Strolling through Georgia (and sometimes Alabama)

Rape Fields

2011-04-01T10:09:00.004+08:00

Georgia Tobacco Field

2010-10-25T08:22:00.004+08:00

Abused Shopping Carts

2010-09-21T13:50:00.005+08:00

I guess I find humor in things that I shouldn't but when I read this sign then drove around the block and saw these buggies I couldn't help but laugh. There is a lady in Canada who has a blog about shopping carts. I like that she's calling attention to a problem that some of probably never think about.

Old Church

2010-09-14T08:27:00.003+08:00

K'ville, Georgia

2010-09-07T20:39:00.003+08:00

K'ville is a small community in Wayne County Georgia. If you blink your eyes you might miss it.

I passed through several times before I noticed this cute little store called Grace Dewey's Place. It's closed and I don't know any history of the place.

This sign is on the front of the building.

This is located on one end.
Then there is this cute little voting precinct.
Next door is this leaning shed that looks to still be in use. The best things are sometimes found on the back roads.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

2010-06-27T02:22:00.011+08:00

All of these photos were taken at Gulf Shores on June 16. There were a few people on the beach and some clean up work going on. I thought the beach looked really good considering that I can remember how nice it was before all the condos were built and it became a big tourist area.

The Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay

2010-06-26T10:21:00.008+08:00

I took a trip recently to lower Alabama. These pictures were taken on what is referred to as the Eastern Shore. (the eastern shore of the Mobile Bay looking towards the city of Mobile.)
It was not a good day for sunsets and had started to rain before we left. Look closely in this picture and you can see the "boom".
This is on the pier at Fairhope, Alabama looking back towards the shore. I grew up in this area and it was very unusual not to see people fishing off the pier. Most of the coastal area was closed to fishing. Although swimming was not advised I did see a few people in the water.
The Fairhope Yacht Club
A little farther up the shore on the pier at Daphne, Alabama we got a closer look at the boom.

2010-05-17T09:22:00.017+08:00

Last week I took a drive down Farm Life School Road. This is actually where I came out but I forgot to take a picture as I was going in. The road is dirt and maybe a mile or two long. I entered off of one paved road and exited here onto another paved road.

I had never been on this road before and didn't know what to expect but was very curious about the "farm life school".

There was nothing but farm land in every direction I looked.

The road curved here right in front of this irrigation system. There was a truck parked in the middle of the road in another spot but I didn't see anyone around.

I've seen a lot of ornamental windmills in people's yard but I was surprised to see the real thing as there aren't many around here.

It was shipped in all the way from the Netherlands. Just kidding! Looks like Texas to me.

After seeing all the onion crates I decided this must be more of the Bland Farm fields.
I saw a few farm buildings and one mobile home but I didn't see anything that looked like a school. Makes me curious how the road got it's name.

This tractor was stirring up dust way in the distance.

The Birds and My Nosy Neighbor

2010-05-10T08:44:00.010+08:00

This is an update on the Tide box birds. The mother laid one egg each day in the nest until there were five. Then she sat on them until they hatched out. We could see 3 birds but couldn't tell if there were any more than that. The mother flew back and forth all day feeding them. This picture was taken about a week ago. Yesterday my daughter said they were gone. She was disappointed that she didn't get to see them when they left the nest.
I caught my nosy neighbor coming from out of my back yard. If I had been out there and she had "oinked" it probably would have scared me to death!
After snooping around in my yard you would have thought she would go home but no she continued on to snoop in another neighbor's yard.
No one seems to mind her roaming the streets. The people who own her also have chickens in their yard. It's nice to have a little bit of country right in the middle of town.

Okeefenokee Joe

2010-05-05T09:44:00.003+08:00

Can't have a blog about Georgia without featuring this man who has done so much to educate our youth (adults too) about wild life and the Okeefenokee Swamp. At one time he had a very promising career in the country music business under the name of Dick Flood. I don't know what happened but he ended up in Georgia entertaining us with his humor, knowledge, song writing and singing. Most every Georgia child knows what it means to be "Swamp Wise" thanks to his documentaries that are played on GPTV.
I saw him for the first time live at the Swamp Fest in Waycross, Ga last month. He can still sing and put on a good show!

Vidalia Onions

2010-04-25T23:55:00.016+08:00

This is one of the bigger onion fields in our area. Possibly it belongs to Bland Farms which is one of the largest onion growers in the USA. This picture was taken a couple months ago.
This picture was taken last week,one day before the onions were picked up.
The bins have been placed in the fields.
The onions have been pulled and left to dry. All is ready for the big day tomorrow.
This is the day of the picking. The workers have been bused in. There were at least 5 of these buses.
They even brought in porta potties!
The fields are full of activity!
I don't know if the onions are pulled by hand but we can see that they are definitely picked up by hand. Maybe there isn't a machine to do it yet.

Onions can't be sold as Vidalias unless they are grown in certain counties of Georgia where the soil is right to give them the right sweetness. In fact only 13 counties and parts of 7 others are certified to grow Vidalias. This field is located in Wayne County.

