Autumn ramble

It rains! Hurrah! I was beginning to get tired of all the sunny, mild weather around here. Nothing like a good November rain for enjoying warm beverages.


I have to say, this fall has been much more colorful than last year. Based on my impressions last fall, I would have been quite dismissive of autumn in the Deep South, but whatever proportions of sun, rain, and temperature are necessary for vivid foliage fell into line this year. Our neighbor’s maple tree, the only one around for miles, brings fiery hues to our usually dun colored street, and we don’t have to rake any of the leaves. Of course, there is nothing like the cooler weather to make me long for a Midwestern autumn, even though I’m enjoying what we have here, especially early morning runs with my husband. Quite often we are greeted by pelicans and the harsh cry of herons. If only the casino didn’t block the view of the sun on cresting the bay...

Our last couple of weekends have included cultural activities, in addition to the seasonal soccer games.  Last weekend it was an art fair and the opening of the new Frank Gehry designed Ohr-O'Keefe Museum. We went on the family day, when Americorps volunteers were present to help the kids make booklets about George Ohr, the Mad Potter of Biloxi, and paper crowns. (For Mardi Gras? Or to keep the little girls happy while the boys had crazy mustaches painted on their upper lips?) I kicked myself for forgetting a camera. The museum was extremely small, and not being a connoisseur of pottery, I don't know that I'll be back often. The sculptures by Richmond Barthe were stunning, though.  Made the art fair offerings pale (except for the booth where you could pay $5 to pose with a little street vendor monkey.)

A model of the museum:

George Ohr:

 This weekend included a drive to Mobile that was absolutely glorious (despite our intended destination being a car repair place), and discovering the free Fort Conde with its miniatures and wax figures brought back memories of Ft. Monroe - a nice cap to the day that included a visit to the Exploreum to see the sea lion show. Of course, the display of photos of past queens of the krewe of the Conde Cavaliers, who sponsor the first parade of the Mobile Mardi Gras season, was more to the liking of my young ladies, but at least there was something for everyone.

This year's Mobile Carnival Association queen from: http://blog.al.com/entertainment-press-register/2010/02/royal_splendor_mca_queen.html