Thursday, February 17, 2011

Fabulous Valentine's Trip

George and I had a wonderful Valentine's trip to join our good friends,  Judy and Charlie, in their beautiful mountain home in North Carolina.  We went out to dinner a couple of times.  We TALKED and TALKED and just relaxed.  It was a wonderful trip and a great way to  celebrate Valentine's Day --with such good friends.   Above is a picture of me and Judy.  Judy is standing up on some steps --since she is really MUCH shorter than I am!!!!!





We visited Biltmore House and Gardens in Asheville, North Carolina AGAIN (since we have season's tickets now)..  Since it is still winter,  there were no outside flowers blooming yet.. We have to wait until April to go back for that.  BUT--we did visit the Conservatory again --and there were many beautiful green plants and several beautiful flowers in bloom as you can see from the above picture.  As you can imagine,  we took a gazillion pictures ---so you will be seeing them on our upcoming blogs I'm sure.  (My new header was taken at Biltmore on Valentine's Day.)





Here's a view of the beautiful North Carolina mountains above Fontana Lake (which was very low on this side of the dam).  The mountains are very pretty--even in winter, aren't they????





And of course a trip wouldn't be a real vacation for us IF we didn't stop and see some waterfalls.  Isn't this a pretty little waterfall??  I loved seeing all of the Rhododendrons along that little creek.





George and I had a wonderful time with our friends...  I'm sure the four of us solved ALL of the problems in the world this week---with all of the talking we did!!!  ha ha





These are two wonderful people, Charlie and Judy.   We are blessed to have two such wonderful friends...  Thanks for the great time, you two!!





Finally,   no mountain vacation would be complete without a gorgeous sunset.... The weather was fabulous all week----and we enjoyed beautiful blue skies plus sunsets (like the one above) --over the mountains..     Life was beautiful in the North Carolina mountains, and we certainly enjoyed the view from Judy and Charlie's home!!!!

Hope you had a great Valentine's Day and week.
Hugs,
at

73 comments:

  1. Big DudeFebruary 17, 2011 at 4:19 AM

    Looks like a great place to spend Valentine's Day. We were in the NC mountains as well.

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  2. BethFebruary 17, 2011 at 4:36 AM

    It would be wondeful to wake up to such a view every morning. They are very blessed.
    Looks and sounds like a fantastic time. Glad you could go.
    I love the header.:)

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  3. DarlaFebruary 17, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    I'm glad you had a nice and safe trip...I want that begonia in your header, it is a begonia, right? Whatever it's name, I still want it!

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  4. ratiehFebruary 17, 2011 at 4:53 AM

    Hi Betsy! seems that you had a really great valentine's trip! and you got a very beautiful sunset pic! me likey..

    *hugs*

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  5. SciaradaFebruary 17, 2011 at 5:15 AM

    Buongiorno Betsy, a nice way to celebrate Valentine's Day, I wish to you and your husband and to the couple of your friends a happy day, even if late!
    A kiss!

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  6. JoFebruary 17, 2011 at 5:36 AM

    What a lovely trip with such good friends in beautiful surroundings. Welcome back Betsy and George. Hugs Jo

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  7. Ruth HiebertFebruary 17, 2011 at 5:40 AM

    Beautiful scenes,made even better for you,since you experienced them with good friends.The mountains are lovely and that little waterfall is precious.
    Ruth

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  8. ameliaFebruary 17, 2011 at 5:51 AM

    What lovely pictures!!! I can't imagine how wonderful it would be to wake up to those views every day! Oh well, in my dreams!!

    I'm happy you had such a great time, nothing like good friends and good chatting!! :)

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  9. KellyFebruary 17, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    ....Betsy, it looks like you had a wonderful time. I'd love to be close enough to the Biltmore to have season passes. I enjoyed it when we visited there a couple of summers ago.

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  10. MelanieFebruary 17, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    I'm glad you had such a good time visiting with your friends. Your pictures are just beautiful...as always!! :)

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  11. TracyFebruary 17, 2011 at 6:06 AM

    WElcome Home, my dear! I missed you but am so glad you had such a glorious wonderful time; now about those problems solved...when is you appt. with the president so you can chat about your solutions?
    I'm sending you an e-mail...

