Ricatoni's and a Stroll Around Florence

Hello again!

I have not been able to post the past few days. As the saying goes, life happens and things get out of hand. I was very busy trying to get my items boxed and ready for the flea market yesterday, but on Saturday I had a very bad allergic reaction to I know not what: insect bite, food or something else. Swelling and a rash put me to bed for 24 hours so instead of making it to the flea market yesterday, I went today. A big mistake; Mondays are not the day people visit. But I had already loaded my boxes into my vehicle so I decided to make the trip, and if nothing else, get an idea of the layout of the place.  More about that in tomorrow's post.

Tonight, we drove into Florence, as Claus was in the mood for a meal at our favorite little restaurant, Ricatoni's Italian Grill. It's about as authentic Italian as you're going to find in north Alabama, and it's a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.

The meal begins with homemade baguettes and olive oil poured over fresh herbs. I could eat this and be done!

I always order the same thing: Cheese stuffed ravioli with tomato cream sauce seasoned with herbs. It is out of this world good!

He had pizza, cooked in a wood-fire oven. Delicious! Thin and crispy crust.

Well, someone named Elvis ate there I'm sure, but not the King, as the restaurant only opened in 1996.

Afterwards, since it was such gorgeous weather, we took a walk through town to admire the beautiful architecture of the buildings. I grew up seeing these, and took them for granted. But now I appreciate them so much. They don't build buildings like this any more!

Music affictionados will recognize the Fame Recording Studio name, home of the "Muscle Shoals Sound." 

The Shoals Theater, the only inside movie theater in town back then. Date night meant going for a movie at the Shoals. Now they have special live events here. I was always fascinated by the lighted sign when I was a child.

Ann's Hat Shop was in the small building in the background, where I accompanied mother to select  her hats.

Former home of Best Jewelers, where all brides-to-be selected her china, silver and crystal patterns. Also where parents bought their child's first watch, birthstone ring, charms for bracelets and gifts for special occasions. 

A view of the old Roger's store, which I posted about last week. The brick building in the background is the old Walgreen's Drug Store, where we used to get the Friday special: a banana split for 19 cents. It's now been turned into a very upscale and pricey condo.

Moon Flowers

Moon Flower
(Ipomoea alba) 

I am fascinated by flowers that bloom at night and also by fragrant flowers. The lovely Moon Flower meets both those requirements as a plant worthy of my garden.

Moon flowers open in the evening, not to please me (imagine that!) but so they can be pollinated by night-flying moths. Like most moth-pollinated flowers, the moon flower is white, which attracts moths. The sweet perfume they emit also serve to attract the night pollinator. 

I have not been fortunate enough to see one of those night-flying pollinators this year, but have in the past. The moon flowers are planted on a little arbor on the far side of my yard, so it's more difficult to walk out after dark and spend time there waiting. Next year, I will plant this vine nearer my back door.

After sunset, the huge white flowers bloom and glow all night in the moonlight. Then, as the sun rises, they close their fragrant blooms and drop off the vine, to be replaced by other blooms that evening.

Moon flower is a close relative of the morning glory, which opens in the morning so it can be pollinated by bees and other insects that are active during the day. 

On a warm summer night, moon flowers can open in a matter of several minutes.

Moon flowers are a vining plant, and the books say they can grow as much as 12-18 feet in a single year. Mine definitely has met and exceeded that, wrapping itself around this metal arbor in my backyard. While perennial in their native tropical homes, they are an annual in cold areas. 

The blooms actually do glow in the late evening and the moonlight.

How to Grow Moonflower Plants:

Moon flower plants like full to partial sun during the daylight hours. They thrive in poor, dry soils. That makes them useful in areas where many other popular plants just won't grow. It also makes them easy to grow with little care or attention. 

Add mulch around the plants for appearance and to keep weeds down. The books state fertilizer is usually not needed, but I do apply liquid fertilizer and believe I get more blooms for doing so.

Moonflower are susceptible to frost. They may survive the first light frost with only a little damage. Moonflowers are most often planted near a house or building. So, a light frost may kill the plants away from the house, yet spare your Moonflowers for another day. They will not survive a hard frost or freeze. 

Insect and Disease:

Insects and disease problems are not a major problem. If problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

One reason for being sad to see summer go is having to say goodbye to moon flowers.F

Are We What We Hoped We Would Become?

