Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Alphabet Meme


SUZ has a Letter Meme going. I played along because it is easy and I like easy.
Here's the deal:
Leave a comment on this post and I will assign you a letter.
Write about ten things you love that begin with said letter.
Post the list on your blog.
When people comment on your list, you assign a letter, and the game continues.
I will only assign a letter if you request it, so don't hesitate to comment ...


The letter that Suzanne gave me is letter "R". This was the BEST meme I've done---so I hope you enjoy reading my "R" words (not listed in any specific order)...


1. ROMANCE---Since I met George, I truly know what romance and love is all about. Up to that point, I'm not sure I ever knew!!!! Thanks Honey for coming into my life and giving me so much romance and love!


2. RESEARCH--- I really enjoy Genealogy. I have been working on my Family History for about 3 years now. It is so exciting to do research and connect with my past. I've also connected with several cousins, some of which I didn't even know I had.


3. RAKING---I truly enjoy raking leaves. First of all, it's great exercise (which I need), and it's one of those tasks that I can actually see some progress when I do it. Even if more leaves come down (and they will), I enjoy raking---and of course, I love rolling around in the leaves also!!!


4. RED----I love the color red, not so much to wear, but because of the 'red' birds that I love and adore (Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Cardinals, etc.). I began birding last summer when the bluebirds nested in my yard. After that, I joined the 'birder' club-- fast and furiously--and love every minute watching and learning about my birds.


5. RELIGION ---George and I keep God at the center of our lives. We feel that God is the one who brought us together --and we thank God every single day for his love, and also for caring for us.


6. RECREATION---I love being outdoors. I love nature. I love hiking --and especially seeing waterfalls. There's no better way to experience God's presence than to be hiking and come across a gorgeous waterfall in the mountains ---which is there JUST for US!!! Wow!


7. RETIREMENT--- I worked full time (MANY hours a week) ALL of my adult life, until 2003. My family and friends told me that I would never be happy retired. HA---did I ever fool them!!! I'm happier than I've ever been in my life. For someone like me who has 'tons' of hobbies and interests, retirement is the BEST time of my life!!!


8. ROSES---I love gardening (flowers). George and I love yard-work--and we both work hard at keeping our yard pretty and having flowers blooming most of the year. My favorite flowers are our beautiful hybrid-tea roses. George grows roses--and he loves and cares for them like one would a child. Last year we had about 32 different rose varieties growing in our yard. Lucky for me, George brings in a beautiful rose and puts it in a vase on our dining room table almost every day from spring through fall. Many days, I have 6-8 roses on the table. How many women can say this???? Woooo---he spoils me!!! (The picture above is one of our beauties and one of my favs, named Double Delight.)


9. RAIN and RAINBOWS---- Many of you know that I have a love for weather and weather-related stories. AND, many of you know that I love SNOW (even though we haven't had much at all so far--Boo Hiss). IF Suzanne had have given me an "S" ---Snow would have been near the top of my list. BUT---I also like rain, clouds, sunshine, rainbows, etc.--anything having to do with weather. I still think I must have been a 'weather girl' in a past life!!!!!! ha


10. REJOICING---- I am rejoicing because of all of the wonderful family and friends who are in my life including all of my new blogger friends!!!!! Thanks be to God for ALL of you!

46 comments:

SmilingSally said...

I'm enjoying my retirement too. I like this meme; I had the letter B.

Lawsy Mercy said...

Not that we needed any further proof but your meme just shows what a wonderful woman you are. I am so thankful to have found your blog!

Vanessa

Jayne said...

What a fun meme Betsy. The joy just oozes out of you! :C)

Michele said...

Awww... this post really shows how special of a person you are!
The letter "R" is truly a wonderful character letter for YOU!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Love the rose.I smiled as read your post.I can see the smlie on your face as I read you words.I choose not to participate in the meme,but still enjoy reading about others.
Blessings,Ruth

Small City Scenes said...

Hey there!!! I did post the waterfall just for you---hopefully others will look too. LOL Have a joyous day. MB

Tina said...

What a great letter for you..that RRRR...I enjoyed all your r relections! Hope you are enjoying your Sunday!

Cicero Sings said...

Oh Betsy, isn't retirement GRAND?! When I married D, I was able to quit my job early, at 50!! Now I'm turning 55 (Feb) and will be getting my work pension ... first deposit the end of March. Wha-hoo. There is so much of interest to do in life. I used to advise all of the ladies that came into my office wondering about retirement, to retire as early as possible. They would hemmm and haaa and hold out for fear but when they DID retire they would wonder why they hung in working so long. (No one ever listens to my advice ... I don't understand it!).

