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...

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Our Outside Lights

You may have noticed that we have been missing from Blog World and Facebook recently.. We took a quick 2-day trip to Gatlinburg, TN (Smokies) with our really good friends,  Judy and Charlie.   This was our Christmas trip together ---so that we could see the gorgeous Christmas lights,  eat at a wonderful restaurant,  and talk-talk-talk....

We had rooms at the Rocky Waters Inn (where we enjoyed a balcony --with the roaring river right behind us).  We also had a wood-burning fireplace in the room ----AND our room had a big jacuzzi in it.  What more could one want!!!!  Even though the time was short,  we had a wonderful trip--with terrific friends!  (Thanks, Judy and Charlie!)

We will blog about this trip ---but today,  I want to show you some of the pretty outside lights at our home this year.   I took these pictures on Saturday ---while trying to learn to take BETTER night pictures... I think the photos came out pretty good---so I'll share them with you today. Above is a street view of the front of the house... You can enlarge the pictures to 16x10 for better views.




This is our front porch.  I didn't hang lights this year around the door ---so am just leaving the porch light on instead... The  little tree is decorated with candy canes and red bows...




Here is my hanging basket ---and NO,  this Poinsettia is NOT real... It wouldn't stay alive  outside this time of year!!!




Here is a close-up of the little tree... You can't see much of it,  but we have a holly floor mat beside the door.




This is my favorite 'night picture'  I took that evening---showing one of our 3 lit wreaths.   Hope you enjoyed seeing a few more Christmas pictures from our home.  (Can't wait to show you some of the Christmas lights from Gatlinburg!!! They were fabulous!)

I will try to catch back up with your blogs this week....  It's a busy time of the year (I'm sure for ALL of us--you too I bet)...

Hugs,
Betsy

63 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, you home liooks beautiful with the outdoor lights. The wreaths and hanging baskets are pretty. The trip to gatlinburg sounds like fun, i will look forward to that post also. Have a great day.

Catherine said...

You and George are always on the go! I like your outside Christmas lights Betsy. Very inviting! :)
xo Catherine

RoeH said...

Soooo Pretty!! I love the lights at Christmas. I don't put them up but sure like looking at others artful work.

Hidden Haven Homestead said...

Beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Love the lighted wreaths. Maggie and family have plans to take me for ride around Gatlinburg to see lights when I visit them. I love it there.

Ruth Hiebert said...

I love that little Candy cane tree at the front door.Hope today will be a beautiful day for you.

Jo said...

Oh your lights are wonderful . Glad you had such a nice Christmas trip with your friends. Blessings for a blessed Christmas to you and George. I'm still home until Saturday and then off to see the great game reserves of Kenya. (I'll post about it on Sat) Love Jo

pam said...

love the wreath shot!! I'm going to work on my night pictures this weekend!

From the Kitchen said...

We only have a big wreath on the front porch (unlit). We've never done outside lights but the town sure does.
I like the simplicity of yours. Looking forward to hearing about your trip.

Best,
Bonnie

diane b said...

Your night shots are great. You must tell me the secret.
I love the little tree and the wreath all lit up. There is nothing better than spending time with friends on a getaway few days. Looking forward to the pics.

Arkansas Patti said...

I kind of like the porch light on, it gives a welcoming look. You house always looks so great. Glad you had a nice visit with friends. Sounds relaxing.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Your house looks wonderful! And your trip sounds really fun :-)

Fred Alton said...

Betsy, Your home is very beautiful with all the Christmas lights. It looks so warm and welcoming! Very nice night pictures.

Snap said...

Beautiful Betsy. Glad you enjoyed your get-a-way with friends.

Out on the prairie said...

The tree on your porch adds a nice touch.

MadSnapper said...

it is all beautiful, and i love the wreathe photo. you did a fantastic job with the night photos, it is really hard to get good ones. i have always wanted a room with it's own jacuzzi and never have.

Dorothy said...

