Charlie's Fountain

I never  go to the Pepper Place Market without making a swing through Charlie Thigpen's outdoor garden. I always have fun chatting with Charlie himself and taking a few photos. I try and stay out of his Garden Gallery shop because I can't ever walk out empty handed. They have such healthy plants and fabulous pots and garden accoutrements!  I have tried to capture this  fountain many times. Yesterday, I think I got it.

Time Flies...........When You're Blogging!

Charlie Thigpen's Garden Gallery

Pepper Place

THREE years ago I posted my first photograph on Birmingham Alabama Daily Photo.  At the time I was so green I had to email Rambling Round ( Selma Alabama Daily Photo) almost daily for help.  I started this blog as a way to keep myself out there taking photos in my retirement.  My momma always said, "Ignorance is bliss!"  Well it is, and perhaps if I'd known how much time and energy a daily photoblog really requires, I'd probably have chosen something like knitting as a way to while away my retirement. Lucky for me, I waltzed into blogworld full of blind enthusiasm, and I haven't looked back.  In November 2008, I was having so much fun, I created Paris Through My Lens.   Now my days and nights are spent feeding two "babies" as Genie and I call our blogs. Actually I call mine "The Twins"!  It has been an amazing three years, and this blog has afforded me some incredible experiences, opportunities and friendships too numerous to name.  I thank those of you that visit ( almost a 1,000 a week!), that comment, that email me and introduce yourselves and those of you that I've been fortunate to meet in person.  But most of all,  I hope that I have made the people of Birmingham proud, because in the end, it's all about our Birmingham, isn't it!

Let's Go Out and Play in the Sprinkler!

Thank you Charlie Thigpen ( Garden Gallery at the Pepper Place) for this wonderful reminder of my childhood. I danced and pranced in many sprinklers. Good memories!

Birmingham Rouge - Gardening Fever ?

I think everyone in Birmingham has it. Our weather has been just marvelous and people are out cleaning up their yards and planting up a storm.  I think this nice vignette from Charlie Thigpen's great  Garden Gallery at the Pepper Place was a good place to start.

For my Birmingham area readers I will be offering another series of photography classes. Designed for amateur photographers with any type digital/film camera who want to be more creative and learn to take better family and vacation photos.

Community Education South

April 18-May 16

6:00-8:00 PM

For more information:

Contact me at virgjones@gmail.com

FLower Bed

Did you really think I could pass us that title? Of course not. Charlie Thigpen is improving the real estate all around his garden shop, Garden Gallery at the Pepper Place every time I'm down there. Isn't this clever!

Don't Fly Away!

Last Saturday, my friend Charlie Thigpen helped me chase this guy all over the garden at his fabulous shop,  Garden Gallery at the Pepper Place. I finally caught him resting on this lovely purple flower.

It reminded me that I should try macro shots more often, like my friends Costas here and Abe Lincoln here.

A Glimpse of Spring

Taken at The Gardener's Gallery

Pepper Place

And that's about all we're going to have for a few days. Friday and Saturday we had our first sunshine sightings and warmer temps in what seems like weeks. Birmingham seemed to finally be waking from a long winter's slumber. Well today Mother Nature is going to flex her muscles once more. Rain and possible snow showers are expected today and tonight. I'm muttering under my breath. Don't ask.

Aftenoon Update: Mother Nature just called and said, "Just kidding!" It's poured all morning but now I think I see something bright in the sky. Wonder what that is???