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...

Monday, August 8, 2011

Is this Girl Spoiled or What?

George did it again!!!!!  He gave me another fabulous birthday celebration!  Since we had taken a big trip in June,  my request to George this year was that we not go too far from home and that we only take a 3 day/2 night trip.   SO---he took my request and planned a terrific 'getaway'.

We left Thursday --and headed east toward Maggie Valley... Since the trip was a surprise,  I was never quite sure what our plans were...  We drove past Maggie Valley and got on the gorgeous Blue Ridge Parkway at Soco Mtn.  George knows how much I love the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The last time we were there was last October to see the Fall colors.  Each season presents different looks along the parkway.

We stayed on the parkway until we got to Asheville, stopping all along the way.  In Asheville,  we stayed at the Biltmore Holiday Inn Express ---and got a FREE upgrade to a suite which included a jacuzzi!!!!!  SO NEAT! 

As you can see from the picture above,  we stopped at the highest elevation to take some pictures... George took a picture of the Birthday Girl here.  Some people know that I love traveling with the windows opened in the car ---and since the temperature along the parkway was a fabulous 72 degrees,  the wind felt so good as we traveled along the parkway.  I was in 7th heaven (just getting away from the extreme heat that we have had at home recently).  OH--how I love the mountains... (George knew I'd love it here!)


We had fog and clouds most of the day --but no rain at all (although it was fairly near us).  Clouds and fog are a photographer's dream... We captured the picture above near Brevard, NC .  It is so neat to be above the clouds/fog... Isn't this an incredible photo?


During the afternoon on Friday (my birthday),  we got back on the Blue Ridge Parkway and headed north from Asheville.  We drove all the way to another favorite place of mine,  Mt. Mitchell State Park.  Again on Friday,  there was rain/clouds/fog around ---and we even had a short shower while driving.  Again,  the temperatures were in the lower 70's along the parkway.

Once we started up the mountain to Mt. Mitchell,  the fog took over...  We made it to the parking area --and decided to hike up to the overlook hoping that we would see something (besides fog/clouds) while we were up there.  Above is a picture of us standing at the summit (at 6,684 feet).  Guess why I was wearing a sweater?????   The temperature up there was 64 degrees.... It was heavenly!!!   (I'll show many more pictures from Mt. Mitchell---and yes,  the fog cleared somewhat so that we could get some pictures!!!!  I'm sure it did that just because it was my birthday!  Ya think????? ha ha )


After we left the summit and make our way back down to the car, George took me to the State Park Restaurant at Mt. Mitchell for a fabulous Birthday Dinner including some delicious pulled pork BBQ,  baked beans and Potato salad...  It was delicious (as you can tell from the picture above).   BUT---even better than that was that piece of Peanut Butter Pie they brought me!!!!!!   Holy Cow---the girl who loves peanut butter was again in HOG Heaven (in more ways that one)... ha.. But a girl's gotta eat on her birthday.  Right?????

That is a neat restaurant with a great view---if only the fog/clouds had have moved out!!!  I would love to go back there sometime when the view is better.  BUT--it was still wonderful and we had a great time!

Do you see that vest that I am wearing?  It was a birthday present from George--and is a camera vest that my camera attaches to when I'm walking.  George had heard me complain about having to hold my camera and/or camera bag when we walk or hike ---to keep it from bobbing back and forth... SO--he surprised me with a new Camera Vest.   Neat, huh???? I love it!  The rest of my camera equipment can safely go into my backpack,  and I will have my camera close to my heart --for that special photo opportunity.



In addition to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mt. Mitchell,  George also took me back to another favorite place,  the Biltmore House and Gardens in Asheville.  I love that place --and since we have season's tickets,  we have been there at different times and have seen different kinds of beauty each time.  This time was no exception. 

We went to Biltmore early on Friday morning --to escape some of the heat  of the day.  BUT--even when we left about noon,  the temperature was already up to about 87 degrees --PLUS humidity, and rising quickly.   As usual,  we took LOTS of pictures  there,  but today I'll just show you two.  Above are some of the absolutely fabulous Crepe Myrtles.  Aren't they beautiful?


AND---here is my favorite area of Biltmore during this season.  We saw not hundreds but thousands of huge Sunflowers growing in a big field.  I was in awe of seeing that many all in the same area.. SO--I'll close with a picture of George and me standing in front of some of the Sunflowers.  You needed to be there to see this gorgeous area!  (Note our Grand Canyon t-shirts... I picked this one out since there was a BIG bird on the front!)

Can you see how much we enjoyed our short trip?   George certainly gets an A+++++  for giving me another fantastic birthday.   It was another trip to remember!  Thanks, Honey.  I adore you!!!!!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
On another note,  thanks to many many many of you who stopped by to wish me a Happy 69th.   Besides comments,  I also got emails and cards and texts and ecards.... Thanks to all.

