Anna Ruby Falls in Helen Georgia

The mountains in the state of Georgia are blessed with crystal clear streams and lots of waterfalls. We took a drive to Unicoi State Park to see Anna Ruby Falls.

We decided we really needed to get some exercise so we decided to attempt the hike up to the falls. Although the falls are less than a mile hike in one direction many sections are steep. At the end of the day the tops our our feet were hurting quite a bit. We found out there are muscles in the foot one normally doesn't use walking on flat surfaces.

It was worth the hike and I even remembered to get Gary to take a photo of me at the falls to show you.

There were lots of photo opportunities along the way. Hope you enjoy the scenes vicariously.

My camera is acting up after all these years of use and some of the photos either came out too light or too dark. I may be time for a new one.

Some trees were left to die a natural death with mushrooms growing on the branches.

At the falls there two creeks converge to make two falls, this is a shot of the other one.

Smaller waterfalls littered the creek on our trek up the hill.

I am sure I saw some gold in the water.

Large and small boulders lined the edges and the middle of the creek along the way.

Both sides of the creek were thick with rhododendrons; we hope to go back in the Spring to see all the luxurious color.

Who knew that rhododendrons can grow to the size of small trees. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

Bison Burgers for Thanksgiving

We planned to go to a local buffet for a traditional turkey dinner for thanksgiving. I haven't eaten beef  for more than 20 years but I saw ground bison meat at the grocery store recently and bought several packages.. The package said the meat came from North Carolina and the meat contains no hormones or antibiotics. Bison meat is much leaner than beef and the texture is more dense. I decided we'd have a non traditional thanksgiving dinner right in our motorhome rather than going to eat.

I sauteed a little minced garlic in butter and formed the bison meat into patties and placed them in the pan. Amazingly the formed patties stayed together without the addition of any egg or liquid and thickener.

After the patties were cooked on one side I turned them over and poured some mild steak marinade over them and placed a small pat of white cheddar on top. I covered the pan and cooked the bison burgers through. They were delicious but I thought they might be even better on a grill. I can't wait to have an outdoor BBQ again. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

Lori Buff Open Studio

Yesterday Gary and I went to the open studio of Lori Buff in Atlanta. Gary had me drive because he detests driving in big cities. Actually the traffic wasn't that bad. The weather was crisp but clear, perfect to be able to attend Lori's open studio event. Lori and I met via our blogs and have conversed virtually over the past few years. It was wonderful to meet another one of my blogging and clay friends in person. Lori's blog is Future Relics.

Lori's studio is a few streets off the freeway in Atlanta and is set under huge spreading trees on a dead end street. There's plenty of room for parking and lots of open space to display her pottery.

Lori is not only known for her functional pottery but for her wonderful raku horsehair pieces, like the lamp above.

We were drawn to these miniature gardens filled with an array of succulents in various textures and hues. They reminded us of our times traveling in the California deserts.

Lori has her pottery wheel placed in front of a low window to take advantage nature's beauty just outside her studio.

Standing in front of Lori's pottery from left to right, myself, Terry Kearns of Architecture Tourist blog, and Lori Buff. As we readied to leave, Gary and I had a hard time deciding on a piece of pottery to add to our collection but in the end we chose the piece in the first photograph. (You know how we both like turquoise).

If you're within driving distance of Atlanta, Lori's studio will be open again today from noon to 5 pm, so be sure to take advantage. Here's a link to Lori's website, Future Relics Gallery, with details for the open studio. We had a great time visiting with Lori and her partner, Janet, and look forward to meeting up again real soon. As we left Janet surprised Gary with a tray of homemade cookies to take home. Today Gary is thanking Janet with each bite. Thank you Lori and Janet for your warm welcome. Check out the last post of the year for Mud Colony.

Double Thanks on Thanksgiving

Double thanks on this Thanksgiving Day. I'm thankful for all the fellow bloggers I've met through my blog getting to know you all via the net. I'm also thankful to be alive and be thrilled by the simple things I come across each day even these twin fabric turkeys I saw the other day in a gift shop. Thanks for reading and for all your comments and hope you all have a healthy and happy day of thanks.