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...

Friday, March 12, 2010

A Big Birthday Celebration


I took my Sweetie on a 'surprise' trip to celebrate his 68th birthday this week. We went back to the little cabin in Cosby, TN which is RIGHT next to a huge waterfall. IF you were reading my blogs the end of March last year, you will remember our trip to Serenity Falls. This little cabin is fabulous --because you can sit in the living room --and look out of the huge picture window and see this waterfall. We thought there was alot of water coming over the falls last year, but there was even more this year... SO gorgeous!!!! (If you want to see last year's pictures, look under the COSBY label on my right sidebar.)


We got to Cosby on Monday after a wonderful ride through the Smokies. I asked George what he would really like to do on his birthday (Tuesday). He chose going to his favorite place Tullulah Gorge in GA and then having dinner at another of our favorite restaurants, the Dillard House, in Dillard, GA. Here's a little 'preview' of George's special day----with many more pictures to come in future blog posts. Above is a picture of us sitting outside of our cabin ---at Serenity Falls. This is truly an incredible place!!!!! Below are more pictures from George's birthday!







In order to get to Tallulah Gorge, we drove over the mountain on Highway 441 --between Gatlinburg and Cherokee, NC. Even though it was a very warm day ---there still was ALOT of snow on the tops of the mountains. This picture was taken at Newfound Gap (elevation over 5000 feet). It was fun (more fun for me than for George) to see snow on a warm day!!!







We also enjoyed seeing the gorgeous Smoky Mountains as we drove. Of course, we stopped at many overlooks and took TONS of pictures!!!!







We're at Tallulah Gorge... See that smile on my Honey's face????? Oh ---how we love that place!









This is one of our favorite waterfalls in the gorge. This one is named Tempesta Falls. We have now visited Tallulah Gorge in three seasons. We still need to go in Spring. I must say that going in winter is great since we could see down into the gorge easier since there are no leaves on the trees.







The Birthday Boy (and his bride) enjoyed a HUGE and WONDERFUL dinner at the Dillard House in Dillard, GA. As usual, there was so much food, we had to take some back to the cabin to eat for other meals!!!! Our favorites this time were the pork chops and a creamed cabbage/cheese casserole... Another fav were the stuffed green peppers. AND--we really enjoyed the red pickled peppers which were fabulous, especially on the green beans... Can you tell???? It was GREAT!!!!







We got back to the cabin in time to enjoy some birthday cake. George chose a Red Velvet Cake this time---along with his favorite, Chocolate Cookie Dough Ice Cream.







Here is the new camera bag I gave George for his birthday. We ordered our new cameras through Amazon.com. For some reason, George's camera came from a different company than mine did. I got mine through Cameta Cameras---and my camera came with a really nice camera bag. When George got his (from another company) ---his camera bag was not even large nor sturdy enough for his new expensive camera. We have complained because that was truly the worst camera bag I have ever seen. This new one I got for him is really nice!!!! He loves it... I gave it to him early so that he could enjoy it on this trip... If you look back up this page, to his picture at Tallulah Gorge, you can see George holding his new bag!!!









WELL----I think the Birthday Boy had a great day !!! At least, I hope he did! Getting to stay in a cabin with his own personal waterfall, seeing snow on the mountains, seeing the glorious mountain peaks, enjoying Tallulah Gorge, having dinner at the Dillard House , and then cake and ice cream at the cabin -----------------well, what else needs to be said????? Life is GOOD.


Hope you have had a good week!!!
Hugs,

52 comments:

Darla said...

Been waiting on ya'll to get back home...what a wonderful time you two had...I hope to take trips with Rusty as our children get older...

Kirigalpoththa said...

That is a fabulous 'surprise' trip to celebrate his birthday! Love the waterfalls and great sceneries!

George seem to be a very happy bunny :D

eileeninmd said...

Looks like George had a wonderful birthday, what more could he ask for it looks perfect. The photos of the waterfalls are wonderful as is the food shot. The cabin sounds awesome!

Valerie said...

Looks like you had a wonderful time. The pictures are beautiful as usual. Your relationship and love is an amazing gift! So glad you are able to celebrate in such exciting and loving ways!

Jayne said...

Looks like you all had a wonderful time, and George's birthday surprise was a big hit!