Here is a crate full and ready to go. My son -in-law came by this field on his way home from work this same day and all the onions were picked up.

There are some really sweet things in Georgia. The peach, the Coca Cola, the Vidalia onion. A test has shown that the Vidalia onion has more sugar than a Coke! Guess that's why they are so darn good!!

The Onion Harvest

2010-04-22T10:48:00.005+08:00

There are a lot of onion fields in the area where I live. This is a small field and not the best looking I've seen. The first day the onions were pulled and left on top of the ground. The next two days the onions were picked up and put into the bags you see.
In my next post I will show you how the "big boys" harvest onions.

Stuckie the Petrified Dog

2010-04-19T07:28:00.003+08:00

First, I'd like to say that this is a true story. Stuckie is in this log at the Southern Forest World Museum in Waycross, Georgia.

Some years ago there was a contest held to name this dog and "Stuckie" is the name that was selected. You can read his story below.

If you aren't squeamish and want to see more of what he looks like click on the link.

See Stuckie

Home is Where You Make It

2010-04-14T06:14:00.003+08:00

My daughter put this empty Tide box on her back porch and was going to throw it in the garbage later. She noticed later that a bird had built a nest in the box.

Today there were three little eggs in the nest. We are hoping the bird will come back and hatch them.

Wisteria

2010-04-11T08:24:00.004+08:00

Wisteria is blooming everywhere here. This picture was taken in front of my home in the bright sun so you can't really tell the pretty color.
This was taken in my back yard.

The town pig enjoying a sunny day nap. Not even in her own yard either!

Little Mouse Ears?

2010-04-08T11:44:00.003+08:00

There are many pecan trees in south Georgia. There is a saying that when the trees get leaves the size of little mouse ears it's safe to plant your garden.

Daikon Radishes

2010-04-01T07:09:00.009+08:00

My son-in-law read in the Georgia Outdoor News magazine that the Daikon Radish was good for planting in deer plots. He planted this small plot on the edge of one of his pecan orchards. We often saw deer in the orchard at night but as far as we could tell the deer never touched the radishes. I pulled a few of the stalks and there were radishes over a foot long on the end.
I didn't like the taste of the radishes so I guess the deer didn't either. I've sure enjoyed the flowers though. The colors ranged from plain white with yellow centers to these with a dab of purple on them.

Waycross, Georgia

2010-03-28T08:25:00.014+08:00

Waycross is an interesting small city in south Georgia located near the Okeefenokee Swamp. There are so many train tracks in Waycross that it's unusual to go through the city without getting stopped somewhere while a train goes through. Some noted resident's of Waycross are Burt Reynolds, Parnell Roberts (Bonanza)and Ossie Davis. The area has been the subject of several popular songs including Miller's Cave, and Gator McKlusky (sung by Jerry Reed). Ted Turner and Jane Fonda once took a detour on their way home to Atlanta to stop and eat at a Maryland Fried Chicken in Waycross. I guess animal activists do eat chicken. lol
According to Walt Kelly's famous comic strip, Pogo and the other swamp characters lived in the Okeefenokee Swamp. Waycross honors Pogo with his picture on one of their water towers.

Sweet Potatoes

2010-03-18T08:08:00.012+08:00

Just before Thanksgiving we went to this U-Pick farm in Tattnall County to get sweet potatoes for our holiday meals.

We were able to drive right to the field. I'm saying this because some people don't know that sweet potatoes grow under the ground. The plant blooms and then starts dying back and after that the potatoes are dug out of the ground (before the first frost) I borrowed this picture from Wikipedia.

These were all just waiting to be picked up! Have you ever seen so many taters?

The Little Package went right to work.

These two "sweet taters" had fun filling our bucket. (I helped too) We had sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We had baked sweet potatoes, fried sweet potatoes, sweet potato pudding, sweet potato souffle, sweet potato pie, sweet potato bread, candied sweet potatoes, sweet potato cookies and sweet potato fries...well you get the picture!

Sweet potatoes are not only good but they are good for you! Georgia used to be second in the USA in sweet potato production but I think they fall way back on the list now.

My New Neighbors

2010-02-27T05:23:00.005+08:00

I haven't quit blogging, I've just been busy moving. I'm now living in a small town (population around 800) in South Georgia. Here are a couple of my neighbors who occasionally roam the streets.

Mary Hill Dumplings

2009-11-19T11:00:00.010+08:00

I have no idea if Mary Hill is a real person and I'm not trying to advertise for the company but I just discovered that this company is located in Hazelhurst, Georgia. I don't know many people who can make real dumplings now days and some of the best cooks I know use these. Around here they are available in the frozen food section at Wal Mart. They are really good and I'm sure I'll be enjoying some of these wonderful dumplings for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I appreciate all of you who are stopping by to view my blog and leave comments. I have moved and I'm not able to post photos at present.

