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, September 7, 2012

Biltmore in July

Life has really hit me in the face lately... SO much is going on ---and there's never enough hours in the day to get everything done.  I often wonder how I made it when I was working fulltime.......?????   The good news is that life is GOOD --even though I'm busy!!!!  Many wonderful things are happening--so I can't complain!

On July 30,  2012,   George and I made another summer trip to Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina...    We went specifically to see the SUNFLOWERS --which we did see (and I featured them on my blog header all during August).    What I never did do is share what else we did and saw on that day while we were there...

As I say everytime I do a Biltmore post,  there are new and different things to see there EVERY month..  On this particular trip,  we enjoyed the sunflowers,  the walled garden,  the Italian garden,  and we did something we had never done before.  We hiked to the Diana statue ---above the main entrance to the Biltmore House.. What a fabulous place for photos...   I'm surprised we hadn't been up there before.   There's just so much to see and do at Biltmore.

Here are some of the photos we took that day.  Be sure to click on them for enlargements.  The picture above was taken near the Diana statue --above the main house at Biltmore.  Isn't that a great view?




Here is a picture of the house taken as we were hiking up toward the Diana Statue...  I love  being able to take out the people from my pictures now... ZAP them gone!!!!!! ha.... Guess I should have zapped the busses also... Oh Well...  Isn't this a wonderful photo--with the clouds like they are in the sky????




The Italian Gardens are especially beautiful during the summer months... Here is a beautiful picture of one of the many waterlilies there.  (I could do an entire post just on all of the waterlilies. )




We ALWAYS enjoy walking around in the Walled Garden... They plant different flowers during each season... This time,  we were happy to see some of the MUMS in bloom --which people enjoy seeing during the Fall.




The Hibiscus blooms always amaze me when I go to Biltmore.   This is one of my favorites ---and YES,  it is HUGE.




Of course,  we always have to walk through the sections containing all of the beautiful ROSES... George took this photo of me under one of the rose arbors...  (It was another HOT day---so I was wearing my camera vest and carrying my headband and towel... Not very attractive for a photo though... ha)




After leaving the Walled Garden,  we drove down to another favorite place of ours,  the Lagoon... This is a photo of the back of the Biltmore House --from the lagoon.




And of course,  we had to get the tripod out and get a picture of the two of us at the Lagoon.  I love seeing the Canada Geese in the lagoon also when we go there... Such a beautiful place!!!!




And finally,  we drove to see the SUNFLOWERS.....  My future daughter-in-law LOVES sunflowers---so I sent her some pictures showing the sunflowers at Biltmore.  There were fields and fields and rows and rows of them there!!!!  GORGEOUS!




Here's one more picture of the two of us taken near some of the sunflowers...  All in all,  we had a fabulous day at Biltmore.  We never tire of going to that beautiful place!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Please pay attention to this note since I don't want you to worry about us.  We are taking a long blog break (like some of my friends have done) ---and maybe we can catch up on life a little while we are 'off'....   Even though we won't be blogging at all until October 1st,  we may be doing a few things on Facebook.   SO---if you are on Facebook,  you might want to keep up with us.   I hope and pray that each of you have a great September.  We certainly plan to!!!!!  We'll see you on  OCTOBER 1st.
Hugs to all,  and have a tremendous month!!!
Betsy

65 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lovely photos from Biltmore, Betsy. The sunflowers, waterlilies and roses are my favorites. Enjoy your break.

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, beautiful photos of Biltmore! It is a gorgeous place to visit. I love the shots of you and George. The waterlilies and the sunflowers are also a favorite of mine. Have a great September, see ya when you get back!

Hootin Anni said...

LIFE gets in the way sometimes of blogging. I just returned from a two week hiatus for Hootin' Anni's but did a weekly post for I'd Rather B Birdin...as I love photographing birds so much.

Your trip to the Biltmore was once again such a fun, and fascinating photo share. I can see why you two return for each season.