Nobody got ALL three of my FALSE statements...  Many got two of the three though... Thanks for playing along!!!!!   The three false statements were:
  • -4.  I definitely never DANCED --especially not in the Nutcracker!!!!  GADS---imagine what that would have looked like!!!  (My parents did get me to take a few dance lessons --but that didn't last very long!)
  • -8.  I cannot stand talking on the phone.   Don't get me wrong...  I enjoy talking to some of you and to my family on occasion,  but am truly not a phone person.  I think that is because when I worked,  I had to constantly ask for volunteers ---by using the phone.  People got tired of hearing my voice when I called them!  AND--I got tired of doing it!
  • -10.   I do love sports ---but not soccer...  My favorite sport is football!  I put this one in here for the benefit of one of my best friends who lives and breathes soccer..  She knows that I don't care for it (or know anything about it).

Many of you thought that I must love to read since I was a teacher and since I read alot of blogs... WELL---maybe that was a trick question,  but I still say that I do not enjoy reading (unless it is truly something of interest to me like Family History).  I NEVER pick up a novel or a mystery or even a love story and read it just for the heck of it.  I'm a visual person --and have never enjoyed reading.  I know when I was in school and college,  I always dreaded all of that reading I had to do.  I did it--but I can't say that I enjoyed it.  Still don't!!!! (My Mom loved to read and always wanted me to read one of her novels.  Never did!)

The Pre-K statement probably confused some of you.... At age 4,  I did attend a Pre-Kindergarten class.  Maybe back then, it was called something different --but it was Pre-K.   AND---we did have Kindergarten for the 5 yr. olds....  I did set that clock,  and my parents loved to tell that story on me all through the years.

And yes,  we did attend 28 different parades in and around New Orleans during the Mardi Gras season... Mardi Gras actually goes on for about 2-3 weeks.  We would all pile in the car and go to a different parade each night.  And on the weekends,  there were several parades... We went home with huge boxes full of beads, doubloons,  and trinkets (or treasures as we loved to call all of the 'junk').  ha

Yes---I do love RAKING--and hate housework....  And YES,  I used to be a speed demon (in my younger, more stupid years)--so I did receive a few speeding tickets through the years.  I even bought a 'fuzz buster' --which didn't help much,  and I always went to a class --which kept the ticket off of my record... Shame on me!!!!! ha

Hope all of you had an incredible weekend ---and took time to celebrate my birthday also.  Thanks again for all of the wonderful comments and cards.

Hugs,

62 comments:

Ms. A said...

My last trip was to Maggie Valley and the Blue Ridge Parkway! That was in 2008 and the sad thing is... I have property fairly close by and hadn't seen it since '92. I love it up there!

Larry said...

What fun... and Happy Birthday. I've been to Maggie Valley a couple of times and absolutely loved it!! Larry

DeniseinVA said...

Hi Betsy, that was a fantastic birthday gift George gave you. Loved all the photos and I loved everything about this post. Have a great week.

Big Dude said...

Looks like a great trip and after a career looking after others, you deserve a little spoiling. Happy BD again and I become a medicare man next month - I can't possibly be that old.

Mr. Bill said...

What fun!! I know every moment was precious!

RoeH said...

What a good guy! I wish I could have found one of those in life. But - what the heck. I was over the Blue Ridge Parkway once and I know I was in Asheville. And stayed in a motel in this little tiny town of Mountain Top (??) or something like that. I should have stayed there. So beautiful.

Adrienne Zwart said...

That husband of yours sure does know how to spoil you! I truly enjoyed reading about your birthday trip and I'm so glad you both had a wonderful time.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Even with the fog the scenes are so pretty,but my favourite is the last one.I love seeing the two of you and the sunflowers.Maybe,it's because it could have been taken in southern Manitoba.I am glad you had a great time.

From the Kitchen said...

That George knows how to plan a celebration! I know what you mean when you speak of the Blue Ridge Parkway in all seasons. It's been a very long time since I've been on it in any season other than fall.

I got all your questions wrong! The only sport I like is soccer. I think it's because the players are always the most physically fit and it requires such skill and stamina.

Best,
Bonnie

Tabor said...

I have also been on travel and missed some prior posts including the little contest. This post is filled with wonderful pictures! What a lovely trip.

TexWisGirl said...

this looks like an awesome birthday celebration! cooler weather sounds heavenly, and you can't beat those views!

I Am Woody said...

Love that camera vest! Where did George get it? I have that very same complaint!!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Hi Betsy, looks like you had a fabulous birthday! Your George is a real doll, but then you already know that! Your first photo is especially beautiful, love seeing the fog in the mountains. Glad you both had a wonderful time and are back home safe and sound! Have a good week.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Oops! Okay, maybe it was the Second photo that shows fog in the mountains!!