Somewhere in Atlanta

2009-10-26T02:50:00.006+08:00

I took this picture several months ago in Atlanta and was going to delete the picture when I noticed the face. I don't have a clue...Elvis maybe??

Lover's Oak

2009-10-20T08:03:00.006+08:00

This live oak (located in downtown Brunswick,Georgia) is said to be at least 900 years old. According to legend, this was a meeting place for Native America Lovers. The tree trunk is 13 feet in diameter! For you who don't know...the gray stuff is spanish moss.

Dandelions?

2009-10-13T11:00:00.008+08:00

We've had some unusual wild flowers and weeds around here this year. Maybe these aren't dandelions because they were very tall, some probably 6 feet or more. During September the air was full of white fuzz and so much in places it looked like the remnants of a picked cotton field. They stuck to my hair and clothing when I walked outside This spider web even caught a few.

Cotton

2009-10-09T11:55:00.013+08:00

Georgia is one of the major cotton growing states and these fields in South Georgia were at their best a few weeks ago. The cotton in this field looked to be at least 5 feet tall. Look closely and you will see both white and pink blooms.

First the blooms are white.

Then they turn a pinkish color.

Then the flower withers away and grows into the cotton boll ready to be picked. Isn't that an amazing plant?

The Old Mill at Berry College

2009-09-02T02:24:00.010+08:00

Berry college is located in North West Georgia next to the city of Rome. The campus is the worlds largest with approx 28,000 acres. There is a lot to see!!

A close look at the slate stone roof.

Folks this is the roof not the steps!!

I wonder if she married him. He carved the same message on both doors of the mill house.

Cuitlacoche/Huitlacoche (Black Fungus)

2009-08-07T09:58:00.005+08:00

The first time I shucked an ear of corn and saw this horrible looking black fungus I screamed and threw it. Although American farmers consider it a disease, Mexicans consider it a delicacy and use it in various dishes. No thank you!

I Pushed His Button and Turned Him On

2009-07-04T22:33:00.010+08:00

This is the visitors center on top of Georgia's Highest peak Brasstown Bald. It houses a museum and the pictures below are of Mr. Arthur Woody (Georgia's first forest ranger) who greets visitors to the center. I call him a "dummy" but I think the proper name is animatron. Mr. Woody helped design and built the original tower on this mountain. He helped build the forests back that had been clear cut by early lumber companies and helped bring wild life back to the North Georgia mountain area. Isn't he cute and doesn't he look real? You mash a button and he starts talking. He looked so life-like that I stood their and pushed his button several times. I was so mesmerized by his eyes that I couldn't tell you a thing he said. lol.

The Museum/Monroeville, Alabama

2009-06-07T08:40:00.015+08:00

This is the old courthouse in Monroeville, Alabama. Monroeville's claim to fame is that it was the home of Harper Lee author of the book To Kill a Mockingbird.
Some years ago a new courthouse was built and the old one was made into a museum.
Most of the museum is devoted to the book and movie, Harper Lee,
and her childhood friend Truman Capote.
Gregory Peck did actually come to town and meet with Harper Lee before the movie was made.
The courtroom was not used in the filming of the movie. Possibly it was still being used for court at that time. Instead an exact replica of the courtroom was made in Hollywood and used for the filming.
The balcony.
The jury box.
My sister checking out some paper work.

Every spring there is a play performed in Monroeville based on the book and if you are a Hank Willims fan his boyhood home is located not far away in the town of Georgiana.

That's me. And that's the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!

Sepia Scenes/ Screven, Georgia

2009-04-23T08:58:00.008+08:00

A few weeks ago I was waiting in the car beside this convenience store in Screven, Georgia while my daughter went inside. I was surprised to see this telephone which appeared to be in working order. Don't see many of these around any more.
I probably wouldn't have even noticed the phone if it hadn't been so brightly colored.
Later in the day we were back at the same convenience store but parked in the front. I looked across the street and spied this bright colored door. I didn't notice until I was looking at the pictures tonight that the door and the phone seem to be almost the same colors. Just a coincidence I'm sure but I like that they match up so well.

To participate in this fun meme visit Mary the teach.

Ruby Tuesday/Savannah, Georgia

2009-04-21T06:40:00.011+08:00

Savannah Georgia is a great city to tour and I just happened to find a little Ruby Tuesday red there. How about this tour trolley!

This wagon of flowers was located in the City Market area.

I heard this musician playing way before I finally found him on the other side of these azaleas near River Street.

Behind the musician was the Savannah River and this beautiful bridge.
Another bridge view with just a touch of red.
No red in this one but I couldn't resist one more picture of the Savannah River Bridge.

Join Mary the teach for more pictures with red.

Sepia Scenes

2009-04-16T05:33:00.009+08:00

This one room school house is probably over one hundred years old. It was located in a small community in Haralson County, Georgia and moved into the county seat of Buchanan. It has been set up and repaired and will be open on special occasions.
I thought this would be a suitable subject for sepia but when comparing it with the original I found that I really like the original better so I decided to post both. I think the splash of color in the middle really helps.

