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...

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Our Wonderful Weekend


As you probably know (if you have read previous posts), George surprised me by taking me to Desoto State Park near Mentone, AL to celebrate Valentine's Day this past weekend. We have been there before --but have never stayed in their lodge. We had a cute little room -with our own balcony and little stream and cascades right behind the room. We had a delicious Rib Eye Steak dinner on Valentine's evening. AND--while we were there, we visited the Little River Canyon nearby and took in several nearby waterfalls. It was a fabulous couple of days!!!!

We both enjoyed using our new cameras (George has a new Canon Rebel T1i and I have a Canon Rebel Xsi) --and as you can imagine, we took a million pictures (well--not quite!!! ha)... Here are a few --with many more to come!!!! The picture above is one of our favorite waterfalls (Little River Falls). Below are more!!!





Here's a picture of Desoto Falls --showing the icicles along the side. We have showed you pictures of both of these waterfalls before, but there was MUCH more water coming over the falls this time. It was awesome!






Here's the happy couple standing by the fireplace before enjoying a delicious dinner on Valentine's evening at the state park restaurant.





I took this picture of George at the dinner table on Valentine's evening. At that point, we were enjoying some salad from the salad bar. Dinner was delicious --and the atmosphere was super!





We didn't have much snow (just a dusting) in Alabama---but look what we found when we got home! We have about 5 inches of just the type of snow I love (the kind that clings to everything). I was so excited --and had to get outside when we got home, so that I could take even more pictures. It is SO pretty---so I'm a happy camper today just enjoying it!! George doesn't like it for some reason --but he's the one who has to shovel the driveway!!!!! Oh Well!!!! ha






I love to see the snow clinging to all of the evergreens. (You can tell that by looking at my header picture.)






My sweet little backyard birds are THRILLED that I am home. I had to refill the feeders when we got home. Don't you love this little female Cardinal at the house feeder?? Look at the snow on top!!!!!! Mercy Me!

I hope all of you had a fabulous weekend. I will try to catch up with your blogs this week (I hope).

Hugs,

58 comments:

Jane said...

Sounds like you guys had wonderful time! Stay warm,

Jane

pam said...

Looks like fun! We're having a snow day today! So I'm happy!

A Brit in Tennessee said...

I wondered all weekend long what you were up to ...lol
I just knew George had whisked you off to some romantic retreat, complete with waterfalls....
Love the pictures, yes ! What about THAT snow ?
Glad you are back home safe and sound, now I can quit worrying ;)
and looks like your Valentine's Day was, as always most special.

Big Dude said...

Looks like a real nice Valentine trip and great photos as always.

RoeH said...

What a wonderful weekend. So much beauty in this country to see and visit.

Kirigalpoththa said...

What a spledid place! Perfect location to spend the Valentine's Day :)

Becky said...

I am glad you had a good time (I knew you would). Our feet have stood in the same place so many times! Take care and enjoy that snow! I am wishing for spring to hurry!

Beth said...

Oh my...waterfalls AND a pretty snow all in the same weekend---you must have been in heaven, Betsy!
:-) What a beautiful place that state park is---perfect for a romantic getaway. I'm glad you and George had a happy weekend and am so relieved to see you two back safe and sound.

Darla said...

Oh Betsy what a glorious time you two had!! Love the waterfall with the icicles....and all that snow to welcome you home...I know the birds were glad for fresh seed!

Dar said...

It sounds like you and George had a wonderful weekend...DeSoto Falls is just gorgeous...thanks for sharing.
Your lil birdies gave you a huge welcome, I'll bet. Love your female cardinal...you have about as much snow now as we have....
God Bless and Have a Wonderful Week

The Blonde Duck said...

What fun! That looks like a great time!

diane b said...

That George is such a romantic. It looked like you had a great time. The shots are great.

Snap said...

Sounds like you and George had a super time! Good food, water falls and finding snow on your return home!

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

So happy that you two had a great trip...fabulous photos...love the ones of you two...I'm dying to know what is embroidered on Georges shirt...Patriot ????

Susie said...

Looks like loads of fun Betsy! What a nice surprise George had for you!

Glad you got more snow. So glad ours is gone. It's just really cold here now.

I do like the pic of that little cardinal.

Reanaclaire said...

wow.. a meaningful Valentine's Day for u and George.. wish both of u happiness and good health for many more years to come!

Jen said...

Looks like you had a grand time--especially since it included steaks;yum!

