Selma, Ala. Daily Photo

Siegel's Servants Quarters

2012-02-20T08:40:00.002-06:00

Most of the little houses like this one have long ago been torn down,

but the Siegel's Servants Quarters has a home in Heritage Village.

Built around 1900, the building is on the Historic Register.

Historic Village is the project of the

Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society.

Several small, historic structures were moved to this site.

The village is annually featured on the Selma Pilgrimage,

and this year will feature demonstrations of early crafts such as

basket weaving, pottery, quilting and soap making.

(I hear that there may be a few chickens and goats too!)

Side Shadows

2012-02-19T05:00:00.001-06:00

Branches from the tall shade trees at the Ben Ellis Dunaway House

in Orrville dance across the side of this antebellum structure

that once was a boys' academy.

The home is one of several that will be on tour

at this year's Historic Selma Pilgrimage March 16-17.

Posted at Shadow Shot Sunday.

Weekend Reflections, Party Stop

2012-02-18T05:00:00.003-06:00

Downtown Selma's having a party if you look at the businesses

on Broad Street through the decorated windows of the Party Stop.

Posted at Weekend Reflections

Sidewalk Flower Show

2012-02-17T05:00:00.001-06:00

This fence belongs to a garden and landscape professional

who doesn't just plant inside the fence!

There's a a flower show along his sidewalk every season of the year.

Posted at Friday Fences

Ye Olde Gasoline Pump

2012-02-16T07:47:00.004-06:00

Oh to find six gallons of gasoline for slightly more than $1!

I wonder just how old this pump is! Notice that the fuel contains the dreaded lead!

Anyway, it makes some great vintage yard art

and stands along a street in rural Dallas County.

Posted at Rural Thursday

ABC Wednesday, E for Early

2012-02-15T05:00:00.001-06:00

Another round of ABC Wednesday is here, and the letter is "E."

So, how about an EARLY spring! The vine with the pretty yellow blooms

is more EVIDENCE that despite a calendar that still

says it's February, spring isn't going away!

Posted at ABC Wednesday

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T06:19:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day from the Camellia State!

Time Gone By

2012-02-13T05:00:00.001-06:00

This little wooden building is in Summerfield's historic district,

and I'm told that it once was a doctor's office.

Rummaging

2012-02-12T08:32:00.002-06:00

Whisky Frisky is rummaging for acorns next to an oak tree on Lapsley Street.

Those pretty pansies caught my eye before I noticed the squirrel.

"Everything under heaven belongs to me." (Job 41:11)

Posted at Scripture and a Snapshot

Weekend Reflections, From the Doctor's Porch

2012-02-11T07:59:00.000-06:00

From the McKinnon-Riggs Office in Heritage Park, Sturdivant Hall's original kitchen

(now gift shop) is reflected through the windows of its front porch.

Heritage Village features 19th Century structures on Historic Society property

across the side street from the Sturdivant Hall Museum. Area artisans

will demonstrate their crafts at the park during the Historic Selma Pilgrimage

March 16 and 17, 2012. Crafts will include pottery, soap making from goat milk,

quilting and sewing with early 20th Century machines, and basket weaving.

The office was moved here from Pleasant Hill in 1981.

It was used by H.B. Boynton as a law office from 1852 until 1871,

by Dr. Kenneth McKinnon as a doctor's office from 1871 until 1904,

by Dr. S.W. Riggs from 1905 until 1945 and by Dr. William Staggers

during the 1950s.

Early medical equipment and supplies are exhibited inside.

Posted to Weekend Reflections Blog Meme

Skywatch Friday, Blue Skies for Bloggers

2012-02-10T05:00:00.003-06:00

The skies were Photoblogger Blue in Selma Thursday, but bloggers Anni,

Virginia and RamblingRound agreed there was a bit too much glare.

But still, with cameras in hand, they shot pictures!

After lunch at The Restaurant on Grumbles Alley, Anni (This is Belgium)

and Virginia (Birmingham Daily Photo) headed out to Old Live Oak Cemetery

to photograph monuments, Spanish Moss, and goodness knows what else!

I'm looking forward to seeing what they shot!

Special thanks to Jenna Gresham, who came all the way from Birmingham

to take today's blogpost picture!

Posted for the Skywatch Friday blog meme.

City Walk

2012-02-09T05:00:00.001-06:00

Take a walk along the City Walk in Riverfront Park, and get healthy, Dallas County!

