Monday, May 9, 2011

A "Fantabulous" Week

George and I just returned from another terrific trip to Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina....  We couldn't have picked a better week to be there since there was NOT one drop of RAIN all week... Yeah!!!!!  It was warm and breezy --but not hot and humid.  There were very few people around --so we had the place to ourselves most of the week.  We soaked in the sun on the beach,  caught up with our reading and relaxing,  got some sleep and naps,  did some walking,  took lots of pictures,  and best of all--had some delicious seafood....  Couldn't have been better!!!!

On the way to the beach we stopped in South Carolina to check out Bull Sluice..  I will show some pictures of that in another blog.  Then,  on the way home,  we made a quick stop at Biltmore --to see if they had any new flowers blooming...   YES--they DID!!!!! WOW....   Like I said,  it was a fantastic week!!!!  BUT--it's nice to be home!

As you can imagine,  we took lots of pictures off and on during the trip..  Today,  I'll show you a few from the beach,  from Biltmore ----and our yard when we got home.

Above is a picture showing the Islander Inn where we stayed.  Our room was in Building Two (2nd from right --above the gazebo) --and we were in the top room on the left.   We absolutely love being RIGHT on the beach.  We leave our door opened all night --so that we can hear the waves.  It's awesome!!!!  Below are a few more.




See those chairs out there (on the right)??? That is our 'set-up'.... We spent quite a bit of time out there --both mornings and afternoons..  NICE!!!




Here's a gorgeous view of the ocean from our balcony.  That is the fishing pier on the left.  George has some great pictures taken in and around that pier.




Guess what we saw when we got to Biltmore House and Gardens in Asheville, NC??????   Lots of ROSES.....  You can only imagine what a Happy Camper George was checking them all out.  Come to find out that we have quite a few of their Hybrid Teas and Grandafloras in our yard!!!  How 'bout that?????  Above is a photo of just SOME of their many, many rose bushes at Biltmore.




Not only did we see beautiful Roses at Biltmore,  but we also saw many fabulous Rhododendron bushes.




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But---after seeing all of the beauty at the beach and at Biltmore,  we headed home...  To our great surprise,  look what was smiling at us when we pulled in the driveway...  Our two pink Azaleas in the front yard were putting on a show ---just for our return,  I'm sure.... ha




And this  is our big 'road' flowerbed --also putting on a show.  The Irises are beautiful and we have LOTS of Roses blooming now.... YEAH!!!!!!!  There will be many more pictures to come --not only from our yard, but also from Biltmore and from the beach...

Hope all of you had a good week and a blessed Mother's Day yesterday.  I talked to all three of my wonderful sons, and my Sweetheart brought four gorgeous Roses inside for me to enjoy... Life is good --what else can I say?????

Hugs,
at

64 comments:

  1. BethMay 9, 2011 at 5:01 AM

    Looks and sounds quite awesome, Betsy!
    I'm glad the weather cooperated.
    And the flowers are beautiful including your own.

    WELCOME BACK! I missed you!

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  2. diane bMay 9, 2011 at 5:07 AM

    Welcome home. The beach looks lovely and warm compared to last time you were there. he colours of the sea and sand are stunning. Not many people is a bonus too. I'd love to walk on that beach. The roses are magnificent too at Biltmore and what a welcome home your yard gave you. It is great to hear the happiness and excitement in your post.

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  3. Ruth HiebertMay 9, 2011 at 5:41 AM

    It is great to have you back.I am glad to hear you had a wonderful time.Your yard is every bit a lovely as many vacation spots.My yard is beginning to take shape,it seems that all I've done is work on the yard recently.

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  4. Arkansas PattiMay 9, 2011 at 6:08 AM

    I love the idea of having the beach to your self. Perfect timing and weather.
    How nice of your yard to show off for your return. I do believe the drab part of the year is over.
    Welcome back.

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  5. NealMay 9, 2011 at 6:20 AM

    Of course it could have been better....Patti and I could have been there with you and I could have been giving you a hard time (George needs all the help he can get. :))

    Very nice pictures and the seafood sound delicious. The part about nobody being there really attracts me also.

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  6. mamahasspokenMay 9, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    Ah the beach and flowers, what a beautiful and relaxing combination. Welcome back! Hope you aren't near the flooding!

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  7. Hidden Haven HomesteadMay 9, 2011 at 6:45 AM

    What a wonderful week you and George had!! I didn't realize our growing seasons were so different from each other. Our Iris and other spring and early summer flowers have bloomed and gone. The roses though are just getting into their glory. Love your photos! Feels like I am right there hearing those waves. Have a blessed day and can't wait to read and see more of your vacation.