Kelly said...

Glad George had a wonderful birthday, and you both had such a wonderful trip. We are going to have to visit Tallulah Gorge one of these days.....and that is quite a spread at the dinner table! You guys barely have room for your own plates!

Janice K said...

I am happy for you both. You had beautiful scenery, the good food, and time to enjoy the company of each other. You are blessed!

Randy said...

Happy Birthday George! It certainly looks like you guys has a good one!--Randy

Bill S. said...

You two have more fun than any couple over 29 should have. Congrats and may George celebrate many more with you.

Ginny Hartzler said...

The one thing that strikes me about this post more than anything is George's HAPPINESS!! It overwhelms the waterfalls! It is wonderful how you get your kicks by seeing each other's happiness! Two waterfall pictures that are each so different. The first looking so gentle and the second like a faucet full force. Your trip sounds like the most perfect yet!

Busy Bee Suz said...

Betsy, these photos are amazing!!! Really great...glad you are loving your new cameras (and bag)
That top photo could be your Christmas cards for next year.
Glad the birthday boy and bride had a nice vacation. Glad you are back safe and sound.
Suz

The Retired One said...

Gorgeous falls! I will have to get directions from you and an address so if we ever come down on our way to Florida and want to sidetrack there for a night, we can do it! You two are having a wonderful time...Happy Birthday George!!

Susie said...

Looks like another wonderful trip. Thanks for showing the view on top of Newfound Gap. You know I love that place!!!

Arkansas Patti said...

Love the first picture. Think it is the best yet of you two.
Yep, I remember that place with the personal waterfall. Good choice Betsy.
About dinner though, that would feed a family of 4. Glad you used it for multiple meals.
Great gift for a camera guy.
Welcome back.

Roses and Lilacs said...

I just love that first photo. I would frame that one and keep it on my desk.

The birthday dinner looks so good. That corn on the cob makes me want some. The cabbage cheese casserole sounds good too.
Marnie

Anonymous said...

I can see why that cabin by the waterfall would be someplace you would return to time and time again. That waterfall is gorgeous (nice picture of the two of you too).

I've been to Newfound Gap.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pa_shutterbug/sets/72157612819090875/

It's very pretty along Highway 441.

It looks like George and you had plenty to eat at his birthday dinner!

Jen said...

Sounds like you had just as good a time giving as George did receiving. :)
Beautiful views of your trip!

Beth said...

Welcome back, Betsy and George! And what an amazing birthday surprise trip---no wonder George looks so happy. I love all your pictures, but especially like the one on top. It shows not only the beauty of nature, but the beauty of two happy people in love. That is truly a wonderful thing.

Dar said...

Waterfalls outside the door, good food, his fabulous wife, plenty of exercise...life IS good.
Glad you are home safe
God Bless You Both

Cedar ... said...

Happy Birthday, George, I know a bit late, but since wishes just the same!

Dorothy said...

Love that first picture!!! What a wonderful birthday present you gave George for his birthday! If we get to go back up there, I want to stay in that cabin!

Rose said...

I think you did good, Betsy! You both look so happy. I remember your other post from last year about this place...well, I think I remember a picture or two without even going to look. I will have to check it out to see if I am remember correctly. It is a wonderful place to visit.

Tes said...

A wonderful treat to George! Very creative and thoughtful, Betsy! Love the waterfalls, good capture! :)

Small City Scenes said...

What a wonderful time you both had it seems to me. How wonderful to 'surprise' your sweetie with such a fun trip. I would love to stay at the cabin by the waterfall. the table sure was groaning under all that food, I bet. LOL
Birthday boy does look very happy. MB

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

By the smiles on his face I would say you got an A+ for this Birthday celebration.Each of the pictures show such tremendous beauty.Thanks for sharing this special time in this way.Keep those gorgeous pictures coming.
Blessings,Ruth

NCmountainwoman said...

Kudos to you for making George's birthday so special. So glad you both had a great time.

Karin said...

It's just wonderful to see how you both live life to the fullest! Excellent choice for a birthday celebration. Such gorgeous photos too, and the smiles are a huge give-a-way that George loved every moment of it! All the best to you precious two!! Have a blessed week-end!

Peggy said...

