Catfish Tacos

The Fourth of July barbecue is 'bout gone, and now I'm looking 

for something different...like catfish tacos and sweet potato fries

 down at Side Porch Sandwiches on Water Avenue. 

Since this is the Year of Alabama Food, I'm posting this tasty dish

 that is made with Alabama farm-raised catfish

  (grown right here in the Black Belt)

to the Rural Thursday blog meme. 

Patriotic Series, Y is for Y'all Come!

It's ABC Wednesday as well as the Fourth of July, and as we say here in the South,

"Y'all come!"

 Our annual family spread included pork roast, pork ribs, barbecue chicken

 and homegrown peas, okra, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, zucchini

 and green beans. The key lime pies came from Mark's Mart.

 Happy Independence Day!

 (Note: We're eating it all now before there's a tax passed for overeating!)  

Posted at ABC Wednesday

Patriotic Series, Oh Say Can You See

"Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?"

The flag at Ella's Attic downtown may be the largest 

indoor star-spangled banner in town! 

It really takes your breath away upon entering the store.

"The Star-Spangled Banner" was written in 1814 by a lawyer, Francis Scott Key, 

after he witnessed the battle of Fort McHenry in Chesapeake Bay

 during the War of 1812. The poem later became our national anthem

 and is notoriously difficult to sing, because its melody

 spans one and a half octaves.

Patriotic Series, The American Dream

As America celebrates her birthday this week, I think this picture reflects the American 

Dream. Our nation was founded on God-given rights and freedom from tyranny

 so that its citizens might have the opportunity to pursue their dreams.  

 

 

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. 

We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream.

 It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same,

 or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children

 and our children's children what it was once like in the United States

 where men were free."

Ronald Reagan
40th president of US

Posted at Weekend Reflections

Patriotic Series, Getting in the Spirit

The American flag and red, white and blue decor are going up

 all over town ahead of Independence Day on July 4. The deco mesh wreaths 

 such as the one on the gate are very popular for the USA's 236th birthday.

 

Founders' Quote: 
"The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure virtue, and if this cannot be inspired
 into our people, in a greater measure than they have it now, they may change their
 rulers, and the forms of government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty."
...John Adams (1776)

This is My Father's World

While heading over to Papa's house for Fathers' Day, we listened to the radio broadcast

of services at Valley Grande Baptist Church. As the congregation sang 

"This is My Father's World," I took the camera and snapped a picture

 of "my Father's world." What a gorgeous day!

Scarf Heaven

Scarves are such a fashion statement these days,

 but I bet you've never had one like these!

These nuno felted scarves, which were for sale at StreetFest last month,

 are made by placing wool on another material such as silk, cotton gauze or tulle

 and "beating the ever livin' stew out of the wool," according to artist/designer

 A.C. Reeves. Reeves says it's a "crazy process," and she also likes to work "scraps

" of "a little something special" into the design. So, you might find pieces

 of vintage quilts, cocktail napkins or whatever happens

 to be "floating around" in the design.

Ye Olde Tin Cans

If you remember when crackers came in tin cans,

 then you just MIGHT be as old as me!

I spotted these cans in a cardboard box on the floor

 of a local indoor flea market. If I didn't already have

 my mother's Premium Saltine cracker can, I would have

 bought one, because they are the best containers

 for keeping crackers fresh!

Cover Call

Thanks to AT&T for selecting a picture that first debuted

 in the Selma, Ala., Photo Blog for the cover of its 2012-13 phone book! 

Wow! I'm honored to see this picture of Selma City Hall

 every time I pick up the phone book.  Those pretty pink flowers

 in the foreground are Knockout Roses on the corner

 of the First Baptist Church parking lot.

Monday Morning Traveler

No wonder my cats appeared fearful at the back door awhile ago! 

A monster turtle tried to tree them!

More "beasts" over HERE at Camera Critters