Tuesday, August 31, 2010

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!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Moon over Cotton

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

Photograph by Christine Weerts

Sunday, August 29, 2010

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!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

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!

Friday, August 27, 2010

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

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Down Under

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

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

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.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

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.

Monday, August 23, 2010

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.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

(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.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

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.

Friday, August 20, 2010

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.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

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!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

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.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

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.

Monday, August 16, 2010

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!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

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.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

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.

Friday, August 13, 2010

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.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

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.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

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.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

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.

Monday, August 9, 2010

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.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

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.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

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.

Friday, August 6, 2010

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.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

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.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

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.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

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.

Monday, August 2, 2010

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.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Cooling Off


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

Thanks to Elaine Stewart for sending the photo.