Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Our Outside Lights

You may have noticed that we have been missing from Blog World and Facebook recently.. We took a quick 2-day trip to Gatlinburg, TN (Smokies) with our really good friends,  Judy and Charlie.   This was our Christmas trip together ---so that we could see the gorgeous Christmas lights,  eat at a wonderful restaurant,  and talk-talk-talk....

We had rooms at the Rocky Waters Inn (where we enjoyed a balcony --with the roaring river right behind us).  We also had a wood-burning fireplace in the room ----AND our room had a big jacuzzi in it.  What more could one want!!!!  Even though the time was short,  we had a wonderful trip--with terrific friends!  (Thanks, Judy and Charlie!)

We will blog about this trip ---but today,  I want to show you some of the pretty outside lights at our home this year.   I took these pictures on Saturday ---while trying to learn to take BETTER night pictures... I think the photos came out pretty good---so I'll share them with you today. Above is a street view of the front of the house... You can enlarge the pictures to 16x10 for better views.




This is our front porch.  I didn't hang lights this year around the door ---so am just leaving the porch light on instead... The  little tree is decorated with candy canes and red bows...




Here is my hanging basket ---and NO,  this Poinsettia is NOT real... It wouldn't stay alive  outside this time of year!!!




Here is a close-up of the little tree... You can't see much of it,  but we have a holly floor mat beside the door.




This is my favorite 'night picture'  I took that evening---showing one of our 3 lit wreaths.   Hope you enjoyed seeing a few more Christmas pictures from our home.  (Can't wait to show you some of the Christmas lights from Gatlinburg!!! They were fabulous!)

I will try to catch back up with your blogs this week....  It's a busy time of the year (I'm sure for ALL of us--you too I bet)...

Hugs,
Betsy
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63 comments:

  1. eileeninmdDecember 14, 2011 at 4:35 AM

    Betsy, you home liooks beautiful with the outdoor lights. The wreaths and hanging baskets are pretty. The trip to gatlinburg sounds like fun, i will look forward to that post also. Have a great day.

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  2. CatherineDecember 14, 2011 at 5:11 AM

    You and George are always on the go! I like your outside Christmas lights Betsy. Very inviting! :)
    xo Catherine

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  3. RoeHDecember 14, 2011 at 5:29 AM

    Soooo Pretty!! I love the lights at Christmas. I don't put them up but sure like looking at others artful work.

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  4. Hidden Haven HomesteadDecember 14, 2011 at 5:38 AM

    Beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Love the lighted wreaths. Maggie and family have plans to take me for ride around Gatlinburg to see lights when I visit them. I love it there.

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  5. Ruth HiebertDecember 14, 2011 at 5:39 AM

    I love that little Candy cane tree at the front door.Hope today will be a beautiful day for you.

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  6. JoDecember 14, 2011 at 5:56 AM

    Oh your lights are wonderful . Glad you had such a nice Christmas trip with your friends. Blessings for a blessed Christmas to you and George. I'm still home until Saturday and then off to see the great game reserves of Kenya. (I'll post about it on Sat) Love Jo

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  7. pamDecember 14, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    love the wreath shot!! I'm going to work on my night pictures this weekend!

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  8. From the KitchenDecember 14, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    We only have a big wreath on the front porch (unlit). We've never done outside lights but the town sure does.
    I like the simplicity of yours. Looking forward to hearing about your trip.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  9. diane bDecember 14, 2011 at 6:24 AM

    Your night shots are great. You must tell me the secret.
    I love the little tree and the wreath all lit up. There is nothing better than spending time with friends on a getaway few days. Looking forward to the pics.

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  10. Arkansas PattiDecember 14, 2011 at 6:24 AM

    I kind of like the porch light on, it gives a welcoming look. You house always looks so great. Glad you had a nice visit with friends. Sounds relaxing.

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  11. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmDecember 14, 2011 at 6:35 AM

    Your house looks wonderful! And your trip sounds really fun :-)

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  12. Fred AltonDecember 14, 2011 at 6:57 AM

    Betsy, Your home is very beautiful with all the Christmas lights. It looks so warm and welcoming! Very nice night pictures.

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  13. SnapDecember 14, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    Beautiful Betsy. Glad you enjoyed your get-a-way with friends.

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  14. Out on the prairieDecember 14, 2011 at 7:11 AM

    The tree on your porch adds a nice touch.

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  15. MadSnapperDecember 14, 2011 at 7:22 AM

    it is all beautiful, and i love the wreathe photo. you did a fantastic job with the night photos, it is really hard to get good ones. i have always wanted a room with it's own jacuzzi and never have.

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  16. DorothyDecember 14, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    Beautiful, welcoming lights! I love it, Betsy!