Posted as a contribution to Signs.

ABC Wednesday, D for Decorated Door

2012-02-08T05:00:00.001-06:00

D is the letter of the week over at ABC Wednesday,

and this decorated door perfectly fit the specs!

It's all dressed up for Mardi Gras, but even without the colorful additions,

that bright blue door sure catches my attention!

Maybe I should pin this to Pinterest!

Catch more D interpretations over HERE.

February Pinks

2012-02-07T05:00:00.003-06:00

February is just blossoming out all over!

We have camellias in the foreground and Japanese Magnolia in the background.

Almost looks like a Valentine!

See more posts in Our World Tuesday!

The St. James Hotel

2012-02-06T05:00:00.001-06:00

Here's a winter shot of the St. James Hotel on Water Avenue.

Posted for The Weekend in Black and White

Five O'Clock Shadow

2012-02-05T05:00:00.006-06:00

Looking east in late afternoon, the Edmund Pettus Bridge turns orange

in the sinking sunlight, forming deep shadows upon the Alabama River.

Posted for Shadow Shot Sunday
Posted for Weekly Top Shot

Weekend Reflections, The Windows of Weaver Castle

2012-02-04T08:05:00.000-06:00

Which window do you like best?

These mirrored windows belong to Weaver Castle,

an 1868 Gothic Revival mansion that was designed

by the famous architect Richard Upjohn.

Upjohn also designed New York City's Trinity Church.

The home was built after the Civil War

by Confederate Army Lieutenant William Weaver,

who was the father of artist Clara Weaver Parrish,

a designer of stained glass for New York's Tiffany & Co.

Best of all, if you want to see what's behind the windows,

join us for the Historic Selma Pilgrimage March 16 and 17.

The home, said to be similar to a castle on the Rhine River,

was purchased last spring by a Wisconsin ranching couple

who are restoring it for their southern retreat.

Read more about this house at the Selma Pilgrimage website.

Posted for Weekend Reflections

Skywatch Friday, Storm Clouds Clearing

2012-02-03T05:00:00.003-06:00

Central Alabama had some rough weather last week as 11 tornadoes

were responsible for significant property damage and at least two deaths.

Here are our skies (above) later that day,and we were fortunate.

The worst stormswere well north of us. HOWEVER, it is just early February,

and severe spring weather arrived weeks too early.

So, I wasn't surprised that Selmians took advantage of WSFA-TV's visit

to town on Thursday to program weather alert radios (below).

More than 400 radios were programmed with about half of those

being new purchases at Walgreens.

See more skies at the Skywatch Meme.

Drying Off

2012-02-02T06:01:00.000-06:00

While it may appear that these buzzards are flying among the branches,

they aren't. They perched on some of the treetops and spread their wings to dry

after yesterday's rain. We didn't notice them until one of our cats

peered out the back door with a look of terror on her face.

I can't blame her for not wanting to go out!

February Theme Day: Animals

2012-02-01T05:00:00.003-06:00

Today is City Daily Photo Blogs Theme Day, and we're featuring animals,

so rather than posting an animal from Alabama's Black Belt,

here's one from Alabama's beach. Herons love to hit the beach

early in the morning and late in the afternoon, looking for fish of course!

The beach is less than four hours from Selma, an easy drive for a weekend trip!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Merry Kissmas!

2011-12-24T18:16:00.000-06:00

It's Christmas Eve, and we are snacking on this sweet 'n salty candy made by my daughter-in-law.

It's made from pretzels, Hershey's Kisses and Hugs candy and M & Ms. Yum! Merry Kissmas and Merry Christmas!

Deep South Decor

2011-12-23T09:23:00.000-06:00

Here in the heart of the Deep South,

we like to include a few drapes of Spanish Moss in our decor!

March of the Tin Soldiers

2011-12-22T09:29:00.000-06:00

Holding trumpets instead of swords,

these soldiers appear ready to strike a Christmas melody!

ABC Wednesday, W is for Wreaths

2011-12-21T05:00:00.001-06:00

Its' ABC Wednesday, and W is for WREATHS and a bit of WHIMSY on this Old Town front porch.

See more photographic interpretations of the letter W over at the ABC Wednesday meme.

Sturdivant Hall at Christmas

2011-12-20T13:06:00.000-06:00

Evergreens decorate the entrance to Selma's famed Sturdivant Hall,

an antebellum Greek Revival mansion that is now a house museum.

