Toward the end of my stay with three childhood friends at Maggie Valley, NC, my cute little red camera quit working... No matter what I did, it was just dead. It was stuck OPEN. I had EIGHT batteries with me ---and none of them worked. BUT--I told my friends that as soon as George could use his 'magic' ---that little camera would perk up. And guess what?????? It DID.... He put some of 'his' batteries in it and it worked!!!! Well---duh??!!!! I think that camera likes George best. I'm glad it's okay--but I missed out on alot of pictures that last couple of days. Just my luck!!!! (See why I need George!!!! ha) The other gals had their cameras --but I'm hoping they will share their pictures with me.
Anyhow---we arrived at our cabin on Tuesday, the 20th. While there, the trees just erupted into beauty, with each day becoming more gorgeous than the day before. The pictures above and below were taken from the deck of our cabin on Saturday morning--before the camera died. Aren't the colors just marvelous????
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Each year, the four of us take small gifts to exchange with each other. This year was no exception. The gift that I gave each of them (and even had one made for me) was a mug with our picture (taken last year in Tybee Island) on it. Here is a picture of it.
As much as I loved the trips (remember that we had THREE in a row), I will say that it's great to be HOME. Yes--there are leaves to be raked and wood to be stacked ... BUT--after all of the good eating I did this past week, I certainly need the exercise NOW.
Hugs,
Big Stone Gap Friends Forever ...WOW...Betsy, it's so exciting that you all lived there and were childhood friends...even moreso that you can get away together to socialize and reminisce. Glad you had so much fun. The fall colors were just gorgeous...Love, your other Big Stone Gap friend :)
ReplyDeleteLovely yellows and gorgeous golds in those trees, Betsy! What a cute idea to get those mugs. You can think of each other and what a fun time you had every time you have a cup of coffee or tea.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures Betsy. Yes, George has the Midas touch...but we all knew that, right?
ReplyDeleteI know how much you enjoy and treasure your friends, and I am sure they feel the same way. But it is always nice to get back into your daily routine.
Sending prayers to Susan and Reida..hoping this trip was healthful for them both.
What a sweet and thoughtful gift.... I am sure they loved their mugs! Welcome home friend!
ReplyDeleteLove the mugs!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about eating while you're away! Every time we go anywhere all we seem to do is eat!!
Betsy, that first picture of the illuminated golden tree is just stunning! I really enjoyed all your pictures of the trip. Sorry about your camera glitch, but how wonderful that George has the magic touch!
ReplyDeleteAnd what a perfect gift for your friends! So meaningful and such a good way to hold on to good memories of a good time with good friends.
Beautiful foliage! I Love the gift that you had made for your friends. That was a perfect choice. I agree that the trees were at peak. We enjoyed our trip, but were glad to get home last night.
ReplyDeleteSuch a neat gift for such a special group. The colours are magical and the light in the first shot is great.It is always nice to come home but it is suprising how soon you get itchy feet again.
ReplyDeleteI think you picked the perfect gift! Don't work too hard around the house but glad you are back.
ReplyDeleteI like the first picture best! What a special gift you gave your friends!
ReplyDeleteSo glad George laid hands on your camera and healed it. What is more frustrating than to be somewhere cool and the camera gets lazy.
ReplyDeleteThose colors put ours to shame though with our daily rains, it is hard to tell what we do have.
Loved those coffee cups. You can relive your friendship every morning with your coffe. Very thoughtful.
Beautiful fall pictures!
ReplyDeleteCute mugs Betsy! I know the girls must have loved them.
ReplyDeleteThose colors are pretty! Glad George got your camera to working again.
Hi Betsy, Sorry about your camera problems, but you still managed to get some great photos. The trees looked so marvelous in their beautiful fall colors! And I like that cute Getaway Gang '08 mug too!
ReplyDeleteLove the mug and I thought George was taking care of the leaves and the wood while you were gone!!!!!!!! ;D ;D Welcome home.
ReplyDeleteI told George you wouldn't mind that he didn't get his chores done! Great photographs of the lovely mountains. Now you can sit home for a while.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Home Betsy! I love the mug idea. The foliage is beautiful, how aggravating that your camera stopped working.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure George is happy you're home again.
