I love leaving the house early in the morning and driving to the mountains to hike some trail that in my mind has never been hiked before. But there are not too many of those on the map. Such is the case with this path. It’s on the top of Kennesaw Mountain and very well used. In fact, I only had a moment to take this photo before an expanding group of visitors caught up with me.

Normally, you could see the skyline of Atlanta from this viewpoint but not on the day after Christmas. This is a really fun area to visit, especially if you live in the Atlanta area and do not want to drive very far. There are several hiking trails, and you are never totally alone—just in case you feel more secure with foot traffic around you. Plus, there are always plenty of dogs hanging out with their owners. Great sniffs and happy trails!

It was the day after Christmas and all through the house everyone was still celebrating . . . .

Abigail opens a gift that was pure Georgia Tech while . . .

while Grant was barking with joy over the Bulldogs!

I really wanted to find a small church to photograph for Christmas and thought I needed to go into downtown Atlanta—maybe along Peachtree Street. I was wrong. This community church provided a lovely setting for warmth and welcome. It is located near the Vinings area off Atlanta Road.

Cocoa keeps watch while patiently waiting on me to take photos. She is such a good dog!

And after we returned home there was time for Cocoa Paw cookies and a hot cup of decaf coffee—with Cocoa, of course.

Cocoa Paw Cookies

One thing I have discovered about this cookie is that it is best when served within a day or two after baking. It does not store well for several days. (Sort of like Cocoa Joy. The “wait” command does not work very well with this cookie.)

Cream together: 1/2 cup shortening and 1 2/3 cups sugar along with 2 teaspoons of vanilla

Add 2 beaten eggs

Melt 2 1 oz. unsweetened Chocolate squares

Sift together: 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder

Add to and alternate with dry ingredients: 1/3 cup milk

Mix well each time

Chill 2 to 3 hours

Form into 1 inch balls

Roll into : 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar

Place on ungreased baking sheet 2 inches apart.

Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees (yields 3 dozen)

Waiting for the gifts to be opened. Several under the tree belong to Cocoa Joy . . . and she also knows there is a good chance she can steal the ones that belong to the cat, too! Being cunning, swift, and deliberate usually works.

Opening her gift from Dog School 101. They were recently voted best dog trainers in Atlanta. The announcement will be in the February edition of Atlanta Magazine. Congrats Dog School!

Santa brought just the right toy and it has an “EE” inside!

Later in the day, we drove to another part of the city and found this little scene. Cocoa has never been in a Christmas play, but she truly believes that the night Jesus was born there was a dog (Cocker Spaniel) near the manger.

My Mom, Me, and my Daddy. I didn’t notice it until I posted this but we all match!

Can’t wait for Christmas morning! Cocoa knows one of her gifts (a can of pink tennis balls) is being wrapped. Though I would discover later that discarded paper and used bows are a lot more fun to play with.

No help and banished to the chair to supervise. Cocoa could not keep her nose out of everyone’s gifts as they were being wrapped so she was asked to “sit and stay” . . .

and watch and be good or Santa would not come to see her. Obedience training works, folks!

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The best thing in the whole wide world (other than the unconditional love we have in Christ) is a sleeping dog on Christmas Eve. Deep sighs and long breaths beside the fire. Is there anything better than this?