Foggy Morning on Cliff Road

Foggy Day on Altamont

On my way home from work this afternoon, the fog and the trees on Altamont Road were too good to pass up. Luckily, I had my phone!

Dare We Dream of Spring?

The temps are inching towards the 70's this week. I know, I know, we could get one more freaky hard freeze or SNOW, but I have high hopes. These daffs at Shoppe just down the street, make me hopeful.

Simple Pleasures

I'll confess right here, I"m a garden shop junkie. I am already a frequent flyer at local garden shops in Mt. Brook, Crestline, Homewood and Southside. Now I can add, my Forest Park neighbors, Shoppe Birmingham. I'll remain true to all of them, but right now I'm loving the photo ops (not to mention the gifts) at Shoppe Birmingham. 

Made With Love

The Friends of Triangle Park, in my Forest Park neighborhood, donated funding to make this the sweetest little park. It's got a secure playground and wide open grassy area for running and playing. The picnic tables and benches are adorned with these handmade tiles by families who cared enough to make this park a year round favorite for our community.

All Decked Out

This lion and his mate are always in the holiday spirit in my Forest Park neighborhood. I snapped this one year when we had a quick southern snow!

Ron's Ginkgo

I will probably post this photo every autumn as long as I have this blog. My friend Ron Council planted these ginkgo trees in front of his home in Forest Park from seeds he gathered at Birmingham Southern College years ago. He loved them, and we all loved Ron, so seeing them in all their glory every autumn reminds us all of his wonderful spirit.

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. 

99 Bottles of Wine...

 on the fence. My very fun neighbors have created this amazing wine bottle fence in their backyard. I'm pretty sure our neighborhood ladies' wine group has been responsible for many of these.

Take One - Leave One

These Little Free Libraries are popping up all over town... I hope. We have two in my neighborhood! What a great idea. Leave some you've read and take one you've been wanting to read. 

Fog Encore

I know it's a repeat of sorts,  but we have had soooo much dreary weather of late, and today on my way home from work, the fog in Forest Park made me stop, get out and shoot with my phone!

Santa Baby....

My neighbors Sam and Carolyn open their beautiful home the eve before Christmas Eve every year for a fabulous caroling party.  Carolyn and her three concert pianist friends,  play the two baby grand pianos and the neighbors sing along with a lot, or marginal, talent, but great gusto.  The evening wraps up with The 12 Days of Christmas sung by a variety of young and old.  Then, Mary Alice is always the finale with Santa Baby.  The perfect ending to a lovely neighborhood tradition.

JUMP!!!!

Yesterday afternoon, Independent Presbyterian Church held a community cookout after their 5:00 o'clock service.  It was a great afternoon full of hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, live music, and face painting and the all time favorite "jumpy jump" for the kids. It was a wonderful way for church members to welcome the neighborhood. Might I add, I had a BALL!

Bethanne

From time to time I think maybe I should close this blog, that I've run dry of photos to take here. Then I  meet a new friend, and I'm ready to go for another 6 years!

Welcome to my friend Bethanne Hill's studio.  She's lived just blocks from me for years, and I've heard wonderful things about her for so long, but she and I just connected through Facebook in the last few months.  She is one fabulous artist but she's more than that.  Bethanne is a tireless advocate for Avondale Elementary, Avondale Park and our city.  She's funny, compassionate, thoughtful and just a sweet, gentle soul.  Lately, she's been kind enough to include me on some exciting neighborhood field trips and we've had some big fun!

  

Yesterday I visited her little studio behind her home in Forest Park.  I sat on a stool while she put the finishing touches on this family pew, commissioned by friends.  We talked about how she got started, what inspires her ( aborigine art)  and "the process". I'm a frustrated painter,  so I always want to know the dirt on that.  She painted, and we talked and occasionally I had to stop to take a few shots of her hilarious dogs. You will have to come back another day to see them!

It's Rained A Lot Lately...

Triangle Park, Forest Park

Number 8 has had enough!

Blue Girl With Shell

Another shot from one of the most eclectic yards in Forest Park.

Rooftop Garden

This house in my neighborhood has taken the term "rooftop garden" to a whole new level.  During the warmer months there's always a nice field of green grass up there but the red tulips this spring were an added attraction.

It Must Be The Bird Feeder...

that attracted these two pink feathered gigglers to our Crape Myrtle tree!

Outdoor Seating

Our temps have been in single digits here this week,  so I'm pretty sure V. Richard's has not had many patrons choosing to sit outside on these lovely (but cold) chairs!

Here We Come A-Caroling

A caroling party in my neighborhood is an evening I look forward to each Christmas for many reasons.  It's a glorious mix of talented pianists, joyful voices singing Christmas carols, delicious food and drink,  and the gathering of old and new neighbors of all ages. Thank you Sam and Carolyn for opening  your home to us!