Life at Southern Living

Dear Friend,

So often we picture wonderful homes in the magazine that I wish I could visit. Barbara Stone's residence in this issue is a good example. So when we needed to do some additional photography at this architectural jewel in Harpersville, Alabama, only 30 miles or so down the road from our corporate offices, I decided to go for a visit. Because we were to photograph in the morning, I arrived around 8:30 a,m., and Barbara greeted me with a warm smile and a flavorful cup of percolator coffee. She was cooking a full country breakfast for our Southern Living team: Jean Allsopp, Cindy Barr, and Rob Martin. Of course, I couldn't turn down such a treat, even though my waistline says I should. I think when you see the words and photographs, which begin on page 102, that you'll understand why I asked that the story about this homeplace and the gracious art of living here be titled "Magical Refuge."

Each month before we make up Southern Living, a group of us reviews the major features and section stories. When we came to the May garden piece on Oxmoor Farm (page 86), we asked Kentuckian Eleanor Griffin, one of our Editorial Directors, what she thought of this story. She answered immediately that it represents the very best of the Bluegrass State. I am proud that a native thought the work of Garden Editor Gene Bussell and Senior Photographer Van Chaplin shows her state at its best. I hope you agree.

At the Floyd household, any time is grill-out time, so we have already started using recipes from this month's article on grilling, which begins on page 166. And because the fresh spinach and lettuces in our garden are at their peak right now, Pam and I are enjoying the recipes from the "Spinach Makes the Salad" story that starts on page 100. I think you'll find that both articles offer great suggestions for the season.

As you thumb through our May issue, I hope you will be inspired by a family homeplace, encouraged by a Kentucky garden, and fired up about our grilling recipes. Plus, although I haven't mentioned it in this column, I hope we can tempt you with a road trip to one of the many Southern places we have visited in this issue. Enjoy May.

Best regards,

John Alex Floyd, Jr., Editor

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation May 2002
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