Visit Mary the teach for more Sepia Scenes.

Ruby Tuesday/The Lady and Sons

2009-04-14T02:51:00.008+08:00

This is the famous Lady and Sons restaurant in Savannah, Georgia. Does it look like what you thought?

There's Paula Deen in the window smiling at us! No we did not eat there. We had tried it before and decided to eat somewhere else.

Post a picture with some red in it then join Mary the Teach for Ruby Tuesday.

Today's Flowers/White Azaleas

2009-04-13T00:53:00.005+08:00

Our white azaleas are blooming. I love the beauty of these white flowers but they only last a few days before they start turning brown. For that reason I prefer the other colors.
Join Louis and his helpers for more flowers.

The Fields of South Georgia

2009-04-10T14:11:00.019+08:00

A few weeks ago on my trip to South Georgia I couldn't help but marvel at the different colors of the fields I passed. The land is very flat in this particular area and the soil is so different looking from the red clay soil where I live.
A field of onions. These are not Vidalia onions because they are not in the area defined by law and by the US Code of Federal Regulations.

Weeds

Weeds
More weeds

We thought this might be oats.

Have you ever seen such pretty colored weeds? I imagine they have a name but I call them weeds.
Clover in a pecan grove.

Not sure what this yellow is.

Here you can see how sandy the soil is. We thought we were going to sneak up on this turkey.
But he spotted us and took off! These pictures were taken in Pierce and Appling Counties.

Jesup Drive In

2009-04-08T21:33:00.004+08:00

There are still a few of these old drive-in theaters left. Oh the memories of going to one "back in the good ole days"! Have you ever NOT been to a drive-in theater?

Ruby Tuesday/ The Smallest House in Savannah

2009-04-07T05:54:00.005+08:00

This little house may or may not be considered red but considering the car is a little red too maybe Mary will not ban me from Ruby Tuesday. The picture was taken from our tour bus window traveling through Savannah. The tour guide said this is the smallest house in Savannah, Ga and it's on the market for a quarter of a million. Cute but not THAT cute!
Join Mary the teach for more Ruby Tuesday participants.

Sepia Scenes/Savannah, Georgia

2009-04-02T06:06:00.003+08:00

Advertising on an old building in Savannah, Georgia. I learned something new. They call these ghost signs. Did everyone but me know that??? lol
For more sepia scenes visit Mary.

Savannah

2009-04-01T06:56:00.012+08:00

Last week my daughter and I took a tour of Savannah. This is an area called City Market which is mostly side walk cafes and other eating places.

We couldn't resist the place with the red umbrellas!

We had pralines and a few other things. Oh so good!!

Stuckie

2009-03-25T03:32:00.001+08:00

Today's Flowers

2009-03-23T02:38:00.002+08:00

We have one pear tree in our little orchard and it has been blooming for several weeks.
Join Louis and friends at the Today's Flower Meme.

Georgia Sky Watch

2009-03-14T09:53:00.012+08:00

Two suns on a cloudy day. (double exposure)
A blue sky day
The sun behind the clouds

An early morning sky

Just before the sun popped up

Sunrise

Day Moon

The First Peach Blossom

2009-03-09T01:25:00.004+08:00

Visit Today's Flowers to join in the fun!

Bird Parade

2009-03-04T10:24:00.010+08:00

The Alabama Band

2009-03-01T10:55:00.013+08:00

Last year these statues were placed in City Park in downtown Fort Payne to honor the country music band Alabama. The band split up in 2003.

Fort Payne Alabama/Alabama Fan Club

2009-02-25T20:45:00.006+08:00

Sepia Scenes/Fort Payne, Alabama

2009-02-19T09:14:00.006+08:00

Everyone must know by now that I love old water tanks! Last fall we visited Fort Payne and I found these two near some old sock factories. Can you guess what else I saw in Fort Payne????
Visit Mary the Teach for more sepia scenes.

Today's Flowers

2009-02-16T04:11:00.003+08:00

A leftover summer flower. Visit the Today's Flowers Team for more flowers.

Keith & Cindy

2009-02-14T10:25:00.013+08:00

A few weeks ago I posted a picture of this water tower that can be seen from where we live. One day my husband asked if I'd like to go see it up close.

After a few wrong turns we finally found it. How would you like to climb those stairs? Not me!
Keith and Cindy did though. They ignored the "no trespassing" sign and the chain that was across the entrance and went up the little road on the right and climbed those stairs. They wanted to tell the world how they felt about each other.
Not only does Cindy love Keith....
but Keith also loves Cindy!
I just thought we needed a little love story for Valentine's Day. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!!

Today's Flowers

2009-02-09T07:10:00.009+08:00

I'm still cleaning out flowers from last summer. Hope you enjoy these white flowers most of which were growing wild.

To view more flowers from around the world visit the Today's Flowers Team.