Out on the prairie said...

I may have to see how well you enjoy that vest. The guessing game was fun to play.

Snap said...

Looks like a great birthday celebration, Betsy! Wonderful!

MadSnapper said...

yowsa!!! what a birthday trip, and to me the best part of all would be the cool temps. it is HOT here, woke up to a LOW of 86. love the fog shots and the mountains and wish i had a piece of the PB pie.. yummm. never even heard of a camera vest, what a novel idea for someone to come up with wish it had been my idea. great trip, glad you had fun and are home safe.

Janice K said...

Looks like an awesome weekend! And your camera vest certainly looks interesting.

Kelly said...

...looks like a very fun birthday! (I got two out of three right...that's not bad!)

camp and cottage living said...

What a dear husband! You are one spoiled lady! I'd say you must take good care of that man!
I enjoyed the trip, even with the fog it was spectacular.
I had never heard of a camera vest-that is just what I need too. So handy.
Again "Happy 69th"!

Busy Bee Suz said...

Oh Snap! It looks like I don't know you as well as I thought I did. :)

I am so glad you had a beautiful birthday weekend...you deserve all the best! I love that photo of you both in front of the sunflowers.
Your camera vest? awesome.
Your sweet hubby? AMAZING!!!
xoxo

Karin said...

Rejoicing with you at another fabulous birthday adventure! I love your two beaming faces amidst the sunflowers!! Happy for the joy you share!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

That husband of yours is a keeper, for sure. What a lovely birthday gift the trip was, and I love the vest. I must look for one of those.

mudderbear said...

It's good to see you again and know you had such a Super Birthday. Now you need to get a little rest, I'm thinking. That was a BIG celebration.

Twilight Man said...

I am so glad to see such a loving and happy couple like you both. George is the best hubby on earth and I will definitely imitate him someday to surprise my wife!
I had a good laugh at the FALSE answers! It was so tough! Ha ha ha!

A Brit in Tennessee said...

What a happy couple you both are, just the perfect 'fit' for each other.
Another fabulous trip, George really puts an effort into pleasing his 'bride' as he so lovingly calls you :)
Awesome shots in the mountains, I had to keep going back for another look. I know your day was indeed a special one !!
Thank you for sharing with us.
~Jo

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Happy Birthday, Betsy. I love the photos especially the sunflowers. Each time I visit the Biltmore House, it's a treat. What a lovely, historical home. What a wonderful surprise for your birthday. So glad you had a great time.

Susie Swanson said...

Oh my what beautiful pictures. So glad you enjoyed your birthday ,thanks to George. I love The Blue Ridge Parkway. It is breathtaking anytime of the year. The Biltmore is so grand and beautiful..Susie

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I was way off in my guesses!

Your trip looks so fun. I love that part of NC :-) The camera vest is very cool - yesterday we went hiking and I was complaining about the camera strap chafing my neck - eventually I put it away.

Sally Wessely said...

Betsy, I love the photo of you and George on top of the world, I mean on top of Mount Mitchell. You just look so happy and so compatible. That photo is a keeper, so is George for giving you such a wonderful birthday (and life).

I'm glad you told us what was around your neck. That is something I never knew about, but will definitely look into if I get a new camera. I think that device would actually help me decide that I could tolerate carrying a large camera.

happyone said...

Sounds like a super birthday weekend that George surprised you with. You two seem like such a well matched happy couple! : )

Well, I got one right. Pretty good since I haven't been reading your blog all that long yet!

Arkansas Patti said...

George has done it again. Great job fellow and I love that camera vest. I may have to look into one.
My favorite picture was of the two of you in the sunflowers. That so fits your sunny dispostions.

Anonymous said...

Glad you two enjoyed the birthday outing. Love the photos and the vest is great!

Fred Alton said...

Betsy, I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that you are a blessed lady to have George! It seems he dotes on you...and yes, you are probably spoiled. My Daddy used to say it's o.k. to be spoiled a little as long as you don't go rotten - cause that stinks!

mamahasspoken said...

It sounds like a wonderful birthday trip!
Guess I'm bad at trival questions about Betsy.....

NCmountainwoman said...

A day late and a dollar short as usual. A great big belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

LV said...

What a way to celebrate your birthday. When George does something he, dose it in style. So happy to see you out and enjoying life.

Beth said...

Looks and sounds like an awesome birthday celebration. Ain't love grand, esp. when you are old enough to truly apppreciate it?!!!

Connie said...

What a wonderful trip, Betsy! George really knows what you like. I love the picture of the two of you in the sunflowers! How neat! :)

Ann said...

That George sure knows how to celebrate a girls birthday in style doesn't he? Fabulous birthday trip. Glad you had such a good time. I love that picture of the two of you in front of the sunflowers.

Chatty Crone said...

Well I missed all of them!