We got buckets of snow too, the light and fluffy stuff. No snowball fights today; just more angels. ;)

I Am Woody said...

What a wonderful trip! That George is a keeper:)

MadSnapper said...

the birds aren't the only ones thrilled you are home, so are your fellow bloggers. missed you. what a wonderful few days and those falls are goregous. both cameras are working well. I love my rebel too. glad you are home safe and sound and back to watching/feeding your little birds

Valerie said...

What a thoughtful man! Sounds like you two are great blessings to one another! I hope someday Larry and I will be able to just take off and go exploring. But our boys still need us here ( of course that is my opinion not theirs!)

I went back and reread your 'new camera' post, congratulations. I think you will totally love your 70-300mm lens. I have the canon 70-200mm f/4 L which was my total favorite especially for my youngest's baseball shots. Great zoom and great speed in the sun.

Then I won a Tamron 18-270mm f/3-5-5.6 which I actually keep on my camera all the time. I never win anything - so this was a huge blessing to me.
I did a comparison of the Canon L and the tamron and actually found little difference - except that I liked the color in the tamron better (I was mad cause I had spent the over $500 for the f/4L !!

Next on my list of lenses was something for low level shooting. This is where I struggle so much because of course I am always shooting the boys concerts and practices (inside)

Larry found me a Canon 50mm f/1.8 used. There are two versions of this lens. The first one has a metal mount the mark II has a plastic mount. He found the metal mount for me. After using a zoom so much, it is hard to get used to the prime 50mm.

I did use it for my nephew's Annie production and have some photos on my flickr site of that. Not too bad.

My Dream Lens .... a f/2.8 up to 300mm zoom - not sure if one exists - I am sure it is too much $$ for me!

Sorry to ramble! Congratulations! I have to check out your George's photo's with that T1i - I am curious about the SD card vs the CF card for storage.

Busy Bee Suz said...

What a wonderful surprise weekend...and then you come home to your favorite snow!!!!
What a gift.
Glad you enjoyed yourselves and you traveled safely!!!
xoxox
suz

Unknown said...

Great piccies and glad to see you had such fun, the falls are beautiful with ice on them. And more snow! Will it ever end we wonder?!

DayPhoto said...

I can send you more. I'm tired of it. And it's just the kind you like. A gift from Colorado.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/

Jo said...

What a wonderful weekend for two of the most wonderful people I have the pleasure to know online. (((Hugs))) Jo

Sunny said...

What beautiful scenery, and I'm so happy that you had such a lovely weekend.
I think the snow you got has found its way to my house, it's coming down like crazy!
Stay warm.
Sunny :)

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

IU can see the smile on your face as I read this.Glad you had a fantastic time and then to see the snow on your return,what a treat for you.Looking forward to many more fabulous pictures with those new cameras.
Blessings,Ruth

Elenka said...

Can't wait to start doing trips like that....once hubby's heart heals. Looks like you had a wonderful time. Cute couple!

Dorothy said...

Hi Betsy,
Glad you and George had a great time! Wonderful pictures of the falls and snow!

Ms. ~K said...

I've never been to Mentone, but Hubby is from Birmingham and has been several times...we'll have to get over there one day this spring!
Looks like you "Love Birds" had a lovely time!
Kit

Janice K said...

Wow! Even to be able to see a cascade from your window!!! It looks like a neat place to visit.
Glad the snow didn't come too soon and keep you at home.

EG CameraGirl said...

Welcome back, Betsy. I can see you had a great time in Alabama!

Cheryl said...

How wonderful that you two had a Valentine's getaway! What a wonderful husband you have to plan such delightful surprises. The photos are excellent and the photo of the two of you is wonderful! And how did George manage to surprise you with more snow upon your arrival home?? LOL!!

Ginny Hartzler said...

The waterfall pictures are outstanding! That second one is quite something. Behind the one waterfall, it's like a sheet or wall of water! I'm so glad you had a great weekend! You and George are such an adorable couple. I notice that you sometimes dress alike, is that on purpose? It tickles me. Your room sounds very romantic, what with a stream by it and everything!

Cedar ... said...

Glad you had such a nice time!

Small City Scenes said...

She's backkkk!!

Looks like you had a wonderful time and the company was wonderful, the food was good, the waterfalls spectacular---what more could one want.

You snow looks like what we had last year (2008-2009) and none since. OK by me.

MB

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: What a fun place. Your area of the country is getting so much snow.

