I'm Alabama Bound

I'm hitting the road today for a return to (some of) my roots. My mother's family came from Alabama  and its place names still echo in my mind: Troy, Evergreen, Forest Home, Andalusia, Brewton, Dothan, Birmingham (it was always pronounced 'Bum-ingham') and Conecuh County.

There'll be cotton fields and pecan trees. I'll enjoy the soft, familiar Alabama drawl. 

Tonight I'll be in Calera, speaking at the library. Tomorrow I'll go to Birmingham where on Saturday I'll participate in the conference called Murder in the Magic City (see sidebar for link.)

On Sunday I'll travel with the rest of the participants to Wetumpka for Murder on the Menu, after which I'll go to Headland to spend a little time with my brother. (Who got back to his roots in a serious way by moving from Florida to this charming little town.)

I know it'll be fun -- I was at the two 'Murder' events in '09 and came away with a great appreciation for Alabama's Southern hospitality.

If there's time and an internet connection, I'll post.  If not, I'll be back at the farm probably by Wednesday -- weather permitting -- and will catch up with you all then.

Headland, Alabama

While walking around the town square of my brother's adopted home, I discovered the library where they were kind enough to provide me with Internet hookup. So I can share picture of camellias (boy, it's nice to see a blooming flower again!)

and a beautiful old live oak

and another camellia!

It's fun to be in a different place -- but I'm heading home to the mountains tomorrow early.

(Still no word from Herself.)