My kind of happy!

A New Year’s Kiss from Cocoa.

Just being silly with friends—just trying to be a Christmas angel.

No snow this year. In fact, the cherry trees in the area are blooming! What’s going on with the weather? The above photo was taken a couple of days ago when I took the dogs for a walk. The group I was with was in long sleeve tee shirts, jeans, and hiking shoes. No coats, or boots, or hoods.

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.

I have lots of favorite passages in the Bible, but one that God reminds me of at pointed times is from Matthew 7: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (verse 7 NIV). Don’t get me wrong; I’m not a “name it and claim it” type of person. But I do believe there are times when we need to ask Him for whatever our need is and when we do, His blessings will be revealed to us.