Red Hats

Do the Red Hat ladies do lunch here?  They should !  Looking for all the world like a group of bright red sun hats, these umbrellas shelter patrons at V. Richards Market on Clairmont Avenue in Birmingham's Forest Park neighborhood from the hot summer sun.  Lately it's been a little steamy, but every time I pass by,  folks seem to be enjoying eating outdoors, regardless of the temperature.

Look Up Birmingham!

As in most cities, many of Birmingham's landmarks have sadly made way for more modern architecture. However,  some of our historic buildings , while having undergone extensive renovations  on their lower floors, have retained the lovely architectural detailing that was prevalent in the early 1900's high above street level.  This is the first in my series that will feature their "crowning glory", remnants of days gone by,  that can only be appreciated if you stop and look up!  Today's photograph spotlights the Empire Building on the corner of 1st Avenue North and 20th Street in downtown Birmingham.  Still stunning after all these years.

Sunflower Girl

Saturday is Pepper Place Day for hundreds of Birminghamians.  It's the place to buy fresh vegetables and  fruits, flowers, herbs, craft items, and  divine homebaked goodies.  In addition,  you get to hear live music, see a cooking demonstration by local chefs,  AND you get to see everybody you know!  I always grab my camera, because you never know when you are going to walk past someone as lovely as this Sunflower Girl.

SKY WATCH FRIDAY - What To Do When You Miss Your Flight? Hitchhike!

These firemen from Station Number One in downtown Birmingham, were giving some visiting firefighters a bird's eye view of our city.  I was photographing them when the jet flew by.  Right place, right time!

Click on Tom's link on the sidebar to see all of the Skywatch Friday participants.

Peach Envy II

One of my first posts was of a little brother and sister sharing (or maybe not) a peach at the Pepper Place Market.  This is my second helping of Alabama peaches.  

Yesterday's photo sent some viewers running for their glasses or experiencing LSD type symptoms!  Perhaps the added photo will give you a better perspective.

What Is This?

                                   Couldn't quite figure it out? Does this help???

                                 Photo #1                                                        

The McWane Science Center in downtown Birmingham is a great place for kids (and adults) to learn and play.  Somehow they never get tired of going.  Maybe it's because they do such a great job of rotating exhibits and always have exciting things for kids of all ages.  Don't miss the IMAX movie while you're there.  I chose this photo of several shiny panels on  a new addition that is under construction right now.  Had to get my lens through the chain link fence for this shot.

The Peanut Depot, a Birmingham Tradition

The Peanut Depot on Morris Avenue has been roasting peanuts  the old fashioned way  since 1907, in the same roasters the original owners used !!  Morris Avenue is a quaint cobblestone street that has the delicious aroma of freshly roasting  peanuts 6 days a week.  Outside the depot,  you can find the remains of shells in between the cobblestones, where customers just couldn't wait to crack some on their way out.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a Cool Place on a Hot Day

Every time I visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens I marvel at how fortunate we are to have these lovely gardens to stroll and enjoy.  I also ask myself why I don't come more often.  From time to time I will treat you to photos of this quiet oasis right here in Birmingham. Located in the Mountain Brook suburb south of Birmingham, it's a popular attraction for residents, visitors, and most of all photographers.  It offers a wonderful education department, tours,  gift shop, library, restaurant, and of course it's the perfect place for a wedding or reception.  On a steamy summer day, it's the coolest place around. 

Reuse and Recyle!

Don't miss " The World Through My Eyes", an exhibition of Alabama's noted self taught artist Charlie Lucas at the Birmingham Museum of Art.  For his sculpture Lucas often uses machine parts and other cast off materials.  Twelve of his large scale pieces  are on exhibit in the museum's sculpture pit.  Recently I spent an afternoon photographing all of  the works in the sculpture garden.  It was a photographer's paradise.  I especially liked this wall mounted piece, but don't worry, I have other pieces to share.

From High Atop Red Mountain

I am sure many Birmingham readers of  my blog have wondered WHEN I was going to pull Vulcan out of the bag.  I was waiting until after the 4th of July.  You see Vulcan, the Roman god of iron and forge,  has guarded Birmingham for over 100 years.  He is the world's largest cast iron statue. For many, many years Vulcan held a torch in his hand.  It glowed green except when there was a traffic fatality and then it glowed red.  That's been replaced now with a spear.  Vulcan Park is a great place to visit and see the panorama of the city of Birmingham, and on the other side the suburb of Homewood.  For as long as I can remember, Red Mountain ( as in iron ore) is where the most spectacular fireworks display has taken place each year. They shoot into the sky all around Vulcan.  The fireworks can be seen from vantage points all over the city.  This year I enjoyed it from a golf course near my home.  My grandson sat in my lap saying, "Cool, awesome as each one burst into the sky."  I thought about my tripod and camera and then decided to just enjoy the evening with family and friends.  We had a cool breeze, believe it or not, and ooohed and aaahed till the very end.

Thanks to my friend Mary who sent me this.  Sorry it's a day late for the 4th but I love to listen to this anytime. France Sings for the USA!

"God Bless Amiracle"

Well, that's how my granddaughter Laura Kate sings it, and we think it's the cutest thing we've ever heard!   I know that CDP will be inundated with flag photos today from those of us in the good ole U.S.A., but I couldn't resist this photo I just took in downtown Birmingham.   

This is SKY WATCH FRIDAY . Go to Tom's place to  see the list of all participants.

Sloss Furnaces

No trip to Birmingham would be complete without a visit to  Sloss Furnaces.  Iron was produced here for nearly 90 years, giving rise to the city of Birmingham.  It has been designated a National Historic  Landmark.  

Straw Hat Man

This gentleman has a booth at the Pepper Place each Saturday.  You can always count on him for some mighty tasty vegetables and a friendly smile.

THEME DAY: Just Say "No" to Poop!

NO Signs are the  City Daily Photo Theme today!  City Daily Photo sites around the world are featuring  photos posting "No" signs from their city.  Here in Birmingham,  this clever "No Poop Zone"  sign was spotted right in my neighborhood.  What a creative way to remind the neighbors of the proper doggy etiquette.

For links to other Theme Day participants,  click  Theme Day on the sidebar.