Enjoy your break, get lots done, and I'll wait for your return here to bloggerville since I don't do facebook at all.

You'll be missed.

Ms. A said...

I always love the photos of Biltmore.

Someone needs to teach me how to take people out of photos. That's one of the reasons I hate taking photos where there are lots of people... I don't want strangers in my photos.

Enjoy your break. I'll look forward to seeing you in October!

Sharon said...

Can't tell you how many picnics we've shared with that statue of Diana!! Just sitting way up there watching all the crazy fighting to get into the house!! We never made it back to see the sunflowers...gotta do that next year. We're headed that way a week from Saturday. Can't wait. Enjoy your break!

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Wonderful photos ~ Have a great time off.

FlowerLady

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

Such stunning photos. I love those whole presentation :)
And it sure looks like you had a grand time.

Joe Todd said...

Hope you stopped by the icecream shop after all the walking...

deeps said...

so colorful and full of life...

Lisa said...

Hello Betsy, busy is a blessing. I had missed Bittmore, never heard of it, and what a beautiful place. The waterlilies look exactly like mine. I think I'll do a blog post on it this weekend. Enjoy your vacation, I'll try to find you on facebook. I am F a z l i s a.

MadSnapper said...

the last pic of the two of you in the sunflowers is my fav people pic and the water lilies and hibicus when 2nd and 3rd place today

Donna said...

Thanks for the beautiful photos! I love the water lily one especially! Yes, I've hiked up the hill to look down at the house a time or two. It is quite a view from up there!

Best wishes for a relaxing and fun blogging break!

I Am Woody said...

Such a beautiful place! One of these days I'm going to make it there!

Diane AZ said...

Looks like it was a beautiful day and you two had a wonderful time at the Biltmore. I love the pictures from the gardens and the lagoon, and especially the sunflowers! :D

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

That shot of the Biltmore as you were hiking toward it is just perfect. The Biltmore folks will probably want it for one of their brochures. :)

If you have time, tell me how you take people out of your photos. I did it once, but there must be an easier and better way than how I did it.

Enjoy your blogging break. We'll look forward to hearing from you again in October.

Janice K said...

I was just showing my husband some of your pictures. We were by the Biltmore once coming home from Florida, but he didn't want to stop. I wish we would have.

Have a great September!

Karin said...

We'll miss you - but I do hope that your blog break will be a time of refreshing and rejuvenating. Always love your posts - such beauty at Biltmore! God bless!! Hugs!

HolleyGarden said...

Those are some fabulous photos of Biltmore! And I love the waterlilies! What unusually colored pads! Your post makes me want to go there - and see the rose garden, and all those sunflowers! Have a great blog break!

TexWisGirl said...

i know you love this place.

enjoy your busy-ness, dearie!!!

Carletta said...

Always enjoy your Biltmore posts. I think the shot of you and George with the sunflowers is awesome.
Hope you and George have a wonderful break!
Hugs,
Carletta

Catherine said...

You two always seem to make the most and enjoy life Betsy!

Enjoy your break!

xo Catherine

Ruth Hiebert said...

The Biltmore is a police of beauty,for sure. Your friendly posts will be missed but do enjoy some time to relax.

Sylvia K said...

What a gorgeous place! Such beautiful flowers and colors! I do love your photos for the day, Betsy! What a fun trip! Thanks for sharing with us! Hope you and George have a great weekend!

Janie said...

I love the photo of you and George in the sunflowers! Biltmore look like such a beautiful place.
Hope you have fun on your break.

Dorothy said...

Wonderful pictures!!! Have a nice break! ♥ ♥ ♥

Terry and Linda said...

I so understand busy....HAVE FUN!


Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

Rose said...

Oh, I so love that water lily...haven't seen one like it with lily pad colored like that. Now I will be watching for some like that.