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  17. Linda at To Behold The BeautyDecember 14, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    You did a marvelous job with these night photos. It can be tricky, but I think you've mastered it here. Your home always looks so...well...homey and welcoming. What more could one ask of a home?

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  18. linda mDecember 14, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    Your house looks very pretty at night. Wish I could drive by and really see it for real.

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  19. Becca's DirtDecember 14, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    Love the header photo and your house looks so pretty and festive. Always good to get together with friends and have a laugh or two.

    I never intended to take a break from blogging but I just did. Now that I have a laptop at home I won't feel so bad about blogging. I was starting to feel guilty about making posts to my blog.

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  20. AnonymousDecember 14, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    Beautiful!!! Hope your electric bill doesn't shock you. And I sure wish I had a jacuzzi at home.

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  21. Cheryl @ TFDDecember 14, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    Hi Betsy, your house looks really pretty with the Christmas lights. The night shots turned out great! Sounds like a fun trip you had and I'll be looking for the photos of your trip to Gatlinburg. That's another place I want to visit.
    Have a nice day, it's been raining and raining here!

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  22. TexWisGirlDecember 14, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    i like the candy canes on the tree! :)

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  23. NealDecember 14, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    Your favorite is also my favorite... that is a gorgeous shot.

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  24. ChristineDecember 14, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    I love your pretty outside decorations. I haven't seen the Gatlinburg lights in several years, makes me want to go see them again!

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  25. A Brit in TennesseeDecember 14, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    I love your outside lights, they make the world all cozy and twinkly :)
    Your home is always so welcoming Betsy, I would dare to bet, it stands out amongst the rest....
    I've thought so much about the mountains lately, Christmastime in Gatlinburg is indeed a magical place.
    ~Jo

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  26. CottonLadyDecember 14, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    So pretty, Betsy. I don't have any outside lights this year, just costs too much to have someone else do it for me. Your little tree is a great idea...I may borrow that idea for my front porch.
    Glad you got in a trip to see the lights. Am also glad you are feeling well enough to go 'trippin' again.

    Blessings!

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  27. Susie SwansonDecember 14, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    So beautiful and festive. You have a lovely home, looks like a small version of the Biltmore.. Merry Christmas with love Susie

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  28. CarlettaDecember 14, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    I love Gatlinburg! I've never been there in winter so I can't wait to see your pictures.
    Love your night shots; epecially the first one and this wreath is gorgeous!
    I need lots of practice with night shots; but it's too cold. :)

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  29. I Am WoodyDecember 14, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    I love those lit wreaths!

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  30. DianeDecember 14, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    So beautiful and inviting Betsy. Everything looks so Christmasy. I love that last picture. Diane

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  31. Busy Bee SuzDecember 14, 2011 at 11:05 AM

    I think you did great with the night shooting! Your home is so lovely, warm and inviting!!!
    Glad you had a nice trip with your special friends.
    xoxo

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  32. AnonymousDecember 14, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    Hi Betsy, Beautiful! You have a talent for decorating and arranging floral and holiday displays! Have a really great day and enjoy our warm weather!

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  33. Ms. ADecember 14, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    Great job with the night shots! Love the last one, especially.

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  34. Ginny HartzlerDecember 14, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    I love, love, love your little tree!!! It's amazing that just bows and candy canes make it so beautiful, it looks just perfect there!!! And so welcoming. The wreath is beautiful, too! I'm so glad you had such a lovely time, you really need to enjoy yourself more after your long sick spell and surgery!!!

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  35. imacDecember 14, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    Sounds as if it was a super break, and lights not break,but glow well.

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  36. Serenity CoveDecember 14, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    Very pretty Betsy...Can't wait to see your Gatlinburg photos. My invitation must have gotten lost in the mail:):)
    I have never been there to see the Christmas lights. I'm sure it's beautiful!

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  37. Serenity CoveDecember 14, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  38. Pat TillettDecember 14, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    Hi Betsy! Long time now see! Your house is looking festive and beautiful! Hope you are doing well...

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  39. Diane AZDecember 14, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    Beautiful nighttime pictures of your home with outside lights. Your front porch looks so welcoming with the candy cane tree. Looking forward to pictures from your fun trip to Gatlinburg. :)

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  40. LVDecember 14, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    You home is so pretty anytime of the year. You have really decorated in style. Love Gatlinburg.

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  41. pennyDecember 14, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    Betsy, Your night shots show us just how beautiful your cozy home looks all decked out with Christmas lights and greenery.. soo inviting.
    I look forward to photos from your Gatlinburg trip.
    Warm hugs, Pam

    note, I tried to comment earlier but your page kept jumping. I have no clue why.

