When you think of wine country, most people think of France, Italy or California...but there are 10 family owned wineries in Alabama. Alabama is known for its muscadine grapes, which have five times the antioxidants than other grapes, according to recent research. Check out these vineyards and enjoy a winery tour, wine-tastings or a festival...all in Alabama.

Here's a bunch of events & happenings for you to check out in the Huntsville area: Quilt Challenge '09 -- Florence, Huntsville Dragway, Theater Huntsville Presents: "Christmas Belles," Half Marathon & Heroes' 5K Races, 2009 Collinsville Historic Turkey Trot -- Collinsville, Christmas In Cullman Open House, W.C. Handy Birthday Celebration -- Florence, Harrison Brothers Hardware Christmas Open House, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder -- Decatur, Salvation Army "Angel Tree" Kickoff at Parkway Place Mall, plus more. Details on the events calendar.

Carissa is the "Dog of the Week" for Huntsville Animal Services. Carissa is a one year old Wheaton Terrier. She is playful and very friendly. She loves kids and other dogs; the shelter doesn't know about cats. Carissa would make a wonderful addition to any family. She's already spayed and ready to go home with you just as soon as you come down to the shelter on Johnson Road to meet and fall in love with her.
Mopsy is the "Rabbit of the Week" for Huntsville Animal Services. Mopsy came to the shelter with two other bunnies--Flopsy and Pumpkin, where their owner lost her job and could no longer afford to keep them. Mopsy is shy at first, but has a great personality when he warms up to you. He's a nine month old Dutch boy with unusual orange and white fur. Won't you give him a home? He's working on using the litterbox.

Here's some things I learned in Huntsville this week:

• Huntsville is listed as #8 of the Best-Performing Cities 2009: Where America's Jobs Are Created and Sustained. Austin TX is #1.
• If you've got some time on your hands, you might find this site interesting: My Parents Were Awesome.
• You can view Coffee Tree Books & Brew's newsletter online to find out all the things going on there.
• Gov. Bob Riley is a strong supporter of Alabama's progress in creating a statewide trauma system. Seventy percent of the state is now covered by Alabama's trauma system. Read more...