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...

Thursday, December 31, 2009

2009 Favorites: ROSES


This is the third post of my 2009 Favorites... I've enjoyed doing this simply because I have been able to go back in all of my photos and think about what a wonderful year we have had. Today --on this New Year's Eve, I am showing you my 12 favorite photos of ROSES which bloomed in our yard during 2009. I have to give ALL of the credit to George since this is his 'thing'--and since he takes such good care of all 50-or-so of them... He works hard ---and I get to ENJOY...

The picture above is always one of my favorites (George's also) and its name is DOUBLE DELIGHT. Below are 11 more, in no particular order.





APRICOT NECTAR





BRIGADOON





DREAM COME TRUE





CHICAGO PEACE





MR. LINCOLN (Since I love red roses, this one has always been a favorite of mine.)





FIRST PRIZE





GLOWING PEACE




SWEET FREEDOM





FREDERIC MISTRAL





WILDFIRE






VETERAN'S HONOR (another of my fav's)

I'm going to take a few more days off from blogging (busy with family/friends, etc.), so I just wanted ALL of you to know how much I appreciate you and your comments. I started blogging in June of 2006 (on another site) ---and had almost NO people reading or commenting.. After getting discouraged, I finally changed to BLOGGER (January 1, 2009) ---and WOW--what a fabulous year I have had!!!!

In this one year, I have had over 44,000 visitors to my blog. I have posted 315 times, AND I have 191 followers. I average about 35-45 comments on my blog every time I post. AND--I try to visit your blog every chance I get. When I started last January, I had no idea how totally AWESOME blogging would be. Thank all of you SO much. I feel as if I have friends from all over the world now.

YOU, my friends, have totally enriched my life in ways you could never imagine. I wish for you nothing but blessings, good health and happiness in 2010..

HAPPY NEW YEAR
!! (I will be blogging again on Monday, January 4!)

Hugs to All,

88 comments:

Neal said...

Now those brighten my day!! They are beautiful.

You would be disappointed Betsy...we didn't get any snow. I just took my wife and daughter to the airport and it was 35 degree and misty. I hope it doesn't get colder and freeze...yukkkk!

Neal said...

BTW, Happy New Year to you and George!!!

amelia said...

Beautiful roses Betsy!!

I want you to know that I always read but don't always comment. Sometimes there's just nothing left to say after reading all the other commenters!!

I love your blog and in particular, love the waterfalls and the sights around your home.

eileeninmd said...

Lovely colors and beautiful roses, Betsy.

Tabor said...

Those photos are so nice I swear I can smell them!

Arkansas Patti said...

Such a lovely bunch that George provided for us all. You are sure he is not for hire???
You have had such amazing success because you are such an amazing positive person who posts beauty and happiness. Everyone wants that and thank you for providing us with the daily fresh air.
Wishing you and George will continue with a marvelous year.
HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR BETSY AND GEORGE.

imac said...

Roses grow on you Betsy.
Happy New Year.

Cedar ... said...

I'm going to join you in naming Mr.Lincoln my favorite. That's an amazing rose. The color is so deep. May you and George have a wonderful 2010..full of health and happiness.

Beth said...

I'm really enjoying seeing your favorites of the year, Betsy. It's so nice to be reminded of such loveliness again---thank you. And I thank for your blog and for your friendship and for the wonderful comments you make on my blog. I always look forward to them. May you and George have a New Year full of joy, peace, and happiness.

Beth

Tins and Treasures said...

Your roses are beautiful... they look so fresh and colorful. We have over 12 inches of snow here!

Thanks for stopping by. Happy New Year ~Natalie

Valerie said...

Happy New Year! The roses are gorgeous! I never have luck with them. We always get black spot! But who needs to grow my own when I can see yours.

I really have appreciated finding your blog. As you have said, we do have a lot in common!

But since I started blogging in April of this year, I have been encouraged so much. I started mostly as a way to get back into writing, to work thru some of my thoughts and to post some of my pictures,but then I was so glad to have come in contact with you. You are such an encourager and it makes me smile when I visit your page and whenever I see a comment from you.