Today's Flowers

2009-01-25T21:46:00.012+08:00

This is an area in my mother's yard in South Alabama where I found one little morning glory last summer. The area where it's growing has just been cut around with the mower so that the green vine type growth has grown up to a couple feet high and up the trees as you can see.
I used to see this wild morning glory frequently when I was growing up but don't see them much any more. I believe it's called Ipomoea pandurata.
I think this guy likes them too!
He kept going in deeper and deeper until I could hardly see him.
I did a google search and found that this flower is also called a wild potato vine so maybe it isn't a morning glory after all.
Click HERE to sign Mr. Linky and view more flowers from around the world.

Spring Fever

2009-01-24T22:45:00.005+08:00

It's raining here today and I have thoughts of warmer days, sunshine and spring flowers. These aren't exactly spring flowers but I need to clean out some pictures. These are the morning glories that take over in our garden after the harvest.

We live beside a county road and sometimes see some strange things. Yesterday the dog was barking so I went to see and barely caught this guy before he got away. Looks like maybe he is moving on a wagon or maybe his wife threw him out. I'd love to know what he had in the big ice chest.

Sepia Scenes/Fort Payne, Alabama

2009-01-22T11:07:00.010+08:00

Just a few years ago Fort Payne was known as the "Sock Capital of the World". Because of other countries shipping in cheaper made socks the town has had to close down most of their sock mills. This was one of them.

Visit Mary the teach for more sepia scenes.

Cave Springs, Georgia

2009-01-21T11:13:00.007+08:00

This was taken at Cave Springs, Georgia, a tiny little town southwest of Rome. There really is a spring and a cave. People go to the spring and fill jugs with the water which has won awards for it's purity and taste and is also commercially bottled. The cave was closed the day we visited.
Check out Watery Wednesday for more water pictures.

Today's Flowers

2009-01-19T22:54:00.003+08:00

The last time I visited my daughter she had these beautiful violets blooming in the window of my room I looked around and soon found her secret. Of course when I went to the store for some they were out. My one violet hasn't bloomed yet but maybe one day it will. Flowers blooming in mid winter look good to me today. Join the gang at Today's Flowers for more.

Tree Pruning Time

2009-01-16T08:04:00.013+08:00

It's time to prune fruit trees here so we asked our county agent to come by and give us some tips on pruning. This man came with him and not only pruned but gave us lots of ideas. He seemed to like having his picture taken!
Here they are pruning a peach tree. We have two peach trees about 3 years old but have never pruned them. Last year we had some great peaches. Hopefully we'll have even more now that they have been pruned.
I think this is the weirdest looking picture. I caught a shadow of myself taking the picture!
The men are discussing what to do with this old apple tree. It bears apples but they are not so good. My husband has been trying to get the tree to start producing again like it should.
This is a closeup of the bark on the apple tree. One of the men told me the marks were made by a yellow bellied sap sucker.

Billy & Betty Buzzard

2009-01-14T09:46:00.019+08:00

This is a new home in a subdivision where I walk. The area is large and wooded but only 7 houses have been built and of those only 3 have been sold and have people living in them. I always see a lot of buzzards in this area and lately I've noticed them sitting on the roof of this vacant house.

This is Billy Buzzard and here is the story he told me one day when I was there taking pictures. Believe it or not!
"I was a single guy, a little shy but not bad looking and I was lonesome. I started cruising around looking for women. I heard about this place they called "The Roof" so I decided to check it out.
I strutted around a little and showed my stuff and soon I had the attention of this cutie named Betty.
She seemed a little shy at first but soon we were chatting and getting along really well.
We had a few dates and flew around together for a while.
In no time she had me hook, line, and sinker. Old Billy Buzzard was IN LOVE!
We settled down together and right away she changed into an entirely different person. She either ignored me or....
it was NAG NAG NAG.
My friends made fun of me and said I was "buzzard pecked".

One day I had enough and I just up and left that Betty Buzzard.

Now I'm foot loose and fancy free again and LOVING IT!"

Best Bar-b-que in Georgia

2009-01-07T07:29:00.012+08:00

Different magazines and television shows like to give reviews of bar-b-que places. Since I have some Georgia readers I thought I'd show my favorite place.

This is BJ's in Jesup Georgia and they have the best bar-b-que sandwiches I've ever ate. There's nothing fancy about this place. We usually take our food home or eat at a picnic table in the shade.
Don't you just love this old Sunbeam sign!
It wouldn't be Georgia if we didn't have boiled peanuts!Since I'm showing signs here's one I found in Baldwin County Alabama in a Winn Dixie food store parking lot.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T08:06:00.005+08:00

We had our traditional New Year's meal with greens for money, fried yellow squash (just because it's good) and blackeyed peas. Actually we had hoppin john which is blackeyed peas and rice with some spices thrown in and crumbled bacon on top. We wouldn't be Southern if we didn't have sweet tea even if it is sweetened with splenda and served in Gel-lee glasses.
Opps! Can't forget the cornbread. When I make cornbread I make it in this little skillet and flip it over on a plate. I call my husband to the table and just as he gets there I flip the cornbread up in the air and catch it on the plate. He always turns his head away and refuses to look because he's afraid I'm going to drop his cornbread on the floor and then he won't have any for supper. So far I've only missed once!