Anonymous said...

Ok, 1st of all, Betsy, that 1st shot is BEE-U-TEE-FUUUL!!! That's one of my favorite waterfall pics so far on your blog!
That's a good lookin happy couple there by the fireplace, too! hehehee
We've gotten flurries since Val's Day, but nothing significant.

Connie said...

I'm so glad to hear what a nice time you had, Betsy! Your pictures are lovely. I bet you are really enjoying those new cameras. I'm sure your birds were glad to have you return home too! :D

Bill S. said...

Sounds like you had a great time. It is always a plus to enjoy the people and things you love. Waiting for grass here.

Together We Save said...

What a nice susprise!! Glad you had lots of fun. Those pictures were great. Ofcourse I love the snow pictures too. That evergreen tree looks like it is up north somewhere it is so snow covered. We keep getting flurries & a light dusting. At this point... I am ready for spring.

Mary said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend away! Don't you love staying at lodges at state parks? They always seem to be very nice places. The falls are wonderful! I'd say the new cameras are a success. I'm afraid that if you were jumping around cheering about the new snow at my house, I might be tempted to hit you! I'm so sick of it. Enough! I guess your attitude is better than mine :-)

penny said...

Your new cameras took wonderful pictures of the falls and you two sweethearts. Glad that you had such a marvelous time visiting the beautiful waterfalls.
The new fallen snow at home is gorgeous, Betsy.

Diane AZ said...

Looks like you and George are really enjoying your new cameras! I'm glad you two had a nice time. I love the icicles on DeSoto Falls and the snow clinging to the evergreens in your yard.

Tipper said...

Love the waterfall photos. So glad you guys had a good time too ♥

Diane said...

Glad you had fun Betsy. Love the cardinal, what a gorgeous profile.

LV said...

Sounds like you and George had a perfect Valentine weekend. It is so nice that somewhere long life's way the good Lord saw fit to put you together. You always have wonderful pictures, but now with two new cameras, you will probably blow my mind.

Rose said...

Betsy, the waterfalls are gorgeous and it sounds as if you had a wonderful time.

I bet the birds were happy when you got home...and I bet they missed you even more:)

carolina nana said...

WELCOME HOME BETSY,
SO GLAD YOU HAD A WONDERFUL WEEKEND.I DO HOPE YOU KEEP THE SNOW AT YOUR HOUSE,I HAVE ENOUGH AT MINE! WE HAVE HAD 2 NICE SUNNY BUT COLD DAYS IN A ROW,THAT MUST BE A RECORD THIS WINTER.
HAVE A BLESSED EVENING
MARILYN

Tina said...

Betsy!! Yea you got some nice snow to compliment all your nice evergreens..and did you make any snow angels?? Glad you guys had a fun weekend..that ribeye sounded yummy!!

Cookie said...

Looks like a nice time!
I love the picture with the icicles :)
And I can't believe you got more snow at home. The cherries are already strating to bloom here!

The Retired One said...

Soooo pretty...I love it when the snow or frost clings on to everything too...
oh, and that female Cardinal is so wonderful!

Betty said...

I still laugh when I see your smiling face on your header. Your waterfall are lovely I am glad you had a wonderful weekend.
♥♥ Hugs ♥♥

Karin said...

Glad you are home safe and sound and enjoying the freshly fallen snow! It's a good thing George is so fit to be up to shoveling all that snow! I know hubby couldn't handle it anymore! Your romantic get-a-way sounds heavenly! Those are gorgeous waterfalls! Thanks for sharing all these love pics.

Hugs,
Karin

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hi Betsy!

It loos like you and George had a wonderful weekend away! I love the pretty waterfalls.

My hubby was home for three days so we got a lot of chores done around the house and I had a baby shower to attend on Saturday.

It snowed again here today but it was a wet snow that didn't stick well. I think you are still ahead of us in snowfall so far this winter!

♥ Pat

Regina said...

Great vacation!
Lovey post and photos Betsy.

SquirrelQueen said...

It sounds like you and George had a great weekend. DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon are both so beautiful.

The snow at your place is gorgeous on the trees but tell George to be careful of his back. That kind of snow is very heavy to shovel.

DeniseinVA said...

What a wonderful Valentine's Day getaway. Your photos are fabulous!

Wendy said...

Awww, Betsy - love and happiness shine all through this post! I'm glad you had such a good Valentine's weekend. Absolutely love those waterfall shots!!