I sure loved those sunflowers...I don't remember if I told you when you had them as your header. I think I did, but in case I didn't, I am telling you now they were really enjoyed. Like opening up sunshine when coming to your blog.

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Enjoy your break Betsy and George, and may you catch up with all of those overdue mundane things we tend to let slide as "Bloggers".
The photo of you both in among the sunflowers, weren't there hundreds of BEES?????? there are when I grow them here! :(

Rohrerbot said...

Enjoy the break. I know I did. Sometimes you just have to shut off the computer and say enough is enough. Recharge that battery.

Love the gardens here....but especially love the sunflowers.

Neal said...

Lovely photos. BTW, what software do you use to zap people out of your photos?

Wendy said...

I'm with you - there never seems to be enough time to get everything done. Can't figure out what I did when I worked full time???

Lovely pics. I adore the one of you and George in the sunflowers. Biltmore must be a fun place to visit.

Enjoy your break. Keep well.
Hugs

D said...

It is such a beautiful place, Betsy, and your photos are always spectacular. Love that you can zap them... and how is that done? Do you have a little switch?

Perhaps one day we'll get back there again. We'll call you first.

Connie said...

Lovely photos, Betsy! That must be an amazing place to visit. I hope you enjoy your blog break.

Grandma Bonnie said...

Oh my Biltmore is beautiful!
Please tell me how you zapped the people out of your photo!
I hope you have a good blog break. See you in October.

Lady Di Tn said...

I really must get Prince to take me there one day. However, I feel I get to ride along in your pocket when you post such wonderful photos and details. Have a good time on your break. I truly understand as I disappeared the whole month of August. Peace

Starry Dawn said...

Hi Betsy and George,
I hope you read my today's note.
I let you know that I think you are a beautiful woman, with a beautiful heart, and gorgeous legs.
I am sure your husband, George is so proud of you, Betsy.
I see great photos you both take in your wonderful trips. I love best the one with both of you in the middle of sunflowers garden.
You both look so much in love.
I always pray for my dear friends that all will work well in their lives. So, you are among my dear friends, and I'll be praying for both of you to have a wonderful month of September with a memorable experience in your lives. Perhaps, we'll meet person to person one day, just like you meet other Blogger friends in your trips round the USA. Good Luck!!
Thank you for your kind Email, and for your heartfelt comments in my Blogs, sweet Betsy!!
God's richest blessings may always abound in your lives, dear friends, Betsy and George!!
Take care. See you when you return.
Blessings & Warm Hugs,
Poet Starry Dawn.

Betty Manousos said...

dear betsy, love those photos of biltmore, great views, biltmore is beautiful and looks definitely like a must-see.

i hope you enjoy your break!

hugs!

joy said...

I am already looking forward for your comeback again. And oh my, I loved this trip and the beautiful pictures and I just can feel the love from both of you. Blessings:)

Cicero Sings said...

Things are ever so busy here getting everything ready for the winter plus i'm trying to do one of those self published recipe books for a wedding present for a nephew.

I have never seen varigated water lily leaves before.

Anonymous said...

Have a great month and enjoy life off-line.

Those gardens are fabulous and I love those tall sunflowers.

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

These are fabulous photos of the Biltmore House. What a lovely place to visit anytime of the year. I love the sunflower and all the beautiful flowers. This is one of my favorite postings. Awesome photos!

Annie Jeffries said...

Extraordinary place. So glad it has been preserved. Visiting there is on my bucket list.

Chatty Crone said...

I have no idea why I didn't realize there was such a great garden there when we went.

If you love sunflowers - you would love Italy. You two are so cute there together.

Love your wonderful photos.

Beatriz said...

Hello Betsy!
What a lovely place you have gone!
By the way, I loved the red little bird on the top...
You're beautiful on the landscape!!

A big big hug!!!!

Bia

www.biaviagemambiental.blogspot.com

Shilpa said...

Gorgeous post Betsy! I really enjoyed these photos and the house has fantastic ground and I esp. love the water lilies and the sunflowers field...

