Hanukkah

For my Jewish friends here in Birmingham and around the world who are celebrating Hanukkah.  This photograph was taken at Temple Emanu-El.  

The Star of Homewood

For as long as I can remember this star at the top of "the hill" in downtown Homewood has been a tradtion throughout the Christmas season. This view, looking north towards Birmingham captures Vulcan pointing the way!

CDP Theme Day - Time..... no Thyme!

Time may fly......but thyme creeps.  

Many thanks to Libby Rich at Plant Odyssey who made it possible for me to join in this Theme Day.  I looked high and low for thyme, which apparently isn't available in the dead of winter, but I had a sneaking suspicion that Libby would have some.  Right I was.  They had many varieties to choose from, and  she and her friendly staff brought it to me,  so I could duck out into the pouring rain for this quick shot.  My Birmingham readers, pay her a visit!

On the first of every month, over 1,000 City Daily Photobloggers around the world post their take on a theme that is voted upon by all of us.

Click HERE to see the other wonderful creative entries.

Best Nest

I love Sweet Peas Garden Center in downtown Homewood.  They have a grand selection of plants, shrubs, trees and accessories.  Outside are the most delightful vignettes just begging me to photograph.  Owner Jon Culver and his friendly his staff are so great to just let me poke around and capture whatever strikes my fancy!

The Kitchen Band

Many times I take a huge number of photos and save some to spread around. Today a delightful set that I took during the summer at the Pepper Place Market.  Cantley & Co. kitchen designers there  teamed up with the Children's Dance Foundation to provide a delightful and creative music experience for the kiddos.  Enjoy!

Sunday Church Series - The Bells

One of my favorite churches in my city, Holy Trinity- Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

Put a Little South in Your Mouth!

Alabama ranks third in the nation for peanut production.  400 million pounds a year to be exact.  The Peanut Depot on Morris Avenue in downtown Birmingham still roasts them  on site in some fine old roasters.  I've eaten my fair share.

A Pumpkin Farewell

Today we bid a fond farewell to all things pumpkin.  This last photograph is courtesy of my neighbors who live across the street and had this charming array of pumpkins in their yard. Tuesday the tree had turned just the perfect color and I took a few steps up in my yard and caught it.  Around Birmingham, Christmas decorations are showing up at an alarming rate.  I won't knuckle under to peer pressure!!! I have Black Friday to get through with my new job. Wish me bonne chance!

Oh, and might I add a big WAR EAGLE!!!

Happy Thanksgiving......

to all of my dear family and friends near and far,

V 

Afternoon in the Studio

We've visited my very dear friend and multi-talented artist, Kevin Irwin's charming studio before.  I really liked this view because the late afternoon light just illuminated her work table so well. For those of you who haven't met Kevin, she specializes in clay, glass, jewelry, and is a fine painter. Almost doesn't seem fair that one person can be so talented!  If you'd like to see more of her work that I've featured on my blog, go here, here, and here.

Another Downtown Reflection

I liked this reflection in the window of Bromberg's  on 20th Street in downtown Birmingham. Since 1836, Bromberg's has been one of Alabama's leading jewelers.

Downtown Heroes

Meet the C.A.P. ( City Action Patrol)  guys.  If you're in the downtown area and have a flat, run out of gas, have a dead battery or need an escort ( not THAT kind of escort!) to your car, then the CAP is who you need to call.  They roam our city on bikes and in vehicles and just make us all feel a little safer.  In fact, statistics prove that crime is down in the CAP/B'ham area. How much is this going to cost me you ask?  Nothing but a big thank you,  and if you'd be so kind to leave a compliment on their email they'll be much obliged. Those emails go a long way in documenting just how much they do for the city.
P guys.  You're our downtown heroes!

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Oops, my real job got in the way of my blog job, and I let the deadline for the Title Contest get away from me.  But now The judges have spoken..............

3rd Place goes to bfarr for  "Alabama Yard Art At Its Best"

2nd Place goes to Rob with " A Little Privacy Please"

AND

1st Place winner is Eeyore whose title was " That's Not Quite the Porcelain I'm Looking For, Thank You"

Sunday Church Series - Shades Valley Presbyterian Church

This fabulous golden ginko tree framed the steeple of Shades Valley Presbyterian Church in Mt. Brook beautifully.

Up, Up and Away!

What's a parade without balloons??

Here's a tune for you here. You know who it is