Before we say goodbye to warm weather and mountain laurel, here is a parting shot from summer. This one was taken in North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forrest on a hot summer afternoon. Three months from now, we’ll all be saying something like, “I can’t wait until it is warm again.”

This was taken on the porch of the Mark of the Potter just outside of Clarkesville, Georgia. It is on highway 197 and is a beautiful drive, especially this time of the year. There’s no need to spend lots of money on gas driving countless miles when you can travel to northeast Georgia and visit places like this. Years ago, I was in the middle of making a life-changing decision. It was here that God showed me I needed to leave this part of the state and become a city-dweller once again. While I have never regretted making the change, there are times when I still miss this simpler side of life.

The art of trout fishing was something I really wanted to learn. During “trout season” the state stocks the streams regularly. This is the full pond at the base of the falls beside the Mark of the Potter. However, just in case you decide to visit the folks there, better leave your fishing gear at home. There’s a no fishing sign posted. . . . but we can certainly dream and take lots of photos!

Finally, fall is making its way to northeast Georgia.

I confess that I love the leaves of a Seagrape. The landscape of Sanibel is covered with these plants. Once the photos were taken, I had a dilemma and that was either to let the colors shine through or use photoshop to create a faded look?

Not feeling the best yesterday . . . but Cocoa wasn’t swayed. She wanted me to put the computer away and play, go for a ride, and get a Starbucks. Amazingly, she found a way to beg for each of these with her eyes. Eyes always convey the hidden messages of the heart.

Thankfully, PJ (the cat) came to my rescue and provided the right motivation for “play time.”

Then he fell asleep in the sun.