The Holy Family

Merry Christmas to all of my dear friends near and far who celebrate. I pray that the new year will bring peace, understanding and compassion to our world.

Christmas Eve - Lessons and Carols

This afternoon, I will worship at my church, Independent Presbyterian Church, to celebrate the service of 9 Lessons and Carols. Merry Christmas to all of my friends here and around the world who celebrate with me. For those of you of other faiths, I pray we will continue to honor the beliefs of each other and find peace in this troubled world. 

Then Homewood Star

Since the early 1950's the Homewood Star has shown at the top of 18th Street signaling the beginning of the Christmas season. If you look carefully beneath the bottom right point, you can see Vulcan!

Magical

 If you're  in the Birmingham area, you might want to drive through Mountain Brook Village and see the magical trees! 

Details

One of my favorite downtown buildings is the  John Hand Building. Built in 1912, it was Birmingham's tallest building for one year, till the City Federal Building took that honor. It housed banks until recently and now it's been reborn as a mixed us building featuring downtown condos. The architectural details make it one of Birmingham's finest.

VOTE Alabama!

I am proud to support Doug Jones for Senate. Today's the day Alabama, please go vote! 

Snowcapped

I had only to step outside my apartment to capture this last Friday. We love our random snows in Birmingham. We especially love it when it comes and goes quickly without lost of power. 

Who Knew!

Friday morning was set to be the time the magical and very talented flower ladies were to decorate Independent Presbyterian Church from top to bottom for the 68th Annual Holiday House Tour. After all, that has been the day for 68 years. What could go wrong? Well a surprise Alabama snowfall that's what. Friday morning, our city got about 4 inches of wet fluffy snow. Those with four wheel drives made it and the show went on. Some had to catch up on Saturday morning. The doors opened at 10 and except for a few icy steps, everything went perfectly as planned. The addition of snow to the outside decorations was a photographer's delight!

Please come today ( 1-5)  for the tour of the church, tea in the Great Hall, then visit  the five beautiful homes. You may purchase tickets online, at the church or any of the homes. All proceeds benefit the Children's Fresh Air Farm and the STAIR reading program at IPC. 

Change In Plans

Well the weather through us a curve ball here in Alabama, and was suppose to be a "light dusting" proved to be a delightful fluffy snow day. That meant no schools, no Lessons and Carols and no just about anything but staying inside and enjoying watching the snow fall. I did venture out several times, just around my apartment for photos so you'll be seeing a few for the next few days. It will be back to business as usual tomorrow I hope!

For my Birmingham area readers, I hope you will attend Independent Presbyterian Church's 68th Annual Holiday House Tour. You can purchase tickets online, at each home or at the church. Saturday and Sunday the church will be open for you to see the exquisite floral decorations and have tea in the Great Hall. All proceeds go to fund so many wonderful projects such as the Children's Fresh Air Farm and the STAIR reading program. 

Christmas Tradition

Today will be the  11th year I've attended the exquisite Service of Lessons and Carols at the Advent School. Under the direction of Richard Phillips, this beautiful service is the true beginning of the Christmas season for me. For 9 of these years, my two grandchildren Eva and Davis took part in the service as students then as members of the Choral Ensemble as well. I will miss seeing their sweet faces but look forward to sharing the service with friends. 

Our Ballerina

Our Chappell danced many parts in the Magic City Nutcracker last week. My favorite was as a Snowflake.

Birmingham Rouge - en pointe

Last weekend, my granddaughter Chappell danced in the Magic City Nutcracker, Vestavia Dance. I photographed from the audience as a very proud grandmother but will share some special photos from the performance this week!