Things Are Looking Up

The Thomas Jefferson Tower ( aka Leer Tower) is approaching the end of its extensive renovation. This 20 story former hotel, has for long been standing empty and deteriorating, but will soon reopen as a mixed condo/retail space. Things are looking up in Birmingham!

Sunday Church Series - Holy Trinity- Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church

One of my favorite sacred spaces in Birmingham.  

Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church    

Hurry Up!

I am very grateful that all those years when I was responsible for buying, setting up and decorating our Christmas tree, that there wasn't this insane rush to get the tree up and house decorated by Thanksgiving. If I got it all done with a week or so to spare before Christmas, I patted myself on the back and had a glass of wine to celebrate. Christmas trees at Oak Street Garden Shop are standing tall and looking fresh. Better hurry!

Escapee

Last seen at Stone Hollow Farmstead,

Thankful

L-R: Kathleen, Chappell, Lindley, Davis, Eva, Laura Kate and Melissa

Today as we Americans gather with family and friends, I am grateful for my sweet family and all of my dear friends near and far. The events in Paris last week, made me even more aware of how fragile life is. Thank you all for your visits to this blog and your friendship. May we all pray for peace around this world today.

Unbridled Joy

Blackjack Farms

Close to Home

When I arrived Friday from Paris, I was thrilled to see that Birmingham still had fall color for me. This is on Cliff Road in the Forest Park neighborhood, near my home. 

Hanging On!

I missed some of our fall color while I was gone, but thankful some hung around till I got back.

Sunday Church Series - Église de la Madeleine

Today I share an image from the majestic Église de la Madeleine in Paris. I returned on Friday and wanted to post this noon mass that was in progress when I slipped in the church on the Monday following the terrorist attacks on Friday evening. 

Je Suis Paris

Dear Friends,
As you may know, I am in Paris this week. I have received many inquiries regarding our safety and many kind comments. Please know that we are safe and join us in praying for those who lost their lives or were injured in the senseless attacks last night. 

Au revoir

À bientôt!

(See you soon)

Saturn

The neighborhood of Avondale is becoming a happening place in Birmingham. It's near my home and I couldn't be more pleased. We have some new bars, some great places to eat,  a brewery and two new coffee shops. Saturn is very cool, probably too cool for me. They had me with their orange doors, but there's a rocket ship hanging from the ceiling inside! I'll show you that another day. 

Autumn Revisited

This may or may not come as a surprise to many of you but I'll let you in on a little secret. I sometimes repost photographs that I especially love and today's is one of those. I shot this at the Birmingham Museum of Art a number of years ago, I like to drag it out every autumn for old time's sake. I hope you like it too.

Autumn Glory

We have had some very fine weather these past few weeks. Walkers and runners abound. I shot this along the golf course just outside of Crestline Village.

Well Worn

These old school books at Black Sheep Antiques in Harpersville, look like they were well used and loved a lot. I should have opened Science Stories to see exactly what that's all about.

Thank you Barbara Adkins for welcoming us to take photographs in your beautiful and interesting shop! 

Waiting Patiently

This adorable pup was patiently waiting for his master/mistress who was probably enjoying a sandwich at Gilchrist Drugs in Mountain Brook Village recently. 

Autumn Still Life

Leaf N Petal Garden Shop at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens always has such marvelous outside displays. I always snap their first before heading into the gardens.

Dia de los Muertos

Ok, it was drizzling rain yesterday afternoon and I took the low road. I did not attend Birmingham's fabulous Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration for the first time in at least 6 years. Not to worry, I have a stash a mile high. Today I share a photos from 2013, Caroline Wright is a dear friends and talented Birmingham photographer. This girl can dress up!

Historic Denechaud House

Built in 1887, it was originally the Denechaud European Hotel and Restaurant. Today it houses the law firm of Comer & Upshaw and a residential loft.

Denechaud House

2107 2nd Avenue North

City Daily Photo Theme Day - Ephemeral

Ephemeral - Lasting a short time.

Our City Daily Photo Bloggers are coming up with some tough themes these days. I had to scramble for an entry, but thought this sweet smelling bouquet for my birthday from my friends Kay and Pete in Mobile fit the bill. Their blooms will be gone soon,  but I will enjoy their beauty and sweet scent till they go. 

Today my City Daily Photoblog friends around the world are posting their take on this monthly theme. Have a look HERE and see their entries.They are a clever bunch, so have a look.