My Christmas Visit

2008-12-31T10:17:00.011+08:00

I spent Christmas at my daughter's in South Georgia. The land in the area where she lives is very flat. They grow tobacco, cotton, and gators (haha)
My daughter and her husband are pecan farmers. This is not their orchard but one I passed through on the way to their home.
I caught this photo of the sun coming up on Christmas morning.
Later in the day the sky was all kinds of pretty colors.
My son-in-law's parents came for Christmas dinner. His mother recently had a birthday and her husband gave her this little Smart Car for her birthday. It was fun going for a ride in it. What a birthday present!
They parked the Rhino by the smart car to compare the size.
This was taken the day before Christmas. The day after Christmas I left about 6:am to come home. It was extremely foggy and as I was leaving I backed into my daughter's garage. This will be the third time I've had to take my car to the body shop. I think it's jinxed!

Lizard Love Story?

2008-12-23T08:27:00.013+08:00

What bored people do. My mother loves it when a lizard gets in the house. At 89 that's a little excitement in her life. My mother, sister, and I watched these two lizards meeting in the window and wondered if they were going to fight or what.
They met without incident and then passed on.
Each went his separate way.
This one looks back as if he (or she) is thinking of lost love.
Maybe this one is thinking "who could love someone as ugly as me".

Georgia Music Hall of Fame

2008-12-21T10:23:00.010+08:00

I stopped at the Georgia Welcome Center on my way home from South Alabama and they had these signs up promoting the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon. Do you recognize any of these musicians?

Taking a Break

2008-12-07T08:00:00.020+08:00

I'd like to thank two people for awards they passed to me this week.
Fishing Guy at This is My Blog gave me this Blogging Friends Forever award. Deborah at Corridors (another Georgia blogger) gave me this Butterfly award. Thanks to both of you for the awards and thanks to everyone who visits my blog. I appreciate all of you!

Soon I will be taking a break from this blog while I visit family in LA (lower Alabama). Hope you enjoy these pictures and one of my favorite Christmas songs from Allison Krauss and Georgia's own Alan Jackson.
My husband and I took a walk in our woods today. Ever feel like you are being watched??

I know this is a little grainy looking but it's the first plane I've been able to capture on camera.I spied this big hornets nest one day when I was out walking. Wish I could get it but it's really high up and I'm not into climbing pines!

Sepia Scenes/Talking Rock, Georgia

2008-12-03T22:45:00.014+08:00

This cute little town is located in Pickens County between Ellijay and Jasper and is the third smallest town in the state of Georgia. There are several different stories as to how it got it's name. One is that it's from the noise of the water rolling over the rocks in a nearby creek. Another story is that of folks sitting on a rock to talk to a neighbor. My favorite is that the name came from the Indians in the area.
This buildings is just a few feet from the general store. I thought the sign was funny.
After a google search I got several different numbers for the population of Talking Rock. One web site said the population was 49 in 2000. Another said the 2008 population was 95 but that the population had declined. Goes to show you can't believe what you read on the internet. Across the highway from the other buildings is this old train. The town may be small but it has a lot of history.

Visit Mary (the teach) for more Sepia Scenes.

My World/South Georgia Cotton Fields

2008-12-02T07:42:00.007+08:00

Visit the World Blog!

Mountain Music

2008-11-22T10:52:00.004+08:00

This was taken in the North Georgia mountains near Ellijay.

Odd Shots

2008-11-17T06:20:00.010+08:00

A few weeks ago we took a trip over to Fort Payne, Alabama. Fort Payne is the home of the famous Alabama band and we saw this car located on the wall of a body shop not far from the Alabama fan club. Notice the license plate. I like the title my daughter gave me....Don't let Jesus be your co-pilot. Let him do all the driving!!
Visit Katney for more Odd Shots.

Sky Watch Friday

2008-11-14T09:06:00.009+08:00

Tuesday evening the sky started looking interesting so I went outside with my camera and took this shot looking to the west.
I had started back in the house and almost missed this big bright moon in the east. It was not long before it was hidden behind the clouds.
Visit the Sky Watch Team and join in the fun!

Cherokee Rock Village

2008-11-11T10:01:00.012+08:00

About sixty miles from where I live is this fascinating place called Cherokee Rock Village.
The village is located on top of Shinebone Ridge west of Leesburg, Alabama.
This is a view of the valley and Lake Weiss from the top of the village.
Native Americans lived in this area for many years until the Cherokee Indian Removal in 1838 ("The Trail of Tears"). It is believed that the Cherokee and Creek Indians used this area for religious and ceremonial rites.
This area is very popular today for camping, hiking, and rock climbing.

