Day 261: Priorities

My brother would not be happy that I didn't take and post a picture yesterday. For the last time, I will say to him, "You're not the boss of me!" He was a fan of my daily pictures, so I feel a bit like I'm letting him down. But I need to take a break. He taught me so much throughout my life, but he's never taught me more than he did during the last few weeks of his life. He was an amazing inspiration. I'm so proud of how he and his children faced his illness. This is not at all what I imagined "Seeing 50" would include and it's made me want to take some time out and re-evaluate priorities.

George, I miss you already.

I'll be back.

Day 259: Holes

Day 258: Blue

Day 257: Revisited

I happened upon this little barn during my first 365-day project and haven't been back to it until today. There's just something about it .  .  .

Day 256: Heart

A big heart for Pam and Mary Beth. Congratulations.

Day 255: Hiding Place

This little hiding place is just one of the gems inside the farmhouse at Magee Farm. The house was built in 1848 and was site of the surrender of the last Confederate troops East of the Mississippi River. These are props, but there are so many amazing pieces of history in this house. Here's a caption from one of the website photos: The table and chairs in the center of the room are where Generals Taylor and Camby discussed and signed the surrender of the confederate troops. It's such a shame there is no public support for Magee Farm. It's closed to the public and the owner has it up for sale. If you have any ideas of how to find funding to preserve this extremely rare piece of Civil War history, please contact the owner.

Day 254: Just Passing Through

This guy jumped through the tree limbs while I was standing at the window with my camera.

Day 253: Ground Level

Day 252: The Crossing

There were a harrowing few minutes just beyond my driveway this morning. Yes, I was prepared to help if needed, but my first impulse was to grab my camera. I think we both breathed a sigh of relief when this guy reached the "finish line."

Day 251: Let's Do This

Day 250: Super Moon

I was up with the early birds this morning. Here's my "Super Moon" from 5:14 a.m. I was hoping to get it with some reflections on the water for some perspective as it set, but with clouds all around that wasn't in the cards. It was definitely worth getting out of bed early and, as always, a challenge to try and do it justice.

Day 249: Delightful Desserts

My brother is on a baking spree! This is his coffee cake. I also got to test his blueberry crisp. I can happily report that both of these were delicious! I can't comment on the cheesecake. He wouldn't share.

Day 248: Lines

Day 247: At Its Core

Day 246: New Growth

With the help of my friend Phillip I planted two trees a little over two years ago. They were symbols of hope then. It's nice to see new growth now.

Day 245: Shipp's Harbour

Nice view at dinner tonight in Orange Beach.

Day 244: My Blue Eyes

Still no bright ideas today.

Day 243: Bright Ideas

None for me today.

Day 242: Intense Training

The girls got some intense training on how to squirt water with their hands during their swim this afternoon.

Day 241: Night at the Movies

Day 240: Foley at Night

Day 239: Raisin Bran

Look who I found hanging out in my cereal. Anybody remember this guy?

Day 238: At the Marina

Day 237: Ready for My Close Up

There were so many cardinals in my yard this evening I thought we must be electing another pope! I couldn't get a clear shot through my dirty windows at dusk and was too lazy to go outside and shoot it correctly. I'll try to do better tomorrow.

Day 236: Mossy Bark

Day 235: Generations

Emalie, Hannah, John and Eli spent the day playing together in the water and on the piers. We were at the bay where there great grandparents bought lots next to each other decades ago. Since then their grandparents (my generation) and their parents spent many a day the same way. It's good to see that some family traditions are finding their way to new generations.

Day 234: See Don

See Don. See Don look. Look Don, look.

Day 233: Osprey Spree

This afternoon in Gulf State Park Park I witnessed an amazing "collection" of osprey in nests and nearby trees. I saw three perched in one tree. I saw three in a nest. I saw another flying around with a fish. He landed in a distant tree, aparently not wanting to share his dinner. While this shot doesn't relay any of that action, the light on this particular bird made it my favorite shot of the day.

Day 232: Abstract

Day 231: Feet Up

Day 230: Tiny Blooms

Day 229: Home

Day 228: Cabin at Night

This historic cabin on the grounds of the Preston home is beautifully illuminated at night.

Day 227: Hanging Out with a Legend

Want to be impressed? Here are some "Selected Sessions" the legendary guitar player Reggie Young has recorded:

• Elvis Presley - "Suspicious Minds," "Kentucky Rain," "In the Ghetto," "Don't Cry Daddy," and "I've Got A Thing About You Baby"
• J.J. Cale - "Cajun Moon" and "Cocaine"
• Dusty Springfield - "Son of a Preacher Man"
• The Box Tops - "The Letter", "Cry Like a Baby"
• Dobie Gray - "Drift Away"
• The Highwaymen - "Highwayman" and "Desperados Waiting For A Train"
• Willie Nelson - "Always On My Mind"
• B.J. Thomas - "Hooked On A Feeling" "Hey, Won't You Play Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song"
• Neil Diamond - "Sweet Caroline"

Today I was lucky enough to spend time with Reggie and his beautiful wife Jenny. I also got to see him graciously interact with up and coming star Jackson Nance. It was so much fun to see the appreciation, admiration and respect young Jackson has for this legend. I'm a fan of them both.

Day 226: Jerry

Jerry Seinfeld Wilson was a very hospitable host when I came to visit. I think he was a little disappointed that I wasn't following him down the stairs.

Day 225: Under the Sprinkler

Day 224: Jerusalem Thorn

This tree in my brother's back yard is quite the conversation piece, with its brilliant yellow blooms and long, green fronds. The thorns are actually on the branches, not on these lanky thingys.

Day 223: Remembering

I'm very grateful this Memorial Day for all the sacrifices that have been made to ensure my freedom.

Day 222: She's Sunk

Yay! The LuLu made it to the bottom and is now an excellent attraction for divers, fishers and marine life of all sorts. Isn't this a beautiful commemorative t-shirt? Do you have one? If you get one you can help us get even more artificial reefs. Only $25. If you want one, let me know. -- This has been a public service announcement for the Alabama Gulf Coast Reef & Restoration Foundation. 

Day 221: Color

Color Run at The Wharf in Orange Beach today delivered as promised: Lots of color!

Day 220: The LuLu

I am so proud to have worked with a great group of foundation volunteers and an amazing community of folks who contributed money, time, talent and sweat to make The LuLu a reality. This 271' freighter will be deployed as an artificial reef Sunday off Alabama's coast to become an outstanding new diving opportunity. I bet the fish . . . and the fishermen . . . will like it, too.

Day 219: Just off the Highway

Day 218: Mysteries

Day 217: Mod

Today's mod pattern picture is a last minute substitution due to operator error.

Day 216: Long, Long Ago

For all my friends and family who are concerned that I don't have pets, this proves that at one time I DID have a dog. Apparently I really loved him but I think I crushed him with my head.

Day 215: Above the Crowd

The beach was beautiful, the music was amazaing and the crowds had a blast!

Day 214: Nightfall at Hangout Fest

Day 213: Flip Flop Friday

Day 212: Shells

Day 211: Osprey Outpost

Day 210: Hanging in the Window