Thank-you and I hope and pray the new year brings you much joy and peace and love (do you think you could handle anymore!!) into your lives.

It's been a pleasure that I look forward to continuing!

Sunny said...

Amazing roses, I couldn't choose a favorite they are all so beautiful.
A very Happy New Year to you and George!
Sunny :)

Roses and Lilacs said...

Hi Betsy, Some of your roses are my favorites too. Double Delight-I photograph more than any of my other roses. Chicago Peace has the loveliest color blends and Mr Lincoln is one of the prettiest and smelliest reds.

Happy New Year too you and may all your wishes come true in 2010.
Marnie

Reanaclaire said...

wow..i m going to add u Betsy.. your blog is very refreshing.. i love the way you snap your pictures.. the flowers really look so fresh and alive!

Anonymous said...

Your blog is off to a great start Betsy! I've enjoyed reading about the adventures of Betsy and George and looking at all your wonderful waterfall and rose photos, Happy New Year!

Joe Todd said...

Sure glad I met you and George and wanted to say HAPPY NEW YEAR and thanks for sharing your world

Mary said...

Your favorites are our favaorites, too! We thank you for sharing them this past year. Your roses and waterfalls are always bright spots for any day.

I Am Woody said...

With each pic, I would think "Oh that's my fave" then I would see the next pic:)

Susie said...

Hey Betsy! These roses are so pretty. I like the orange/yellow ones the best.

Hope you and George and a Happy New Year.

Anonymous said...

Great shots! Your roses are GORGEOUS! Happy New Year to you and George!

Kelly said...

...I was waiting for your gorgeous roses to appear on your Favorites List! They are so beautiful... Have a wonderful New Year's celebration with your family and friends!

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Happy New Year to you...the rose photos are so gorgeous...and I'm looking forward to seeing more in 2010..thank you for being my friend!!!

Diane AZ said...

A wonderful way to wrap up the year with your favorite birds, waterfalls and roses! I enjoy visiting your beautiful blog. Best wishes to you and George for a happy healthy 2010!

Small City Scenes said...

Wow!! Those roses are just beautiful. A Rose by any other name.......

I remember when I first visitied your blog quite back a while ago and look at you. You've come a long way, baby!!! Good for you.

Happy New Year to you and George. MB

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: Real beauties and so well captured.

Janice K said...

A Blessed New Year to you too, Betsy. My, my, I could almost smell the roses!

Busy Bee Suz said...

Such gorgeous roses!!!! I agree, this blogging world is very sweet. I wish I could hug all my blogger friends in person!!!
Happy New year to you both.
XOXOX
Suz

willzmom said...

Oh, I can just smell those beautiful roses! I hope that you have a wonderful new year full of good things.

Unknown said...

Happy New Year Betsy! Thank you for the roses; they are spectacular!

Thistlebrooms said...

Betsy...
Wishing you & George the Happiest of New Years together...AND another year of Sweet Roses...

Yes, I CAN only dream of the Eiffel Tower in Paris though...

Always~Marilyn

Loran said...

Your roses are beautiful, but not as beautiful as you! You get so much support because you give so much away. Happy New Year!

Karin said...

You and George are such a blessing to me! I'm much more excited about visiting your blogs than about writing my own!! Your enthusiasm and joy of life is inspiring. Love those roses! What exquisite photos! You need to start making calendars! I would love a calendar with these roses on there every month or the waterfalls!

A heart full of love to you for a wonderful 2010!!

Hugs,
Karin

Unknown said...

Roses are such great subjects! Lovely shots!

Happy new year!!! :)

Diane said...

Picking a favorite rose would be like picking your favorite child. Each one is more beautiful than the other. Beautiful post, Betsy. Happy New Year!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and George.Hope the New Year is filled with all the best things in life.As for the roses,they are all my favorites.What an awesome bouquet.Thanks.
Blessings,Ruth

Snap said...

I love your roses and have decided to add some roses to Musashi's Garden -- putting them in pots. It's all your fault (and George's)!!!!!

Happy, Happy New Year!

