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, October 20, 2009

Getaway Gang to Maggie Valley


As I've mentioned several times, my three childhood friends and I get together almost every year for several days on a Girls' Getaway trip. The four of us grew up together in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. We were all four born in the summer of 1942. After high school, we went our separate ways (college, jobs, families, etc.). We lived in four different states.

SO--in 1992, when we all turned the "Big Five-O", we decided to start a new tradition. Each Fall, we get together in different places just to catch up and enjoy each other's company for a few days. Some of the places we have been since 1992 include: Black Mountain/Grandfather Mtn/Blowing Rock, NC; Blue Ridge, GA; Gatlinburg and Sevierville, TN; Boston, Mass; Grand Canyon/Las Vegas; Siesta Key, FL; New Orleans, LA; Tybee Island, GA; Asheville, NC; and Cumberland Mtn. State Park----just to name a few!!!!

This year is no exception. The four of us will be in MAGGIE VALLEY, North Carolina this week (from today through Sunday) at a beautiful cabin there. I will have my laptop with me, but who knows in those mountains whether I will have an internet connection. IF you don't hear from me, you will know that I don't have a signal. If, however, there is internet service, I will try to post off and on during the week.

I hope that you have a wonderful week. Here are some pictures of me and my friends--taken all through the years. The top picture was taken by my son in 1993 when we were near Gatlinburg, TN, at the Wunderland Hotel. Front row: Reida, me, Nita; Second Row: Susan. More pictures are below.




This picture was taken about 1947 when we were all in Kindergarten. Susan and Nita are standing near the window on the left side. Reida is at the head of the table on the right. I am on the other side of the table with a white bow in my hair.




This picture of us as Brownies was taken about 1950. I am on the top row on the left. Nita and Sasan are on the top row--on the right. Reida is on the front row on the left, two people in front of me.




This picture was taken in 2004 ---when the four of us stayed at Cumberland Mountain State Park, TN. We 'pretended' to be the Red-Hat girls.... Bottom row: me and Reida; Top row: Nita and Susan




In 2005, we went to Blue Ridge, GA --and stayed in an incredible cabin on top of a mountain there. This was my 2nd favorite trip with the first one being our first trip to the mountains in North Carolina in 1992. Each of us has our own favorite trips. We didn't get a 'four-some' picture on this trip---so I'll include one that I took of my three friends. From left to right: Susan, Nita and Reida.




This picture was taken in 2007 when we went to Sevierville, TN. Front row: me, Reida; Back row: Nita, Susan




This was taken last October when we went to Tybee, Island, GA. From left to right: Nita, Susan, Reida, me.


Hopefully, I will have pictures to share from this year's getaway. The four of us are almost like sisters --and this year will be even more special since two of the four of us have serious health issues. Reida has MS and recently had kidney stone surgery. Susan has breast cancer which has spread to her bones. Please say a little prayer for the four of us this week.

Hugs,

50 comments:

SquirrelQueen said...

I adore the Red Hat photo, you all look great. Have a wonderful time at Maggie Valley and take lots of photos.

You will all be in my thoughts.

Judy

Kelly said...

You are very lucky and fortunate to have had your friendships for so long. You look like you all have a lot of fun together!! I bet a lot of laughing goes on when you get together!! Have fun this week!

diane b said...

What a fabulous tradition you four have. It must be so exciting meeting up each year. Being friends since kindergarten...that is so amazing. It is so sad to hear two of your friends have serious illnesses, yet they can still manage the trip. How couragous. I hope you all can have the best time possible.

Jayne said...

I love all the photos through the years Betsy. I hope you all have the very best time ever. Be safe and take your Depends! :c)

Dorothy said...

I think this is a great tradition! Life-long friends are the best ones to have. Y'all get better looking all the time. It's wonderful that Susan is so corageous to go ahead with the trip! Love and Prayers for all of you!! Be safe!

Deb Murphree/Alabama Politics said...

I'm so happy for you 4 that you can get away together like that. Tell the girls I said hello and you all have a WONDERFUL reunion!! I just turned 50 this year, and would love to start a tradition with some of my old childhood friends. Thinking of doing that more than ever now. One of my best friends lives in Big Stone Gap area, and another best friend lives in Texas LOL...where would we meet for a get together? lol

Jane said...

You four are much too young for the red hats, but anyway...... have a great time, and I will keep you and the rest of your friends in my prayers,

Jane

Jane said...

You four are much too young for the red hats, but anyway...... have a great time, and I will keep you and the rest of your friends in my prayers,

Jane

penny said...

Maggy Vally is a beautiful place for a reunion, I'm sure you will have a wonderful time.
I will say a special prayer for Reida and Susan. Y'all be Well, Happy and Safe :)

Arkansas Patti said...

Loved the progression pictures. How wonderful to have stayed in touch all these years. You are blessed with such enduring friendships.
Have a safe wonderful time. My prayers and thoughts are with your friends.
Laugh lots.

Carol Murdock said...

Betsy, it just amazes me HOW many of the same places you and I have visited!! I love Uncle Bubba's. My daughter and I used to eat breakfast at the Wunderland Hotel when we stayed in Townsend! Have a wonderful time with the girls!! :) xoxo

Carol Murdock said...

AND........OMG! What's wrong with our TITANS !!! I cannot believe Sunday's game!! :(

Beth said...

Hi, Betsy. What a wonderful, wonderful tradition---you are so blessed to have such good friends. I know your time together is a precious thing to you and all the more precious and poignant with the illnesses of Reida and Susan. I will keep the four of you in my prayers. May you all journey safely and savor the abundant riches of friendship this week and be thankful for the sweet hours you spend together.