Beautiful, welcoming lights! I love it, Betsy!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

You did a marvelous job with these night photos. It can be tricky, but I think you've mastered it here. Your home always looks so...well...homey and welcoming. What more could one ask of a home?

linda m said...

Your house looks very pretty at night. Wish I could drive by and really see it for real.

Becca's Dirt said...

Love the header photo and your house looks so pretty and festive. Always good to get together with friends and have a laugh or two.

I never intended to take a break from blogging but I just did. Now that I have a laptop at home I won't feel so bad about blogging. I was starting to feel guilty about making posts to my blog.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!!! Hope your electric bill doesn't shock you. And I sure wish I had a jacuzzi at home.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Hi Betsy, your house looks really pretty with the Christmas lights. The night shots turned out great! Sounds like a fun trip you had and I'll be looking for the photos of your trip to Gatlinburg. That's another place I want to visit.
Have a nice day, it's been raining and raining here!

TexWisGirl said...

i like the candy canes on the tree! :)

Neal said...

Your favorite is also my favorite... that is a gorgeous shot.

Christine said...

I love your pretty outside decorations. I haven't seen the Gatlinburg lights in several years, makes me want to go see them again!

A Brit in Tennessee said...

I love your outside lights, they make the world all cozy and twinkly :)
Your home is always so welcoming Betsy, I would dare to bet, it stands out amongst the rest....
I've thought so much about the mountains lately, Christmastime in Gatlinburg is indeed a magical place.
~Jo

CottonLady said...

So pretty, Betsy. I don't have any outside lights this year, just costs too much to have someone else do it for me. Your little tree is a great idea...I may borrow that idea for my front porch.
Glad you got in a trip to see the lights. Am also glad you are feeling well enough to go 'trippin' again.

Blessings!

Susie Swanson said...

So beautiful and festive. You have a lovely home, looks like a small version of the Biltmore.. Merry Christmas with love Susie

Carletta said...

I love Gatlinburg! I've never been there in winter so I can't wait to see your pictures.
Love your night shots; epecially the first one and this wreath is gorgeous!
I need lots of practice with night shots; but it's too cold. :)

I Am Woody said...

I love those lit wreaths!

Diane said...

So beautiful and inviting Betsy. Everything looks so Christmasy. I love that last picture. Diane

Busy Bee Suz said...

I think you did great with the night shooting! Your home is so lovely, warm and inviting!!!
Glad you had a nice trip with your special friends.
xoxo

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Beautiful! You have a talent for decorating and arranging floral and holiday displays! Have a really great day and enjoy our warm weather!

Ms. A said...

Great job with the night shots! Love the last one, especially.

Ginny Hartzler said...

I love, love, love your little tree!!! It's amazing that just bows and candy canes make it so beautiful, it looks just perfect there!!! And so welcoming. The wreath is beautiful, too! I'm so glad you had such a lovely time, you really need to enjoy yourself more after your long sick spell and surgery!!!

imac said...

Sounds as if it was a super break, and lights not break,but glow well.

Serenity Cove said...

Very pretty Betsy...Can't wait to see your Gatlinburg photos. My invitation must have gotten lost in the mail:):)
I have never been there to see the Christmas lights. I'm sure it's beautiful!

Serenity Cove said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Pat Tillett said...

Hi Betsy! Long time now see! Your house is looking festive and beautiful! Hope you are doing well...

Diane AZ said...

Beautiful nighttime pictures of your home with outside lights. Your front porch looks so welcoming with the candy cane tree. Looking forward to pictures from your fun trip to Gatlinburg. :)

LV said...

You home is so pretty anytime of the year. You have really decorated in style. Love Gatlinburg.

penny said...

Betsy, Your night shots show us just how beautiful your cozy home looks all decked out with Christmas lights and greenery.. soo inviting.
I look forward to photos from your Gatlinburg trip.
Warm hugs, Pam

note, I tried to comment earlier but your page kept jumping. I have no clue why.

