Faith, Folklore, and Friends

Music in the Park is not just about music. The music is always good, but there is so much more going on. It is good for the body, mind, and spirit just to hang out for a couple of hours in a beautiful park, listening to  music and laughter, slowing down to spend some quality time with some of the best people. There was no rain this week, not even a threat of rain. Life is good.

Last Saturday, the merchants in downtown Florence had a Christmas in Dixie Open House to kick off the Christmas shopping season.  They are giving away some fabulous prizes before Christmas.  To enter, you have to spend $25 in one of the shops or restaurants downtown.  We had dinner at the FloBama Friday night, so I have one entry in already! We have such a beautiful downtown area.  We went early, so it wasn't crowded while we were there.  The temperatures had warmed very nicely since the beginning of the week, and it was fun just walking around. The Court Street Market has several different shops inside. There is a wine and cheese shop, and Jack O'Lantern Farms with fresh produce. They had these Japanese persimmons, and they were huge, as you can tell by the one I'm holding in my hand below. They also have locally made honey, soaps, canned relishes, and many more things that you wouldn't see at the regular grocery store....

Late yesterday afternoon, we celebrated the first Friday in August in Downtown Florence. First, we stopped on Mobile Plaza to listen to Tosha Hill and her band.  On one song, she was joined by Donnie Fritts.  I've got a feeling that we are going to be hearing much more from this young lady. It was a little warm, but there were fans.  Many were supplied by candidates running for office in the November election. We made no promises, but we did enjoy the fans. The beautiful sky was just a little extra blessing. First Fridays has turned into a huge social event.  We always see so many people we know.  There were cousins, old friends, one relative that I had not seen in years, and the dozens of small children who think Hub is Santa.   The stores that normally close at five stay open on First Fridays.  There are lots of restaurants downtown, and all had a waiting line. We were well protected. A little...