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  8. DarlaMay 9, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    You had great weather on this vacation as your photos show!

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  9. CatherineMay 9, 2011 at 6:57 AM

    What a terrific time you and George must have had Betsy. Oh you are a lucky girl!

    How wonderful to return home to such a beautifully colored yard! Lovely!

    xo Catherine

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  10. linda mMay 9, 2011 at 7:17 AM

    Lucky you going to the Beach; it looks fabulous. The pictures of the flowers make me drool - they are so pretty. Can't wait until ours up here start to bloom; although we do have a few Spring flowers coming up. Welcome back.

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  11. AnonymousMay 9, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    Welcome home! I like the view you had from Islander Inn. I loved having the ocean view from our room, while we were in Virginia Beach. Because that trip is still fresh in my mind, I can imagine how you and George felt seeing that view and feeling the ocean breezes.

    When we saw Biltmore a few years back, we visited in mid-May. The grounds are beautiful at that time of year, as can be attested to by the photographs you posted in today's blog.

    Your gardens at home appear to have thrived, while you were on vacation.

    Happy belated mother's day to you!

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  12. ReanaclaireMay 9, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    Looking at the pictures tempted me to go for a breakaway again! :)

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  13. Out on the prairieMay 9, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    Lovely time indeed. It has been lonely while you were gone. I picked up a couple roses and thought of George when I got them.Yesterday I put 30 varieties of flowers in 15 planters.

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  14. Janice KMay 9, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    Welcome back...I wondered where you were off to. Glad you had wonderful weather after all the rain you experienced on some of your earlier trips this year. The Biltmore's flowers are lovely, but the ones in your yard impress me more....after all, you did it yourselves.

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  15. BookncoffeeMay 9, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    Sounds like a lovely trip. And the flowers are beautiful.

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  16. DorothyMay 9, 2011 at 7:47 AM

    Glad you and George had a great time! Beautiful pictures! It would be great to be at the beach when it is uncrowded. I know it was nice to see your own flowers welcoming you home.
    Have a wonderful new week!

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  17. MadSnapperMay 9, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    fantabulous beach. i would really like it and i love the place you stayed in. when we stayed in Ormond Beach each year twice a year for about 10 years, we stayed right on the beach like this, out the door and down on miles of beaches. no place better to me in the world than the beaches. if we did not have dogs, we would do to beaches what you do to waterfalls, see how many we could find and visit. heaven on earth to us is this kind of beach

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  18. HarrietMay 9, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    Looks like a wonderful place to relax!

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  19. Busy Bee SuzMay 9, 2011 at 8:08 AM

    I am so happy that your week away was perfect!!!!!
    To come home to all that color....gorgeous!!!!!

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  20. ameliaMay 9, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    Welcome back to both of us Betsy!!

    Your beach pics are so beautiful and peaceful, makes me want to pack up and fly there!! The ocean is so calm and lovely and it makes us forget how dangerous and devastating it can be.

    Your flowers are lovely but ours are barely just tiny shoots yet as we still get down to 0 most nights.

    You live in a most spectacular part of the world...

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  21. LarryMay 9, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    Sounds like a great time and the photos are enticing... not to mention your azaleas at home! Beautiful... L

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  22. Diane AZMay 9, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    Hi Betsy, looks like you and George had a fantastic time at the beach and gardens! I'm amazed by all the flowers blooming in your yard too. Your pictures are all lovely!

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  23. KarinMay 9, 2011 at 8:28 AM

    What a fabulous place - right on the ocean! Closed my eyes and almost felt the ocean breeze and heard the waves lapping. We should have a blogger event there - looks like there's room for many a more! Too bad it is so far (and expensive!) for us to come down there! Just love all of the flowers around your house!!! Simply gorgeous!

    Had a wonderful Easter visit with our one daughter, and Mother's Day dinner with our son - grandson's birthday and their anniversary celebration too. Should be a wonderfully warm week up here!

    Glad you're home safe and sound!

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  24. Linda at To Behold The BeautyMay 9, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    Beautiful pictures, Betsy. Our azalea is full of buds, but it has yet to bloom. It's been so cold here. But I'm looking for it to flower later this week as the temperatures are expected to be much warmer.

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  25. I Am WoodyMay 9, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    So glad you had such a fabulous trip! I think the first of May is the ideal time for the beach. Warm but very few people! Perfect!!