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  12. JeanneFebruary 17, 2011 at 6:08 AM

    Yes you are right - the mountains are beautiful all year! Beautiful pictures.

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  13. mamahasspokenFebruary 17, 2011 at 6:13 AM

    Looks like a wonderful time spent with great friends and beautiful surroundings. Glad you had a good time!

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  14. Arkansas PattiFebruary 17, 2011 at 6:19 AM

    Beautiful scenery, great friends and the ability to solve world problems, who could ask for more.
    So happy you had such a lovely time.

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  15. diane bFebruary 17, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    How could you not have a good time with such beautiful scenery, nice friends and a sunset.

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  16. HarrietFebruary 17, 2011 at 6:40 AM

    Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip!

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  17. SnapFebruary 17, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    Looks like a wonderful way to celebrate St. Valentine's Day. Love the waterfall and sunset. Always fun to travel with you.

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  18. MadSnapperFebruary 17, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    welcome home, we missed you, love the header, so pretty. they look like great friends to visit. i am shocked you found a waterfall. ha ha and even more shocked you took a gazillion pictures, ha ha again

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  19. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    Looks like a lot of fun and with the nice weather, your photos are just beautiful. So happy you had this opportunity to visit with friends. Enjoy your day Betsy.

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  20. Janice KFebruary 17, 2011 at 7:50 AM

    Good friends, good weather and a good time...I'm happy for you.

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  21. Thoughtfully Blended HeartsFebruary 17, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    Betsy, so glad you had a wonderful trip...you sound and look so happy and refreshed. ...and I'm glad y'all solved all the problems...gets a load off of me :-) I'm going to get to go to Biltmore!!! Michael has a week of training at Johnson City in early March and I'm tagging along since I think it's close enough for me to get to Biltmore !!! I'm excited!!!
    Have a beautiful day!!!

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  22. DFebruary 17, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    Betsy, we missed you but see you were hard at work. ;) A happy belated Valentines Day to you and George. Love those Carolinas!

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  23. Out on the prairieFebruary 17, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    A lovely area to visit. I am envious of you going to the conservatory.A touch of summer in there.

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  24. PedalingFebruary 17, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    perfect valentines week-end.
    wow, that sunset!!
    yay for great friends, visiting and love and water and the n.c. mountains!

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  25. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Hi Betsy, So happy you enjoyed your jaunt! I like the pictures very much. A trip to the Biltmore is on my agenda for spring. I am glad you got to see your friends. Isn't the weather here at home wonderful? I am really loving it! Have a splendid day today!

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  26. Busy Bee SuzFebruary 17, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    I am so glad you both had a lovely weekend with your sweet friends.
    A season pass to the Biltmore? Oh, how sweet. Love the conservatory!

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  27. Small City ScenesFebruary 17, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    What a grand way to spend a Valentine's Day. Beautiful people, great conversation, good food and nice scenery---how could it get any better than this. MB

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  28. DorothyFebruary 17, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    Glad y'all had a happy time! Your pictures are wonderful. Blessings!

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  29. ~melFebruary 17, 2011 at 8:55 AM

    It looks like a wonderful Valentine's get away! Next year, hopefully ~ we plan on stopping in Ashville on our road trip. I love your Mt. Nebo shirts :)

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  30. Hidden Haven HomesteadFebruary 17, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    You two sure picked the perfect place for a Valentine get away! Love that sunset photo and can't wait to see more of your wonderful trip.

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  31. Cheryl @ TFDFebruary 17, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    Hi Betsy, your photos are great and it looks like you all had a marvelous time. Everyone looks like they are having fun! I'd so love to see the Biltmore...maybe one day before long. You live in a beautiful area with lots to see. I really enjoy all your photos! Have a wonderful day, Cheryl

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  32. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    What a gorgeous picture of the mountains at Fontana Dam. Bob has passed by Fontana a few years ago, while riding the motorcycle. I have yet to see that part of the country. I would love to return to Biltmore again. That is a beautiful place! We have friends who work at Biltmore. When we visited Biltmore a few years ago, our friends gave us free passes. Nice pictures of your friends and you and George.