Goals, dreams, aspirations. Now that we are on the downside of life (it’s rather shocking to think that, especially to type it, but it’s true when we consider we don’t have as many years before us as we have behind us), it’s inevitable that we start to think on our achievements, however great or small.

That leads to the question of this: When I was young, what did I want “to be?” Most young children are asked that question and typical responses may be “a teacher, fireman, movie star, astronaut.” I don’t remember at all what I said when asked that question.

I recall that when in high school I wanted to become a librarian because I took classes in library science and fell in love with the rows and rows of books, the Dewey Decimal System and the card files (remember those?) I did not attend college directly after high school; it would be several years later before I got around to that. Instead, I wanted to get a well-paid job at a nearby military installation where everyone in the area was working. And so I did.

Movie poster for the 1976 movie, All the President's Men, based on the 1974 book by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, two journalists for The Washington Post. Their investigation revealed details of the 1972 break in at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., and the culpability of President Richard M. Nixon's in the crime. Woodward and Bernstein's reporting of facts ultimately led to the resignation of the president. 

I took a degree in journalism in college and aspired to be an investigative reporter for a big-time newspaper (this was during the Watergate era and I wanted to be another Bob Woodward/Carl Bernstein, uncovering and revealing the secrets of corrupt politicians). Instead I worked for two small newspapers, one daily and one weekly. I did a bit of PR and volunteer work but mostly settled into a comfortable and entertaining life in the big city.

It would be another 10 years before I settled into the profession I worked at for 20 years – that of a public affairs officer for a government agency. Yes, I was able to write, but it was a long way from being the reporter I once wanted to be.

But somewhere along the way I realized I no longer wanted what I thought I did. There was a period I was so burned out and disillusioned with the journalism field that I wouldn't even read a newspaper 

So we change; we grow; we move on. But the question remains, or perhaps it becomes “are we now happy with who we are, what we have accomplished?”

I try to answer that question by testing my level of contentment and happiness now. I realize the two questions are not the same, but still, I think they are closely related.

The answer to the happiness/contentment question is a resounding yes. I have not set the world on fire but I know I have contributed to the happiness and well being of others; I have tried to live a good life; I have followed the Golden Rule. I love my family and animals and care for those who are less fortunate than myself and I want to do good for them.

But to the original question, which has to do with career and "success" in life, I would have to say I probably have not lived up to my highest potential. I did not reach the high level of success that some have. But I made choices along the way that led me down a different path.

And you know what? It doesn't really matter after all. And still, I have dreams and goals yet to be achieved and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Yikes, now that I read this I hope you don't think the subject morbid or depressing!

Do you ever think along these lines and wonder what changes you would make if you could “relive” your life? I'd like your views on the subject.

I hope we can get an ongoing dialogue about this. 

The Red Spider Lily

Following dry summers, normal in this part of the world, the rains off hurricanes begin and everyone fells refreshed and rejuvenated. One of the rewards of the rains is the Red Spider Lily (Lycoris radiate), also known as Surprise Lily.

Lying dormant during summer, the bulbs send up stalks about two weeks after the first good fall rain. Soon, your breath is taken away by its sudden brilliance.  After about a week, the stalk dies back and foliage similar to that of other lilies is produced. The foliage stays green well into the winter. Come summer, the foliage dies back into dormancy and the bulb soaks up the sun’s energy, ready to reward you once more in late summer. 

Such an interesting bloom! Photographed against a white tablecloth, you can see where the plant got its name.

A few spider lilies growing in my mother's backyard.

The History of the Red Spider Lily in the U.S.

In 1854 Commodore William Perry opened the ports to Japan aboard some of the U.S. Navy's first steam powered ships while under orders from President Millard Fillmore. Aboard one ship in the fleet was a certain Captain William Roberts, who had a keen eye for horticultural treasures. While in Japan, Captain Roberts acquired three bulbs of a plant with red spidery type blooms. His niece would later describe the bulbs as being, "in such a dry condition that they did not show signs of life until the War between the States." These three bulbs survived and eventually thrived in their new North Carolina home before spreading across the Southern U.S.

The way the sun hits the blooms in this and the following two photos gives the bloom a magical look, don't you think?

Hoping for you a great Wednesday. Drop down below and say hello. I'd love to hear from you!

More Mushrooms

We have had quite a bit of rain the past several days, which is always a good thing after a hot and mostly dry summer. 

The damp and rainy weather brings a new crop of interesting mushrooms. I say interesting because, despite the fact of my love of nature, I have never paid that much attention to mushrooms until lately and have photographed and posted pictures of them on occasions during the past months.