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  26. DianeMay 9, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    Your time on the ocean must have been wonderful. Gorgeous gardens, too. Diane

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  27. RoeHMay 9, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    I'm very jealous.

    *sigh*

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  28. AnonymousMay 9, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    The photos are beautiful Betsy. So glad you had good weather. The beach looks so relaxing.

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  29. ~melMay 9, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    I'm so happy to hear that you had such a wonderful week!! How nice having beach time when it isn't crowded ~ and being able to lay and listen to the waves at night. LOVE IT! Your flowers are gorgeous. I can't wait until next spring time when we'll (hopefully) be visiting the Biltmore gardens and (hopefully) (possibly) (fingers crossed) see the George and Betsy Estate too:)

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  30. mudderbearMay 9, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    Welcome home...Looks like you had a very nice week. I must admit to being a bit envious...you make it look so good. I'm looking forward to all the other pictures.

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  31. Kim@stuffcould....May 9, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    Great to see you back! I Love the ocean pics of course. Nice to see what was waiting on you when you came home :)

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  32. LVMay 9, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    Glad you are back. Missed you. Looks like you got a double dose of pretty flowers. It is nice going to places like this, but it is, to me, even better getting home.

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  33. JanieMay 9, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    Wow, I love the beach accommodations and the wonderful view, Betsy. Love the uncrowded beach all for you to enjoy.
    Biltmore was lovely, but your home flowers rivaled it.

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  34. A Brit in TennesseeMay 9, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Welcome back Betsy and George !
    You were missed.
    What a wonderful beach, looks like you had it all to yourselves.
    It's always nice to be at the beach especially when it's not too crowded.
    Lovely roses, I'll look forward to seeing yours soon !
    ~Jo

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  35. Ginny HartzlerMay 9, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    So glad you both had such fun! The beach is just gorgous! Do you ever hunt for shells or sea glass? Your azaleas are beautiful!! I love the color and they are just perfect right in that place! Actually, many of your shots of your own flowers are just as pretty as the Biltmore things I have seen, I will wait on more!! I love your butterfly on the sidebar!

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  36. floweringmamaMay 9, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    Beautiful pictures. Glad you guys had so much fun!

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  37. Chatty CroneMay 9, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    I have been to the Biltmore House and it is beautiful.

    I love the flowers there and at your home.

    I am new here - but I assume that your husband loves to garden.

    Glad you had a nice Mother's Day.

    Sandie

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  38. HappyKMay 9, 2011 at 3:00 PM

    Sounds like a great vacation!
    It's nice to go the beach when there's not a lot of other people there. I'd love to go for walks along the beach!!
    Welcome back. : )

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  39. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiMay 9, 2011 at 3:20 PM

    It looks like you and George ahd a perfect vacation, Betsy! What a beautiful spot!
    I can only imagine how pretty the Biltmore looked with all it's roses in bloom!
    Glad you are home safe and sound

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  40. imacMay 9, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    What better break than by the sea and visiting Gardens.

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  41. Mr. BillMay 9, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    What a wonderful trip!! Nothing is better than being at the beach.

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  42. ShugMay 9, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    Well, I have certainly missed you.
    so glad you both had this time to get away, and relax.
    beautiful pictures...I almost felt like I was right there with you...
    Can't wait to hear more about your trip.
    shug

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  43. eileeninmdMay 9, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    Betsy, it look like you and George had a wonderful vacation. the beach is beautiful. I love the Biltomore garden photos too. The flowers are gorgeous. And your gardens looks just as beautiful. I love the azaleas. Thanks for sharing and I glad you had a great time.

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  44. GlendaMay 9, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    Beautiful beach! Sounds like you had such a relaxing time! Don't you just love returning home to the beauty in your own yard? Your flowers are so healthy and pretty.

    Enjoy the beauty around you this week; I know you will!

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  45. Splendid Little StarsMay 9, 2011 at 4:57 PM

    The flowers at your home are gorgeous! I must get to the Biltmore some day before too long. It's not too far from my daughter's in Asheville. I hear the gardens are fantastic.
    The beach looks SO wonderful! (sigh) I love being on the beach with the windows open and hearing the ocean. How wonderful! glad you has such a great trip, Betsy!

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  46. Together We SaveMay 9, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    Your pictures are wonderful!! I am so glad you had a wonderful trip!!