Gosh you did have a great 69th birthday. How long have you two been together?

I don't know what is prettier - all your pictures - or the two of you.

You are so much in love and I am so happy for you.

Lovely husband and lovely trip and the gorgeous pictures.

Catherine said...

Sweet Betsy I do believe you are one of the luckiest girls in the world to have a sweetie-pie like George. Looks like he spoils you and that is a very good thing indeed! Of course, I think he is lucky to have you as well. Make sure you remind him of that. ;)

Glad you had a super good birthday friend!
xo Catherine

Lynda said...

God definitely gave you a GOOD one when HE gave George to you! Great trip once again!
My favorite photos are the clouds and mountains and the sunflowers. Crepe Myrtles are gorgeous here still, too.

The Retired One said...

Happy, happy happy belated birthday..I didn't realize it was your birthday on Aug. 5th (just catching up a bit on blog reading again)! That is our anniversary, so you'd think I'd remember it. LOL We have been married 39 years this year..hope you had a fabulous birthday and I am sending you BIG HUGS!!! xxooo

Wendy said...

Lucky you! Yes, you are spoiled and you deserve it. LOL! Your pics are awesome as usual. I love the sunflower one and all the rest too.
Your header always makes me gasp whenever I come and visit. It's just so beautiful!!

So glad you had such a wonderful birthday.
Hugs

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Happy birthday, Betsy! This looked like a wonderful celebration trip in some of your favorite places. I loved the photo of you and George among the sunflowers!

Serenity Cove said...

Well maybe a little spoiled but a whole lot blessed!! Your pictures are lovely. I'm really missing the mountains. Haven't made it down this year:(
Happy belated Birthday!!!

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Gorgeous photos and a fun "read" Betsy!!! ...wish I could feel some "70's"...I'm so tired of this hot and humid weather!!!
Have a wonderful week!!!

Lynn said...

Yay George! What a wonderful birthday trip he planned. Last time we were in Maggie Valley was 1998, loved it but there was always some place else to go we had not seen, so have not been back since. I truly love all the pictures but the ones of you and George are my favorites. Such big happy smiles from you two lovebirds. Looks like you had the perfect birthday. Blessings,
Lynn

Unknown said...

I love the parkway, too! Being close to it was one of the things that sold me on leaving the Beach and moving up here in the Blue Ridge.

Glad you had a fine birthday!

Andrea said...

Everything there is fabulous and envious for me! Congratulations for having George, the happiness totally shows on your faces. And I am amused by the watermark on some photos by "the Senior Hiker". haha!

SquirrelQueen said...

Betsy, I was wondering what kind of a trip George would plan for your birthday. I knew it would be fabulous and it looks like it was. I love the shot of you and George with all those sunflowers.

penny said...

I'm late, I'm late for a very important date!! Happy Birthday, Betsy.
Well I see George did it again with a wonderful special Birthday surprise trip to the places you love.
He's the best!

Hugs,
Pam

diane b said...

You have one thoughtful, caring man there. Glad you had such a great time in the mountains and a cool off, pity it was so foggy. The sunflowers are radient and it is hard to make out you and George because you are also radient with happiness. Happy Birthday again.

diane b said...

Ooops radiant

Neal said...

I figured you were probably about 10 when you attended pre-K> :) :) :)

Jo said...

So glad you had such a wonderful surprise birthday weekend. George is one caring man. Bless you both. (((hugs))) Jo

Janie said...

George is a great husband and he knows you so well. Glad you had a fun trip. The photos look beautiful.

Anonymous said...

George came through once again. What a wonderful birthday celebration he planned for you! I had to laugh when I read these words in your blog post: "Some people know that I love traveling with the windows opened in the car ---and since the temperature along the parkway was a fabulous 72 degrees, the wind felt so good as we traveled along the parkway." I have traveled the Blue Ridge Parkway on the back of a motorcycle. The wind does feel good!

Sunny said...

Happy Belated Birthday!
What a fabulous trip, you certainly have a special husband :)
☼ Sunny

Loren said...

Awww George! He is so wonderful and I know you know and agree wholeheartedly!!! Love the Vest too!

Happy Late Birthday .... Love all these pics and the joy on your face too!

I have to say I am with you and the housework...put me outside all day everyday ~ housework is just my worst nightmare....hate it hate it hate it LOL

Thanks for sharing your oh so special day with us...You are our gift Betsy...you and George both bless me and I know countless others as well! ♥

Cicero Sings said...

What a lucky gal to have a guy like George. Your get-away looked and sounded fantastic. I love that camera vest ... looked at them myself while D was still alive. But now I'm not into photography ... or writing as much. Maybe one day.

Glad you had such a wonderful birthday and am sorry to say I missed it as I was too busy in my own life to keep up on my blogging buddies ... but now life has tamed down some ... until .... !

So Happy Belated Birthday!