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  33. LVFebruary 17, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    We missed you, but sounds like you had a very nice time away with your friends. That is a truly beautiful part of our country. Was there once and would like to go back.

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  34. ShugFebruary 17, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    Hi Betsy...I have been waiting for you to get back...I knew you would have some wonderful pictures...BTW what kind of camera do you have? Your pictures are always so clear.
    So glad ya'll had a great get-away. Your friends look lovely and I their place has a beautiful view. Welcome home and I hope your day is filled with joyful happenings!
    Shug

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  35. Fred AltonFebruary 17, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    Looks like you had a lovely trip and time with friends. It's the Good Life! And especially so in the mountains at this time of year. Wonderful.

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  36. Fred AltonFebruary 17, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    Looks like you had a lovely trip and time with friends. It's the Good Life! And especially so in the mountains at this time of year. Wonderful.

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  37. Debbie TaillieuFebruary 17, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    A perfect Valentine Getaway, Betsy!
    Thank you for taking me along!
    Have a fabulous day!
    Debbie's Travels

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  38. Ginny HartzlerFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    Well, you KNOW which picture is my favorite; I love the sunset!! And the lake. Does this qualify as the tinest waterfall you've ever been to? Do you keep records of such things? Like the smallest, the biggest, the most powerfel,etc.? It would be fun to do a post of them all sometime. Your new header is beautiful!! I'm so glad you had so much fun AND the weather was good!!

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  39. Pat - ArkansasFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    Where to begin? Love the plant in the header photo. Gorgeous mountain vista. Beautiful waterfall. Magnificent sunset!

    So glad you had a good time with your friends. That was a lovely Valentine treat.

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  40. Kim@stuffcould....February 17, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    I am so happy that you had such a great trip. I think the Biltmore is beautiful with any season. Great to have such nice friends also
    kim

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  41. I Am WoodyFebruary 17, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    Glad you had such a fabulous trip!

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  42. LorenFebruary 17, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    Beautiful pics Betsy! I am so glad you all had such a wonderful time together and with your friends!! So awesome that you have season passes to Biltmore House....Such a wonderful place to visit and NEVER gets old!!

    Welcome Home....you & George were definitely missed!

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  43. KayFebruary 17, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    They sure do live in a pretty place.

    Kay

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  44. KarinFebruary 17, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    You've had a fabulous trip I see! That flower in the header looks like one from the geranium family - very pretty! Love that itsy-bitsy waterfall too! So cute! What lovely photo of you two couples and a gorgeous sunset to cap it off! You are blessed!

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  45. DianeFebruary 17, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    It sounds like you had a wonderful time. It's nice to have friends that you BOTH like. Nice pictures, Betsy.

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  46. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiFebruary 17, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    Welcome home, Betsy! It looks like you ahd wonderful weather and such a good time at your friend's home. I look forward to seeing more photos from the Biltmore!

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  47. CarlettaFebruary 17, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    It indeed looks like you had a wonderful time!
    Love the shot of the lake! I do think mountains are lovely even in winter. I recently told my Hubs I like seeing way into the forest.
    Your new header is gorgeous!

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  48. This Is My Blog - fishing guyFebruary 17, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    Betsy: That is a beautiful place and you got some great photos.

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  49. Linda at To Behold The BeautyFebruary 17, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    I'm glad you had such a nice get-away, Betsy. It sure looks as if your friends live in a beautiful location. But, then, so do you. :)

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  50. Pat TillettFebruary 17, 2011 at 4:03 PM

    It sounds like a wonderful time was had by all. That sunset was a great way to end the post! Very nice Betsy...

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  51. SunnyFebruary 17, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    Welcome back! I had a feeling you two love birds were on the road again, haha!
    Visiting friends is always fun especially when you get to see such lovely scenery.
    Sorry to be behind with comments I have been running around like a chicken without a head! My son is coming for a week so I may be AWAL for a few days.
    ☼ Sunny

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  52. GlendaFebruary 17, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    Mountains, waterfalls, and sunsets are beautiful any time of the year! And so are good friends!

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  53. LoranFebruary 17, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    You and George take the BEST trips!