Veggie Jewelry

2011-11-21T07:53:00.000-06:00

Vegetables are not only good to eat, they're nice to wear too!

This pendant was made by a local artist and for sale at the Kenan's Mill Festival.

What veggie is it???

(Hint...this veggie is not eaten in this color!)

Scripture & a Snapshot, Isaiah 64:8

2011-11-20T06:32:00.000-06:00

"But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter;

and we all are the work of thy hand." Isaiah 64:8

Posted at Scripture and a Snapshot

Mailbox Decor

2011-11-19T08:36:00.000-06:00

A Scottie, an elephant or a University of Alabama "A" will give your mailbox that personal touch! Handmade from the Heart designs displayed some of its wares last weekend at the Orrville Tractor Show. I suspect that since Iowa State upset Oklahoma State in college football last night that those big red A's will sell really well! The Crimson Tide's dreams of playing in the national championship just got closer.

Skywatch Friday, Popcorn

2011-11-18T05:00:00.001-06:00

Puffs of popcorn scatter throughout a deep-blue November sky on a recent chilly Saturday.

More skies at Skywatch Friday.

Midday Siesta

2011-11-17T05:00:00.001-06:00

On the other side of this weather-beaten wagon bed, the cattle appear to be having a midday siesta beneath a few mares' tails.

ABC Wednesday, I Spy RED!

2011-11-16T04:07:00.000-06:00

R is the Letter of the Week over at ABC Wednesday, and I spy the color RED!

Actually, I am seeing red here, there and way over yonder!

Red chair...red tablecloth...red in the quilt...red jacket...anything else?

(Click on the photo for a larger version, and I guarantee you will see more red!)

More "R's" over at ABC Wednesday

Going, Going and Almost Gone

2011-11-15T05:00:00.001-06:00

The leaves of gold are almost gone from the ginkgo tree.

Tractors on Parade

2011-11-14T06:52:00.000-06:00

Over here in Central Alabama, we love our tractors!

No bands...no candy...no balloons...no singers...no dancers,

just tractors and fire trucks on parade!

What a Ride!

2011-11-13T22:17:00.000-06:00

This fierce mechanical bull didn't scare the dozens of young bull-rider wannabes at the Orrville Tractor Show!

Way Back When

2011-11-12T19:27:00.001-06:00

My husband enjoyed seeing this 1962 Farmall tractor at the Orrville Tractor Show on Saturday.

It's just like the one he used to bale alfalfa hay with way back in the late 1960s and early 70s (when he was a teenager)!

Skywatch Friday, Sunrise before Rain

2011-11-11T15:14:00.000-06:00

The sun rose magnificently one day this week before giving way to clouds and rain.

Then came freezing temperatures!

Follow more skies at Skywatch!

An Old Millstone

2011-11-10T08:24:00.000-06:00

An old millstone serves as an outdoor "sculpture" at Kenan's Mill near Selma.

The mill was built in the 1860s and is opened a few times a year for public tours.

Orrville T-Shirt PR

2011-11-09T06:04:00.000-06:00

This T-Shirt is self-explanatory, and the little community 15 miles southwest of Selma is calling all tractors

this Saturday for the annual West Dallas Antique Tractor Show.

There will be classic cars as well lots of other fun activities. Y'all come!

Lost Angler

2011-11-08T05:40:00.002-06:00

Peter E. Mock-Jordan displayed a handcrafted canoe and taught a few fly-casting lessons at the Kenan's Mill Festival.

Mock-Jordan, who grew up in Selma, owns the Lost Angler, which also offers guide service for fishing trips on rivers in Central Alabama.
More photos on the Kenan's Mill Facebook page!

Touring Kenan's Mill

2011-11-07T07:50:00.002-06:00

Visitors to the Kenan's Mill Festival on Saturday tour the interior and hear how cornmeal was made. This mill was built in the 1860s and ground meal until the 1970s. It was restored by the Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society, and the grounds can be rented for special events at reasonable rates.

More photos on the Kenan's Mill Facebook page!

Weekend Reflections, Autumn

2011-11-06T05:00:00.004-06:00

Muted tones of autumn are reflected in Valley Creek. I like how even the Spanish Moss hanging from trees looks so clear in the water.

See more reflections over at the Weekend Reflections blog meme.

