Hidden Magnolias

Southerners are porch people. We are known for it. Houzz.com People sitting on a porch are often a stereotypical image you see on TV of Southerners. You Tube And you know what? We don’t care. We love our porches. We sit and visit. Pinterest We sit and stare. Harper Lee -  telegraph.co.uk We sit and nap. Zach Flanders We sit and rock.  (A rocker is essential, preferably a Brumby Rocker .) http://myfavoriteandmybest.squarespace.com/ In the past, various activities were often accomplished on the porch – marriage proposals, political schemes, neighborhood negotiations, father-son talks, bets and speculation about football games, and gossip. Not to mention a little drinking.     In the more affluent neighborhoods, front porches were not only gathering areas for family and friends, but also status symbols and staging areas. People might never see the inside of your house, but the

Yesterday, I had lunch at one of my favorite places - Henri's Bakery on Irby in Buckhead. This Atlanta tradition has been around since 1929 and has remained a favorite ever since. I just love their sign, placed on the building when they moved from Peachtree to this location in the 60's.  The building is functional and unassuming, but once you are inside the smells and sights are a delight. One of their specialities this time of year are the King Cakes that you can order for your Marti Gras party. Shortbread cookies, always a favorite, are super buttery and just melt in the mouth.  There are pastries and desserts galore.  The back wall has several counters just chocked full of goodies. The front wall has an assortment of pre-made sandwiches and salads for a quick lunch. But I came for my favorite lunch -- a freshly made to order tuna salad sandwich on white bread with mayo and pickle.  Add a few cheese straws instead of chips

My husband and I like to take the old fashioned "Sunday drive." With a sense of adventure and no set plans, we explore places around Atlanta, visit little off-the-beaten-path places, small towns and attractions. Today we found, thanks to a dear friend, Classic on Noble , in Anniston, AL. The Sunday Brunch is worth the drive. The restaurant is in historic downtown Anniston in an old building that used to house the Kress 5 &10. (However, there are rumors that the building once served as a house of ill repute, but we won't discuss that.) Now if are like me, you may be thinking.... a nice restaurant in Anniston? Alabama?  I am here to tell you, oh yeah . The place is elegant but not stuffy. The tables are beautifully set. The waiters are abundant and attentive. The food stations are located in various areas around the room, so people aren't all packed into one huge line. I just hate that with a buffet, don't you?  Beautiful salad bar.

Have you seen Miss Fisher Murders Mysteries on PBS yet? It is a delightful series. She has great clothes, fantastic shoes, a clever wit, and a kind heart. (And a little golden gun that I have never seen her use.) But even better, she has the coolest house: The historic house “Wardlow” in Parkville, Victoria was used as the exterior of the Phryne’s house. I never thought about Melbourne, Australia having really neat houses, but they do -- plenty of them. The house above is "Labassa", owned by the National Trust. A 1890 French renaissance mansion significant for its richly decorated and finely executed interiors, including a grand staircase with a magnificent stained glass window and rare trompe l'oeil ceiling -- Ooh là là . Built in 1847, "Como House"  in South Yarra is an amalgamation of Australian Regency and Italianate architecture styles. The opulent property features sprawling lush gardens, a fountain, and even a croquet lawn.

I can't believe it.  Today my blog is one year old.  I didn't even realize it until Blogger sent me a reminder. Thank you to all my readers. It has been fun and an adventure. A birthday.... So, what is a girl to do?  I think I will make a cake!!