Happy Birthday George!! My favorite place to eat is Dillard House! Also love walking around their farm and seeing the animals. I know George is still smiling over that nice birthday surprise. I am at Hidden Haven for a bit. Helping downsize the house, storage buildings, and farm. Its bittersweet being here but I am at least able to get items that I left behind before.

pam said...

It looks like a wonderful birthday celebration!

I have that camera bag! It really is wonderful!

Glenda said...

Wow, Betsy, y'all know how to take a trip! I can sense the excitement and fun in your words and pics . . . wonderful photos. I especially like the one of the two of you in front of the falls.

You made me wish we were driving on 441 and stopping at Newfound Gap. My blog profile pic was taken there; it's one of our favorite drives.

Thanks for sharing your joy!

Becky said...

Glad you had such a wonderful trip!
My daughter LOVES red velvet cake! She has found the little debbie makes little ones now.

Thanks for sharing those happy pics.

Diane said...

Now what are you going to do to top this??? Looks like a perfectly wonderful trip and birthday. Diane

MadSnapper said...

all of the photos of "sweetie George" are really, really good. so glad you had a wonderful trip.

Sunny said...

What a fabulous birthday trip! It sure looks like you both had a great time...and red velvet cake too! Yummy!
Sunny :)

carolina nana said...

Looks like life is truly good for you guys. Glad you had good weather on your trip and looks like you had a wonderful time. Ti is raining here again today,hope its not headed your way. Have a blessed day,glad you're back! Marilyn

LV said...

Glad you are back from your wonderful trip. One thing for sure you and George celebrated in his birthday in grand style. You better watch out, he will get spoiled.

Joy said...

Happy Birthday George. What a great birthday - The Smokey Mountains, Dillard House food and the waterfalls (and sweet Betsy) you love. Sound wonderful.
♥ Joy

Unknown said...

It looks like George had the perfect birthday Betsy! It all sounds and looks wonderful, especially that meal with a view. Glad to have you back safely.

DayPhoto said...

It looks like George had a perfect birthday! And the meal is yummy looking.

And the view...now that is wonderful!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/

EG CameraGirl said...

NICE camera bag!

I'm so glad George's birthday was a good one! I'm also glad you are back. :)

Diane AZ said...

Betsy, it looks like you and George had a wonderful time. That dinner does look huge and scrumptious. I'm enjoying your photos, the top one is fantastic!

Joe Todd said...

Wow what a wonderful trip. Views photos ice cream and waterfalls. Doesn't get much better

I Am Woody said...

Looks like an absolutely perfect trip:)

happily retired gal said...

Marvelous celebration and perfect gift ... thanks for sharing your lovely photos with us ;-)
Hugs and blessings,
VSacred Ruminations

penny said...

Now I am really jealous, Betsy. We rented a cottage at the Dillard House one year and the food they serve is fantastic. It's in a beautiful area of the Georgia Mountains.

Unknown said...

Oh, Betsy I now you are having the time of your life in that gorgeous part of our great country. DH is sure enjoying his birthday celebration, the cake looks deelish!
Enjoy your travels, sweet lady.

Happy St. Patrick's Day ~
Have a lovely weekend.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

~mel said...

I just LOVE the LOVE that the two of you have and share with us!! Your love of adventure is awesome ~ and you both are so sentimental; returning and doing the things you've done in the past to celebrate special ocassions. LOVE IT!!!

SmilingSally said...

Brr. That's my reaction to George sans jacket.

diane b said...

What a great birthday for George (and you). I remember your last trip there. A cabin with a view of the falls must be magic. The shots are all fabulous. The birthday meal looks delicious and huge. It sure looks like you had a good time cake and all.

Wendy said...

Thank you for sharing George's birthday with all of us! Yes, Betsy, Life is Good!!
That food looked scrumptious! The cake heavenly, and those waterfalls - well - just wonderful.

I was surprised to see snow, but since you said it's up in the mountains, I guess it's colder up there.

Glad you're back home safe and sound. Hubby looks real happy.
Hugs

SquirrelQueen said...

From the all the photos of George with a big smile on his face I would say he must have had a great birthday. All of your photos are great Betsy but the first one with the two of you in front of the waterfall is priceless!

Have a great weekend,
Judy

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: That was one fun visit with you and George for his birthday.