Monday, December 31, 2007

It's Party Time! Happy New Year's Eve!

Blue and White helium-filled balloons (with silver ribbons) decorating the ceiling outside one of the Peabody Hotel's ballrooms. This display sets quite a festive pre-party mood for those attending the party.

I wish you a very safe and happy New Year's Eve!!

Sunday, December 30, 2007

A Touch of N'awlins, in Memphis...

This is a portion of the Beale Street side of Pat O'Brien's restaurant/bar...when this was first built, I was pleasantly surprised at what a great job they did bringing the ambience of the French Quarter to Beale Street.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Liberty Bowl, 2007

Today our family attended the Liberty Bowl game in Memphis. We've always enjoyed this time of year in our city, but this year was special, as my son's college team (Mississippi State) won a bid to the game. We've watched State play weekly each football season, and also watched them rebuild their football program over the past few years (under Coach Sylvester Croom), so today's win was a great thrill for all of us. The game was watched by a record, sell-out crowd.

I thought that the opening ceremonies were particularly pretty. Here, the US flag, in the shape of the USA, is being carried by members of the armed forces and service professions (firefighters, law enforcement), also.

If you would enjoy seeing more photos or hearing more about our fun at the game, I have posted more about it on my other blog here. You can even see a photo of "my guys". :)

Friday, December 28, 2007

Liberty Bowl Parade

The Liberty Bowl Parade was held today on famous (and very packed!) Beale Street. The parade is held each year, honoring both participating teams (this year: Mississippi State University and University of Central Florida), including their marching bands. There are also local groups and celebrities and marching bands and groups from near and far.

Above are some members (and their very unique party bus) of the Secret Order of the Boll Weevils, who are participants in our annual Carnival Memphis. They add humor and levity to Carnival each year, and also to most parades in the area. Carnival was originally the Cotton Carnival, hence the initial appearance of the Boll Weevils. It hasn't been Cotton Carnival in many years, but some fun things just stand the test of time.

I know that the usual is one photo a day (so I apologize in advance!)...but this Weevil was SO nice and accomodating, stopping to pose for a photo and then even giving me beads for my time (and this isn't even N'awlins or Mardi Gras time!)...I just had to share it with all of you, too! :)

Be sure to watch the Liberty Bowl tomorrow...and look for me...I'll be the one with the camera. ;-) Go State!

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Historic Collierville Train Station...

This is an evening photo of the old train station in Historic Collierville, all dressed up for the holidays. Collierville is a bedroom community (and Civil War battlesite) just outside Memphis, and is full of history and charm.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

More Downtown Doors...

The sanctuary entrance at Calvary Episcopal church, downtown Memphis....exquisite any time of year...

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas!!

Best Wishes for a very warm and happy Christmas, from our home to yours!~

Monday, December 24, 2007

Happy Christmas Eve!

A side entrance of Calvary Episcopal Church, downtown Memphis. Calvary is an active downtown church that is well-known for its wonderful yearly presentation of Handel's "Messiah", and its popular Lenten lunch/lecture series. It was founded in 1832 and this building was built in 1844.

I wish you and those you love a wonderful Christmas Eve!

O Christmas Tree...

The grand Peabody Hotel Lobby Christmas tree, as seen from the Balcony level.

A Memphis Christmas...

"The Mississippi Delta begins in the lobby of The Peabody Hotel and ends on Catfish Row in Vicksburg. The Peabody is the Paris Ritz, the Cairo Shepherd's, the London Savoy of this section. If you stand near its fountain in the middle of the lobby... ultimately you will see everybody who is anybody in the Delta..." -- Author/Historian David Cohn, 1935.

View of the famous Peabody Lobby, as seen from the Balcony level from behind the Lobby tree.