Misty Morning

The other day I was getting ready for work and let the dog out into the yard for her morning run. I was in a hurry and didn't really look around. But when I let her back in I noticed it was a bit foggy outside. A foggy mist was settling over the neighborhood and I loved the way it looked filtering through the trees.

I thought I'd share a few pictures.




I love the Smoky Mountains and the mist reminded me of morning in the Smokies.


Until I can get my "Smokies" fix I'll have to settle for the home version of "Smoky Mountain Morning."

Refocusing

Sometimes when I have my camera set to full auto I get frustrated trying to focus on the subject of my choosing. Such is the case with these two pictures.

I wanted to have the horseshoe be the main focus of this shot but my camera picked the can instead.


So I took it off full auto and changed the settings so I was able to get the shot I wanted.


Looking at the pictures side by side I've decided I think I like the first one best. Sometimes in life, I take control, change things and work so hard to do something or get something only to have things turn out differently from what I expected. Yet, often I am so glad that "my plan" didn't work out.

I am reminded of Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD." I'm glad God is looking out for me and that I don't have to depend on my ways and thoughts to get me through life. I often think back to my youth, and wonder what if I had dated some of the "bad boys" I was attracted to in high school, if I had...? The list of "what if" is long.

I am thankful that God is in control. My biggest challenge is to not try to take control from Him and to stay in His will.

Daily quite time with God is the best answer I know. However, I must admit that is a challenge for me. Morning is the best time for me, before I get busy with the day. However if I wake up later than normal or have a busy day, guess what gets pushed aside. When those are the days I need that time the most.

This isn't the direction I'd planned to go with this post but maybe this is where it was meant to go. If nothing else it's made me think about refocusing my day and making time to spend reading the Bible and taking time to talk to the Lord. He is the friend that is closer than a brother so why wouldn't I want to talk to him every day. (Pro 18:24 "...there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.)

Later
D

Tongue

I saw this bulldog last weekend and had to take his picture. While bulldogs can be aggressive this guy was a gentle giant. The only thing to fear is if he tried to jump on you, that could land you flat on the ground in a hurry. Thankfully his owner caught him before he jumped on me to give me a kiss...



I'm sure I would have needed a shower after a kiss from this tongue.

Later
D

This past weekend I took a lot of pictures and want to post a few of my favorites to share.

There were a couple of horses in the pasture next door.



One of them reached across the fence to get a bite of honeysuckle. I like this picture even though it isn't in perfect focus.



There was a lot of honeysuckle along the fence to temp the horses.


Enjoy your week.

Later
D

My Mother's Day Gift

My son and daughter-in-law gave me an herb garden for Mother's Day. I tried to grow some herbs last year and was unsuccessful. Everything died.

It looks like this year may prove to be more successful. I'm loving my garden.

Looking good:

Later D

Hobbes

I've posted about our Manx cat, Hobbes before. He and our dog Trixie, have a love / hate relationship. Sometimes, Hobbes just wants to get away from Trixie and have some peace and quite.
Today I was out in the yard taking pictures in between rain showers.

Is that Hobbes in my flowers?


Yep, I see Hobbes.


When he realized I saw him, he decided to come out.


Since Trixie was wandering around the yard I have to think he was hiding from her. Life around here is always interesting.

Later D

Armuchee Bluegrass Festival

This weekend was the Memorial Day Armuchee Bluegrass Festival at the Armuchee Saddle Club in Armuchee, GA north of Rome. As the years go by things change, people get older, move away or even die. This festival has the feeling of a family reunion and there are folks we only see at this event.

However, what never changes is the music and the people enjoying themselves. I thought I'd share a few thoughts and photos taken over the weekend.

There were bands we've followed for years.

And a few very talented groups that we saw for the first time.

Of course there were campers.

Old friends and new.

Lots of four legged friends.


And of course Trixie was with us. It was a challenge to keep the leaves and dirt out of her hair. I think this was the cleanest she looked all weekend, but she did have a great time.

Pickers made their way to the stage.

Then they would wait for their turn to play.

Some folks sat in chairs under the covered stage area while others sat on the ground out under the sometimes sunny sky.

One of my favorite parts of the festival is the jam sessions. There are so many different groups around the campground. Lots of varying levels of talent. Veteran musicians right beside pickers just learning how to play.

And you always see some unexpected things.


We're home. We're tired. But already looking forward to the Labor Day Festival. If you are in North Georgia over Labor Day stop by. We'd love to see you.

Stop by The 2.8 Project for another post about the Armuchee BGF.

Knock, Knock, Anyone Out There?

Well, it has been a while since I've put pen to paper, or more accurately fingers to keyboard and posted to my blog.

I could make lots of excuses, but truthfully, I've been busy and just haven't been inspired or even interested in blogging for a while. I've been more focused on spending as much time with our delightful grandson than much of anything else. He is now four months old and developing a great personality and quite the smile.

But I found I am missing blogging.

So if any of you are still interested in anything I have to say, I'll do my best to not be so long between posts.



Isn't my grandson just the most gorgeous baby?