Melody is STILL visiting Days 4 & 5

I know what you're thinking, how long, exactly, was Melody in the Southeast? Not long enough, is the answer.

On Sunday we woke up, wandered down to grab our coffees, then headed back to the beach to gather some sand for the Clark Kiddos and say good-bye to the ocean. On our way back to Birmingham, we stopped at a little spot I'm familiar with to take some pictures, which turned out to be the only pictures I took on this day.

The ride home was much like the ride there, not a dull moment, no lapses in conversation, just a continuous stream of stories, opinions, issues, it was amazing. In fact, the entire weekend was like one long continuous conversation between two (and sometimes three and four - Dirk & Granddaddy got to converse with Melody, too) Happy Hearts.

Sunday night was spent munching on sushi, and sitting on the couch, drinking wine and continuing the conversation.

On Monday, Melody's last day, we woke up and had breakfast with Granddaddy. I was so excited that Mel got to meet him, and he equally enjoyed chatting up a cute blonde over brunch.

Then we headed out to explore more of Birmingham and take some more photos. I took Mel to Sloss Furnaces, which is a mecca of texture, rust, angles, all those things I love to photograph.

Then I took Mel to a viaduct heading between Southside and Downtown, for some photos of the skyline.

Followed by margaritas and dips at Cantina, and then a tearful farewell at the airport. I still can't believe it happened, her visit, and I still can't believe it's over. It was like a wonderful dream I didn't want to wake up from.

So, bloggers, when are we all going to hit the beach together? Mel and I know the perfect spot...

Melody Visits, Day 1 & 2

I was so nervous leading up to Melody's visit. I had all sorts of irrational fears, most of which centered around, "What if she doesn't like me?!" I told you, irrational. I don't know why I was nervous, I guess it was just nervous excited energy. Because as soon as I saw her walking down the concourse, I wanted to squeal with happiness!

We took a quick driving tour of downtown Birmingham, Southside, and wound our way up Red Mountain to Vulcan, where we got out and wandered around with our cameras a bit.

Dirk treated us to an amazing meal at Sol y Luna that night, where we munched on delicious tapas and sipped on fancy drinks.

On Friday, we packed up the car and headed to Florida. Usually the drive seems like it lasts forever, but honestly, when I think back at the trip to the beach and then back home again, it seems like it lasted 30 minutes. I don't think there was a quiet moment the entire 5+ hour trip each way.

We passed through a little town on the way there that is very quaint and very "deep south", so we took a quick detour to get photos. I don't think I've mentioned it yet, but it was so very wonderful and refreshing to be on an adventure with someone who takes as many (or more) photos as I do.

I wanted to give Melody a well-rounded sense of the beach that holds so many memories for me, so we started at Grayton Beach, where we stimulated the economy at the Zoo Gallery:

And then ate some yummy Grouper Fingers at the Red Bar.

After our bellies were full and we'd had a mimosa, we were itching to feel some sand under our toes, so we walked around the corner and hit the beach.

There were some funny pups running around on the beach, I caught this one taking a nap.

I love the excitement and happiness I captured here:

Then we began our journey along Scenic Highway 30-A towards our final destination, Rosemary Beach. Of course I had to drive Melody through Seaside, which is unlike any other place I've experienced before. Originally, I had thought about renting our cottage in Seaside, but had opted for a different town so that we could explore a new place and make new memories together.

You'll have to wait with anticipation for Day 2.5-Day 3, and then again for Day 4 & 5. I've decided to just post 'em as I edit 'em.