Count It All Joy: December 2016

Beauty From Behind The Lens

Favorites from 2016

I'm going to let the photos speak for themselves.

When the forecasted temperatures are for highs in the 30's, we head south, hoping it will be a little warmer. In fact, we joke about how much warmer it feels when we cross the South Carolina line. Today we hiked in the Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve on part of the Foothills Trail that runs from Jones Gap State Park to Oconee State Park. I continue to be astonished at Julie's skill in scouting and locating these amazing hikes. She really is the best!

We hiked the red trail and it was well maintained, with steps and bridges that made for an enjoyable hike. I hadn't been on the trail in a few weeks, with all the Christmas activities going on and was thinking this was going to be hard on me today. Even though I had been diligent with my yoga practice, I just hadn't had the time to fit the hiking into the schedule. We hiked a little over five miles, but it was pleasant and not too challenging. It felt so good to be out in the woods with friends.

I've come to appreciate the beauty of winter hiking. I used to think the leafless season was depressing, because I love green so much. But spending time in the woods, not just looking at it from a distance, is a totally different experience. The lines of the mountain peaks can be seen through the trees and there are so many shades of brown and rust. The evergreens have their chance to show off.

I also tend to notice what's at my feet more when I'm not looking up at the trees. I have no idea what this is, but it's hanging on to this rock and it's interesting.

We stopped often to either take off or put on layers.

This lovely falls was the finale of the trail.

Lunch spot.

This was our group today, minus Julie who was taking the photo.

There she is. Our fearless leader.

This was my favorite shot today. Nothing fancy. Just rows and rows of leafless trees, mountain ridges and blue skies. Midwinter beauty.

Sugar Babe takes us wherever we want to go.

Merry Christmas!

(Sherri, Santa and Me)

There were lots of plans for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but sickness was not in the plan. It came anyway. Boo! We did our best to celebrate, but it was hard, knowing that half the family was feeling lousy. I didn't take many pictures this year of the big day. Here are a few from Christmas week. Yes, I've adopted the lovely tradition of celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas, that begin on Christmas Day. So, Christmas is still happening here...

"Only he who has experienced it can believe

what the love of Jesus Christ is."

Bernard of Clarivaux

I've imagined this table setting since I started that table runner months ago. It is my first completed quilting project and it exceeded all my expectations. I love it!

Decorating the tree at Micah's place.

Eggnog ice-cream from the leftover egg nog.

PEACE

Sights...Words...Tastes...Experiences

from the Fourth Week of Advent

The fourth candle is lit.

Time with people I love.

"The being with is always the gift,

not merely the doing for."

Ann Voskamp

I did it! Holiday crunch challenge at the Y. Twenty workouts...

Poppy Seed Bread, Molasses Cookies and Rocky Road Fudge

The last shopping list!

Advent Challenge- As you make your ordinary preparations

today, shopping, cleaning, baking, traveling - breathe a

silent prayer, asking God to clear the way, turning your

secular tasks into something sacred.

"Holly (or before the seventeenth century, "holy tree") is strongly associated with the season of Advent and Christmas. It's bright red berries have been seen as celebrating the joy of the Virgin at bearing the Christ child, and also as a symbol of the drops of blood from the body of Jesus at Calvary." - from Advent and Christmas Wisdom