I never realized there were so many kinds. I have threatened to buy a field guide on mushrooms to identify and learn more about each variety, but alas, have not done so yet.

However, I have a new mushroom variety to share. I believe this must be the most amazing one I have yet seen. I very much would like to know more about it. Actually, I made this picture several weeks ago and am just now getting around to featuring it on this page. I watched it daily, and it stayed “pretty” for more than a week.

I think it is absolutely stunning; have never seen anything quite like it. Looks good enough to eat, doesn’t it? NOT!! I would never eat a mushroom I found growing in the wild. I know some are supposed to be safe, but who can ever be absolutely sure?

But this one is definitely eye candy! What do you think?

Why CAN’T I Wear White After Labor Day?

All my life I’ve heard you should not wear white after Labor Day. And I’ve often wondered who made up that rule anyway.

One common explanation is practical. For centuries, wearing white in the summer was a way to stay cool, especially if you lived in hot and humid climates. There was no air-conditioning and people dressed more formally; no T-shirts and halter tops were worn in public.

Some historians speculate the origin of the no-white-after–Labor Day rule may be symbolic. In the early 20th century, white was the uniform of choice for Americans well-to-do enough leave their city homes for summer vacations at the beach or in the mountains and light clothing was a nice contrast to a drab urban life.

Labor Day, celebrated in the U.S. on the first Monday of September, marked the traditional end of summer. It’s when well-heeled vacationers would pack away their summer clothing and return to the city and their darker-colored fall clothing.

This from Time Magazine:  “By the 1950s, as the middle class expanded, the custom had calcified into a hard-and-fast rule. Along with a slew of commands about salad plates and fish forks, the no-whites dictum provided old-money élites with a bulwark against the upwardly mobile. But such mores were propagated by aspirants too: those savvy enough to learn all the rules increased their odds of earning a ticket into polite society. "It [was] insiders trying to keep other people out," says Steele, "and outsiders trying to climb in by proving they know the rules."

Whatever its origin, the Labor Day rule has perennially met with resistance from high-fashion quarters. As far back as the 1920s, Coco Chanel made white a year-round staple. "It was a permanent part of her wardrobe," says Bronwyn Cosgrave, author of The Complete History of Costume & Fashion: From Ancient Egypt to the Present Day. The trend is embraced with equal vigor by today's fashion élites, Cosgrave notes — from Marion Cotillard accepting her 2008 Academy Award in a mermaid-inspired cream dress to Michelle Obama dancing the inaugural balls away in a snowy floor-length gown. Fashion rules are meant to be broken by those who can pull it off, notes Cosgrave, and white "looks really fresh when people aren't expecting it."

No white shoes for me, but I say if you have them and like them, then wear them!

A nice white shirt is definitely a wardrobe staple. Surely the fashion police don't include a cotton number such as this in their edict against wearing white after Labor Day?

I don’t own a pair of white shoes and never will. Just a personal thing with me; hate white shoes. And definitely no white handbag in fall. But I do own and love white denim jeans. I wore them last fall and winter and will do so again. My white skirts? Not the linen one, but the thicker one perhaps. Yes to the white cotton tees, and we all know a white cotton shirt, freshly starched and ironed is perfect for any occasion any time of the year.

If white was good enough year round for Coco Chanel, who am I to disagree?

What about you? Do you stick to the hard-and-fast rule of no white after Labor Day?

Dear Store

Rogers Department Store in downtown Florence, Ala., was a household name for this area for more than a century. Opened in 1894, the store remained independently owned and operated until 1998, when it was sold to the Dunlap Co., of Texas. In 2001, Dunlap announced it would close the landmark Florence store after 108 years of operation.

Rogers Department Store standing empty in the early 2000s. A men's clothing shop has recently occupied the first floor of the building.

Early 20th century street scene, Florence, Ala., shows Rogers Department before it burned in 1910.  Photo from Florence-Lauderdale Public Library.

During my growing up years, it was the only department store of its caliber and THE shopping destination. Sure, there was a Sears and and Penny’s, and Kreisman’s had beautiful clothing, but Rogers had everything.

People remembering the store invariable mention one thing: the wonderful smell that assailed you the minute you passed through the glass doors. No one has been able to define that scent. Some say it was the expensive perfume, but I believe it was the combination of perfume, leather, floor wax  and the scent of new merchandise, all blended together.

