If you only had one day to spend in Birmingham, Ala., what would you do? Here are my recommendations. 8:00 a.m. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and you’ll need a hearty one if you plan to see all of what Birmingham, Ala., has to offer in one day. Make your first … Continue reading A Day in Birmingham — The Magic City
Year: 2013
Today I wore red
Today I wore red. I don't normally wear a lot of color. In fact, I usually wear black. I wear black so much that from time to time people ask me if I am in mourning. I'm not. I'm actually quite happy. I just like to wear black. Black matches everything. Black is not loud … Continue reading Today I wore red
A 25-minute college education
Last Saturday night I got a college education. You see, 26 years ago my parents loaded me and my things up in my aunt's pickup truck and drove me to the University of Montevallo to start college. We hauled my suitcases into the dorm, and Mama helped me put sheets on the bed. As they … Continue reading A 25-minute college education
True confessions
I have a confession to make. A confession that, when I speak the horrible words, may shock you to the very core. A confession that should probably never pass the lips of any self-respecting Southern gal. Here it goes. On the eve of college football season, I say these words: I don't care who wins. … Continue reading True confessions
From Garden to Glass — The Ideal Southern Cocktail
The ideal Southern summer cocktail? Undoubtedly it is the gin and tonic. So cool. So refreshing. So restorative. And it doesn't hurt that it might keep the mosquitos from carrying you away too. The ideal Southern summer cocktail? Undoubtedly it is the gin and tonic. So cool. So refreshing. So restorative. And it doesn't hurt … Continue reading From Garden to Glass — The Ideal Southern Cocktail
Damn the Torpedos — Fort Morgan Ahead
"Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" That's usually what I'm thinking by the time I get everything packed and point the car south to one of my favorited destinations on the Alabama coast -- Fort Morgan. A beach community just west of Gulf Shores on Mobile Point, Fort Morgan is a little slower paced, more … Continue reading Damn the Torpedos — Fort Morgan Ahead
Pickled Figs
Pickles. Dill. Sweet. Bread and Butter. Refrigerator. Southerners love them all. From the fanciest market to the most humble filling station, you have to try hard not to find some locally-made delicacy. More often than not, the tart treats will be prominently displayed right by the cash register, not merely assigned to a shelf with … Continue reading Pickled Figs
The American Way
I flat love the 4th of July. As far as enjoyable holidays go, I think it beats every other one. No contest. Here's why. You don't have to dress up. In fact, dressing up is usually discouraged. Today is the day you can wear your flip flops anywhere you want, and no one will even … Continue reading The American Way
Putting my face on
I need to put my face on. That's what Granny called putting on her makeup — putting her face on. When I was little and we lived with Granny and Baw, I would lie on her bed and watch her while she stood in front of her bedroom window and put on her face. Now … Continue reading Putting my face on
Give me convenience or give me death
In a grand experiment just to see if we could, about a month ago Husband and I decided to try our level best to avoid genetically modified foods, processed foods, and soy. Folks, I'm here to tell you it ain't easy. And it ain't cheap. You see, nowadays most of our food is trying to … Continue reading Give me convenience or give me death