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...

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Visit from Cousins


This weekend, two of my cousins came to visit. Carol and Bonnie are 1st cousins since they have the same grandmother. I am their 2nd cousin since my grandmother and their grandmother were sisters. I am the oldest of the three of us, being born in 1942. Carol was born in 1946 and Bonnie was born in 1947. We all remember each other while growing up --but I had lost touch until a couple of years ago. Bonnie and Carol are almost like sisters although Bonnie lives in Florida and Carol lives in Michigan. Meeting here in Tennessee is perfect for ALL of us.

Bonnie is married to Dave, and they have a beautiful home (which they keep remodeling) in Melbourne, FL. Bonnie is one of the most creative people I've known --and even though we are cousins, I didn't inherit any of her gifts of decorating, scrapbooking, etc.


Carol is married to John, and they live in Battle Creek, Michigan. Carol is like my good friend, Judy. Her life is all about her kids and grandkids.. She has 2 children, a son and a daughter, and five grandchildren.


Yesterday, the three of us cousins had a "Girls' Day Out".... We went shopping, antiquing, more shopping, and had lunch together. AND---there was a TON of talking going on the entire time.

Today, during the afternoon, there are 7 of us who are going to Fall Creek Falls for dinner at the state park restaurant there. Bonnie's husband couldn't come with her this time, but Carol's husband, John, is here. Carol and John are staying with John's sister and hubby who live in Sparta, TN (near here). SO---all of us (including George and me) are going to meet and enjoy dinner together, and also see the park and the waterfalls in the Fall. I hope to have some pictures soon.


Today, I'll introduce you to these two special cousins. George was nice enough to take some pictures before we left home yesterday for our fun day. Above is me, Bonnie and Carol taken inside our home in front of the fireplace. Below is one more of the three of us --taken outside near the front porch.




I hope all of you are having a wonderful weekend also.



Hugs,

31 comments:

Arkansas Patti said...

Don't get into too much trouble ladies. Isn't it wonderful when your family are also your friends.
Hope you had a grand dinner. Pictures of course--right?
Enjoy each other and have a great rest of the weekend.

Darla said...

Looks like trouble looking for a place to happen!!

Beth said...

It's always so wonderful to visit with loved ones we haven't seen for a while, isn't it? I can just tell from looking at the picture of the three of you that you're going to have a real good time, Betsy! I'm looking forward to the pictures!

Shelley said...

Glad you are having fun with your cousins! You ladies behave yourselves!!! :-)
(So you have 1 cousin in Michigan huh??? Gives you a reason to come to our lovely state....)
Hugs,
Shelley

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: You could pass for sisters, the family traits are quite evident in you three cousins.

Busy Bee Suz said...

You and your cousins are so cute. I love that you found each other and reconnected. Family is so important to you and myself as well!!
Have fun Betsy!!!

Sunny said...

Uh Oh...the Three Musketeers! I'm glad you are having such a nice time together.
Sunny :)

Small City Scenes said...

Oh what fun you all will have betsy. Cousins, friends, dinner and a waterfall---could life be any better!!! Enjoy! MB

Snap said...

How delightful for all of you! Girls day out ... yipppeeee!

Cheryl said...

I noticed a resemblance between you three girls. How wonderful you all are together and enjoying yourselves. So many families lose touch and don't even know each other. Looking forward to photos!

Betty said...

It is so nice when family can get togeather and have a wonderful time. You always have such a lovely smile. I love girls days out.
~~Hugs~~

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Three beautiful ladies with "life and love" in their eyes!!!

I Am Woody said...

So glad you are getting to spend some time with your cousins. I hope you have a great rest of the weekend!!

Karin said...

So glad for you! You ladies look ready to have some fun! Thank George for the lovely photos!

JunieRose2005 said...

Hi Betsy,


I know you're having a good time visiting with your cousins!

Nothing like shared family history to keep ppl close! :)

Enjoy!


Junie

Cassie said...

Sure can see the resemblence in you girls! All good looking too.:<)

Loran said...

I was best friends with my cousin as a little girl, but then her mom died (my mother's sister) and they moved away. For years we didn't communicate but thanks to the internet we reconnected and have become very close friends again. I've been to visit her 3 times in the last 5 years! It's such a special relationship. I'm glad you reconnected with your cousins too.

Diane said...

Great that you've all had a chance to get together and have a fun time. Enjoy the weekend.

SmilingSally said...

How fun to be able to spend time with your cousins!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

I can only imagine the conversation that took place during this visit.Women always have something to talk about,and being cousins there must be even more.Hope the day will be fondly remembered.
Blessings,Ruth

Unknown said...

What a special time for the three of you.

Bill S. said...

Looks like a lot of wisdom in you three ladies. I have seven sisters and when they get together it is a hoot. I am glad I don't have to be with them when they are together!!!!! A lot of memories. Thanks.

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

Hey Betsy,

What fun to get together with these two cousins...being a military brat I must admit I missed out on getting to know most of my extended family. Too much moving too often....and my mother seemed to NOT want to go back to Crossville in her off time..haha...small town mountain girl was happier in her new life I guess. Funny though, how she went back there to live out her later years. Things happen the way they are meant too...I do believe that or else I would never have met Thomas. ;0)

I know you all had a great time..I'll look forward to pictures!

Hugs,
Steph

Kelly said...

...I bet you guys were a hoot running around town. Did you stay out of trouble for the most part? Are you close to Fall Creek Falls? I went there as a kid and LOVED it. I'd like to go back one of these days.

Connie said...

What fun to have a girls day out. It is great that you are able to keep in touch with your family members, Betsy. Looks like you had a lovely time.

EG CameraGirl said...

What fun to get together with your cousins!

Cookie said...

That's great that you still get together and had a girls day out. I'm jealous. I never get to see any of my cousins. The nearest one is in NJ!

Mary said...

Always so good to see relatives and you have such a friendly personality I imagine you were in seventh heaven during their visit.

Lola said...

I just know you 3 girls had a ball. So happy for you.

SquirrelQueen said...

Girl's days out are always fun, and probably even more so when the girls are cousins. Hope you didn't get into too much trouble.

Hugs,
Judy

Sunny said...

So glad you all have re-united! Ohhhh yes! .... Michigan, Florida, and Tenneesee are my fave states!

Lovely picture of you three cousins. :) Hugs.