I don’t know what this plant is called. I took the photo a couple of weeks ago. . . so it’s blooms have now faded and blown away with recent winds. When I was young there as a plant in our backyard that my Mom called a “snowball,” but I don’t think this is like it. . . . And for what it is worth, Martha Stewart says every yard should have a Snowball bush. (I’m sure that little bit of information will “make your day.”) I do know this is an older type of plant or bush because it is growing in a vacant lot where an wonderful old house once stood. The flowers, trees, and shrubbery located there remind me of the type of things that would have been my great grandmother’s front yard. Be sure to check out other photos of this part of the state at Living in Stephens County.com.

Every once in a while, I find myself wishing that my Atlanta friends were here to walk this path with me. But then, I know they need to be where they are and I need to be here. Still, it is a good thought. . . . a very good thought.

Smithgall Woods is one of my favorite places in northeast Georgia (“one” because I have a several favorites). The thing that sets Smithgall apart is its beauty. The Park Service keeps it pristine. It has one of North Georgia’s premier trout streams. Dukes Creek runs through this specular mountain get-a-way. “Five miles of trails and 18 miles of roads allow hikers and bicyclists to explore hardwoods, streams, and wildlife.”

After lots of exploring and an almost two-mile hike, Cocoa walks down to Dukes Creek to cool off. The stream was clear as glass.

A covered bridge crosses over Dukes Creek.

I just had to take another photo of the trout stream and I could only stand and wish I had a rod and reel.

If I don’t do anything else, I always try to take a drive by the lake on Sunday afternoon. I was really too early for sunset, but thought I would grab this photo anyway. The days are getting longer so I need to reset my watch for later afternoon and early evening photos.

I finished planting about ten hostas today and then grabbed the dogs and headed out for a late afternoon drive around the lake. As I was taking this photo and another one, I could hear fish jumping out of the water. No joke! But if I had my fishing pole, there is no way I would have caught a single one. I don’t think I’m a good fisher “person,” but that won’t stop me from trying trout fishing again one day soon.