Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to NOVEMBER. Hope you have an awesome and grateful month!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

What a Difference a month can make!!!!

As you know if you have followed my blog regularly,  George and I LOVE driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We were on it in Virginia during the Summer of 2010,  and we were on it near Maggie Valley, NC in the Fall of 2010.   TODAY--I'll show you some pictures from November along the Blue Ridge Parkway,  as we traveled from Asheville, NC to Mount Mitchell during our Thanksgiving trip.

The title tells the entire story...  WINTER is coming to the parkway...  All of the beautiful colors we saw a month before are all gone.  Today,  I will share a little of the Blue Ridge Parkway in NOVEMBER.  Above is a picture I liked, showing the BARE trees --with a pretty sky in the background.  Below are more pictures.





I love seeing the interesting sky and the sun's rays (sunbeams) in this picture...





Here's a good view of some of the mountain ranges --as we traveled along the parkway.





I love seeing the mountains when there are clouds in the sky.  The shadows are just so interesting.... And seeing where the sun is shining on the mountains really is pretty,  don't you think?





This is a picture of the tunnel which is next to the Craggy Gardens area along the Parkway.  IF you are ever in this area in May or June,  be sure and check out the gorgeous Rhododendrons in bloom.  They are marvelous!!!





You can tell how much I loved being in this area along the Blue Ridge Parkway.





You know that George and I are always looking for waterfalls.... WELL--there is one in the distance that we could see from the parkway.. This one is named GLASSMINE Falls--and George took a picture using his long lens.  There is just a trickle of water coming over the falls ---but that is a trickle more than we saw the last time we were there!!!! ha

I have another post of pictures from the Blue Ridge Parkway--which I will post sometime.  Hope you have a wonderful day---and are getting ready for Christmas!!!!!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

After 3 days of bitter cold temps and snow flurries almost constantly,  we finally woke up yesterday morning to some 'measurable' snow...  We still didn't get much (maybe 1/2 an inch) --but it did snow most of the morning, and it covered the ground for awhile and was pretty.   Here is one picture I took while standing on our front porch.    Pretty, huh????

Hugs and stay WARM,
Betsy

70 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Betsy, The snow is very pretty and I know you were happy to enjoy it for a little while! The mountain photos are so beautiful. The sun rays shining through the clouds are lovely! Enjoy your day and stay warm by the fire.

diane b said...

The scenery from the Blue Ridge parkway is stunning. No wonder you enjoy driving there. The rolling mountains are a great backdrop. All the trees look sad without their clothes. You must be happy to see the snow arrive. They have had heaps in England and bought the place to a stop.

RoeH said...

So beautiful. In any season. Love the snow scene in your neighborhood. If we get that here, I'm for sure taking pictures! :)

Ruth Hiebert said...

Those mountains are pretty even without any leaves or color.I too love the play of shadows on the mountains and the way you captured those sunbeams.
Blessings,Ruth

Arkansas Patti said...

Love how you advertise Arkansas with your apparel. Way to go girl.
Your snow is just lovely. We have been in the teens but still no snow. Boo hoo.

Unknown said...

We are supposed to have more snow this weekend, AND this is the weekend Steve and I are going to Indianapolis for the Indiana State Farm Bureau Convention while the girls go to my folks. Hope we can all make it back under the same roof come Sunday! Stay tuned!

Harriet said...

As always love your pictures. Neat picture of the tunnel. Beautiful snow! It sure has been COLD this week.Stay warm.

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

So pretty Betsy...have a wonderful day!!!

Carol E Wyer said...

Hello from a bright sunny, beautifully snowy UK. I don't often praise the UK but today it is like a Christmas card. Your photos are superb and I am have signed up tp be your latest and newest follower/admirer
Please drop by and maybe follow me too.
Warm wishes.
Carol from www.facing50withhumour.blogspot.com
Last post 'Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

Darla said...

The mountains and sky photos are beautiful....BUT I like the front yard snow photo the best!!

Sharon said...

Good Morning, Betsy!
I remember the Blue Ridge Parkway from the first time we drove it, there was reconstruction and everyone was crawling and I was too terrified to enjoy it that time - much better in someone's pictures! Hee hee!

It's sure cold, I am hoping for a warmer January! Still no snow here, but by your radar - we may get some soon - if it's headed this way. Glad that I am staying home!

Have a great day and enjoy your decorating!

From the Kitchen said...

There's great beauty in those mountains even with the colorful leaves fallen. Your photos gave me a memory jolt and a nice chill.

Keep warm!

Best,
Bonnie

Out on the prairie said...

The change allows you to see what was underneath all those leave. It opens the forest more for walks.

Velvet Over Steel said...

Very pretty snow in deed!!!

The 'sky' pictures from your trip absolutely 'took my breath away'!!! Gorgeous!!!!!!