LV said...

One of the most beautiful rose shows I have ever seen. I can just sit back and look at your post all day. Breathtaking and looking forward to seeing more in the Spring. You two take care and wishing you the best of health for the New Year. So thankful for this blog world in making some great friends.

Cheryl said...

Oh Betsy what a beautiful post today. You don't know how much the beautiful roses brightened my day, as it is snowing hard and has been cold for several days. I too have so enjoyed meeting so many wonderful bloggers and count you and George as blessings in my life as well! Your blogs are so uplifting and cheerful and bring smiles to my face each day. Have a most wonderful, blessed, healthy New Year.

Dorothy said...

Betsy, I was going to pick one favorite, but that's impossible! They are all gorgeous!!!
I hope you and George have a wonderful New Year!

Connie said...

Your roses are all gorgeous, Betsy. I think it was a very good year for roses at your house this year. :)

Wishing you and George all the very best for the new year!

pam said...

Absolutely beautiful roses! I hope you and George have a Wonderful New Year!

Betty said...

You roses are soooooooooo beautiful.I can not even begain to pick a favorite.
I hope the New Year finds you and yours happy and healthy.
~~Love hugs and Good Thoughts~~

Regina said...

Delightful and so loveley!
Happy New Year! All the best. Cheers!

SquirrelQueen said...

Those gorgeous blooms definitely brighten my day, I love Double Delight.

I was thinking about you today as the snow fell, would gladly send you some if I could. I would even leave out the freezing rain.

Have a very Happy New Year,
Judy

Rajesh said...

Very lovely roses.
Wish you Happy & Prosperous New Year.

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Absolutely breathtaking !
Thanks for all the lovely visits you've given me over the past year, it's been a delight getting to know you and George.
Wishing you a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.
Hugs,
Jo
x

Anonymous said...

Happy Happy New Year

Kirigalpoththa said...

Dear Betsy and George,

Wish you a bright and prosperous new year 2010!

Best wishes,

K

DeniseinVA said...

Feel the same way about you Betsy. Happy New year to you and George. May 2010 bring you much joy.

diane b said...

They are just fabulous roses and photographs. Give George my congratulations on doing ll the hard work to produce thos gogeous blooms. I like the apricot one very much. Hope the New Year brings you many more happy blogging days.

Simply Debbie said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND GEORGE,
THERE ARE ACTUALLY 13 BEAUTIFUL ROSES LISTED AND YOU, BETSY ARE # 13. IT HAS BEEN SO LOVELY GETTING TO KNOW YOU THIS PAST YEAR.
I APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY YOU BRING FOR US TO SEE. I ALSO LOVED YOUR WATERFALL PICTURES BUT I AM PARTIAL TO WATERFALLS.
I STARTED A NEW BLOG BETSY, CALLED:
SIMPLY DEBBIE
YOU CAN GET TO IT FROM MY PROFILE PAGE ON THERE'S AN ANGEL ON MY FRONT PORCH.
OR THE URL:
http://iamsimplydebbie.blogspot.com
I HAVE JUST 6 ROSEBUSHES. I CAN'T IMAGINE 50....THAT GEORGE IS A GARDENER FOR SURE...I LOVE TO WORK OUT IN THE FLOWERBED.....IT IS SO RELAXING....UNTIL YOU TRY TO MOVE AFTER BENDING OVER....LOL
ENJOY YOUR VISITORS THE NEXT FEW DAYS
ANGEL HUGS
DEBBIE

MadSnapper said...

Lovely, Lovely, Lovely roses

Anonymous said...

It is such a treat to see your beautiful roses on this dismal, weather-wise, day. Actually I love rainy days to gather rainwater for my indoor plants. I was also wistfully looking at garden photos of last summer. I must dream some wonderful project for this new year's garden.

Jayne said...

Such beautiful roses Betsy! I hope you and George have a very Happy New Year ahead. It's a pleasure to call you my blog friend. :c)

penny said...

Happy New Year my friend, Your gorgeous roses put a smile on my face and joy in my heart... what a wonderful gift that is, thanks Betsy.