Thanks for sharing and I hope u enjoy this break and take many photo from your trips. Will looking for you :)

Hugs n Kisses
Shilpa

Anonymous said...

I'm new follower,visiting you from Angela @ West Virginia Treasures.
Your photo's are out of this world gorgeous.
I've been to the Biltmore once,long time ago..I need to go back.

Small City Scenes said...


wow what a beautiful place the Biltmore is. Oh that I would be there. I will enjoy your photos.

As you know we all will still be here whenever you decide to blog again.

Yes it was nice to have some work done on the home place. MB

Busy Bee Suz said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Biltmore!!! Enjoy your break and catch your breath. ;)
xoxo

MTWaggin said...

What a beautiful place and you have such a great eye!

Jeevan said...

This place is so beautiful and the Biltmore House looks like a Castle! I really loved the vast lawn in front of the house and the lake view garden. Very nice photo and the sunflower give a fabulous background to pics... Have a great month ahead and take care of you both :)

Sure we gonna miss your wonderful place in blog!

Cheqna said...

Hi Betsy,

Lovely photos that you posted here..love the photos of the house, waterlilies and of you and George at the sunflowers field.

:-)

Elizabeth Edwards said...

hey there. the hubby & i loved the "biltmore" ... we went in Nov. to celebrate our anniversary. i think it was ... would love to go when the flowers are blooming. gorgeous views. enjoy your time away. (:

A Colorful World said...

Fantastic photos! I can see why you like to go again and again to those wonderful gardens! I love seeing all the different flowers, different views...it's all amazing! I particularly loved the striped waterlily pads! How different!

Thank you SOOO much for your sweet comments on my blogpost about the train trip. I can't tell you how much it means to me to have such sweet and caring blogger friends!

Pat Tillett said...

What a beautiful place. It looks to be big enough to spend an entire day looking around.

Beth said...

Gorgeous photos, as always, Betsy! I really love the waterlily one--I'd love to see a whole waterlily post when you return from your blog break.

Enjoy your break!

Glenda said...

Hope you have a month of blessings, good times and good health!

diane b said...

Biltmore house is like a castle.Just beautiful. So are the waterlilies and sunflowers. You both look so happy.Enjoy your break.

Eat To Live said...

I seen at the top of your blog you are begging people to take out their word verification... I hear you on that loud and clear. I hate it!! It takes up so much of my time and all people need to do is monitor their comments to keep out the spam.

On a happier note... great pictures. You do a wonderful job zapping out people... I need to learn that one.

Farida said...

The photos were taken with taste! Good thing they were captured perfectly minus the people :)

Oh the sunflowers... Happy vacation!

Fred Alton said...

Oh How Beautiful, Betsy! You and George are a handsome couple. I love reading about your busy, busy, busy life and I am sure many others also receive much inspiration from reading your blog.

Travel Quest said...

BEAUTIFUL! I really admire you for having a positive outlook about life. This post realle entertain me and inspire. That despite of hard just keep your head up and be happy no matter what. Hugs from Leah!

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Betsy,
Again I love the beautiful flowers and photoso from summer at Biltmore House. I hope you are having a great September. I look forward to hearing from you in October.
Enjoy this colorful, beautiful fall. The leaves are getting pretty here in the mountains.

trump said...

Happy Fall to you! Richard from Amish Stories

Betsy Banks Adams said...

NOTE to some cousin of mine named BOGGS --who sent me an email... Somehow I lost the email ---so please email me again... So sorry!!! I do want to talk to you --if I can catch up with you!
Betsy

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Hubby Ray was always going to take me to Biltmore House, but somehow we never made it. It wasn't that far from where we lived in Rogersville TN and would have been a day trip for us. But I believe it would take ages to look around it. The gardens are lovely...just as the whole setting is. Yes I love those sunflowers, and aren't they tall. The parrots we have here would have a great feast on the,