Thursday, February 25, 2010

Best Post of the Week: Week Forty


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Bates House of Turkey, Greenville

By Leigh Bratina



Since I was a small child, it has been tradition to stop at the Bates House of Turkey on the way to the beach. It makes a nice midway point to stop and stretch your feet. And if you are of a carnivorous type, as my family members are, it is the place to get a meal to tie you over. The meats are always fresh and tender and there are always a good variety to vegetables that even my children will eat. My kids are especially fond of their butter beans.



Last Friday's trip to the gulf was no different, the kids and I made the stop at Bates (at their insistance). Twinkle Toes got the HOME-STYLE ROAST TURKEY SANDWICH Roast Turkey on Sesame Seed Bun, Pickles and 2 sides (he chose double butter beans) for $7.95. Both JSmooth and Sister Sledge got the kids finger plate for $3.95 that comes with a large portion of shaved turkey meat, chips, a stick of cheese and pickles. Usually there isn't anything at Bates for me to eat. I am usually content to an side order of pickles (yes, you heard me right). Sometimes I will get lucky and they will have augratin potatoes, which are good but they were not on the menu today. However, today I was delighted to see on the menu vegetable soup. Imagine my disappointment though, when I looked in my bowl and saw turkey in it. I went back to the counter and told the girl that I had ordered vegetable soup to which she replied, "It is vegetable-- turkey vegetable". I explained my dilemma with meat and then pointed to the board by the counter that read the soups...turkey gumbo, turkey vegetable and some other turkey soup, then below those said "*vegetable*". I even stressed to her I had ordered the bowl with asterisk, just as the board had it. "We just put those there to draw attention to it", she said and then she turned her back. I was quite displeased. I would've hoped for her to have said she would give my money back on the soup, or at the very least an apology, but nothing. I have to admit, my family LOVES this place and the food is good (or we wouldn't have come here for the past 30 years, literally) , but it seems EVERY TIME I go there I get lousy service. The girls at the front taking orders seem more interested in having a conversation than taking an order. The seem bothered and are honestly never friendly. This has happened for years. It is not an isolated incident. Tell me it isn't "Greenville, Alabama folks". I am sure it isn't. I think next trip down I will pull through the Krystal's drive through and keep trucking on my way.

*To avoid the lousy service and just get good tender turkey, visit their web site. They do have online ordering and I do think you will find you like it (time tested good). http://www.batesturkey.com/restaurant.aspx


*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Another Atlanta Invite for Alabama Bloggers!!

I'm so glad that so many of you got to go to the Georgia Aquarium for blogger day!! We have been invited to another event in Atlanta: Diana: A Celebration.

This exhibit is now open at the Atlanta Civic Center and chronicles the life of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. The exhibit showcases the life and humanitarian work of Diana through nine galleries containing more than 150 artifacts-ranging from Diana’s royal wedding gown and 28 of her designer dresses to family heirlooms, personal mementoes, paintings, rare home movies and photos.


Bloggers are invited to attend Diana: A Celebration Blogger Day at the Atlanta Civic Center on Saturday, March 6, 2010, to experience Diana: A Celebration first hand from 10:00am-7:00pm (last admission at 5:00pm). Bloggers will receive FREE admission for them and one guest. Please RSVP to scott@creaxion.com by Wednesday, March 3. Bloggers should include their blog’s web address for verification. Tickets will be available for pick up at the Box Office, located in the lobby of the exhibition, the day of the event.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Blogger Day at Georgia Aquarium

By Amy

Today I'm going to veer off my usual path of things I love about Alabama and share about the Georgia Aquarium's Blogger Day.

Did anyone else take advantage of the blogger day promotion? After having to postpone our trip to the High Museum for the Davinci Exhibit due to the snow of 2010 the weekend before I couldn't pass up the chance to visit the aquarium while we were in Atlanta last weekend.

I love aquariums. If it weren't for my son who wants to move around and see everything I could just sit and look at the fish all day. So relaxing. Here are a few of my photos from our trip.

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The big push though was for their exhibit, Planet Shark: Predator or Prey which of course my 10 year old son loved. Me? I could live without the thought of sharks personally, but for a 10 year old who loves anything science related, it was great. From facts about sharks and of course shark teeth (did you know they can reproduce a tooth in about 24 hours) and how they've evolved over the centuries, it was all my 10 year old boy could ask for.


I did find the “frozen in time” display featuring a real, frozen 700 lb Bluefin tuna and its natural predator a real frozen 10 ft. adult Mako shark incredible. There were also full scale shark models, shark cages and artifacts from the movie Jaws among many other things.


All in all I found the exhibit well done and it certainly kept my 10 year old's attention and interest. The Plant Shark exhibit was definitely for older children. Some aspects could be frightening to young children.


Photography was not allowed within the Planet Shark exhibit, but Grande Exhibitions and Georgia Aquarium was kind enough to share a few promo pics with the bloggers.


