Day 334 Well Worn

Day 333 Customer Service

I spent most of today driving so it was such a treat to meet Crystal, when I got to the hotel tonight. She works at the front desk and not only was she very friendly and helpful but also,without hesitation, she agreed to help me get my picture of the day. That's what I call customer service with a smile!

Day 332 Promise

This picture is for my friend Debbie. She and her family are dealing with the loss of her dad today. I was driving near the beach and was lucky enough to see this rainbow and have a couple minutes to stop to get a shot. Rainbows symbolize promise to me; a promise that there is something more, a reason for hope. And seeing a rainbow always makes me think someone is smiling down on me. Today I think it was Debbie's dad, Babe. I know he's smiling on her, too. I hope Debbie and Katy and the rest of their family find comfort and peace in the promise that there is something more and the assurance that Babe has found it.

Day 331 Return of the Ducks

I posted a really bad picture of these ducks, Hooded Mergansers, in January. Today was the first time I've seen them and had a chance to get a better shot. They don't make it easy! I think they were trying to tell me I need a faster lens. This is the best I could do today. I have to keep trying, though because you don't get the full effect of the "hood" here. Like I said, they don't make it easy.

Day 330 Shapes and Colors

Day 329 Crabs To Go

Day 328 Thanksgiving Bounty

Isn't that a look of pure joy on his face? For Eli, the bounty of the day was having cousins to play with, plenty of cupcakes and a pile of leaves. I am lucky to have been there to enjoy all that and more. (And I got leftovers, to boot.) I have so much to be thankful for today and everyday. I am grateful for the family, friends, opportunities; all the blessings in my life. If you're reading this, you're one of them. Thanks.

Day 327 Through the Field

Day 326 Apple of My Eye

Yawn . . . Nothing exciting for today.

Day 325 Smiley

Another creation from Steven Dark. I think it looks like he's just tipped his hat back and is about to tell us a story. It was a candid shot, so we didn't take the time to powder his nose or anything fussy like that.

324 Hydrant

Day 323 Bellingrath

Today I went on a wonderful trip to Bellingrath Gardens as part of a photography workshop offered by Calagaz Photo. I got several shots I really like, including some from our preview of Bellingrath's magnificent Christmas lights display. Part of the workshop was an opportunity to use some cool special effects toys. Since I may never use those toys again, I thought it was appropriate to use one of those shots to  commemorate the day. Sorry, no Christmas photos yet. Not until after Thanksgiving. It's a rule.

Day 322 The Happy Couple

Joe and Betsy couldn't figure out why everyone wanted to take their picture tonight. Why not? Look how cute they are!

Day 321 Sonny

I got to hear legendary country music songwriter Sonny Throckmorton (center) tonight. He's in town for the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. Here, he's playing with John Joiner and Darryl Roberts at Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores. You don't have to be a country music fan to get swept up in the talent of these guys. It was a fun show. I always love hearing songs, and the stories that go with them, shared by the people who wrote them. With more than 1,000 songs recorded and more than a dozen number one country hits, Sonny's got some stories!

Day 320 Well . . .

Well . . . at least it's a picture. I'm having a little trouble finding interesting subjects now that it's dark when I leave the office. I need to start planning better or getting up earlier.

Day 319 Lighthouse

"Lighthouse" is a 17-foot steel and plexiglass sculpture by Dee Dee Morrison, on display at the Orange Beach Art Center. I've been driving by it at least twice a day since it was installed in May and finally stopped for a closer look tonight. It's nice to have some public art to enjoy -- even if its usually through the car window.

Day 318 Monday Rx

Day 317 Morning Walk

I wasn't the only one taking a walk on the beach this morning.

Day 316 Bon Secour

I always get a craving for oysters this time of year. That means a trip to Bon Secour.

Day 315 Big Tree, Little Tree

I think these oaks have such character, standing weathered against the beautiful sky at sunset.

Day 314 Matty

I enjoyed some time tonight with my new friend Matty and my old friends Betsy and Margarita, listening to Sugarcane Jane.

Day 313 At the Pier

Day 312 Lake Shelby

Day 311 Ghosting

Day 310 Field of White

Day 309 Prestigious Awards

Today was the famous Piraino Chili Cook-off in Silverhill. Shelley was a gracious hostess, as always. Here, she's handing out the prestigious awards -- hand-made-by-Shelley trophies -- for each category.

Day 308 Wolf Bay

Day 307 Portrait of a Chicken

Yes, that's my chicken. Created by the ever-so-talented Steven Dark.

Day 306 Fall Color

Day 305 Making a Difference

James Hood walked through a door on the University of Alabama's campus in 1963 and made a difference.