The Perfect Timing of Seasons

One of the many great things about living in Blue Ridge is the fact that we are fortunate to experience all four seasons. Back in South Texas where we came from, there's really only two seasons: hot and not-so-hot. So if the question were put to me, "Which season is your favorite?", I would have to say that it's a toss-up between Autumn and Spring. After the busy-ness of the summer months, the winding down, and the quiet and reflective repose of Autumn is so welcoming. After the bitterly cold winters and many days of "cabin fever",

the rebirth and freshness of springtime is quite beautiful and full of promise.




Last week was a beautifully warm week with temperatures in the 80's - feeling much like summertime already! We took advantage of the gorgeous weather and put our boat in the water for the summer. With the kids in tow, we took them for a fun spin around the lake at sunset, capturing a few photographs of this great beauty that never ceases to amaze me.


One might think that such pristine beauty would become old hat, seeing it all the time and thus, taking it for granted. But every spring, without fail, it's as though I am seeing it all for the first time.



Deeply breathing the fresh clean air, the feeling of the wind in your hair, hearing your children's laughter - it's the confident expectation, the buoyant optimism, the faithfulness of God that permeates the air.

Fun hike to the Swinging Bridge over the Toccoa River

This past weekend some friends of ours, who have a second home up here in Blue Ridge, took an afternoon hike (short and easy) to the Swinging Bridge and gave us a call on their way up. We planned dinner that evening at our house, and they said they would be done with their hike in a couple of hours or so.

That evening as they described their great time, they mentioned that that was one of their favorite hikes and they do it quite frequently. They take a backpack with some wine, grapes, cheese and crackers and have the best time. With the fall colors, they said it was just absolutely beautiful the other day. They also mentioned that in the summertime there are these little ponds that kids love to swim in. Now that our little baby boy will be almost 2 next summer, we will be sure to take our kids on that fun little adventure!

A spur-of-the-moment trip to the North Georgia Mountains from Florida

Gary – we just got home (long drive). We had such a good time at Five Peaks Cabin (my girls did not want to leave!) that we want to know if you have any other cabin(s) that may be available for Thanksgiving? I have my fingers crossed that someone canceled at the last possible moment….

P. & J
From: Florida

This e-mail came to me this morning and I wanted to post. These folks made a reservation late Saturday night and were on the road Sunday morning when I approved the reservation and gave them directions to the cabin -all while they were driving from Florida to Georgia. Great spontaneity!

Fall Foliage in the North Georgia Mountains

Autumn is truly one of the most beautiful times up here in the North Georgia Mountains. It seems that every year, depending on rainfall amounts, peak season is different. In 2006, peak season was towards the end of October. This year it seems that mid-November is peaking quite beautifully, although a little late than usual.