Being born and raised in Alabama and entrenched in southernism was a gift. It gave me an identity. I am part of a culture that embraces gracious hospitality, manners, love of God and country, frugality, family values and good honest food. That’s who I am and that’s what I’m all about. A career move in 1985 brought my husband, two daughters and me from Mobile, Alabama to Tampa, Florida. Mobile is a southern city that has retained its southern personality. Tampa is a city located in the southern part of the United States that doesn’t have a southern personality. While raising our children in Tampa, it was important to me that I teach them about southern culture and their heritage. They don’t have my accent, but they are Southerners. I’m proud of that. Since retirement in April 2009, l ... more ...