Alabama Fiddler

2011-11-05T14:30:00.000-05:00

There's no doubt which team this young fiddler and his grandad will be pulling for tonight! Caleb Bryant has been fiddling since age four and now plays with the bluegrass gospel band Crimsongrass. He entertained the crowd at the Kenan's Mill Festival near Selma today, but tonight he'll be cheering on the No. 2 University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team as it meets the No. 1 Louisiana State University Bengal Tigers. Sportswriters and talkers are calling it the Game of the Century.

Clearing Debris at the Kenan's Mill Spillway

2011-11-04T22:04:00.000-05:00

Jim Wood clears log and leaf debris from atop the spillway at Kenan's Mill in preparation for Saturday's festival.

Stone-ground cornmeal and grits will be available for sale, and visitors can tour the mill and see the wheels turn.

The festival opens at 9 and closes at 5. More info HERE.

An Autumn Setting

2011-11-03T05:00:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving in the USA isn't far away, and here's one of the tablescapes from our family's feast last year.

I like the quilt tablecloth and deer antler candelabra.

Y'all Come to the Kenan's Mill Festival!

2011-11-02T07:43:00.000-05:00

This festival is always a treat!

Not only is the food delicious, but the live music is superb, and you get to see cornmeal ground at the 1860's gristmill.
Don't forget to buy some! Oh, and stone-ground grits are for sale too!

Cross the swinging bridge across Valley Creek to see the old brick kiln, but if you'd rather not take that challenge,
head back across the iron bridge to take the trail from there.

Tour the miller's house, then sit upon a bale of hay
or your lawn chair and listen to the music!

Kids and adults will both enjoy tractor-pulled hayrides, and somewhere in the midst of all this,
a team of investigators will share their findings of unusual sights and sounds at Kenan's Mill.
You might be surprised...or NOT!

November Theme Day, Fences

2011-11-01T07:24:00.000-05:00

It's November Theme Day, and the feature is FENCES. Down South, decorative fences are often used for decorating, and last spring,
I captured this colorful quilt on the ArtsRevive terrace fence. The occasion was StreetFest.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

October Theme Day, Mysterious Object

2011-10-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

It's City Daily Photo Theme Day...Mysterious Objects!

Uh oh! There's a gray blob in the middle of the witch hazel, and it's ruining the shape the shrub!

But never fear, our fearless feline will investigate.

Mission accomplished!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Skywatch, Sensational Sunrise

2011-09-30T20:07:00.000-05:00

I caught this sensational sunrise on an early-morning walk one day this week. Sure enough, the day turned stormy later on.

Posted at Skywatch Friday

Torch Bearer

2011-09-28T10:11:00.000-05:00

A city worker repairs an entrance gate at Old Live Oak Cemetery.

Behind him is the monument to John Tyler Morgan, who was a U.S. senator.

At left is the tomb of William Rufus King, former U.S. vice president and founder of Selma.

A Rainbow in the Cloud

2011-09-27T08:11:00.000-05:00

"I set my rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth."

Genesis 9:13 NKJV

As yesterday's rain ended, the sun came out, so I headed out to find the rainbow and was not disappointed!

Posted for Scripture and a Snapshot

Skywatch, Low Fog

2011-09-23T07:39:00.000-05:00

The last week of summer brought much needed on-and-off rain,

and we were treated to a low fog mixing with sunshine early yesterday.

More skies await at Skywatch!

Morning Glory

2011-09-22T06:47:00.000-05:00

Oh, what a beautiful morning glory!

How beautiful are the feet...

2011-09-18T05:00:00.001-05:00

"And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:

'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,

Who bring glad tidings of good things!'"

Romans 10:15 (NKJV)

The feet in this photo belong to a monument in Old Live Oak Cemetery.

Posted for Scripture and a Snapshot

Entwined

2011-09-13T05:00:00.001-05:00

Wildflowers entwine an old, iron gate at Old Live Oak Cemetery.

Grist State Park Getaway

2011-09-12T10:32:00.000-05:00

Grist State Park is a favorite getaway for "metro Selmians." Well, Dallas County is about as rural as you can get, but the park features a big fishing lake, hiking trails, picnic and swimming areas, paddleboats and primitive plus modern camping facilities. There's also an office, snack machines and peace of mind! (Photo by Jacob Gresham)

Now is the Time of Your Salvation

2011-09-11T05:56:00.004-05:00

For He says:

“ In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (New King James Version)

We cannot know what may happen tomorrow...today is the proper time to respond to the Gospel.