Today's Flowers

2008-11-10T01:54:00.012+08:00

The bumble bees are still clinging to what's left of my yellow butterfly bush. As you can see it looks pretty bad but there must be something good remaining there for the bee.
I grew up in a south that comes alive with azaleas and dogwoods in the spring. The blooming period lasts for about two weeks and then it's over. This is a different kind of azalea that was developed by Buddy Lee of Independence, Louisiana. It's called the Encore Azalea and it blooms at several different times during the year. This one has been blooming for at least 2 months.
Visit Luiz to sign Mr. Linky and view flowers from around the world.

Autumn Colors at Amicalola Falls State Park

2008-11-07T08:06:00.017+08:00

My daughter and I visited North Georgia yesterday to view the gorgeous fall colors at Amicalola Falls State Park near Ellijay. Amicalola is a Cherokee Indian word meaning “tumbling waters". Here Smokey Bear reminds everyone to be careful with fires. Parts of our state are under extreme drought conditions.
It's easy to see why this is one of Georgia's most popular state parks.

This is the 8.5 mile approach trail that leads from the park to Springer Mountain. Springer Mountain is the beginning of the the 2,135 mile Appalachian Trail which ends in Maine.
The waterfalls are the tallest cascading waterfall (729 feet) east of the Mississippi river.
I thought these two little cars were cute and fit right in with the fall colors.
I'm participating in the Fall Color Project at Dave's Garden. If you'd like to visit him and view other fall pictures click HERE.

Haralson County

2008-11-03T15:00:00.004+08:00

Map from Wikipedia
This is my world...Haralson County Georgia. About 50 miles west of Atlanta and about 15 from the Alabama state line. Autumn is here. The colors are not so bright and vivid this year and the leaves will soon be on the ground but there are still a few flowers blooming. I took all of these pictures on my morning walk today. It's a beautiful sunny day here and a very pleasant temperature. Hope you enjoyed my pictures!

Camera Critters

2008-11-02T09:28:00.003+08:00

I caught this green monster today. Aren't those eyes wicked looking? According to Google there are katydids and false katydids. I'm not saying which I think this is because someone will surely come along and prove me wrong. Oh and the sounds are not katydid sounds but the closest I could get. This is my first time to participate in Camera Critters. If you'd like to join in visit Misty Dawn.

Sky Watch Friday

2008-10-31T09:56:00.008+08:00

You can see a lot of different things in the sky if you look real close. Here is my version of a big giant doing the twist.
Join the Sky Watch Team for more sky pictures.

Bird Watching

2008-10-22T07:52:00.005+08:00

Ruler of the Feeder
My Little Chickadee
FIGHT!

Today's Flowers

2008-10-20T02:11:00.004+08:00

I found these little wild flowers when out walking. There are so many different small yellow flowers around here. Visit Luiz to sign Mr. Linky and see more flowers from around the world.

Sky Watch Friday/Wind Creek Casino

2008-10-17T20:58:00.007+08:00

The Poarch Creek Indian Tribe at Atmore, Alabama built what was known as the "Bingo Palace" some years ago. It was a very popular and busy place until the casinos started popping up on the Mississippi Coast. For a while it looked like they were going to close down. Now they are coming back with this huge Casino they are calling Wind Creek. This 16 story hotel tower is quiet a sight when viewed from I-65. Their future plans include a lake and golf course.
To sign Mr. Linky and view more sky pictures click HERE and visit the Sky Watch team.

Today's Flowers

2008-10-13T03:35:00.003+08:00

I call this very common lily a native day lily. I've also heard it called a ditch lily because many are seen growing in ditches around America.
Visit Luiz to sign Mr. Linky and see more flowers from around the world.

The Nacoochee Indian Mound

2008-10-09T08:34:00.007+08:00

This little Indian mound is located on private property near Helen, Georgia in the Northeast Georgia Mountains. Both the marker and the mound can be viewed from the main road but there is a fence around the mound and since it is on private property you can't go to it. I really zoomed in too much because you can't see the actual mound very good in this photo. This is a reconstruction of the mound which was completely excavated in the early 1900's. There is also a legend about the mound if you'd like to read it here. I love the legends of the Native Americans, true or not!

Today's Flowers

2008-10-06T05:13:00.007+08:00

Ruellia brittoniana
Common Names: Mexican petunia
Family: Acanthaceae (acanthus Family) These are so easy to grow!!
Visit Luiz, the host of Today's Flowers and see more flowers from around the world.

Today's Flowers

2008-09-29T04:55:00.008+08:00

Marigolds are fairly easy to grow and they come back every year. The bees like them too! There is no reason why one picture has a white frame except that I forgot I had framed it.
Visit Luiz to view more of Today's Flowers

Yellow Sulfur Butterfly

2008-09-27T19:24:00.005+08:00

September is the month for the yellow sulfur. They are flitting all over the place.