The three-story Art Deco style building featured pink marble floors that shone like mirrors. Gleaming chandeliers were hung from the high ceilings. There wasn’t an escalator to take you to higher floors, but instead an elevator framed in gleaming walnut and brass filigree panels. In charge was an elevator operator attired a formal military-style uniform featuring gold lanyards. Atop his head was a jaunty hat which he tipped as you entered. He wished you a good day when you exited. 

Oh, you felt so special when you shopped at Rogers. It was more than a shopping trip; it was an experience!

The first floor housed the cosmetic counter. In those days, Rogers was the only place in town selling top-line cosmetics and fragrances. Only there could you find the scents of the day, some of which included White Shoulders by Evyan; Guerlain; Lanvin; and in later days, Estee Lauder’s first scent, Youth Dew. You could buy Coty and Prince Matchabelli at Walgreens, but the expensive stuff could only be purchased at Rogers.

Perfume Ad from the 1960s for Guerlain Mitsouko.

Perfume Ad from the 1960s for Lanvin's Arpege.

Two cosmetic lines I recall that were available there were Charles of the Ritz and Alexandra de Markhoff; I’m sure there were others. As I child, I would stand and stare in awe and the finely turned out ladies of the town making their selections before the backlit glass cases filled with beautiful and colorful bottles and boxes.

Vintage photo of shoppers in Lewises Department Store in the 1950s.

Also on the first floor were the leather goods – wallets, gloves, key cases, belts – which were inside the glass cases and you could only get a closer look with the assistance of a salesperson. The case would be unlocked, the item withdrawn and placed atop the counter for the customer's closer inspection.

The stationery and paper product selections were in the middle of the store as you entered and I recall loving to find pretty boxes of gift cards and stationery on which to write letters to my pen pals. There also were scrapbooks, diaries, photo albums, fine writing pens and the like.

The back of the store housed men’s, women’s and children's shoes. In those days, the customer was seated and her foot measured for the correct fit before selections were brought out and presented for trying on.

Winding stairs led to the Mezzanine, where an endless variety of lush and beautiful fabrics were available to meet the needs of home seamstresses.  Cottons, linen, taffeta, velvet, velveteen, silk, beaded voile, pongee, seersucker – you name it -- were available. I remember spending many hours there selecting patterns and fabrics with mother, who, like many women of the era, sewed most of our clothes.

This is the way I recall lingerie and hosiery were displayed in Roger's.

The second floor was devoted to clothing for the entire family. One special memory is of the lingerie department, where women’s hosiery in those pre-pantyhose day were wrapped in tissue paper and sold by the box (of six, I think). You told the saleslady your size and I still can see her opening that box, folding back the tissue paper and running her hand inside the stocking so that my mother could better see the color and texture of the stocking before she made up her mind on which shade to buy.

The third floor was for housewares and the office, where you went to pay your monthly bill. Everyone had a Roger’s charge account because you received special in-store offers when you received your bill each month.

The book department was in the basement and this is where I loved to browse and where I bought my Nancy Drew books and the little cheap classics such as Tom Sawyer and Treasure Island. I still have them.

A typical department store window display at Christmas in the 1950s.

The store was a place of special excitement during the Christmas season, as displays were placed throughout the store. The hustle and bustle of the shoppers, the music that wafted through the sound system and the frantic activity at the gift-wrapping station was enough to get even the biggest Scrooge excited about the holiday season.

More about the store’s history

In 1894, when B.A. Rogers and T.M. Rogers Sr. opened The Surprise Store on Court Street in Florence, it sold only general merchandise. The store later took the Rogers' name, and its product lines changed as society's shopping trends changed. A fire occurred at the store in 1910, and it was rebuilt as a two-story building. In 1948, a third floor was added.

The opening of the first mall on the outskirts of town in the 1970s was the beginning of the end for the downtown Rogers store. Although they opened a store opened in the mall, it never captured the magic of the downtown location. Of course, the loyal still shopped downtown, but times were changing and fewer people went downtown anymore. The merchandise became of poorer quality as well. By the 1970s I had moved away, but on my visits home we would usually visit Rogers, but it had become a sad substitute for its former glory days.

Stores No More

Maybe I became nostalgic about Rogers after I made a quick trip to a department store a couple of days ago. The contrast between now and then is so stark that I started thinking about Rogers, performed a bit of research and wanted to post this and ask if you have similar memories of shopping in earlier years.