Grace-Calvary Church is the oldest church building in the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. I think I have written that before, but I don’t know if I wrote the following about the structure: “It was built by Jarvis Van Buren a relative of U. S. President Van Buren and consecrated on October 10, 1842. It’s a beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture. The building’s historic features include over 42 multi-paned windows that still retain most of the original hand blown glass, straight-backed box pews and a ‘double-decked’ pulpit. The pipe organ is the oldest working church instrument in Georgia.”

It’s one of my favorite destinations for photography. Earlier today it was bathed in warm evening sunlight.

I can’t remember where this church is located—somewhere on Highway 52 on the way back to northeast Georgia from Dahlonega. I loved the evening setting sunlight. Or maybe it was Hwy 115 out of Cleveland. (smile)

Every Christmas I end up dropping by the Old Sautee Store in the Sautee Nacoochee Valley. “When it was built in 1872, it was a true general store.” Farmers bought seed and farm supplies along with all the other things needed to live in a wilderness area. The Unicoi Turnpike runs in front of the store. In fact when you get out of your car, you are standing on very historical land. This is the route traveled by native American Indians, who were traveling north.

I didn’t think I could take a photo in the dark museum portion of the store. But as I sat down in a welcoming rocker, I decided to give it a try. I placed the camera on the arm rest and took this photo on a very low light setting. The Old Sautee Store is one of the most inviting places along the turnpike. The other place I have photographed and written about often is the Nora Mill, where you can buy freshly ground oats, flour, and much more.

It’s only fitting that these guys watch over the entrance to the Old Sautee Store.

So here’s the scoop: I bought the Christmas tree from the nursery (photos on the post below) so I would not have to drive to North Carolina and cut one down at a tree farm. That gave me more time to go shopping with Cocoa and Chip, who didn’t bark (not even once) at a single stranger. Yahoooo!

One of my favorite Christmas things is antique ornaments.  And I also love . . .

acorns and anything thing to do with pine needles and fir trees. Chipley on the other paw is still obsessed with one thing—

Cows! We have places we go in the four-wheel drive that take him up close to his favorite things.

This past weekend was Currahee Military Weekend and the citizens of Stephens county gathered to honor veterans and particularly the men of Easy Company—the World War II paratroopers, who dropped into France and helped to liberate allied forces.

I keep driving up to Clarkesville to photograph this one particular section of the city. It’s a place where I can get away for a few minutes and relax with the camera. People are always around, and they seem to understand the camera thing. After all, Clarkesville is where North Georgia Technical College is located, which has a strong photography school.

I love how the sunlight creates patterns on these pews. It beckons you to sit down for awhile and rest in this quiet atmosphere.

It was such a beautiful day here yesterday. There was no way to stay inside. The temperature was in the high 60′s—almost 70 degrees, and everyone “out and about” was wearing tee shirts and definitely no sweaters. The above photo was taken at Watson’s Mill Bridge State Park, which is located near Athens. Four paws from the dogs on this trail even though it was short and had lots of tree roots. Chipley slipped on the rocks so be careful. When they are wet, they are like ice.

Watson’s Bridge is billed as one of the most picturesque state parks in Georgia, and this is probably correct. It contains the “longest covered bridge in the state, spanning 229 feet across the South Fork River.” The bridge was constructed in 1885 by Washington (W.W.) King, who was the son of freed slave and famous covered-bridge builder, Horace King. The bridge is supported by a town lattice truss system held firmly together with wooden pins. At one time, Georgia had more than 200 covered bridges but today, less than 20 remain.

The mill location was on the opposite side from where I was standing. There are several hiking trails and lots of places to picnic or just sit out in the sun and talk with family and friends.

Earlier today as I was heading north of the city, I discovered a new wooden bridge, which crossed over train tracks that lead out of the city and on to South Carolina. I stopped, got out of the car, and took this photo really quick before something came speeding up the bridge behind me!

Every morning I notice these little chairs just hanging out in front of a very unassuming store. They always seem to be calling out to me to stop and take a few minutes to “sit awhile.” But it is far too cold right now for outside conversation and fellowship. Still, it won’t be long—just a matter of a couple of months—before we turn our thoughts to warmer days and the opportunity to be outside with neighbors and friends.