Pelham, AL

Happy Birthday Dana! Well, almost......

Dana's birthday is not until the 29th, but rather than try to plan something over Thanksgiving weekend, The Big Par-Tay was last night. It was held at the Weatherly Clubhouse in Pelham AL, which turned out to be a great place for all her friends to hang out and dance.

It's a milestone birthday......this was a Sweet Sixteen Party. She invited friends from Pelham High School, Thompson High School and First United Methodist Church in Birmingham. The decorations were black and white, guests were dressed in black and white, and Dana wore purple. It was always easy to spot her in the crowd!

Getting ready to cut the cake!

Cake by Kendall (Dana's sister)

One of the few photos I could get her to pose for....

There were a bunch outside on the deck too!

Feeding birthday cake to Dad......

Cutting up with some of the girls out on the deck

I was surprised they even had heard of Macarena!

Everyone had a great time at the party, but it's not over yet. Probably the biggest thrill for Dana is yet to come. She still has to turn sixteen before she can get her drivers license, but it's pretty much a done deal. She took her driving test in conjunction with her Drivers Education class at Pelham High School and has already passed......so it's just a matter of having her birthday and taking the documentation so she can get her license. Birthday is on Sunday......she'll be official on Monday!

It is time for Thanksgiving in the USA

And yes, we may be experiencing rough times.

But aren't we thankful that we are able to

spend the forthcoming holidays at home

with our families!

There are those that have given up their lives

as they were, and being with their family

for this special time

to go and serve our country.

The Xerox Corporation has repeated their wonderful website

" Let's Say THANKS" where you can send

hand drawn cards collected from children

all across the country to the troops

And It's FREE!

Just 3 Easy Steps, with a click of your mouse and you can send a message of good cheer to these soldiers.

So, go and browse around the site.......

It is filled with messages already sent, messages returned from the troops and some great photos of the troops and

the people behind the scenes making this all happen.

The cards are absolutely beautiful artwork submitted by the children of the good ole USA!

Just CLICK on the Let's Say Thanks Banner above to go the Xerox website and send your card today!

And I would like to give "Special Thanks" to Xerox for giving back to the community!

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY!

I don't go anywhere without my camera anymore. I never know when I will have an opportunity to capture a unique photo.......like this one.........

Last Sunday afternoon I was on my way home and came upon an unusual site in my neighborhood. I was driving on Bearden Road, having just crested the hill by Pelham High School on the way to my house, and was surprised to see this colorful hot air balloon floating above a grassy lot by Shelby Baptist Church.

I pulled in to get a close up shot and watched as the balloon rose and lowered again. From what I could tell the balloon wasn't flying any further than up and down. I don't know what the event was, but they looked like they were having a lot of fun! I'm glad I didn't miss the chance to get a photo!

Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP

205.902.4868

Keller Williams

One Chase Corporation Drive, Suite 150

Hoover, AL 35244

© 2009 Ann Allen, All rights reserved

Photo taken by Ann Allen, and may not be reproduced without express written permission of Ann Allen, Keller Williams Realty, Hoover AL. Please check if Creative Commons License as been granted for this or other photography provided by Ann Allen. Permission usually granted if credit is given with a link back. Thank you for your understanding.

Halloween in Ivy Brook, Pelham AL

Don't be scared, he's a friendly spider! He wants trick or treaters to know they are welcome here!

© 2009 Ann Allen, All rights reserved

Photo taken by Ann Allen, and may not be reproduced without express written permission of Ann Allen, Keller Williams Realty, Hoover AL. Permission usually granted if credit is given with a link back. Thank you for your understanding.

Donut Joe's in Pelham AL.....Offering Fresh Coffee & Donuts To Go!

Donut Joe's has just opened in Pelham AL and is already becoming a favorite spot for local residents.......the parking lot is always full of cars in the morning and when I stopped by I had to park next door and walk over. Isn't that a great problem to have?

Owned and operated by Richard and Suzette Byrd, Donut Joe's offers fresh donuts and pastries that are prepared right at the shop. What could be better than a fresh warm donut? That would be a fresh warm donut with a cup of hot coffee.....or maybe you prefer cold coffee. They are planning on adding specialty coffees and often add some surprise selections to the donut case........today it was Peach Fritters. Those things were huge!

I've tried several of their donuts......a big fan of chocolate, I almost always want some variety of chocolate, but there is one with maple icing and nuts that is to die for!

You can get "Joe To Go"....96 ounces of coffee that will stay hot for hours.

Glazed Donuts - $.79

Specialty Donuts - $.89

Long Johns - $.99

Donut Holes - $1.69

One Dozen Glazed $5.99

One Dozen Mixed $8.99

Half Dozen Glazed $3.49

Half Dozen Mixed $4.49

Try their DoJoe dipping sauce too!

You can get a small, medium or large coffee for $1.29, $1.39 and or $1.49, fountain drinks or milk. Donut Joe's currently has three combos that you can choose from.

You can dine in or take out.....Donut Joe's also offers curbside service.

Stop by and say hello to Richard and Suzette and see why Donut Joe's is quickly becoming a favorite of Pelham AL.

Donut Joe's

3199 Lee Street

Pelham AL

35124

205-663-6006

Hours:

Tuesday - Saturday

6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP

BIRMINGHAM AREA REAL ESTATE

205.902.4868

Keller Williams

One Chase Corporation Drive, Suite 150

Hoover, AL 35244

Ann@AnnAllenTeam.com

© 2009 Ann Allen, All rights reserved

Photos taken by Ann Allen, and may not be reproduced without express written permission of Ann Allen, Keller Williams Realty, Hoover AL. Please check if Creative Commons License as been granted for this or other photography provided by Ann Allen. Permission usually granted if credit is given with a link back. Thank you for your understanding.