This last week the colors of fall have finally made an appearance. Virbrant reds, yellows, shades of golden browns, and verdant greens have been all around me. Each time I raise my eyes toward the sky, I am amazed at the beauty around me. I'm so grateful to live in the beautiful South. I very much appreciate being able to walk amongst the variety of trees we have in the area around Chattanooga, to smell the woodsy earth, and observe tiny fall flowers still blooming before the first real frost of the winter season.

Last week, I hiked with two of my grandchildren, Micaela and Nathaniel, and my daughter, Rebecca. Nathaniel, age 5, ran over to a lookout at Cloudland Canyon and said in his slow manner of speaking, "Nana, the world is so big." Such an understatement for the spectactular gorge he was viewing. On Saturday, I was able to hike with some folks from The Cherokee Hikers Club. Here's a couple of pic's from each!