In memory of the thousands of people who unexpectedly entered Eternity on September 11, 2001.

Posted for Scripture & a Snapshot

Skywatch Friday, After Tropical Storm Lee

2011-09-09T09:55:00.000-05:00

After Tropical Storm Lee dropped a couple inches of rain earlier this week, the moon tried to rise between clouds turned temporarily pink by a capricious sun.

More photos at Skywatch Friday!

Skywatch Friday, Puffy Skies

2011-09-02T05:00:00.001-05:00

Skies have been blue with a few puffy clouds for much of August. That might change this weekend due to a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico. Come on, rain!

Check out more skies over at Skywatch Friday!

Railroad Trestle at Sunset

2011-09-01T18:27:00.000-05:00

Just before sunset is absolutely the best time for taking pictures at the river. This railroad trestle is located next to the New Orleans Steak & Seafood House (formerly Diego's).

Butterfly Walk

2011-07-26T05:00:00.002-05:00

Several butterflies that were part of Selma's Butterfly Project in 2008 now have a home at Carneal Arts Revive.

The butterfly is Selma's official insect, and our town is recognized as the Butterfly Capital of Alabama.

Down by the Riverbank

2011-07-25T04:46:00.000-05:00

Summer is golden down by the riverbank!

Cattle Crossing

2011-07-20T04:58:00.000-05:00

Forgive my absence, but I've been herding cattle...well, not really!

However, I did get behind a trailer load of the bovine species that was crossing an intersection on Broad Street yesterday.

Funnel Cake

2011-07-09T13:59:00.000-05:00

Funnel cake was just one of the many tasty treats at Valley Grande's Fourth of July celebration.

Other cuisine included fried candy bars, and while the sample I tried was very good, it wasn't as photogenic as this!

Alabama River Sandbar

2011-07-08T05:00:00.001-05:00

Alabama River sandbars are the white-sand beaches of the Black Belt!

Pink Against Green

2011-07-07T08:23:00.000-05:00

Pink crape myrtles against a pale green house

create an attractive contrast during summer months.

ABC Wednesday (Y for Yonder)

2011-07-06T05:00:00.001-05:00

"Ahem!" said the egret to the cow. "The grass is greener over yonder!"

Y is the letter of the week over at ABC Wednesday.

Feast of the Fourth

2011-07-05T05:00:00.001-05:00

The Fourth of July is celebrated with feasts as well as fireworks. Here's a portion of our festive holiday table yesterday. The feast included barbecue chicken, pork roast, pork ribs, squash, creamed corn, green beans, cantaloupe, hot peppers, coleslaw, potato salad, sliced tomatoes and homemade peach ice cream.

On Parade

2011-07-04T05:00:00.002-05:00

Independence Day is celebrated with food, games, music and bikes on parade at the Valley Grande Municipal Park and walking trail.

This little girl peddled patriotic balloons around and round the trail.

Church Barbecue

2011-07-03T13:06:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is Independence Day in the USA, but festivities have been going on all weekend. Following the annual God and Country service today at Elkdale Baptist Church,

the congregation enjoyed a barbecue dinner in the newly renovated fellowship hall.

W is for Window (ABC Wednesday)

2011-06-22T12:36:00.000-05:00

Windows can reflect a lot more than what's across the street!

Check out more perspectives on the letter W over at ABC Wednesday.

Clinging and Climbing

2011-06-21T07:32:00.000-05:00

Vines seem to love Selma's old buildings! Instead of window washers, I guess we need a few good vine pullers. Meanwhile, I like the arches above the windows.

Buying Local

2011-06-20T07:18:00.000-05:00

So I finally made it to the Farmers Market before the vendors sold out!

Hot and Thirsty

2011-06-17T07:25:00.001-05:00

These knockout roses across the street from the library are hot and thirsty! Consistent temperatures of around 100 degrees are challenging flower and vegetable gardens to the max this summer, and hey, we are just now getting into summer!

Soaking Up Sunshine

2011-06-16T07:32:00.000-05:00

We've got plenty of sunshine, and the magnolias are soaking it up!

The blossoms are especially lovely and long-lasting this summer.

Summer Delicacies

2011-06-15T23:00:00.004-05:00

So I can't resist these summer fruits!

They are delicacies to my palate.

God bless the truck farmers!