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: That was a wonderful list and I enjoyed reading your list. Your rose was beautiful.

Busy Bee Suz said...

What a fantastic list Betsy!!!
I don't get the raking part...but I understand some chores are just therapeutic that way. :)

We are in Naples. Love it here!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh..lovely list..I won't ask for a letter yet..but it is a fun idea for sure...Michelle..

Cassie said...

You R t-RRRRific! I like all the things you like,except raking. I do like shoveling snow though, so kind of the same(ish).

Loran said...

Wonderful meme. And you are right, blogging and photography definitely means looking at the world in a new way.

Gardener's Garden said...

Betsy your setter R embraces all of the things that are dear to me and I really enjoyed your post.

George said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
George said...

Hi, beautiful, you did a great job on this meme.

Leedra said...

I am trying to catch up, with just a short time to do it. Didn't read your post, but love the rose photo.

Leedra’s Photos For Fun
Photography By Leedra

Jackie said...

Hey, Betsy!

I'm lovin what you love! And I love memes that make you think a bit, too! Give me your best shot.

Unknown said...

Beautiful flower. We are doing pretty well....thank you for asking.

Susie said...

I think R fit you perfectly Betsy. You had lovely words and descriptions for your letter.

Jessica said...

Nice Post... I get to know a little more about you all the time! Very Sweet!

Shelley said...

A beautiful rose to go w/ your beautiful post! All the things you listed made me smile - you have a true zest for life and what's important!! Big hugs to you my friend!

Gill - That British Woman said...

don't assign me a letter, as I have already been tagged to do this. Just wanted to say I love your answers.

Gill in Canada

Mary said...

A beautiful rose and you did a great job with your R responses. You are a very refreshing and resourceful person :-)

Unknown said...

Betsy, your Joyful Reflections today are wonderful! Thanks for giving me a smile.

I would love a letter for my blog.
:-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy,
I'm new here (came via skywatch), but I couldn't Resist Reading this meme. You "R" very interesting!

The Birdlady said...

Very cool...your rejoicing comes through your blog, and touches many of us with happiness.

Wendy said...

Duck!! I've just sent a super dooper humungous snow ball your way!! LOL. You can have all the snow in our yard.
Hugs,
Oh, I also like raindrops on roses, especially the roses. Lucky you!

Anonymous said...

What a delightful post today Betsy! I love roses too and I am very grateful for all my new blog friends - you and George are an inspiration.

ShabbyInTheCity said...

Number 6 YES!!!
Did I know you had three sons? Did you know I have three sons? And my Mama does too...they can't pull any tricks on me...I know them )all ;)
No tagging me...well you'd have to catch me...

Rose said...

I enjoyed this post...I enjoy learning about the bloggers that I follow...not sure if I can do it, but give me a letter. It may take a while for me to come up with my post.

Rose said...

p.s.--I would love having roses all the time! Not sure if my cats would leave them alone now. The tribe of cats I had before--it was impossible to have flowers in the house.

Bunny said...

Loved reading all your R statements you sound like a great person not sure I can do this but give me a letter and I will try. Not sure how many will comment don't seem to get much traffic. LOL

Connie said...

Betsy this was fun to read! You can assign me a letter if you would like (just don't make it be Q or X or anything hard like that!) HA HA! I may not get to it right away, but I'll try to do it soon. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. :D

Karin said...

Little late here, but I love all your answers!Romance, retirement, rejoicing, red, rainbows, rain and roses! Not so sure about the raking - don't have a place to do that, lol.
What a blessed life we have! Your joy is overflowing and that's so beautiful! Have a blessed week!

Lori said...

Very neat meme. I did something similar a long time ago with each letter of the alphabet, but this is a new twist.

You are a joy!

Pat - Arkansas said...

Wonderful "R"'s, Betsy! The words you chose Reflect the Real you.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Sally-- This was a neat meme,. I liked it ALOT.. Yes, retirement is GREAT.

Vanessa--How are you??? I am thinking about you--and hope that you are doing better. HUGS!!!!

Jayne--Thanks!!! I did have fun doing this one.. It got kinda challenging trying to find certain words to use beginning with an "R"...

Michele--Thanks. You are sweet. I had fun!!!

Ruth--I can't wait 'til Spring --so that we can share alot of our roses with you.

MB-- Thanks for that waterfall. Do you have any idea just how lucky you are???? Wow--I'd love to live near a waterfall.

Tina-- It was fun to do!!! There were a couple of "R" words that provided a little challenge---but all in all, I was happy with it.

Cicero--YES, retirement is fabulous. Of course it helps having a spouse that you enjoy being with constantly!!!! Sometimes, retirement doesn't work because of the 'closeness'---but we love it. George and I have alot in common which helps. AND--we both have alot of hobbies and interests. That helps also.