T said...

What a wonderful way to celebrate your friendships!

Your pictures are beautiful.....love and joy with each other is very evident.

Peggy said...

You are going to have such a wonderful time in Maggie Valley! Looking forward to lots of photos.

Cherry said...

wow! can i call you guys fantastic four? i admire your friendship bond, it's amazing how you guys take time off to be together even if it's just once a year. you all have a great time and enjoy! 'will wait for your next post, Betsy. take care...

Small City Scenes said...

First off--prayers and good vibes going out to ALL of you.

secondly--Betsy you got your hair curled. CUTE!!!!

Have fun and party hardy. MB

Susie said...

How nice that you girls have stayed such good friends all these years. I wish I had friends like this.

Hope ya'll have the most wonderful time.

Roses and Lilacs said...

What a lovely tradition. It is sad to lose track of old and dear friends.
Marnie

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: Have a great time on your trip. It is fun to get together with old friends.

NCmountainwoman said...

Oh, Betsy. What a perfect time for you to have your getaway. Have a wonderful time!

Shelley said...

Such a great tradition you established w/ your friends! I love that Red hat photo! Prayers for your friend's health!

Becky said...

Looks like so much fun!

Lots of love and laughter on those trips.

Have a great time and a safe trip and return.

Busy Bee Suz said...

How lucky the 4 of you are to have known each other for so long...what a treasure. I hope you have a wonderful visit, full of laughs and fun.
Prayers for Reida and Susan, I hope this visit will renew their spirit and give them a little jump into feeling healthier.

Snap said...

Thoughts and prayers flying your way for you and your precious friends. Have a wonderful time celebrating your sisterhood!

Darla said...

Watch out Maggie Valley, you will never be the same!!

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

How wonderful to keep up with your friends the way you do. Ya'll picked a beautful place to meet. Looks like all the places you've picked have been wonderful.

Adrienne Zwart said...

Praying for you all this week Betsy. I hope you will have a wonderful time of celebrating your friendship and refreshing your spirits in the beautiful mountains! Look forward to more pictures, of course.

Cheryl said...

What a wonderful tradition the four of you ladies have. I envy you so! To maintain your friendship over the years is wonderful. How many can say that they have? Sending best wishes for another wonderful time together. Keeping all of you in my prayers!

I Am Woody said...

I love that you girls have made the effort to keep your relationships alive. Girlfriends add so much to our lives. Hope you have a wonderful visit! Your friends will definitely be in our prayers.

Diane said...

Nice to see all the pictures of you girls, Betsy. It's a great tradition that you have and I hope you have a wonderful time this time as well. I had to laugh at the kindergarten picture. Two boys, one boy at the table seems to be mingling in but the other boy (in typical male fashion) seems to have no idea what's going on or how to even entertain himself.

Betty said...

Great pictures of you and you lovely friends. I love the one of you with curls.I hope you have a wonderful time. Prayers and good thoughts to all of you.
~~ Love and Hugs~~

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Betsy, thinking about you and your lovely friends, what an extraordinary group you are...Good Luck and Good Times!!!

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Betsy,
How wonderful you and your friends can get together each fall and take a trip. I hope you have a lot of fun this week at Maggie Valley and enjoy talking about your memories. I enjoyed the photos of you and your friends and the places you've been able to visit. Have loads of fun this week!!

Deborah Godin said...

You've heard of the real housewives of Orange Country, now meet the real Yaya Sisterhood! You gals are fab-u-lus!

HEATHER said...

Happy Birthday ladies!
I hope you have a wonderful time and that your sides hurt from too much laughing! ;-)

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Betsy,I pray that this week will be the best trip ever.Have a blast,sharing and caring.
Blessings,Ruth

amelia said...

Wonderful memories and beautiful pictures.

It's so sad that two of you are ailing. I wish the best for you all and hope this year will be wonderful for you!!!

EG CameraGirl said...

It's great to have friends from way back when! Have a GREAT time. ;-)

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Betsy: I wish you and your firends have a wonderful time together, in Maggie Valley. I can just imagine the laughing, giggling, and shenanigans you all get up to.
Post if you're able, I always love to see your smiling face.
Say hello to the mountains for me.
Hugs,
Jo

Tina said...

Such a nice tribute to your childhood girlfriends, Betsy! I remember your trip last year, I think you caught a nasty cold..I sure hope you have a wonderful time with your friends. You will be in my thoughts..

Loran said...

Having lifelong friends is just the most special gift, have a wonderful time! You are all such beautiful ladies.

SmilingSally said...

Ah Betsy, long-time friendships like these are truly golden!

Naturegirl said...

Friends are the best gift in life.
You and your friends are blessed to share so much of your lives together and have these girl getaways. Have a wonderful time!
Holding all of you in my prayers.
A sister on the way to healing and wellness..hugs aNNa xo

Mary said...

I think it is wonderful that you have friends to do this with. Assume you had a great time!

Inday said...

My eyes get misty reading your most touching and adorable post Ma'am Betsy. What a candid and precious friendship for the four of you which makes me sad because I did not grow up in a steady place and the closest friends I had in my childhood no longer recognize me though I still remember them. I lost that link. Very very wonderful post supported by beautiful memories.

Sunny said...

How wonderful to have lifelong friends. I hope you all have a terrific time. Can't wait to see your pictures.
Sunny :)

Cedar ... said...

May you have a wonderful time, and special good wishes to those with health problems! Hugs all around!

Connie said...

Betsy, I think it is so great that you can get together with your friends every year. What a fun time you must all have together. :)

Cicero Sings said...

Amazing to have friends from kindergarten ... that you still see. Loved the photos.