Hidden Magnolias

Last Sunday night, even amid all sorts of horrible terrorist threats, Macy's had the lighting of the Great Tree. Now it is just called the Great Tree, but is used to be Rich's Great Tree .   This announcement made me reminisce about Rich's and about the Pink Pig. The bright Pink Pig  - complete with a pig tail on the end car - took you on a small rail trip up and over the toy department where you could gaze down at all the toys. and boy, were there toys! Sparkling lights, and decorations made the whole experience very exciting. Then you could visit Santa and tell him what you wanted for Christmas. After that, you could go to the Secret Santa room where you picked out presents for your parents and they were wrapped (in secret, of course) and you parents paid for them, using what was called then, the charge plate. The Great Tree was on the crystal bridge that joined the two Rich's buildings. And since it spanded Forsyth Street you could drive down

Last weekend I attended a book signing/reception for a new book by Marian Carcache held in a beautiful home in Waverly, Alabama, owned by my friend Nadya. Southern homes are unique entities in the old house world. Each one has a history and distinctive style that is just not found anywhere else. I wanted to share some pictures of this lovely house with you I snagged during just before the reception. The porch is a perfect place to sit and just relax. Living Room Dining Room Antique Needlepoint Fireplace Screen A Bed Room One of the Bath Rooms Back Bed Room Kitchen A gorgeous old re-purposed hutch. Local flowers to be used for table decorations. See how perfect they are? Beautiful chandy in what I call the Little Back Room And I can't leave out the star of the show , Marian signing books on the porch. Pat