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Betsy is still my favorite hiking partner. This picture was taken several days ago when we visited Rutledge Falls near Tullahoma, Tennessee.

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I snapped this picture of the full moon several months ago and promptly forgot about it. I came across it last night and decided to post it. I like the the craters that can be seen across the top of the moon.

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Betsy and I almost missed this waterfall. We had crossed into North Carolina along US 129 when we saw a sign announcing Rainbow Falls. We would have missed it completely without the sign. I found a place to pull over and walked back to see the waterfall. It didn't have much water, but I like the way the sun glinted off the water that did come tumbling down.

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If I had to pick one rose as mu all-time favorite, it would probably be Double Delight. This rose got its name because of its color and fragrance, but since it also has a beautiful form, it could just as well been called Triple Delight.

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We have several small lakes here in Fairfield Glade. Mirror Lake, behind the lodge, also has a fountain. Remembering this lake and fountain on a bright sunny day helps me get through a dreary wintry day.

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Betsy and I enjoy hiking in the winter, although that is not always the ideal time to see waterfalls at their best. But hiking in January is usually more pleasant than hiking in the heat of August. This picture was taken during a January hike to Northrup Falls, which is only about 20 miles from our home in Fairfield Glade. Betsy and I were on opposites of the waterfall when I snapped this picture.

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One nice thing about photos is that they can bring summer and sunshine even into the dreariest of winter days. Strawberry Candy is a re-blooming daylily that we've enjoyed for several years now. It looks good even in January.

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Betsy and I have often visited Bald River Falls near Tellico Falls, Tennessee, but back in June, 2010, I hiked along the river above the falls. Bald River is a pretty stream with water tumbling over ledges and rocks.

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When Betsy and I visited the Smokies last month, we stopped, as we usually do, to view the river. This time the water was high and very clear. I was attracted both by the white water flowing over the rocks and the unusual shape of the tree in the middle of the stream.

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One way to help winter days seem more bearable is to have photos from warmer seasons. Elle is a rose that we've had in our yard for several years now. It always puts on a beautiful show for us.

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This picture of Hurricane Falls was taken in May, 2010. We had stopped by Tallulah Gorge State Park in Georgia, when we were on our way to the beach. We didn't have time on this trip to hike to the bottom of the canyon, but I got this picture of the waterfall from a short hike along the south rim of the gorge.

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Betsy and I visited one of our favorite places -- the Smoky Mountains -- in December, and we stopped just inside the Townsend, Tennessee, entrance to the park to enjoy the river. I used Photoshop to create this line drawing of Betsy from a photograph taken at the river side.

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Although this picture was taken several years ago when we lived in Hendersonville, Tennessee, I think it is a wonderful winter scene with the icy trees and blue skies. I also like the sun peeking around the branches of the tree.