Harbinger of Spring

I just love the blooming Bradford Pear trees. They're a real sign to me that spring has sprung.

For more skies around the world, take a look at skywatch. Happy Friday everyone!

Cheese

The cheese selection at The Fresh Market is outstanding. It's hard paying the premium prices - but I am happy to see most of my old French favorites. Lately, my husband and I have been staying away from this aisle though. We made a New Year's Resolution to lose a few pounds. But we can still treat ourselves to one of these tasty delights every now and again.

More Peppers!

To continue with the pepper theme, I found this lovely display of peppers at The Fresh Market. TFM is one of those gourmet grocery chains. I don't buy staple foods here, but it is a good place for cheeses, fish, meats and other things you can't find at The Kroger.

Sweet Peppers... Part II

Sweet Peppers really takes their theme quite seriously! Not only were there several neon pepper signs, there were also paintings of peppers and other pepper-related artwork. All of the chairs and booths were done in red upoholstry which, combined with the deep red walls, gave the place a really warm feel.

Chose promise, chose due...

As promised, I tested the Sweet Peppers Deli over the weekend. The menu is quite similar to McAllister's, the only thing missing is the veggie chili. They also have the same serving system - you order at the counter and they bring the food to your table.


Uli also made good on his promise and treated me to this veggie sandwich on ciabatta bread with a side of pasta salad. It was quite tasty - thanks again!

St Matthews United Methodist

I thought I'd post a night photo for a change. I like the modern look of this church with the slanty glass windows. If you'd like to learn more about this church, please visit their website.

Full moon

This is a look at the full moon we had a few days ago. Check out some of the other skies around the world at Skywatch.

Happy Friday everyone and have a wonderful weekend!

Neigh!

This picture wasn't actually taken in Jackson. This guy is one of the Budweiser Clydsdales who spends his off time at Sea World in San Diego. He sure is a beauty though. I think he was even posing for me.

Swirly carpet

For some reason, I found this carpet oddly fascinating.

End of an era

Last night was my last acting class at New Stage. It was a six week course and I really enjoyed it and met some wonderful people. During those six weeks, it became a habit to stop in at Cups between work and the class. So I guess it's an end to Monday afternoon cappucinos as well!

Marina

There is a small marina at the Rez that houses quite a few boats. There is even a section of house boats for those who choose to live on the lake - although I don't think there are any year-round residents. Jackson also sports a yachting club, which seems quite pretentious for a landlocked town.

Colonial Heights Baptist Church

It's back to the mega-churches this Sunday. I don't find this church particularly attractive, but I am amazed by its size.


And its expansive parking lot which always seems to fill up on Sundays. There is another parking area of the same magnitude on the other side of the church as well. And, of course, this church also has its own website.

Happy Friday!

I've been sick all week with a cough that just won't go away. I'm happy the weekend is finally here so I can get some rest!

Enjoy this twilight view over the Rez and have a wonderful weekend!

Gee's Bend

Gee's Bend had a two week run at New Stage Theater here in Jackson. I really wanted to see it, but unfortunately things just didn't work out. I heard it was very moving with fine performances by the entire cast. Ah well... you can't do everything.

I do like the poster though, at least I saw that!

Southern living

I always admire this house at the golf course. I love the wraparound porch. If I lived there, I'd be out on that porch every day sipping tea or lemonade.

Islamadora

Staying with the restaurant theme... here's a look at the terrace seating at the fish cafe inside Bass Pro Shop. Although I hate to admit it, the restaurant is not that bad. We celebrated one of my colleague's 35th work anniversary there last week. I don't think many people stay with the same company for 35 years anymore.

New Deli

Sweet Peppers Deli popped up recently in The Renaissance - Jackson's newest shopping venue. I think name is very tempting - I hope to try it sometime!

Victory Baptist Church

So far, I've been concentrating on some of the bigger churches in the metro area. This Sunday, I thought I'd go with a smaller church. As usual, it's all brick. Also, as usual, it has its own website!