Ann said...

Your 2 day trip sounds wonderful. Can't wait to see the pictures you got.
Your house look great. We didn't bother putting up any lights outside this year. The only signs of decorations from outside is the wreath on my front door.

Karin said...

You do have such a lovely festive place! Your night time photography is great! Glad you had a wonderful time away!

HolleyGarden said...

Very pretty! I really like your wreaths, but my favorite is the tree! So cheerful!

Anonymous said...

Your nighttime pictures of your Christmas decorations are pretty. I am looking forward, though, to your post on Gatlinburg. We visited Gatlinburg one time, several years ago. It was a short trip (we visited the aquarium). Your lodging sounds very nice; hope you have pictures of that!

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

Betsy, it all looks so beautiful and festive! And I loved hearing about your trip -- the inn sounds like the best!

Shug said...

Great night photography Betsy...Your place is looking delightful!

I just love the lights at Christmas time..
hugs,
Shug

Elettra said...

I find it very beautiful are your Christmas decorations !!!!!

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

I adore your lit up wreath!! I seriously need one of those. Your house is so pretty at night--you did great on the pictures!

Chatty Crone said...

I love the photograph of the wreathe. sandie

Terry and Linda said...

WONDERFUL!!!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.scom

Connie said...

I love the wreath picture, Betsy. Your outdoor decorations are very pretty. Sounds like you had a nice trip too. :-)

Rose said...

I really like that photo of the wreath, too...I like night shots of about anything, though. I keep thinking I want to get out and take some shots around but just don't get to it.

Andrea said...

You partners are always on trip, i can imagine how difficult it was when you were in the hospital, meaning it is a rest from touring! I wish i am like you, not worrying anymore about earning the upkeep. But your decors are really beautiful. I love most the lights and that first photo is really lovely. Happy Holiday, aren't you resting for a few days? LOL.

SquirrelQueen said...

That sounds like a fun trip Betsy. I really like you front door decorations, it looks very elegant.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Pretty!! It is nice that you enjoyed the trip....I am slow getting around to blogs too

Beth said...

Hi, Betsy...sorry to have been absent for a while. As you say, 'tis a busy time at Christmas. Your house always looks so pretty at Christmas, and I particularly like your header showing it in the snow. I love the lighted wreaths. I've heard others speak glowingly (no pun intended!) of Gatlinburg at Christmas, so I'm looking forward to your post about your trip. As I've mentioned before, I enjoy the vicarious trips I take through your blog---thank you!

happyone said...

You did a great job with your night photos. All looks very pretty.
It is so nice that you and George get to take lots of little trips. You two always seem so happy. : )

Lady Di Tn said...

You did really good taking the night photos. I still have not figured it out that well. Peace

Lynn said...

Beautiful lights. Love tree on the porch. Don't believe I have seen an outdoor tree with candy canes. So neat. I cannot put candy canes on our tree this year. Guess who loves them and would not be able to resist the tempation. Since Terry is not a big candy cane person (his is chocolate anything, hehe) not having them is fine with him. I will catch up on your emails. I apologize, my daughter was in San Francisco three days this week and we had the boys after school while she was gone and it is also a busy time. You know me, my email takes last priority on my to do list, simple beacause it "waits" for me. I am so sorry. You and several others are waiting on me.
Love,
Lynn

Loren said...

Oh Betsy! Your lights are sooo pretty! and I agree with you, your wreath is just GORGEOUS!!! I just LOVE this time of year! I told my husband yesterday I don't want to take Christmas down this year! It's all sooo pretty! Inside and Outside :)

I will have to see if my Husband can take some pics of our outside lights...He did such a great job this year!!

I just want to thank you for making my day when you come by and share such sweet comments :) You are such a special friend ♥

Kirigalpoththa said...

Lovely!

Annesphamily said...

I love all the photos! Your front door looks wonderful! Have a great week Betsy! Anne