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  47. AnnMay 9, 2011 at 5:24 PM

    That had to have the best week. All that beach and relaxing and sunshine, boy I could use some of that. That was some beautiful welcome home you got too

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  48. amy @ Life in Pink Hi-TopsMay 9, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    Sounds like a wonderful week!! The flowers are gorgeous. I especially like the irises. I love irises. Can't wait to see more pictures!

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  49. amy @ Life in Pink Hi-TopsMay 9, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    Sounds like a wonderful week!! The flowers are gorgeous. I especially like the irises. I love irises. Can't wait to see more pictures!

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  50. AnonymousMay 9, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    Hi Betsy, So glad you had a nice trip. I think that beach looks great! I do miss the ocean and look forward to sometime going to the Atlantic for a dip. Have a great day!

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  51. TracyMay 9, 2011 at 7:02 PM

    Yes, I'm certain those azaelas were shuoting, 'they are home...Hurray!'
    but I am so glad you had such a fantabulous time! You certainly deserved it!
    It looks exactly like what we'd enjoy P and Q right on the sand!
    Glad you are home and hugs to you!

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  52. ConnieMay 9, 2011 at 7:18 PM

    I love your header photo today, Betsy! Wow, so pretty! I love the beach, but have been there so rarely. It sounds like you had a wonderful vacation. Happy Belated Mother's Day to you too! :)

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  53. SquirrelQueenMay 9, 2011 at 7:37 PM

    Looks like you and George had a wonderful trip. I love the looks of that beach, we are long overdue for a trip to the coast.

    Your new look and header are fabulous!

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  54. ShelleyMay 9, 2011 at 7:50 PM

    So glad you had a nice trip! Those beaches are dreamy....I can picture myself there on a blanket, sipping a cold drink - ha! Glad you and George got to enjoy the roses - I certainly have a new appreciation for them. I bought my mom a couple rose bushes for mothers day.
    Hugs,
    Shelley

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  55. Fred AltonMay 9, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    Your trip to the beach sounds so relaxing! I love Myrtle Beach. Well, any beach, for that matter - as long as there is no hurricane or tidal wave activity! ☺ Glad to hear that you're home safely. Your Azaleas are the prettiest!!!

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  56. JenMay 9, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    It looks and sounds like you guys had a great time. Your beach view is spectacular!
    Looks like all that rain you had before you left paid off. :)

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  57. LyndaMay 9, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    George's picture was beautiful but yours are gorgeous, too. It is wonderful to hear how much fun you are having in retirement - - - living each day to the max!

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  58. Lisa May 9, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    Oh wow. Betsy all these are just beautiful. What a lovely place to be and just relax.
    Hope you had a great Mothers Day.
    Hugs

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  59. carolina nanaMay 9, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    Glad you had a great vacation week. I love the beach this time of year with not so many people around and the cooler weather.
    For years we drove all the way to the Outer Banks every May.
    Have a blessed tomorrow.
    Marilyn

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  60. LorenMay 9, 2011 at 10:00 PM

    Oh Betsy it just sounds like pure BLISS!! This is where we are hoping to go this summer. A trip for all of us to be together before our daughter goes off to college. We went to Ocean Isle when she was 2 and she absolutely loved it then!

    The flowers at the Biltmore are just stunning! How wonderful to return home to just as much beauty but my guess would be more meaningful since you all planted them with your own hands .... :)

    I LOVE going to the beach and leaving the door or windows open and listening to the waves... Sleep is never better than those nights!!

    Thank you for the Mothers Day wishes and I am soo glad you had a blessed day as well!

    Love you Betsy!

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  61. RoseMay 9, 2011 at 10:30 PM

    It sounds like you had a great time...but I would have loved coming home to those azaleas! They are simply beautiful.

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  62. CarlettaMay 9, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    What beautiful scenes to enjoy on your vacation Betsy!
    Those beach scenes with hardly anyone around is my cup of tea for sure.
    The roses at the Biltmore were lovely but your own sweet yard is just as beautiful!
    I had been with my daughter for two weeks and then was with my son and Grandson on Mother's Day so it was indeed blessed. So glad yours was as well.

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  63. KathyAMay 10, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    Well this posting is chock full of my favorites: the beach and the roses!!!! I would have been with George checking out each one of them -- and giving them all a good sniff! That takes time, you know! :) You all are about a week or so ahead of us -- only one of two random rose blooms so far...

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  64. Pat - ArkansasMay 11, 2011 at 8:34 AM

    Lovely, lovely - all around; beach, Biltmore and home!

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