In with the New

Two years ago, I posted a photo of the old Selma High School (formerly Parrish High)

 shortly before that building was torn down. The new building opened this past fall,

but final touches to streets, sidewalks and landscaping are ongoing.

 Here is what the new building looks like through the trees on the grounds

 near Memorial United Methodist Church.   

Linking to City Daily Photo Blogs

Zenith for a Raptor

This red-tailed hawk soared, dived, then circled our yard before perching

 upon the ZENITH of the tallest pine tree next door. Good thing I had

 a ZOOM lens handy! I hope he wasn't trying to ZAP our cats 

who were enjoying the first sunny day in days!

By the way, we're photographing the Letter Z this week over at ABC Wednesday.

 

Linking to ABC Wednesday and City Daily Photo Blogs

Winter Wedding

A towering arrangement of flowers, greenery and crystals stands

 above a table laden with strawberries, dips, crackers and toast.

 This winter wedding reception was held in a tent

 on the grounds of Sturdivant Hall. 

Linking to Our World Tuesday and City Daily Photo Blogs

Back to the BCS

There is a Red Tide predicted in Miami tonight as it's back

 to the Bowl Championship college football game for the University of Alabama.

 Can the defending national champions beat the No. 1 Fightin' Irish of Notre Dame?

Bama lost the championship to the Irish by a point 40 years ago. 

As you can tell, Bama merchandise, both handmade and commercial,

 has been hot this year, and this is just a sample from a recent 

Selma arts and crafts sale. From little girls' pinafores to houndstooth hats,

 T-shirts and keychains, fans are declaring their allegiance in high fashion!

Linking to City Daily Photo Blogs

Lunch at The Sand Bar

The Sand Bar is open, folks, and the view is as great as the food!

We tried the catfish basket and burger by the river

 and were "happy, happy, happy" that we did! 

Prices are very reasonable, and the view of the City Marina is beautiful.

 Plus, the day of our lunch, the Harriett II, a 19th Century riverboat

 docked at Montgomery, paddle-wheeled by. But wouldn't you know it,

 I had just put up my camera and could not get to it before the boat was downriver.

Linking to Shadow Shot Sunday and City Daily Photo Blogs

Decanters

A set of decanters at Sturdivant Hall reflect both sunlight

 and southern elegance from the mirrored silver base. 

Linking to The Weekend in Black and White

and City Daily Photo Blogs

Alabama's Oldest YMCA

Selma is home to Alabama's first Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA)

 that was founded in 1858, and this is the oldest YMCA building still standing

 in the state. Built in 1885, the historic structure on Broad Street

 was in danger of demolition when it was purchased 

by the Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society last spring. 

Today, it is undergoing stabilization so that it can be preserved for future use.

 You can see an architectural rendition and postcard of the original facade HERE. 

Linking to Friday Fences and City Daily Photo Blogs

Someday an Amphitheater

Someday, this former warehouse will be an amphitheater in Selma's Riverfront Park.

Work continues to renovate the historic riverside building

 and give new life to the area next to the walking trail. 

Linking to  City Daily Photo Blogs

Y is for New YEAR

On the second day of the new YEAR, ABC Wednesday celebrates Y,

 the second to the last letter of the alphabet. 

So, I'm sharing one of the most dramatic sunsets from 2012

 to carry us over into 2013, because frankly,

 it's been raining here all this YEAR!  

Linking to ABC Wednesday and City Daily Photo Blog

Five O' Clock Shadow (Photo of the Year)

Happy New Year!

Five O'Clock Shadow is my choice for "Photo of the Year" for 2012.

While I did not post nearly as many pictures last year due to staying home

 and using less gasoline, there are several pictures that seem to outshine

 the multitude of photographs of the past! This is one of them. 

This photo from Feb. 5, 2012, also collected more than

 the usual number of comments, so it must have been popular with readers.

As the late-evening sun focused its energy upon the Edmund Pettus Bridge,

 shadows deepened, and the bridge just beamed!

See more favorite City Daily Photo blog pictures of 2012 HERE.