I wish you and George many blessing and happy trails in 2010 and beyond.

Darla said...

I never tire of George's roses Betsy!! Beautiful as always. Enjoy your blogging break and you too my friend have been a pleasure this year. Look forward to spending more time with you in 2010.

Grammy said...

Happy new year Betsy.

Rose said...

They are real beauties! I could never pick a favorite of all the roses you guys have!

Neal is on his way here, so I wanted to take a minute to wish you and George a Happy New Year! It has really been a pleasure to get to know you guys....I hope you have a wonderful year to come.

Jen said...

Happy New Year Betsy!
Health, Happiness and Many More Blog Posts to You. :)

Tina said...

Happy New Year Girl!!
How do you keep all the names of your wonderful flowers in your head, I would have to keep a little cheat sheet in the ground next to them or a chart of what I planted..these shots are quite a welcomed burst of color this morning!! I just adore the Brigadoon and Dream Come True..such great color combos!! Thanks for sharing your favs. Do hope you and George enjoy the day and have a wonderful 2010 with lots of new water falls and some new birdees who visit you backyard!!

Tes said...

Once again dear Betsy, you have inspired me! I can't wait to work in our backyard after seeing your beautiful blooms! Lovely! Thank you for the inspiration! Happy new year to you and George! *hugs*

Anonymous said...

You are the rose lady. I have found some nice photos from 2007 and 2008 that I would like to use in my blogs but last night was a bad night for me and I didn't get much rest. Most of the time I had one coughing fit after another. I thought I would try to just say, "thanks" to those who stopped today. I appreciate the comments, visits and prayers. I hope things will get back to normal soon.

Bill S. said...

Beautiful roses. It will be a few months before we have any here. But then spring will follow winter and we will get them. Happy New Year to you, George, and you family.

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

Hello Betsy,

Happy New Year from the *other* Tennessee Girl! hehehe...how nice it is to finally be settled back in my home state. :0)

I love, love all of your roses. I'm a rose junkie but right now they are on my vintage fabrics. :0)I'm hoping to have a small rose garden one day.

Next Spring we are gonna make some shabby rustic shutters for the house and dress up the porch a bit. I don't know when I'll get to flowers or anything to grow...so I'll just get my fix from your yard!

Thanks for stopping by for a visit! I'm always so glad to hear from you.

Stay Warm!!.....and where's the SNOW? :0) I was so hoping Thomas would see some *in person* but looks like he won't...boohoo

Talk to ya later,
Steph

Pat - Arkansas said...

Happy New Year to you, too, Betsy and George.

Should I perchance be traveling eastward anywhere in your vicinity,I hope it is during rose season. I shall pop round to admire your roses. They are just gorgeous! Well chosen favorites.

Unknown said...

Betsey, you are a treasure. Your blog has enriched my life. I love your upbeat attitude and lovely photos.

All of the best to you in 2010.

Chris said...

How great to see your lovely roses during this awful cold weather. I wish you and George a very happy New year and may all your roses fluorish.

Unknown said...

It is a time to reflect back. My favorite is the waterfalls. Happy new year Betsy!

Gill - That British Woman said...

Happy New Year to you and your family,

Gill in Canada

Unknown said...

Happy New Year, Betsy ~ It has been delightful knowing you & I look forward to another year of enjoyment with you.

Have a wonderful visit. LOVE LOVE!! those roses.

Hugs, TTFN ~Marydon

EG CameraGirl said...

Beautiful roses to remember, Betsy!

I'm glad you are a blogger - you have so much joy to share!

All the best in 2010!

Chat with Kathleen said...

Betsy,
I have been away from blogging for awhile and decided today was the day I needed to visit my favorite blogger friends that always make me feel so good to be alive. We are having frigid single digit weather in RI and alot of snow 20 inches last week so did I appreciate seeing your post of favorite roses. I have always loved roses in fact, St Theresa of the roses is my patron saint that I pray to. Thank you for these beauties and thank George for always having that rose green thumb. May you and George, my dearest 2 blogger friends have a new year filled with an abundance of joy, love, happiness, good health and great success in whatever you choose to do in your retirement years.
Hugs, Kathleen

Anonymous said...

so beautiful! happy new year!

