Autumn Colors at The Brownstone Manor

Autumn colors were brilliant at The Brownstone Manor this year.

 Our world in the Deep South changed quickly,

 and this morning we are shivering 25-degree F cold!

Guest Photo by Christine Weerts

Linking to Our World Tuesday

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The Social Porch

The midday sun isn't kind to southern skin, so why not join us on the social porch at Brownstone Manor? 
A porch without steps, friends can know by just passing by whether you are accepting visits today.
If the doors to the porch are open, then come on  around to the front door! 

The owners of this home furnished the porch Victorian-style for the Selma Pilgrimage this weekend.  

Thirsty!

Even lawns as green as this one get extra thirsty in Selma summers. With temperatures mostly in the mid- to upper 90s through June so far, even frequent afternoon showers aren't enough to keep grass and plants growing.

Notice the large planters in the yard. They are very popular in Selma, especially in the yards of antebellum and Victorian homes.

Thanks to guest photographer Christine Weerts.

Brownstone Bird Nest (Skywatch Friday)

Birds are singing and building nests all over Selma these days, and one bird family claims home in a decorated tree outside the Brownstone Manor.

This 1904 sandstone often hosts celebrations downstairs and in its courtyards. It is said that F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was a frequent visitor here, based his novel, The Great Gatsby, on this house.

Visit other skywatch photos by clicking www.skyley.blogspot.com

The Brownstone Manor

The afternoon sun spotlights this Neo-Classic mansion that is both a home and reception hall. The first floor includes a bandstand and banquet hall, and long-ago guests included F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. (Fitzgerald authored "The Great Gatsby" among other American classics.) Today's guests are wedding parties and those who come to celebrate their birthdays and reunions. Outdoor courtyards add to the elegance. The home has been featured on Selma's Pilgrimage for a special night tour, because it was built for its outside appearance. The "mirrored house" has inside chandeliers that are in line with the large windows, so that its exterior really sparkles after dark.