Big, Fat Pears

This is pear-picking season in Central Alabama, and oh my, won't these pears make delicious pear pickle or preserves or pies? In fact, they are mighty good eaten right off the tree!

Moon over Cotton

This may not be an official harvest moon, but it's a full moon over cotton.

Photograph by Christine Weerts

Time to Mow (Camera Critters)

Could it be that this beautifully manicured schnauzer is trying to tell his owner that it's also time to manicure the lawn?

More Camera Critters HERE

Thanks to Christine Weerts for the photograph!

Last Blooms of Summer

Enjoy the flowers while you may, because the last blooms of summer are hanging on in the still 90-plus degree heat. Soon, we will plant pansies and mums for autumn color. Thanks to Christine Weerts for the photo!

Skywatch Friday, Silvery Sunset

Off-and-on showers from a tropical system last week left a silvery setting sun.

Catch more skies at www.skyley.blogspot.com

Down Under

Here's a great view from down under the Pettus Bridge. The photo is courtesy of Christine Weerts.

View through the Jungle Gym

Beneath the jungle gym at Grist State Park, you can look up into a canopy of trees. This gym is located in the shady picnic area.

Paddle a Canoe

Too hot to hike? Rent a canoe and paddle your way around the lake at Grist State Park. The park is located about 10 miles north of Selma.

Take a Hike!

Good hiking weather will soon be here, and if you've never hiked to the top of the hill at Grist State Park, here's where you begin by the picnic tables.

(Camera Critters) Hoping for a Handout

The permanent residents at Grist State Park love a handout...of food, that is. They were hoping for a few scraps from us, but we had nothing. We were just there to enjoy a view of the lake.

See more colorful critters at the Camera Critters Meme.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

This blog probably has more posts about butterflies than any other subject, but I think you'll enjoy this stunning closeup of an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Selma's official butterfly. This photo is courtesy of Elaine Stewart, who loves to garden and snap pictures out in Valley Grande.

PAC Performance (Skywatch Friday)

It's been a long, hot summer, and we are finally getting off-and-on showers from a tropical system, the second time around! So, I believe Selmians have cooled off enough to enjoy tonight and Saturday's production of the Trojan War! Well, it's The Hysterical History of the Trojan War, so come prepared to laugh and have a good time. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center downtown. The play is sponsored by Arts Revive.

See more Skywatch pictures at www.skyley.blogspot.com.

The Big, Red Honda

I've taken a picture of this big, red Honda before, but the other day, it shouted at me again, "Shoot me! Shoot me!" So I did. Perhaps someday, I shall find out who drives it!

Selma's Open House

Last night was the first of two Selma Open House evenings at the Performing Arts Centre, and here is part of the Public Buildings exhibit.

The wedding gown and banquet table represent Selma's hospitality with beautiful facilities available for weddings, receptions, banquets and much more. Public buildings for rent include the PAC with its theatre and reception/exhibit hall, Sturdivant Hall, Vaughan-Smitherman Museum and Carl C. Morgan Convention Center.

The next Open House is Thursday from 5-7 p.m. and will feature other city departments.

The Vine That Won't Go Away

This is a lovely, aromatic vine that takes over the shrubbery every August, and it won't go away! Like honeysuckle, just when you think every root is gone, the vine sprouts somewhere else, and while we enjoy its sweet odor, the azaleas are slowly strangling.

The Quintessential Courtyard

Seems I can't stay away from the library during the lingering heat of summer! Its courtyard is at peak when the crepe myrtles bloom, and besides listening to the fountain, you can rest in the shade on one of several benches and read or just watch the birds. And don't forget to make a wish!

The Back Door

Here's a view of the back door of The Restaurant on Grumbles Alley through the wrought-iron fence by the river. The restaurant is located between Water Avenue and the Alabama River.

In Memory of Hometown Defenders

This little-known Confederate monument on Marie Foster (formerly Rangeline Road) honors three Selmians who died in 1865 while defending their town from Union Gen. J.H. Wilson's invasion. The monument is near the Trinity Lutheran Church and was erected in 1907 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Thanks for Christine Weerts for the photo.

Riverwalk Construction

Construction has finally begun on a portion of the riverwalk for Selma's Riverfront Park. The sidewalk begins at the steps on Grumbles Alley.
To view the future park's wish list, click HERE.

Cantaloupes and Watermelon

By mid-August, most gardens are dry, and most truck farmers are finished until fall. But, I was delighted to find fresh cantaloupes and watermelons stacked in the back of this pickup truck near Memorial Stadium.

Where Have All the Children Gone?

Where have all the children gone?

The playground at Bloch Park is empty this week, and it seems that the city, county and private schools are back in session, just when the temperatures begin to drop to the lower 90s.

Mid-Day

It's the middle of the day when the sky takes on an unrelenting glare, and the Pettus Bridge appears to sink like a hammock between these two trees and atop the kudzu of Grumbles Alley.

A Burst of Color

I love the burst of color as the face of this flower changes from pale peach to magenta to sunshine yellow. I found it in the yard of Carol Henry, one of our local master gardeners.

Books for Young Adults

The Selma-Dallas County Public Library devotes a whole room of shelves to books for young adults, meaning teenage years on up. When I took this reflection of the trees and clouds from the library courtyard, I noticed the sign inside for the young adult room.

Lighting on Lantana

Lantana may be unappealing to me, but the butterflies and moths just love it!

Thanks to Elaine Stewart for sending the photo.

Skywatch Friday, Bubbles at Sunrise

So what happens when you blow bubbles toward a sky at sunrise?

The bubbles reflect the sky, and since this was sort of an orange sky at morning, it was a warning of stormy weather. Soon after, thunder and lightning moved in to cool the August heat, then deliver a steambath.

Double click on the picture for a larger version and better view, then head on over to www.skyley.blogspot.com for more colorful skies.

Fitness Center in the Park

While you're walking at the Valley Grande City Park trail, try a seated curl or two as well as other LifeTrail workout centers sponsored by Vaughan Community Health.

Field of Kudzu

Kudzu is alive, well and growing rapidly like the vine it is. Soon, kudzu will blossom with wisteria like flowers that smell like grapes.

Earl Goodwin Theatre

The Earl Goodwin Theatre at Wallace Community College Selma is used for various college and community events. It is named for a Selmian who was a long-time state senator and local industrialist.

In Honor of Henry Brick Employees

The wall in the library courtyard bears a brick sculpture that honors employees of Henry Brick Company. Click the photo for a larger version of this unusual plaque.

Cooling Off

A cool bath is appreciated by this cardinal on a hot day in Selma!

Thanks to Elaine Stewart for sending the photo.