Lagean Ellis said...

I truly appreciate every flower, waterfall and adventure that you posted this year.
I cherish you, your thoughts and your big heart.
I whole-heartedly agree with you and the thrills that have come with blogging. It has truly become a life saver and form of sanity for me.
But, my friend, it is you and some others that really make it worth while to me. You have such a big heart, kindness for everyone and "that extra something" that makes you special. Happy New Year to you and George. May blessings flood your life and trickle over you like your many cherished waterfalls. You are as magical as they are.
~HUGS~
Gena

Inday said...

Happy New Year Betsy!

What a stunning collection of Roses your Chief Gardener has done for you!

Very spectacular and I hope I can remember all their names.

Thanks for making my blogging colourful Betsy. I don't contribute regularly but only when I am able.

All the best for you and George and the whole lot of your family and friends.

Kelly said...

...girl, look at you with 75 comments! (...and this is my second--I just can't get enough it seems). Mary and Ron went to the dinner/dance thing in Fairfield Glade on New Year's Ever. I guess they had a good time. Did you go?

Anonymous said...

Oh my ... what GORGEOUS roses! I love the first & third especially ... but they're all just beautiful. Happy Pink Saturday! I shared Pretty PINK Flowers from Sunny Southern California this morning to brighten your day. Enjoy ;-)
Happy New Year!
Hugs and blessings,

marmee said...

roses are so beautiful and your collection exquisite.
happy january dear betsy.

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

A touch of spring with all this cold. it is 23 as I write this at 5:36 p. m. happy new year to you also!!!...m.

Adrienne Zwart said...

Hi, Betsy.
Thanks for stopping by today. Hubby is tired, but feels quite a lot better since he stopped the chemotherapy. We are looking forward to some peaceful moments tomorrow. We've had family here all week, which is wonderful, but tiring at the same time.
Hugs,
Adrienne

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

Hey Betsy,

Yes, we woke up to snow also..not much but at least Thomas got to see some in person instead of pictures emailed to him.

It is COLD in these here mountains..bbbbrrrrrrrrrr :0)

I looked out at the thermometer an hour ago and it was 15 degrees..the pellet stove is flaming away down below and the electric heat hasn't shut off on the main level. We are in the deep freeze for several days coming as you are...

Thomas has to leave this morning but he's calling the Highway Patrol first to check the highways...It's snowing in Memphis now and is supposed to all day...

Stay warm!
Hugs, Steph

Unknown said...

Beautiful, I think my fave is either Dream Come True or Chicago Peace, hard to pick. Congrats on your blog, I agree that having a blog adds a whole other element to your life. Happy New Year to you and George.

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed looking at all your favorite things. Those roses make me think of spring and it is so cold here today. Six degrees this morning with a windchill of 3 below and more of the same all week but only 76 more days till spring! Maybe, it will come early this year. I hope, I hope, I hope!

Shelley said...

Betsy, after staring at piles of white snow - I loved seeing your beautiful colorful flowers! So glad to have met you and George through blogging. Wishing you both a blessed new year!!
Hugs,
Shelley

Jenny said...

Beautiful, beautiful pictures. I adore roses. And you have some lovely varieties. Lately I've been going for the antique style roses a bit more. But the old standards are always lovely. Thanks for visiting my blog. I am your newest follower! Happy New Year!

Jenny said...

Beautiful, beautiful pictures. I adore roses. And you have some lovely varieties. Lately I've been going for the antique style roses a bit more. But the old standards are always lovely. Thanks for visiting my blog. I am your newest follower! Happy New Year!

The Retired One said...

Betsy,
They are gorgeous!! I can't even decide which one I like best.
I swear I can smell them by looking at them!
Thanks also to you for being a Follower of my blog and leaving all the wonderful comments that you do!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I can almost smell each and every rose! What a nice varieties that you grow..I coulod not pick out a favorite as they are all so beautiful!