We've been baking bread here at my house. Well, my husband has been baking bread, and I've been really enjoying it. Here's my blog post with the tried-and-true, no-knead, made-in-a-cast-iron-dutch-oven recipe. The original recipe is from Sullivan Street Bakery. But one bread we always buy: bagels. We just can't do them like my friend Jennifer … Continue reading Still Serving: Crestline Bagel Co.
These are the books I featured on WBRC Fox 6 this month. Each of these books will take you somewhere else. And right now, while we're unable to travel (even outside our homes for the most part), they offer windows to the wider world. A note for right now: I want you to have access to … Continue reading Fox 6 Books: April
Right now, when life is so very different, it's nice to know some favorite things remain available. The Fish Market Southside is still serving with curbside takeout and delivery (through DoorDash, Uber Eats and Bham Takeout) Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant’s … Continue reading Fish Market Family Meals
I can always count on my poet friend Irene Latham to remind me of National Poetry Month. Musings of an Old Man by Nancy Milford Her postcard featuring a work from Baldwin County artist and writer Nancy Milford ("Musings of an Old Man") was a sweet reminder to live my poem. In happier times, whenever … Continue reading National Poetry Month
Our state’s James Beard Foundation semifinalists should be enjoying a boost to business, but this is not business as usual. When the James Beard Foundation announces its highly anticipated best-of semifinalists, our state usually has plenty of nominees. This year started out no differently with restaurants from across our state named semifinalists in a number … Continue reading National Attention, Local Efforts
It is National Ferret Day. It truly is. It's also National Burrito Day, but I'd like to talk about ferrets. This from the National Day Calendar will get us started: "On April 2nd, Hob and Jill went up the hill with their little Kits to celebrate National Ferret Day because that’s some serious business." Ferret … Continue reading National Ferret Day
For years, I have wanted Wanda Sykes to be the voice on whatever app I'm using for driving directions. I might make wrong turns on purpose just to hear her go off. Actually, I would absolutely make wrong turns on purpose. photo from IMDb I was reminded of that when I saw a mention on … Continue reading Listen Up
Got kids at home? Do they know it's National Crayon Day?Keep them entertained (and learning at the same time!) with some free sample coloring pages from Amazing Alabama and Amazing Georgia, the first installments in Laura Murray's "Amazing States" coloring book series.  These books are published by New South Books, and the third, Amazing South Carolina, releases in May. All three books offer … Continue reading National Crayon Day & ‘Amazing’ Coloring Pages
I know we're all pretty much staying home, and that's what we're supposed to be doing. But exercise is allowed and encourage and vital to both our physical and mental health. Besides, "the mountain is calling." I'm talking about Ruffner Mountain, which has more than enough trails that you can practice social distancing while enjoying … Continue reading Fresh Air
Social distancing has changed our food-centric state in ways we never imagined. Curbside service has become the new normal for many eateries. Others are relying heavily upon delivery services. Still others are altering their business models in more significant ways. While lives depend upon safe interactions, livelihoods depend upon businesses remaining in business. I wrote … Continue reading Curbside Service has Become the New Normal
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