Let’s go for a mix of North Carolina’s Appalachian highlands and valleys, plus a bit of color still hanging on close to home!
βHe is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authoritiesβall things were created through him and for him.β
ββColossiansβ¬ β1:15-16β¬ β
Crisp air is greeted by a sunrise at 5,000 feet. No hummingbirds at the feeder this day. They have probably made their way to the beach by now!
There is something about an old fence along a path right after sunup that takes you back in time.
Moving across the fence to the north side, we find ourselves on the Cataloochee Divide trail inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail covers about 14 miles.
The original church here near Maggie Valley was built in 1865. We thought the building and grounds were beautiful and inviting!
This area may see a lot of activity in the days ahead. Sorta looks like a vineyard from a distance; but no, it’s part of a large Christmas tree farm. This particular hill seems to have younger trees that may have to wait a few more years to celebrate the season!
A hearty breakfast by a warm fire and the nearest person more than 6 feet away. It doesn’t get much better!
It is hard for me to be still and relax. But sunshine, PJ, and this view, gave me added incentive to settle down and hang out for quite a while!
Closer to home, a lot of color remains along our city’s Broad Street. A number of these trees line several downtown blocks. We’ve never given thought as to what kind of trees were planted in the cityscape but we are thinking they are ash trees. Maybe an expert reader can verify for us?
We had this knob all to ourself and enjoyed a picnic lunch. It’s called Gooseberry and offers spectacular views of Cataloochie Ski Area, Cataloochie Valley and points beyond!
The nearby garden is, for the most part, taking a rest for the winter after providing fresh veggies and beautiful flowers for The Swag guests throughout the growing season.
No complaints about being seated here for lunch or a glass of sweet tea!
It was a cold day but you wouldn’t think so by this scene. Although about 35 degrees, sitting on the steps or in a chair in the sun was very pleasant!
I wonder if the folks at Mossy Oak had an idea for their company name when an observer ran across a tree like this one?
Time in the mountains moves on as a glorious day is winding down toward late afternoon. Do you sometimes wish you could put the world on pause? We do, but it’s not our choice to make!
Back at home, another day comes to a close but not before the Artist of the Universe paints us another picture to hang on the wall of our memory!
Have a wonderful week and we hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!
βJesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and foreverβ.
Hebrews 13:8
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
What a beautiful and relaxing trip to the mountains. I am glad you were able to have this retreat before the hardships of last week came.Thinking of you in all your losses.
I love the sunset and expressed so beautifully that the Artist of the Universe paints another picture on the wall of our memory.
Good morning and thank you sweet Bonnie. Happy Sunday!
Good morning! That looks like a glorious place to relax and unwind!!
Have been thinking about all of you this week.
Thank you sweet Roxanne. Have a blessed Sunday!
I never tire of looking at pictures, Pam. And you have some beautiful ones.
How sweet and thank you. Wishing you a blessed Sunday!
Dear Pam, so happy for you and Butch that you were able to have a trip in such a lovely part of our land. The area is full of beauty at every turn. Wishing you a lovely day and week ahead. Stay well, sweet friend.β€
Thank you dear Sandra. Wishing you a lovely day and weekβ₯οΈ
So happy you had some time in the beautiful mountains. From sunrise to sunset and everything in between was beautiful and peaceful. I pray continuously for you and your family during this great loss.
Dianne, thank you for your prayers. They mean so much to us. Happy and blessed Sunday to you and Bob!
Good morning Pam and Butch! Beautiful nature shots and commentary. Love the church scene, so peaceful. The sunrise, sunset and all the pics are so relaxing. Glad you could get away and rejuvenate. The mountains are always a good idea. Enjoy your day sweet friends. Claraβ€οΈ
Thank you sweet Clara. It was a wonderful getaway until we received the news of the accident. Wishing you a blessed Sunday β₯οΈ
Oh, Pam, we’re so sorry you both had to experience such sadness while away. It makes the trip home twice as long it seems. We’ve had it happen and it’s challenging to say the least even if you can head back right away by car. If you’re flying or having to arrange transportation you’re at the mercy of kind people assisting you on your homeward journey. Needless to say, it’s nerve wracking and emotional. So glad you made it home safely! Hope you have a wonderful week! Clara β€οΈ
You are such a sweetheart, Clara. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.β₯οΈ
So glad you could still get away. It looked wonderful, and so do the scenes at home.
Thank you Rita, we actually were away when we got the news of the accident. Happy Sunday!
How very sad.π
Iβm so glad that you were able to enjoy a trip in such a beautiful part of the country! The pictures are gorgeous! Have a blessed Sunday and week ahead!
Thank you Shannon. Wishing you a wonderful week!
What lovely photos, winter has its own beauty doesn’t it?
I think every season has its own beauty.
Wonderful place! Stunning pictures! Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed week.
Thank you Maristella. Wishing you a blessed week!
The Old North State is beautiful indeed. No matter where I roam North Carolina will always be home. So glad you had a few days before the tragedy. Beautiful photography .
Thank you Alice, I always think about you when we go to NC. Wishing you a lovely week!
Thank you Pam! As a foot note we are fully recovered. I had a very mild case but hubby was much worse. So nice of you to remember us.
I am so glad you have both recovered. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Good Evening , Pam and Butch.
What a lovely place to have a respite. A time to pause.
Beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful.
Enjoy your week!
Hi Nancy. Thank you and enjoy your week!
Absolutely beautiful photography Pam. And I’ll join you in having that cup of sweet tea! π
Blessings sweet friend,
Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer!
dear friend, I love rustic places and these that you show us are magnificent. Truly a wonderful stay, away from the noisy world and next to a fire and a peaceful and romantic dinner.
… And I with this arm in a sling … I look at myself in the mirror and I see the face of envy … hahahaha
I love rustic churches, they are adorable.
as adorable as you are … A big hug
dolores
Dolores, muchas gracias por tus lindos comentarios. Siempre tengo una sonrisa cuando te veo en mi casilla de correo electrΓ³nico. Espero que se estΓ© recuperando y que pueda disfrutar de la temporada navideΓ±a. Β‘EnviΓ‘ndote abrazos!
Dear Pam & Butch, just learned, from reading the above comments, that you’ve experienced a loss in your family. I am so sorry, and send prayers of comfort & healing. I know this is a difficult time, and holidays without the ones we love make it harder still. I am glad you had a lovely trip to a part of the country I know well…the photos are beautiful! Big hug!
Thanks so much Bobbi. Our sweet daughter-in-loveβs Daddy passed away suddenly. He was only sixty four. It has been heart breaking for her. Thank you so much for your prayers. They are much appreciated. Wishing you a blessed Christmas season!
Such beautiful sights to behold! Our Creator certainly made an amazing world for us to live in. I try to focus on that a lot these days. It is not His beautiful world that is rotten – it is so many of the people in it, unfortunately. But, so thankful He is still in control, and He still reigns over all He has created. God bless you all today!
Such beautiful pics there. Very nice.
What a lovely region of the country to spend quiet moments together but so sorry that it ended abruptly. My continued thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, Karen!