We didn’t even have to inch along this road though it looks like that is what we had to do. But when you are with someone who knows how to drive on snow and ice, you just travel along. Denny knew what he was doing, and he never complained about having to stop repeatedly for me and others to take photos.

Years ago when I was working as a photographer for a newspaper, the editor always published  a summer photo in the dead of winter. I never quite understood why he did this, but I thought it would be fun to copy him by doing the same. I took these two photos last year while vacationing on an island off the coast of southwest Florida. Captiva has to be one of my favorite places to visit any time of the year.

Toes in the sand, warm ocean breezes, and the company of friends—what could be better?

I love pathways like this one. You always wonder what is waiting for you around the next turn. This one was just off Bear Gap Road in Rabun County.

And just in case you wanted to know what Bear Gap Road looks like . . . . Here it is. It is a back road that leads to the Glen Ella Springs Inn.

Basically, we just had lots of fun over vacation in PA. The first day that we were back from Lake Erie, Joy took us to Wendell August Forge. The company is America’s oldest and largest forge, producing hand-wrought ornamental metalware and elegant giftware in aluminum and other metals since 1923. The furnace in this photo dates back to the 1930′s when the founder Wendell McMinn August. who was in the coal industry asked, Ottone “Tony” Pisoni, a blacksmith in his coal mine, to hand-forge door latches for his home.

“Admiring the low cost and high quality of Pisoni’s work, August was inspired to start a decorative ironware business. Pisoni was joined by three more blacksmiths who handcrafted the first product line, including one-of- a-kind fireplace andirons, candlesticks, lighting standards, doorknockers, latches, railings, and grilles for windows and doors.”

Two designers currently work on all the designs created at the forge. This is one of their offices.

A really cool clock from the past.

Thanks to my cousin’s really great Web site and on-line magazine (Brown’s Guide to Georgia), I was able to rediscover Minnehaha Falls located in northeast Georgia. After being in western PA last week, it was time to enjoy the scenery we have here, too. This is one of my favorite waterfalls in northeast Georgia. Cocoa gives it a four-paw rating because it is easy to access, has some pretty good doggie sniffs, and is a great summer retreat.