Scenes From A Sunday

Friday Fences

I just discovered Friday Fences and thought I'd add this pic of our pony, Rosie and Bob the Rooster. (Notice the jealous hen peeking though.) Until Woolbur the sheep moved in, Rosie would only share with Bob. 

Friday Skywatch

I took these sky photos as part of the Friday Skywatch meme. I used to participate every week. I haven't been able to participate as much, thanks to work, peewee sports, and life in general. Wait- that is SO NOT ME! I am so ashamed of getting sucked up into the peewee trap, which I feel is one of the most anti-family institutions in America. (My blog, my opinion...) As for work, I am slowly learning what is expected of me and, therefore, I am slowly getting my life organized. New jobs are tough, even when you love what you do.

I am so grateful to have some tome off and just enjoy being at home with my family. I took these photos this morning here in the yard. Nothing says Georgia sky like Sweetgum balls and pine trees...

Sharpie on China- great Christmas Craft! (Mother's Day. etc.)

Looking for a children's craft/ gift that will be a treasured keepsake for years to come? I've found the perfect one!
Buy plates, cups, etc. from your local dollar store. (Mine cost $1 each.) Have your child decorate with Sharpie brand markers. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Allow them to cool in the oven before removing. You now have a gift that is both permanent and dishwasher safe!

I'm thinking of doing a set of chili bowls...more to come....

Pralines!!!

It's that candy makin' time of year. This year I decided to branch our of my usual repertoire and try something new pralines! (I love me some pralines!) I found this recipe at The Kitchn.com. I already had all the ingredients in my pantry. I found this link for Making Perfect Pralines especially helpful. I'm tellin' y'all. it was easy as pie and they turned out wonderful! Give it a try and leave your comments to let me know how yours turned out!

Merry Christmas!
Beth :)

Fall Comes to Georgia

We are finally getting some pretty foliage here in the mountains. After church today, my daughter and I decided to have lunch at Tequileros and then visit James H. "Sloppy" Floyd State Park to see the leaves and feed the ducks. (I can assure you my six-year-old could care less about viewing the leaves. She was all about the ducks!)
Sloppy Floyd Park is located in Chattooga County and is a great place for a family outing. There is a camping area and cabins, but we never have camped there. It is too close to our home. If I pack up for camping I want to GO somewhere! However, the lakes are beautiful. There are great places to picnic, play, fish, hike, and have a great time with your family.

A view from the walkway that crosses the lake

As you can see, it was a beautiful day for a visit. No one was brave enough to take on the paddle boats in today's cold breeze, but we did see a few people fishing and walking their dogs. The park is not usually too crowded.

another view from the walkway.

This trail goes around the lake and leads up to the waterfall hiking trail.

Of course the highlight of any child's trip to the park is feeding the ducks! Here they come, ready for a meal!

On the trip back home I stopped to take a couple pictures of our own mountain road. I love this road! People who visit for the first time ask how we can stand driving it every day. Having grown up here on the mountain, I guess I am used to it.

This is the edge of waterfall hollow. 

My favorite road in the universe- the one that brings me home.

I'm Still here...

I know many of you thought I had given up this blog. I know it seems that way. Several people have asked about it, online and in person. The fact is, I went back into the classroom this year as a first grade teacher, and it has taken up a TON of my time. It has been six years since I taught in the classroom, and 17 years since I taught first grade. As you can imagine, this has taken some adjustment, not only on my part but also on the part of my family. Add this to the fact that my daughter is now a peewee cheerleader and you can see that, between the classroom and practices and games, I have little time left.

 My writing has suffered. I had made so much progress on my Ghosts of Northwest Georgia book. I haven't given it up, either, but it's been a while since I worked on it. I have a great deal of catching up to do. (Keep those true accounts rolling in- I love emails and I AM still working on the book!)

I am taking a lazy day today and enjoying this fall weather. These beautiful days and cooler weather are inspiring. This is my favorite season. Spring comes in at a close second. Both seasons bring relief- one from intense heat and the other from intense cold- and I can't stand either one.

Today I have an apple spice tart simmering downstairs, the makings of a yummy fall dinner in the works, and a gorgeous day just outside my door. I'm going to go enjoy it.

Here is a little wreath I made with materials from Dollar Tree ( yet another Pinteresting idea...).
I know it isn't beautiful, but it was fun. It is a wire coat hanger shaped into a circle with leaf garland wrapped around. The scarecrow was also a Dollar tree find.

Let's go carve a pumpkin! Happy fall, y'all!