To stay up to date on the latest news, info and discounts follow Planet Shark and Georgia Aquarium on Facebook and Twitter.


http://facebook.com/PlanetSharkATL


http://twitter.com/Planet_Shark


http://facebook.com/GeorgiaAquarium


http://twitter.com/GeorgiaAquarium


Keep reading as well for a discount coupon when you purchase a combo pass for the aquarium and exhibit.


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Thank you to Grande Exhibitions and Georgia Aquarium for the complimentary tickets to the aquarium and the Planet Shark exhibit.

Friday, February 19, 2010

February Meet-Up!

We had our meet-up today at Panera in Hoover, and had a great time! We had 10 people that came out for it, including four new people! I really enjoyed meeting everyone, and we had some great conversations!

For those who were there and would like to find each other, link up below!

Best Post of the Week: Week Thirty Nine


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Hometown Tour - Mooresville

By Valerie

Hello everyone,

Today we are visiting Mooresville, Alabama. Debi is our tour guide today. I hope you enjoy your visit!




Another town I visited during my recent walkabout/driveabout was the historic town of Mooresville, Alabama. Mooresville is the first town incorporated by the Alabama Territorial Legislature on November 16, 1818. (I ripped that little piece of information right off their website) I've enjoyed visiting this town since I was a child. Nestled in a beautiful wooded area between Madison and Decatur, Mooresville is an active, working town. The architecture here is astounding. Some call it the "Williamsburg of the South." Driving in I noticed signs warning that photographers need a permit so I drove straight to the historic Post Office for information.

The lady there was very nice, gave me a permit application and granted me permission to take a few images since I was already there and assured her I wouldn't be selling them. She didn't ask me about blogging but I think this is okay.



I go gaga over old churches so my first image capture was of the Old Brick Church. Built in 1839 the front sports gorgeous columns covered with stucco. The bricks are made by hand. Inside is the original reed, or pipe, organ made in 1905. It's been a community church, Presbyterian, Methodist and once served as a Baptist mission. The United Methodist Church conducted a deconsecration service and passed ownership to the town October 1994. (another website diddy)



Instead of a cross the steeple supports a large wooden hand pointing to heaven. This is not the original hand. According to the website a replacement was carved and placed on the steeple during a ceremony in May 2005.



Down the road a piece is the Church of Christ. It was originally built in 1854 as the Disciples of Christ meeting house. General James A. Garfield, our 20th President of the United States, preached here in 1863.



Starlings flew past as I grabbed some images. There are many historical properties in Mooresville, each one just as beautiful as the next. The Mooresville Post Office is fascinating, being the oldest operational post office in the state of Alabama. I didn't get a photo of it or anything else that day out of respect for the nice lady who allowed me to take a few "snapshots" of the town. Check out the Mooresville, Alabama website for more details. They have walking tours and really gussy up at Christmas. I'll go take more photos then because I learned through the permit process that regular ole photographers like me do not have to have a permit. Dang...and the sugar maples were JUST RIGHT that day!!! Mooresville .... I'll be back!

Debi was once Program Director at WAAY-TV in Huntsville - back in the GOOD old days of television. Currently, she's a nature photographer and blogger enthusiast, active in preservation issues. Co-Founder of the Bay Hill Conservancy on Wheeler Lake; won several Outdoor Alabama photography contests, and is in the midst of creating a website for her nature photographs and greeting card series, all to benefit preservation of the great state of Alabama. Married to an exceptional man and mom to a remarkable 18 year old, and have a really fat dog. You can visit her main website at Debi Bradford.

Thanks Debi!! I loved this post and all the other posts you wrote on Mooresville. To read more posts and see great pictures from Debi's trip to Mooresville please hop over to The Giraffe Head Tree. I promise you will not be disappointed!!


If you would like to feature your hometown on Alabama Bloggers, please contact Rachel (rachel@alabamabloggers.com) or Valerie(valwonderfullife@aol.com) and let us know!

"The List" is Updated!! And a New List??

I just finished updating "The List" of Alabama Bloggers (which is sorted by geographical location), and I thought that I'd share with you our latest listings. I'm going to try to do this every time I do an update, but we'll see if I remember. I've been clicking through these newly discovered Alabama Blogs and have greatly enjoyed it! Go visit them and say hi!

Heather @ Saving Money and Living Life
Belinda @ A Simple Life
Donna @ Sugar, Spice and Southern Life
David @ Blogchapel
Edwards @ EdwardsTheGreat
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.
Heather @ Saving Money and Living Life
Mr. Macabre @ Mr. Macabre
Daily Panic @ A Day on the Orb Edge
Susan @ Three Girls and a Guy
TSM @ Multitasking Momma
Rambling Round @ Selma Daily Photo
Deb @ Deb's Garden
Kristen @ The Cunningham Family
MT @ Unexpected Grace
Jamie @ Follow the Lines Going South
Charissa @ MiMi's Babies

Also - I keep thinking that we need another list that breaks bloggers down by category. Right now we just have location, but it might be helpful to identify all Alabama Bloggers in your blogging genre. If I were to do this, what categories would you like to see? Here are some I can think of:

Technology
Photography
Humor
Mommy Blogs
Politics
Life
Gardening
Decorating
Devotional
Cooking
Bargains/Shopping

What other categories do we need?