Sunset

I stopped by the Rez last night to snap this shot before the sun sank completely into the horizon. I love the sunsets around here.

Check out other skies across the world at Skywatch.

Mr Barista

For some reason I think it's strange that male coffee artists are called baristas - I think it's my French language influence. Why not baristos? I would think that Italian also has gender specifc titles the same as French since they are both Latin languages.

In any case, this barista was kind enough to let me snap his photo. He was worried about his hair and clothes, but I think he looks quite cool. Unfortunately, I forgot to get his name. Perhaps he'll be there next time and I'll pass on a link to my blog.

Inside Cups

Cups not only has wonderful coffee, they also offer free wi-fi and colorful tables and chairs where you can ponder life's mysteries with friends or just finish some homework! The staff are very friendly and know how to make good drinks... what more can you want from a cafe?

Cups

Cups is a locally owned and operated cafe with several outlets in the Jackson metro area. I stopped by the Fondren branch last week before the auditions for a quick pick-me-up to get my juices flowing.

I found out this weekend that I was not cast in the reading of the Vagina Monologues. That's really okay with me, I am more interested in the staged poetry reading... so keep those fingers crossed!

I'll be showing more of Cups this week - including a barista!

Happy Groundhog Day!!!

I caught this sunset on my flight today from San Diego to Atlanta. We were about 45 minutes outside of Atlanta - so these may be the skies over Jackson. The colors were stunning, although I think the people next to me thought I was a little weird for taking pictures out the window!

I spent most of today crossing the country from west to east and then back west again. Yes, when you live in Jackson, you have to go east before going west. My husband and I fully enjoyed the sunny weather and warm temps in SoCal. I could easily get used to life on the west coast.

Unfortunately, I didn't catch Puxatawnie Phil's prediction today, but I'm hoping it's for a short winter!

February Theme Day: Paths and Passageways

My path today is a small bridge over the water.

Please click here to see some of the other paths and passageways from around the world!

Local Artwork

I'm not sure exactly what to make of this piece of art. Happy Friday everyone!!!

Old Oak

This old tree was in the front lawn of The Cedars House. I love old trees like this one - perfect for a treehouse or a fort!

The Cedars House

The Cedars is one of Jackson's oldest homes. It was built around 1840. Today it's used by the Fondren Renaissance Foundation for art showings, performances and other "arty" things. Fondren is one of Jackson's oldest neighborhoods and a group of people have come together to "revive" both the residential and the commercial areas. So far, it's working pretty well!

I stopped by The Cedars last night to audition for Fondren Theater Workshop. They have two productions coming up - so keep your fingers crossed for me!

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

We had another tree cut down in our yard yesterday and this stump is all that remains. It was an old pine that died and was infested with pine beetles. It was also dangerously close to our house, so we finally bit the bullet and paid to have it cut down.

I asked my husband to take pictures, but by the time he was up and ready the tree was already gone! At least the workers were quick and efficient. It's sort of sad to see a tree go though. I hope no birds were nesting in it - the woodpeckers especially like to make their homes in those tall, skinny pines.

Movie Theater

My husband and I went to see Gran Turino this weekend. It's a really good movie, if you get a chance to see it - GO!

We went to the metro's newest multiplex - Malco Grandview. They have tried to give the lobby an Italian feel. Although it's nothing like being in Italy, it is nice. They have a fountain in the middle, a refreshment stand and lots of comfy chairs to lounge in if you have to wait until your show starts. We have never seen the place so busy, but we generally go to the matinee showing. The queue for tickets was out the door so we didn't have time to relax. We made a beeline for our theater. Luckily, we only missed a few of the advertisements!

New Jerusalem Chruch

I don't know what denomination this church belongs to, but once again they have a very informative website. I'm sure my European readers find it strange that all of these churches have such extensive websites - I find it a little strange myself. But I guess if it works, it works!