Postcard perfect: the Marblehead Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in continuous service. It’s history began in 1819 when the US congress deemed the rocky coastline on Lake Erie far too dangerous for ships to navigate at night.

Five thousand dollars was set aside for the construction of a light tower located near the entrance to the Sandusky Bay at Bay Point, Ohio. After its construction, ships sailed safely through Lake Erie’s nor’easters and the small islands that dot the southernmost coast of the lake. We learned that the rocky coastline was formed when glaciers cut through this area.

Looking out over Lake Erie.

The light keeper’s house. I love the bows tied on the small tree outside the gate.

The sunset was so different here. It lit up everything around us. Now I realize it was the calm before the approaching storm—one that is still with us.

Finally, a set of sweet black shutters that were located on the storage shed behind the main house at the base of the Marblehead lighthouse.

One of the first faces that greet me each morning is this one. Only I found out today that before saying good morning to me, she had made her rounds through the house and said hello to everyone who was awake on Christmas morning.

Christmas this year was not about giving big gift or lots of anything. It was just about being together as a family. My brother’s family drove to the cottage to have dinner on Christmas Eve.

Later we sat and talked and Jay gave Dad a lesson on how to use some electronic gizmo.

A few days earlier, Miss J and her family dropped by for a pre-Christmas brunch.

Friends, family, white lights and fireplaces that warm the heart were an important part of Christmas at the cottage but more important than any of these is the reason we gather together at this time of the year and that is to worship the Savior and celebrate his coming to earth.

After Christmas, I know I’ll find my way up into the mountains with the camera. But for now, I’m content to travel to a few places in this area. These photos were taken at Traveler’s Rest, an old stage coach inn built in 1833 located near the South Carolina line. The dogs loved this place and their excitement made me wonder what other creatures were hiding out in the nearby woods!

As I took this photo I couldn’t help but wonder how many travelers had passed through these doors. Cocoa couldn’t stay off the porch. She went to every door thinking that surely someone was inside waiting to meet and greet her. Due to the economy, the inn is only open the first weekend of every month. It sits on the Unicoi Turnpike—the old Indian footpath through northeast Georgia. If you love history, you will find this place fascinating.

Earlier this week, I was driving through the mountains and saw this sweet Methodist church perched atop a hill overlooking a small town. I don’t know about you, but I’m drawn to churches at this time of the year and especially to ones that are older and have been well used. I love the thought of candles being lit at some point in the past at the altar and hymns having been sung from places deep within the heart.