Tom--Thanks!!! When Spring gets here, we'll share alot of our beautiful roses. You should smell them also!!!!

Suz--Thanks for giving me a letter. I enjoyed this meme so much.. It did get a little challenging coming up with the 'right' words though! I really do enjoy raking. Nutty, eh????

Michelle--If and when you want to try it, let me know and I'll give you a letter. It really is FUN.

Cassie--Thanks!!!! Ha to the raking...I really do enjoy it!!! Crazy, huh????? I need exercise and I despise walking on treadmills and things like that Raking gives me more pleasure... I know---I'm weird!!!!

MM--SO TRUE.... I've just been looking at pictures that you (and others) have done on blogs... Some of these pictures are just 'ordinary' things---but you make them so beautiful.. Amazing, huh?

Barb--Thanks so much... I enjoyed doing this meme.

Honey--Thanks!!!! I enjoyed it--and as you can see, you are a huge part of it.

Leedra--Hope you can get back and read the blog sometime. Thanks for your help today with my email thingee..

Hey Jackie--- Your letter is "J"--for your first name!!!!! Good Luck... Can't wait to see what you come up with.

Darla-- You and your family have been on my mind. Glad things are better. Is your son really okay??? Things like that are hard to get over.

Susie--Thanks!!1 I enjoyed doing the meme. It was really alot of fun. If you decide to do it, let me know!!!!

Jessica--Thanks!!! I do agree that memes like this do let others know more about them. That's why we like them, isn't it????

Shelley---Well, wait 'til spring and we'll share LOTS of our beautiful roses. Wish you could SMELL them... When are you coming down????? I do love my life--so that comes out bigtime in these kinds of posts. HUGS to you!!!

Gill--Thanks... I won't assign anyone a letter unless they ask for it. I'm glad you stopped by to read mine. Can't wait to read yours!!!!

Mary--Ditto to you.. You are a smart and resourceful person!!!! Thanks!!

Fiona-- Your letter is "F"--for you first name!!!!! I can't wait to read your meme.

Gel--WELCOME!!! Come back anytime. I did check out your neat blog--and left a comment. BUT--I'm not sure it 'took.' I'll check back later. Where do you live?

Helen---Thanks!!! I am so blessed to count you and others as 'new' friends...

Wendy---Wow---I think I felt it blow over my head. SO--you missed. Do it again... I want some of that Canadian snow.. PLEASE!!! Just wait til spring, Girlie... I'll show you LOTS of beautiful rose pictures!!!

Mildred--- Thanks!!! I am the one who is blessed to have so many 'new' friends such as you... You are the inspiration!!!

Phyllis-- No way---we both had 3 sons!!!! Neat!!!! My Mama had 2 sons and good ole' ME!!!! She was 42 when I was born and Daddy was 53. Yipes!!!

Rose--Your letter is "N"---for your brother Neal... Good Luck!!!! Well--roses ARE alot of work. They are George's babies and he truly 'babies' them!!!!! We will send you lots of pictures of our roses this spring. Okay????

Hey Bunny... Welcome to my blog. Please come back anytime. I will check out yours... Your letter is a "B" for Bunny..

Aw Shucks, Daisy... I was gonna give you a "Q"... Oh Well... HA HA.... Your letter is a "D"--for Daisy!!!! I did have a great weekend. You???

Hi Karin... You're never too late!!!! Thanks!!! Several people have questioned my raking--but I really do enjoy it. I 'need' to exercise--and don't like the treadmill and things like that. Raking is good exercise and I do enjoy it. Crazy, aren't I???? ha

Hi Lori, Haven't heard from you in awhile. How are you??? Thanks for coming by. I enjoyed doing this meme.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Pat, Thanks!!! I certainly enjoyed reading your 'book' tonight... Glad you liked my R's!

Anonymous said...

It really does look and sound like you both are having a great retirement exploring and appreciating life around you. You are on the bright side of life.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Amen to that, Bernie.. I do feel as if I'm living my life now.. The kids are raised and I am FREE... This is the bright side of life for sure!!!

Jackie said...

Thanks for the compliment, Betsy. I'm glad I got a chance to do it. It made me think a little bit and come outta my not gettin enough light these days mood, lol

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

You sweet comment meant so much to me!!! Thank-you so much....Mary

P. S. I will play the letter game

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Thanks Mary!!!!! Your letter is "M"--for Mary. Hope you enjoy this meme.

Jen said...

gReat list!
I am already in the pRocess of cReating mine.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Thanks Jen...You are just too creative!!! Love youR "R" post!!!! Can't wait to see your list.