No, I am not ready for Christmas. I still haven’t taken my
autumn decorations down. But soon...I keep promising myself. I have to blame it on a trip my husband and I took a
few weeks ago.
We were scheduled to speak in Alabama the weekend before
Thanksgiving. Since we’re empty nesters now, I came up with a great idea.
“Why don't we leave a few days early and go to the mountains in north Georgia?”
We have lots of great memories there. For many years my
husband and two daughters spent Thanksgiving week in a cabin either in Helen or
the Dahlonega area. We loved to hike in the woods, wander around the quaint,
small towns as they prepared for Christmas, or maybe go horseback riding. Well,
to be honest, after a horseback riding disaster, my husband and youngest
would get on the horses. My oldest and me, not so much.
It’s been a few years, so I’d been dreaming about hiking
again. This trip came at an opportune time, since the temperature would be
chilly, the leaves would have changed and we’d have a few days reminiscing about
past adventures in the mountains.
The day we arrived it rained like crazy, but the next morning
I found a trail we’d never hiked before. Early in the morning we headed up the
trail to DeSoto Falls. Here are some pictures of the falls and surrounding
areas.
Because of the heavy rains the day before, the water was wild.
But this has to be my favorite pic. This was posted on the park bulletin board at the beginning of the trail.
Just so you know, no humans or bears crossed paths in the
woods.
Here's a pics of Dahlonega decorated for Christmas.
So I have to say, this last picture is the closest I’ve
come to decorating. Between deadlines and everyday stuff, I have to pencil in some
time to get started. Here’s hoping you and your family enjoy the blessings of
the holiday season.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling
author of ten novels. She is currently working on new stories for Harlequin
Heartwarming, as well as a new mystery series. Her next Heartwarming, part of
The Business of Weddings series, will be released in June 2016. Visit Tara
at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at Tara
Randel Books
Thanks for this post, Tara. Now I don't feel so bad that we've just started!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you and your family for a wonderful holiday season.
Same to you!
DeleteWhat a beautiful place to visit, Tara. Your photo are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteSince my autumn decorations were up since September 1st, I was ready to decorate for Christmas the first weekend in November. Now...to write my Christmas cards. :)
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Merry Christmas to you!
DeleteSounds like a great time! I haven't done anything yet, but bronchitis and a deadline (which I met this morning--yay, me!) have been my enemies.
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely pictures mixed with wonderful memoires. I need to replace the fall flowers on my door with the holiday bouquet stored in my closet and buy a decoration for our courtyard’s “Charlie Brown tree”. That at least is my start for the busiest month of the year.
ReplyDeleteYay on the deadline...boo on bronchitis! Feel better so you can enjoy the holiday.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I definitely want to go there. I'm not a fan of hiking, but I am a fan of waterfalls :)
ReplyDeleteKeep an eye out for a movie on the INSP channel called Christmas in the Smokies - part of it was filmed this summer in Dahlonega. It was odd seeing a big section of the square decorated while you had to blast your ac.... I live in Hiawassee and work in Dahlonega. :-)
ReplyDeleteKaty, I've been to Hiawassee several times! Friends had a cabin there. It is beautiful!
DeleteI definitely haven't started on my Christmas shopping and I host Christmas for the family.
ReplyDeleteOh boy. You need to get going!
DeleteTara, what a fun getaway! Love the photos. I am not ready for Christmas - not even close. But then again, I never really am. Is it okay to admit that Christmas stresses me out a little?
ReplyDeleteIt's okay to admit. You certainly aren't alone. Take a deep breath and enjoy!
DeleteThanks for the virtual vacation. I haven't started my decorating either!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, Tara. What a lovely setting. I think it's great that you and your husband got to wander that area together . There's still three weeks until Christmas. You have time. My scarecrow is still on the porch, but I'm working on it. Thanks for a lovely start to the day.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure. I'm pleased to announce that I took the autumn decorations down...but that's as far as I've gotten!
DeleteI love that area, Tara. Isn't Helen where it's Christmas year round? I gasped when I saw Muriel's post--3 weeks til Christmas????
ReplyDeleteHelen resembles a Bavarian town. Not sure if they do Christmas year round, but they do have Octoberfest for at least two months. LOL
DeleteYep. Three weeks!
DeleteI was just looking into visiting Helen Georgia. I've wanted to go for some time now. Nice pictures!! This will probably sound strange to most folks, but I haven't observed Christmas or any other secular holiday for nearly 18 years now for various reasons. While I do respect others who choose to celebrate, I've been perfectly happy void of these celebrations, preferring instead to make my own memories at more opportune times, or better yet to be surprised at various random times throughout the year. Nevertheless, I hope everyone will be safe and happy and not overspend this holiday season. ( :
ReplyDeleteYou would enjoy Helen and the surrounding areas. Lots to do and see. If you like to hike in the woods, there are a lot of different falls to see. The National Forest is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat stunning pictures and an amazing hike!! Thank you so much for sharing them, Tara :-) After seeing this, I'm even more convinced you would really love a trip to the Adirondacks- and to visit me- hint hint 💗
ReplyDeleteAny place I can hike in the mountains, I'm there!
DeleteBeautiful photos, especially the falls. Why should you worry about decorating when you've been spending time with so much beauty? Have a Merry Christmas anyway.
ReplyDeleteVery true! Merry Christmas.
DeleteTara,
ReplyDeleteI put up some outside decorations today, and got my fake tree down from the garage. So I'm thinking of getting ready for Christmas. Thanks for the interesting blog.
You are welcome. Sounds like you took the first step to getting ready.
ReplyDelete