Love & Hugs back, Betsy!!!!
Coreen

MadSnapper said...

these are all beautiful, my two best picks are the first with incredible blue sky showing and the tunnel. great view from your front porch

Busy Bee Suz said...

Beautiful Betsy!!!!
Enjoy your snow....brrrrrr.

Dorothy said...

Wonderful shots of the mountains! My favorite is the one of you with those layers of mountains in the background. Beautiful snow picture

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Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

We definitely need to schedule a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Your pictures are gorgeous.

Fred Alton said...

Though we have traveled many many thousands of miles in the U.S., S. America, Europe and Africa, I've always said that there is no place prettier than our Eastern TN/Western NC mountains. Actually the Blue Ridge is included because it's part of Appalachia. I love these mountains and the beauty remains during the four distinct seasons. You and George do a great job of capturing the soul of this area with your photos.

I Am Woody said...

Beautiful shots! My brother said that the cold and snow is making life miserable on the jobsite - had 3 guys quit! And speaking of snow, I talked with my cousin from western NY - they had gotten over 40 inches of snow in the last few days with another foot predicted!!

Peggy said...

Nothing is more beautiful than the Blue Ridge Mountains in any season. Am jealous you got snow! We have had the really cold temps with the animal water freezing but no snow. Have a warm blessed day.

Sunny said...

Your mountain pictures are awesome.
We don't have snow here yet but it's bitterly cold...brrrr!
Yesterday I had to travel about 30 miles west of my house and ran into snow so I know it won't be long before it will be here!
Stay warm.
☼ Sunny

Lynda said...

No thank you to snow on my driveway and road but Praise God for HIM showing HIS awesomeness in the mighty, majestic mountains! I love the shot of the multiple ranges behind you.

Anonymous said...

Would you like some more snow, Betsy? We have at least 2 feet of snow on the ground, and it is still snowing. Other locales nearby have more snow than we do. Some locales get slammed by lake effect snow; other locales get little or nothing. Randolph, NY has 4 feet of snow on the ground.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Love your photos again, I feel I am there! Freezing is bad to me...whew

nanny said...

The pictures of the parkway are just too pretty to be real.....

Ginny Hartzler said...

Yes, that IS a pretty picture outside of your house, and I can see the snowflakes falling! I love those sunbeams, they can be so hard to photograph. When I do it, they somehhow fade out in the picture. Yikes, that creepy tunnel looks like a big drainage pipe from this angle! I'm continuing to enjoy your pretty poinsettas on the header!

DayPhoto said...

Your house and yard are looking really good. I loved the Christmas tree on George's blog.

Merry Christmas!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Love Of Quilts said...

Your snow picture is pretty....while reading I got a fast glance at the fourth picture on your post and it looked like a eye was looking back at me lol. God Bless Trish

Cheryl @ TFD said...

The Blue Ridge Mountains are beautiful, leaves or no leaves on trees! Great photos. Have a wonderful day! ~Cheryl

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

What gorgeous pics, Betsy! I love driving on the parkway, through the Smokies, etc at all times of the year! It almost feels like a different place each season, doesn't it!
Happy Holidays to both you & George,and your families!
xo, misha

CottonLady said...

Betsy, I love your little Christmas snowman on your sidebar! Really enjoyed your pictures, as usual. I feel like I'm along for the ride as you two travel. Good picture of you, too. Your home and yard are lovely dressed in the white stuff.

Blessings!
CottonLady

imac said...

Aother super post my friend, beautiful shots.

Tracy said...

Betsy,
I just love the photos of your adventures...we all need a little adventure in our hearts that fill us with good memories.
PS...you just keep that snow...no more in NC. I think we've had our allotment for the month on SAturday! :)

Becca's Dirt said...

The last snow pic is so pretty. Those are some majestic mountains. Post card photos.

~mel said...

Isn't it pretty when it snows and everything looks so clean and fresh. That's a cute picture of you ~ smiling by your mountains!!

GreatGranny said...

The mountain photos are just beautiful and of course I love the snow photo. I'm still waiting for even a nice flurry. We sure have the cold temps tough.

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a difference a month makes is right!! It sure looks different without the leaves.

~Ron

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Nice pictures today of your travels back when and our recently snow here. I like the snow but do wish we could be a tad warmer. Our lake is not frozen but I saw early this afternoon where some of the water hazards and small lakes are getting pretty icy on their margins. Have a wonderful evening & stay warm.

amelia said...

Your mountains are spectacular Betsy. It would be my life's wish to see them for real.

I hope you get lots more snow, I know how you love it and it's the season!!

LV said...

If I want to take a trip and cannot go, I will just visit your blog. You make me feel like I have been there through your lens. Always some of the best in photography. I love that dark blue in the first shot.

Kay said...

Doesn't matter what season it is, or what month it is....you live in a beautiful state.

Wendy said...

I haven't been here much lately, Betsy and look what I've been missing!! I absolutely love those pointsiettas in your header. They are gorgeous!!