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  42. AnnDecember 14, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    Your 2 day trip sounds wonderful. Can't wait to see the pictures you got.
    Your house look great. We didn't bother putting up any lights outside this year. The only signs of decorations from outside is the wreath on my front door.

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  43. KarinDecember 14, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    You do have such a lovely festive place! Your night time photography is great! Glad you had a wonderful time away!

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  44. HolleyGardenDecember 14, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    Very pretty! I really like your wreaths, but my favorite is the tree! So cheerful!

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  45. AnonymousDecember 14, 2011 at 6:29 PM

    Your nighttime pictures of your Christmas decorations are pretty. I am looking forward, though, to your post on Gatlinburg. We visited Gatlinburg one time, several years ago. It was a short trip (we visited the aquarium). Your lodging sounds very nice; hope you have pictures of that!

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  46. Dr. Kathy McCoyDecember 14, 2011 at 6:42 PM

    Betsy, it all looks so beautiful and festive! And I loved hearing about your trip -- the inn sounds like the best!

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  47. ShugDecember 14, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    Great night photography Betsy...Your place is looking delightful!

    I just love the lights at Christmas time..
    hugs,
    Shug

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  48. ElettraDecember 14, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    I find it very beautiful are your Christmas decorations !!!!!

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  49. amy @ Life in Pink Hi-TopsDecember 14, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    I adore your lit up wreath!! I seriously need one of those. Your house is so pretty at night--you did great on the pictures!

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  50. Chatty CroneDecember 14, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    I love the photograph of the wreathe. sandie

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  51. Terry and LindaDecember 14, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    WONDERFUL!!!

    Linda
    http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.scom

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  52. ConnieDecember 14, 2011 at 9:14 PM

    I love the wreath picture, Betsy. Your outdoor decorations are very pretty. Sounds like you had a nice trip too. :-)

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  53. RoseDecember 14, 2011 at 9:29 PM

    I really like that photo of the wreath, too...I like night shots of about anything, though. I keep thinking I want to get out and take some shots around but just don't get to it.

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  54. AndreaDecember 14, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    You partners are always on trip, i can imagine how difficult it was when you were in the hospital, meaning it is a rest from touring! I wish i am like you, not worrying anymore about earning the upkeep. But your decors are really beautiful. I love most the lights and that first photo is really lovely. Happy Holiday, aren't you resting for a few days? LOL.

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  55. SquirrelQueenDecember 15, 2011 at 3:40 AM

    That sounds like a fun trip Betsy. I really like you front door decorations, it looks very elegant.

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  56. Kim@stuffcould....December 15, 2011 at 6:28 AM

    Pretty!! It is nice that you enjoyed the trip....I am slow getting around to blogs too

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  57. BethDecember 15, 2011 at 7:23 AM

    Hi, Betsy...sorry to have been absent for a while. As you say, 'tis a busy time at Christmas. Your house always looks so pretty at Christmas, and I particularly like your header showing it in the snow. I love the lighted wreaths. I've heard others speak glowingly (no pun intended!) of Gatlinburg at Christmas, so I'm looking forward to your post about your trip. As I've mentioned before, I enjoy the vicarious trips I take through your blog---thank you!

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  58. HappyKDecember 15, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    You did a great job with your night photos. All looks very pretty.
    It is so nice that you and George get to take lots of little trips. You two always seem so happy. : )

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  59. Lady Di TnDecember 15, 2011 at 4:49 PM

    You did really good taking the night photos. I still have not figured it out that well. Peace

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  60. LynnDecember 15, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    Beautiful lights. Love tree on the porch. Don't believe I have seen an outdoor tree with candy canes. So neat. I cannot put candy canes on our tree this year. Guess who loves them and would not be able to resist the tempation. Since Terry is not a big candy cane person (his is chocolate anything, hehe) not having them is fine with him. I will catch up on your emails. I apologize, my daughter was in San Francisco three days this week and we had the boys after school while she was gone and it is also a busy time. You know me, my email takes last priority on my to do list, simple beacause it "waits" for me. I am so sorry. You and several others are waiting on me.
    Love,
    Lynn

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  61. LorenDecember 15, 2011 at 7:18 PM

    Oh Betsy! Your lights are sooo pretty! and I agree with you, your wreath is just GORGEOUS!!! I just LOVE this time of year! I told my husband yesterday I don't want to take Christmas down this year! It's all sooo pretty! Inside and Outside :)

    I will have to see if my Husband can take some pics of our outside lights...He did such a great job this year!!

    I just want to thank you for making my day when you come by and share such sweet comments :) You are such a special friend ♥

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  62. KirigalpoththaDecember 18, 2011 at 11:00 PM

    Lovely!

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  63. AnnesphamilyJanuary 16, 2012 at 9:58 PM

    I love all the photos! Your front door looks wonderful! Have a great week Betsy! Anne

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