Skywatch, Looking Up

It's been a week of mostly clouds and occasional rain from Tropical Storm Isaac,

 but things are looking up weather-wise, and hey, SEC (Southeastern Conference) 

football starts this weekend!

The picture was taken on Water Avenue, looking up at the grillwork 

on one of the historic buildings.

Linking to Skywatch Friday

God Bless America

The banner at New Orleans Bar & Grill reminds me

 of the patriotic song that I learned in kindergarten,

 and thank goodness it's not "offensive" in the rural South!

God Bless America

by Irving Berlin

God bless America,
Land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above;

From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America,
My home, sweet home.
God bless America,
My home, sweet home.

Linking to Rural Thursday

G is for Gulf of Mexico

It's ABC Wednesday, and the letter of the week is G.

 So, I'm leaving Selma for the day to bring you the Gulf of Mexico 

at Gulf Shores (as it looked a week ago)! The gulf was calm, the water warm,

 and a breeze barely blew.  But today, Hurricane Isaac is riling the tides

 as it pounds New Orleans to the west.

Only 3.5 hours away, Gulf Shores is a popular vacation destination

 for many residents of Selma and Central Alabama. 

See more interpretations of G at ABC Wednesday. 

The Vineyard

Selma has a new restaurant, and it features authentic Italian cuisine plus a big helping

 of old-world atmosphere. Located in the historic Harmony Club on Water Avenue,

 The Vineyard offers entrees including manicotti, chicken or shrimp alfredo,

 chicken or eggplant parmesan and yummy spaghetti and meatballs. There's tiramisu

 and oreo delight for dessert, plus a whole lot more!

 Arrive early to get ahead of the noon crowd!  

Linking to Our World Tuesday

The Four Horses of Water Avenue

As long as the water keeps running, these horses will have plenty of water! 

The fountain is located on Water Avenue in front of the St. James Hotel

 next to Lafayette Park.

New Signs in Town

New signs have gone up around town noting the historic districts.

 This one lets you know you are in the Water Avenue District.

 These are a real help to visitors who like to take historic walking or driving tours.

Gentle Spirits

Old Live Oak Cemetery is home to several monuments to young wives and mothers. 

This one honors a man's first wife, Florida, and their baby; as well as his

 second wife, Anna. Florida died at age 24, and Anna was gone at age 37. 

Rest in Peace

Visitors to Old Live Oak Cemetery can rest upon this bench in the

 peaceful surroundings of oak and magnolia trees and streamers of Spanish Moss. 

Focus on the Flag

ABC Wednesday is celebrating the letter "F" this week,

 so we'll FOCUS on the FLAG and the FREEDOMS for which it stands. 

This flag hangs from the Bridgetender's Cottage in Lafayette Park

 and is especially beautiful with the bridge in the background. 

Linking to ABC Wednesday

Side Porch Sandwiches

It's Alabama Restaurant Week, and in Selma, Side Porch Sandwiches 

is one of the newest places to eat. It opened in an historic riverfront building

 last spring. Years ago, this building was known as the Riverfront Mini Mall

 and Old Towne Sandwiches. Pictured is the Water Avenue entrance

 but the main dining room  is in a porch addition on the side of the building. 

Linking to Our World Tuesday