I've got to come and visit the mountains one day. Your pics are truly awesome. I especially love the one with the sunbeams shining down. It looks like God is smiling and sending us all joybeams.
Hugs

Connie said...

The mountains are pretty any time of year, I think, Betsy. I'm glad you got some of the snow you love so much. Hope you are staying warm! :)

JDS said...

Nice shots from the Parkway. With the combination of no leaves and reduced haze, you can see so much farther in the mountains during the winter than in any other season. But I really, really like the picture from your porch - there is something visually pure about snow, so much so that I smile every time I see a picture of it.

Cheryl said...

Oh Betsy I so love visiting your blog and seeing where you and George have been. What lovely photos you have taken and I especially like the second photo with the sunbeams. I am glad you experienced "some" some, I know how much you like it. We are going to be having a few days of temps in the 20s..a little too cool for me. Have a lovely weekend.

Gerry's Soap N Stuff said...

I have been on the Blue Ridge Parkway some years ago. Beautiful area and your pictures prove it. Gerry

carolina nana said...

That last picture is really pretty. snow makes Christmas decorations so pretty.
Stay warm and have a blessed tomorrow.
Marilyn

DeniseinVA said...

Such pretty photos of the parkway Betsy, and I loved the one of you. The last snow picture, it's gorgeous, but do take care if you go outside. Still no snow up in my part of Virginia and it has dropped to 16 degrees F.

DeniseinVA said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeniseinVA said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeniseinVA said...

wow Betsy, so sorry but for some reason my message was repeated 3 times. I should have stopped pressing that button when I was having difficulty getting my comment across, so that was me with all the deleted messages ;0

Karin said...

Your photos again are amazing! What a gorgeous place. Can't believe how small that trickle is over the falls! So happy you have your long awaited snow for the holy days!!

Diane said...

Beautiful shots Betsy. I really had to squint to see the water. But it was a waterfall! Diane

ratieh said...

those mountain views pics are amaaaaziiinggg. me likey! =D

Kirigalpoththa said...

Wow! Spectacular photos. Love the mountain vistas!!

The first one with trees is very artistic!!

mudderbear said...

This is a nice trip through lovely country. There is such peace and calm in your pictures. I really enjoy them.
Stay warm and happy.
Rosalie/mudderbear

Ida said...

Enjoy the snow! Hope you get enough to play in it!! ;)

Carol E Wyer said...

Morning Betsy,
Just dropped by to thank you for your really kind comment. I appreciate you visiting. You're welcome any time and I shall be back to enjoy some more of your 'Joyful Reflections'.
Carol

SquirrelQueen said...

Even with all the leaves gone the Blue Ridge Parkway has some of the most incredible scenery. I love those shots of the clouds and spot of sunshine over the mountains.

You did get some snow, it really looks pretty Betsy. Our weather has warmed up and the snow is gone, we hit 44 today. A real heatwave!

KathyA said...

Very, Very pretty, Betsy!!
And yes, I can really tell how much you love that area-- it's written across your face. I can also understand why -- so very beautiful.

And those Glassmine Falls!!! How gorgeous!!

It's remarkably cold here, too, but we've had only a couple incidences of flurries. Sunday, it's supposed to get up to 50° and then plummet like stone to a high of 28 on Monday!

Janie said...

I love the sunrays and the layers of mountains fading into the distance.
Snow! It's beautiful. We've had a little but it has melted. I'm hoping for more before Christmas.

Cicero Sings said...

Loved all your wreaths on the previous post ... and you've even a little snow to get you into the real spirit of things.

The low light brings out the blue of the Blue Ridge Parkway!

Twilight Man said...

the Blue Ridge mountains looked so heavenly and peaceful. I could sit there all day gazing and relaxing at the scenery with a hot cuppa! Hmmm!... I love to wake up and see snow flurries blanketing the whole lawn! Nice surprise to start the day happily. I miss those Pittsburgh days!

Valerie said...

Gorgeous blue skies along the parkway - although one of my favorite shots was the one with the sun rays coming thru! Always makes me think that God is ever taking care of us!

Love your snow shot! Just enough to feel festive, ay?

It has been such a crazy week for me - so I am just getting around to visit! My youngest is now on the freshman basketball team - so I get to go to 2 games a week - although last night was parent conferences - so even though music teachers don't have conferences - they want us to work the same hours as the classroom teachers - so yesterday I had to work 1230- 800pm. Thankfully Larry got to take the day off and do all my normal after school running around!

Just throws the whole schedule off - And of course the Band Boosters sold wreaths and poinsettia's and we were told we had to deliver them the day we picked them up - so needless to say - Wednesday was nuts - driving all over Western NY to deliver the ones people bought to support Jake and the band.

Finally it is Friday (2 weeks before Christmas) and I have not bought one gift yet! Guess I will be out with the crowds this weekend! Not something I am looking forward to at all!!

Mary said...

I love that first photo with the patch of blue sky. Beautiful!