Today's Flowers

2008-09-22T04:57:00.008+08:00

This has got to be one of the world's ugliest flowers. I have no idea what they are called. I first saw them where I grew up in South Alabama. They grow very low on the ground and they are well...just plain ugly. The other kids always told me "do not touch that flower or you will wet the bed!" I NEVER EVER touched one. I DID NOT want to wet the bed!
I have also seen these flowers growing in Georgia. Last week I found this bunch growing under my blackberry bushes. They are the tallest I've ever seen. Probably 6-8 inches tall and I think these are actually pretty. Can you guess what I did???? Yes, I touched one. Did I wet the bed?? Well......
NO I DIDN'T!!! Now I wonder why kids tell such tales as this. Has anyone else ever heard that these flowers will make you wet the bed?
Luiz is the host of Today's Flowers. Visit here if you'd like to join in and view beautiful flowers from around the world.

Sky Watch Friday/Brasstown Bald

2008-09-19T08:58:00.012+08:00

A few weeks ago we traveled to the North Georgia mountain area and up this winding road to visit Georgia's highest peak (4,784 ft. above sea level) Brasstown Bald.
This is the parking area and as far as visitors are allowed to go by car. The other 1/2 mile to the top of the mountain can be reached by a hiking trail or by riding up in the shuttle van.
A view from the parking area.
Our destination the observation tower. Looks like the top of the world to me!
A closer view of the observation tower
What a view!
Views from the observation tower. They say you can view four states from here. Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Visit the Sky Watch Team to sign Mr. Linky and view sky pictures from around the world.

I Finally Got One!

2008-09-16T12:11:00.001+08:00

Today's Flowers

2008-09-15T05:06:00.007+08:00

This is known to me as Turk's Cap although it has several other names. It's native to Texas and Mexico. If it wasn't easy to grow it wouldn't be in my yard!
Visit Luiz to sign Mr. Linky and see beautiful flowers from around the world.

Sky Watch Friday

2008-09-12T09:35:00.004+08:00

A mountain view from North Georgia.
Join the Sky Watch team for more beautiful skies from around the world.

Gulf Fritillary

2008-09-10T09:46:00.002+08:00

The butterflies are really swarming around here! I caught this Gulf Fritillary on my lantana a couple days ago.

Today's Flowers

2008-09-08T08:45:00.009+08:00

This looks very similar to a dandelion but I really don't think it is so I'll just call it a Georgia wildflower. Visit Luiz to sign Mr. Linky and see more beautiful flowers from around the world.

My friend Aileni, who is also a contributing member of my blog The World in Black & White is starting something new called Monochrome Monday. Hope you will check it out!

Sky Watch Friday

2008-09-05T09:12:00.006+08:00

A hazy Georgia sky viewed from a scenic overlook in North Georgia. If you've never seen Kudzu before that's it growing in the front of the pictures.
Join the Sky Watch Team for more sky pictures.

Let's Hike the Trail!

2008-09-03T09:12:00.004+08:00

This looks like a nice trail! This is the approach to Springer Mountain where the Appalachian Trail actually begins. Believe me, it doesn't look this good on Springer Mountain.

Today's Flowers

2008-09-01T08:35:00.004+08:00

I took these photos at a state park in the north Georgia mountains. I have no idea what they are. If you'd like to see more pictures of flowers visit Luiz and join in the fun.

Yellow Jackets

2008-08-31T10:47:00.004+08:00

While the hummingbirds chase each other around the feeder the yellow jackets sit there and enjoy the sweet stuff!

Spider

2008-08-30T09:20:00.006+08:00

I thought this spider was dead since it had been there a couple days before I got around to taking it's picture. Today there was no sign of the web or spider. The first shot is the front and the second is the back. The two pink spots are four o'clocks that were in the back ground.

Sky Watch Friday

2008-08-29T09:20:00.005+08:00

We got some much needed rain this week and I'm sure not complaining but it's always nice to see blue skies again!
Visit the Sky Watch blog to see more sky pictures.

National Dog Day

2008-08-26T20:53:00.005+08:00

Jan suggested that anyone interested might want to post a picture of their dog today in honor of National Dog Day. This is my tree climbing dog Gypsy who wants so badly to catch a squirrel. Some of you may have seen these photos before but everyone seems to enjoy them.

Today's Flowers

2008-08-25T08:57:00.007+08:00

Visit Luiz
for more flower photos.

Spider Webs

2008-08-21T09:22:00.005+08:00

There are lots of spider webs in my mother's yard in south Alabama so I always have to keep my eyes open or I'll walk right through one. I hate the feeling of the web on my face and arms and then I start thinking WHERE IS THE SPIDER???

Little Post Office

2008-08-20T09:50:00.005+08:00

This is certainly not the smallest post office in the world but I think it's cute. It's located on a back road in the middle of no where. (the people who live in that community would probably not like to hear me say that!) Just for the record, the smallest post office in America is located in Ochopee, Florida.

Sky Watch Friday

2008-08-15T09:13:00.006+08:00

This is what the sky looked like in our little corner of the world a few mornings ago. To view more sky pictures visit the Sky Watch team and sign Mr. Linky.