Sunny :)
Wow - those colors are breathtaking!!
ReplyDeleteA great time was had by all---or so the saying goes. The cup idea was perfect. You gals sure know how to have a good time. The colors are beautiful and I love the pic of the leaves on the deck---I can see them swirling around. MB
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a fabulous time on your trip. Even though your camera gave your trouble, it looks like you still captured some marvelous pictures.
ReplyDeleteHope the rock slide didn't interefere with your travelling and I'm glade you liked the breakfast bake.
Great gift idea! I'm sure your friends loved the mug.
ReplyDeleteYou captured some beautiful fall pictures even with your camera troubles. So funny, I had a similar experience before we left for Tucson. I was going to blog it tomorrow.
I love those glorious fall colors that you captured Betsy. We had a beautiful sunny day yesterday but it's raining and dreary again today!!! Our trees haven't yet turned but will soon.
ReplyDeleteLove the Mug Betsy! Love the pics! Love George for working his magic! :)
ReplyDeleteI checked out all the gallivanting you and your friends did while you were away. Beautiful places and happy faces, I bet you all had a great time.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are fantastic.The first one with the back-lit leaves is definitely my favorite.Don't over do it with the work,you know we need to 'ease' into it gradually.LOL
ReplyDeleteBlessings,Ruth
What a beautiful spot you visited. How nice of the trees to put on such a glorious show for you girls! The cabin looks so very cosy and a perfect spot for girl time. The mug was so sweet a gift to your friends.
ReplyDeleteYou'll enjoy looking back at this for a long time.
ReplyDeleteOh, what fun y'all had!! Just beautiful....
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking those at lower elevations best start thinking of building an Ark! hehe Thomas called and said that Memphis was washing away and it's all headed our way. I've now have a constant downpour...how about you?
Steph
It's always good to be home!
ReplyDeleteI love the cups. What a great gift that can be cherished for many years to come. I could not live without my camera or my computer. My monitor went out two days ago and I ran right out and bought another. Glad you had a good trip but like you, there's no place like home!
ReplyDeleteThe colors are beautiful and looks like a lovely place with great friends.
ReplyDeleteToo bad your camera stopped working for most of the trip. Good thing George has better batteries!
Such a thoughtful gift you got your friends! Your trip looked wonderful and I always love seeing Autumn pics!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Shelley
Love, love, love those trees !!
ReplyDeleteThe colors are just stunning, and that cabin is the kind I hope to retire in one of these days....up in those very same mountains !
Those mugs are so special, you are indeed the BESTEST of friends..
George is pretty special too ;)
You and George live in a place like heaven on earth. You really picked a great place for retirement. It is a breathtaking place. I have always liked that part of the country. Blue Monday is easier for me, as I have a hard time finding pinks.
ReplyDeleteThose are gorgeous photos, Betsy! I love how the sunlight filters in. I have driven past the sign to Maggie Valley, but have never been there.
ReplyDeleteThe mugs are a wonderful gift! Longtime girlfriends are a blessing.
Those mugs are a great idea! I'm very jealous of your vacation! and of your long time friends :) that's very special indeed.
ReplyDeleteAnd too funny about the batteries. Reminds me of my husband whenver I tell him something isn't working, it's already fixed as soon as he walks in the room.
you guys rock! i love the mug idea, way cool! how i wish i can have a holiday with my childhood friends too. thanks for all the wonderful photos, Betsy! i enjoyed it so much. btw, my tutoring will be over this week. thanks for asking. :)
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteBy sheer accident maybe I came across yr blog thru Ocean Girl and this is to say hello from Malaysia. Was in Tennessee country decades ago when my daughter was studying there. Great fall pictures you have there and we have just returned from Japan and caught the similar scene though not as glorious yet being still earlyfor the kansai area . Happy blogging
The mugs are the cutest idea, I love them. Sorry about your camera but the photos you have are fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the four of you had this time together but I know you are glad to be back home.
Judy
Betsy: That is one beautiful place for sure.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous trees! I love that first shot.
ReplyDeletesimply beautifully captured shots...lovely colours of the season...really wish to be there now!
ReplyDelete