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Meet-Up Reminder - This Friday!!

Our next blogger meet-up will be at Panera Bread in Hoover at Patton Creek 11:30 (but if you need to be late, that's fine - we're usually there for a while) on Friday, February 19th.

The address for this Panera is:
161 Main Street
Hoover, AL 35244

Can't wait to see you all! Be sure to RSVP on this post or the original post so we know to look for you, and tweet about the event using the hashtag #AlaBlogMeet !

Also - just a reminder for outside-of-Birmingham Alabama Bloggers: I'd LOVE to have meet-ups in other places around the state, and all it takes is for one person to pick the place and date and commit to be there, and I'll advertise it! Please let me know if you want to be a meet-up organizer for your city!!

Friday, February 12, 2010

Best Post of the Week: Week Thirty Eight


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Blogger Day at Georgia Aquarium!!

The Georgia Aquarium is having a Blogger day on Saturday, February 20th. If you are a blogger, then you and one other person can receive free admission! You must RSVP to reserve your spot. Details are below:

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Wednesday, February 10, 2010

February Meet-Up Next Friday, February 19th!!

Thanks for all of your great feedback on the next Meet-Up location! Hoover was by far the consensus vote, and of the suggestions, I think the most accommodating location would be Panera Bread at Patton Creek.

Let's meet at 11:30 (but if you need to be late, that's fine - we're usually there for a while) on Friday, February 19th.

The address for this Panera is:
161 Main Street
Hoover, AL 35244

Can't wait to see you all! Be sure to RSVP on this post so we know to look for you, and tweet about the event using the hashtag #AlaBlogMeet !

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Amy's Extraordinary Alabama: Heart Gallery Alabama

By Amy

Did you know that there are over 6000 children in the foster care system of Alabama? Of these over 600 are available for adoption and while many will be adopted by their foster families many others are still waiting. Waiting on their forever families.

And that's where Heart Gallery Alabama steps in. Heart Gallery of Alabama is an organization working to help these children find their forever families.

The Heart Gallery recruits photographers to take portraits of these precious children to promote adoption. The portraits are displayed in places all over the state where prospective adoptive parents can learn more about these amazing children.

Their mission is to find permanent, loving families for each of these children.

There are many ways you can help. You can visit their site here to find out more, but you can also do something this week. Join them for an evening of art, gifts, & vacation pacakges, live music and food at their Foto, Frames & Fun 2010 event. The event will be held at Ted's Garage (2309 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL) on Thursday, February 11 at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.


Information for this post was found at the organization's website.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Center Stage: Saving Money and Living Life

By Jamie

Welcome back to
Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.


When I check out at Publix and the cashier tells me how much I saved - I ride the high all the way to the car. Even in spite of the 5 bakery petit fours I ate first and paid for second.

If you might be interested in the same type of thrill, then I have the Alabama Bloggers for you.


Heather and Jessica at Saving Money & Living Life teach you and me about saving money on all types of purchases from all types of places. They cover the basics of coupons with links to new finds almost daily. They also find great freebies and share the wealth.

My favorite feature is their weekly "treasure maps" for navigating Publix and CVS with their complex BOGOs and extra care bucks. Heather & Jessica do all the work and we reap the rewards.

My favorite kind of partnership.


Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Best Post of the Week: Week Thirty Seven


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Bernies on Main in Columbiana

By Leigh Bratina

I am so lucky to live close by to my mom, who undoubtedly is my best friend. Today we had some free time and went to the thrift store together where I found a few great treasures. After working up an appetite, went to Bernies on Main (in Columbiana, Al.) for lunch. Owned by Chef Bernard ("Bernie") Tamburello, Bernies is one of my favorite places to eat.

At lunch Bernie has a wonderful vegetable bar. Today though, I was craving the Mandarin Salad (small $5.95 or large $7.95). My mother was having the same craving. We both ordered the small salads. The salad consist of iceburg lettuce, mandarin oranges (naturally), feta cheese, croutons and sliced almonds. It comes with a orange vinarette dressing that is wonderfully delicious. The salads hit the spot for us. But should you be "hankering" (a term my mom likes to use) for something different there is much to choose from, including crab cakes, steaks, and saefood to hamburgers, chicken fingers, spaghetti bologne, pasta alfredo, pasta carbonara and a varity of soups.

If you are looking for some place with ambiance, Bernie's is a quiet spot. Located inside a historical brick building it reeks with charm and culture. With exposed bricks, painted plaster & hardwood floors it is a very "earthy" vibe, perfect to impress your Valentine date or otherwise.

Bernie's on Main St. Restaurant and Grill
115 South Main Street
Columbiana, AL 35051
205-669-9993


*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories Bernie's On Main Street on Urbanspoon

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

February Meet-Up - Suggestions?

February's meet-up will be Friday, February 19th!

But - which part of town is the most convenient for those of you who want to come? Homewood, 280, Hoover, Southside? Where are your suggestions for the best meet-up locations?

I'll take into account all of the Twitter and Blog responses and announce the location next week.

Thanks!
If you haven't linked up and introduced yourself yet, be sure to go here to do so!