacular. More to come from this beautiful place.

The Birthday Girl!

Raine and Mom Laurie

I've just returned from a fabulous week in the Los Angeles area. My dear blog reader Judy- So.California and husband Dave were my wonderful hosts. Oh what a grand time I had sightseeing and getting to meet and finally get to hug the necks of my blog friends in the area. Karin, (Altadenahiker), Laurie (So Pasadena Daily Photo), Tash ( Palos Verdes Daily Photo), Kathy ( The Chieftess), Ron (Mr. Earl's Musings), and Petrea ( Pasadena Daily Photo), joined us and a grand time was had by all. On Thursday, Hiker gave us her very best "Huntington Garden Docent" tour. Well she tried. We were unruly and stopped too much to talk and take photos, but she did her best to reign us in. A very special "guest" was Raine, Laurie's ALMOST five year old. Today the Birthday Girl is my star. Joyeux Anniversaire dear one.

My 100 Strangers Challenge is featured in this month's issue of B-Metro Magazine. Take a look here!

V

Dancing in the Park

Last week's Magic City Art Connection featured music and dancing as well. Sylvia Toffel describes herself as an "earth tender", but she is also a very talented dancer who knew just how to get the children up on their feet and feeling the music. I am giving you several photos today because I couldn't choose my favorite!

Today I return home from a terrific trip to the Left Coast, Los Angeles to be exact. My wonderful hostess was my faithful reader, Judy-So. California and husband Dave. They have given new meaning to "southern hospitality", southern California that is. We had a jam packed week with my dear blog friends in the area ( most from the "denas") that hang around my blogs a lot and keep it so very interesting. I was also lucky enough to be able to spend some time with an old friend that lives in the area and attend a wonderful Kappa Delta event with her as well. As soon as I can download my photos, you'll be in for a treat.