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  54. AlainFebruary 17, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    Your photo are wonderful, and the sunset is just beautiful. It looks like you had a great time!

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  55. Corner Gardener SueFebruary 17, 2011 at 6:16 PM

    Hi Betsy,
    That begonia caught my eye right away. What a beauty! I enjoyed your photos and memories of your trip.

    Larry and I went through that area when we went to the Outer Banks June of 2007. It sure is a pretty part of our country.

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  56. amy @ Life in Pink Hi-TopsFebruary 17, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    What a beautiful vacation! It sounds so relaxing. Your pictures are amazing. I love the view of the mountains and the sunset is gorgeous!

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  57. SquirrelQueenFebruary 17, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    Oh Betsy, what a absolutely wonderful way to spend a Valentine's vacation. Friends, flowers and fabulous views, it doesn't get much better than that.

    I love your new header photo.

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  58. LolaFebruary 17, 2011 at 6:42 PM

    I'm so glad that you all had a marvelous time. mtns are lovely all the time & seem to draw one into them.
    Looks like you 2 have been on a diet. You look great.

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  59. CottonLadyFebruary 17, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    Beautiful photos, Betsy! Loved the little waterfall. I also really like your new header...pretty plant. Glad you back and you had a good time.
    P.S. if you've solved the world's problems, PLEASE go to Washington DC and tell them how to do it!! :)
    Blessings!
    CottonLady

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  60. ConnieFebruary 17, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    Welcome back, Betsy! Sounds like you had a great time! I love the sunset picture and the mountains/lake picture is gorgeous too! :)

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  61. DeniseinVAFebruary 17, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    Always so nice to get together with old friends. Glad you had such a great time. The Biltmore house and garden is a place I have been hearing about for several years. Hopefully we will get down that way one day. Love your header photo!

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  62. LyndaFebruary 17, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    As usual, I love your pictures but even more, I like your excitement about the trip.

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  63. The Retired OneFebruary 17, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    Loved these photos Betsy...that waterfall was gorgeous!

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  64. UnknownFebruary 17, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    One of my friends in southern Indiana posted a picture of what I think are crocus coming up out of the snow. Such a welcomed sight. So glad you were able to get with friends; I just returned from a dinner with old friends. They are the best!

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  65. carolina nanaFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Glad you had a great time and good weather.
    I noticed the shirt Judy had on says something about Hendersonville, was it NC or Tenn?
    I remember years ago when I fished a lot and went to Fontana Lake often and each winter they lowered the level so much that you could see all kinds of things that were normally covered with water. I have seen several boat hulls in the bottom of that lake.
    Have a blessed tomorrow.
    Marilyn

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  66. RoseFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    Betsy, sounds like you had a wonderful time. I am getting anxious to head south...but want to wait till I am pretty positive the cold weather is over with.

    Love the photos...gorgeous sunset!

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  67. Love Of QuiltsFebruary 18, 2011 at 12:45 AM

    Life was beautiful here in Tennessee this week too Betsy...So pretty that we spend our Valentines day moving more of our stuff. I like the flower in your header what is it. I'm going to the Biltmore House one of these days. Glad you had a good time. Trish

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  68. Regina February 18, 2011 at 1:02 AM

    Beautiful place Betsy. Thank you for sharing.
    Happy Valentines Day belated.
    xo
    Regina

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  69. KathyAFebruary 18, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    Love the geranium in your new header! Glad you had such a wonderful time. And yes, even in winter those mountains are striking!

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  70. JanieFebruary 19, 2011 at 5:32 PM

    I'm glad you had such a wonderful time with your friends. You certainly saw some beautiful sights. Love the little waterfall, the sunset, and the conservatory.

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  71. MaryFebruary 20, 2011 at 7:55 PM

    Looks like a beautiful trip and being with good friends is always wonderful.

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  72. A Brit in TennesseeFebruary 20, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    Simply gorgeous !
    There isn't anything more beautiful than those mountains, in any season of the year.
    Looks like you had a wonderful time with your friends, fun, food and friends, what could be more delightful!
    You were missed.
    Hugs,
    ~Jo

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  73. KirigalpoththaFebruary 25, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    Wonderful place! Lovely pictures.

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