Judi's Visit

What a blessing to have my cousin Judi from Texas come to visit for a few days. These are pictures from the first few days of her visit. We visited Ft. Mountain and Amicalola Falls.

Birds' Baths and Butterflies

Nature is not only the most peacegiving source of pleasure that I know, but it also gives me delightful moments of laughter. Watching the little goldfinches relishing their summertime baths gave me such joy! I still marvel at the goodness of my God and am increasingly thankful for His daily gifts of mercy to me.

Chattanooga Nature Center

To think that this hike is 10 minutes from our church! What a peaceful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Becca graciously drove me here after church services this morning. Even though it was 80 degrees outside today, the shade made everything cool. The June colors were so vibrant.... I especially enjoyed watching the butterflies and two little goldfinches taking baths.... Also, a little girl was having a birthday party in the treehouse at the center (bottom row, third picture). She and her friends wore butterfly wings and were having flower cupcakes for dessert! The sight made my very heart smile.

Fall Creek Falls State Park

What a lovely way to start our summer! Becca and I took this drive yesterday afternoon, ending at Fall Creek Falls. The recent rains in the Southeast has literally brought the landscape to new life. The creeks are flowing over, the vegetation is verdant, and the wildlife is venturing out with a new boldness. We even stopped to observe a wild turkey strutting around his habitat bordering a country lane... I can hardly wait to share this with friends from Texas who will be visiting this summer. Judi, I'm off to get groceries for your visit!