One step is all it takes to begin a journey, whether it's a thousand miles or only one. When I was a little girl I walked a thousand miles through Citronelle. With no one to look after me, I stayed at Mama's office. More accurately, I strayed around Mama's office. Left to my own devices … Continue reading The Walk — Part 2
Tag: summer
Drink like a local in Birmingham
Foodies have long since recognized Birmingham as one of the South’s culinary gems, but recently there has been a groundswell of craft cocktails and beer. From the white tablecloth to the warehouse watering hole, the Magic City is awash in house-made tonics, bitters, and brews. There’s something to quench every thirst, if you just know … Continue reading Drink like a local in Birmingham
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 Arbor
I have an arbor. I flat love it. Husband hates it - bugs, mess, blah blah blah. I don't care. I have an arbor because Granny had an arbor. I flat loved it. It was covered with muscadine vines growing down to the ground and high up into the trees. I would drag whatever lawn … Continue reading The Arbor
The freedom to be happy
Decoration Day. A day originally set aside to remember soldiers lost during the Civil War, adorn their graves with flags and flowers, and honor their service to the cause no matter on which side of the Mason-Dixon line they spilled their blood. Memorial Day. The same day as Decoration Day. The unofficial official beginning of … Continue reading The freedom to be happy
When locusts are a good thing
"...when morning came, the east wind had brought the locusts." Exodus 10:13 There I was this morning, in my gown, trying to sneak out into the yard and retrieve today's paper from the foot of the pine tree without attracting the attention of the neighbors. As I bent over, my head close to the tree, … Continue reading When locusts are a good thing
My kingdom for a dead snake
Dawg Days are upon us. Go on...draw that syllable out just like the heat and humidity that threatens to stretch clear to Halloween. It's too hot to talk fast. Too hot to think fast. Too hot to do much besides indolently stand in the yard dribbling precious cool water on flowers as parched as you … Continue reading My kingdom for a dead snake
Essence of lantana
My parents drank film noir cocktails - martinis (always gin, never vodka), sazeracs, B&B, scotch. When we were over the Bay, there would be the occasional cold beer. Wine, however, only appeared on holidays, and champagne was reserved for wedding receptions, and then, only those not held in the church hall. When I moved to … Continue reading Essence of lantana