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, April 23, 2012

April 21st---SPECIAL DAY for US

Read  this post first (click HERE)  ---unless you have been reading my blog faithfully for several years...  OR--you may just want to read it again in order to see some OLD pictures of us!!!!  AND--- Click HERE  to see last year's post about this same day.  Amazing how the park and waterfalls can be so different from one year to the next. 

April 21, 2001 is when I got my first KISS from George.  We started dating on March 29, and our love grew very fast... On April 21 that year,  he took me to FALL CREEK FALLS STATE PARK.  This is where that first kiss happened, and it is also where our mutual love of waterfalls began.  Fall Creek Falls has several waterfalls --and we like to visit them all several times a year.  This is also the place where we told each other that we loved each other on that same day...

SO--we revisited Fall Creek Falls this past Saturday ---and relived those wonderful memories once again.  The weather didn't cooperate much --since it was misty, very cloudy,  foggy and quite cold.   This may have been the coldest April 21 we have experienced since 2001...  In most of the old pictures,  we were wearing shorts... WELL--not this year!!!!  In fact,  after our first little hike to the Cascades,  we even put our jackets on since it felt so cold!!!!

Needless to say,  the pictures are not as good as some we have taken in past at Fall Creek Falls (due to the dreariness and lack of alot of water in the waterfalls)... BUT--today,  I'll share with you some pictures from our day this past Saturday.  Above is a picture of the gorge.  You can see the fog in this photo...  Please click on the photos to see larger pictures.




This area of the park,  appropriately named after my Sweetheart (ha ha),  is where I got that first kiss..... Of course,  I got another one in that spot on Saturday!!!!!   WOW!




There is a grassy area at George Hole which leads to the creek.   The rocks on the other side are so interesting ---and full of holes,  where many birds make their homes!!!  Isn't the reflection in this photo great???




Of course,  we take our tripod wherever we go so that we can get pictures together.  Here is a picture of George ---trying out a new filter which he bought.....




Before we went to the George Hole area,  we stopped and walked down to the Cane Creek Cascades... At that time,  we didn't have our jackets on --but immediately put them on when we got back to the car... Did I mention that it was COLD?????   Why does colder air feel MUCH colder in the spring?????  Do I look cold in this picture?  I WAS!!!!!! ha




We took a nice hike and here is a picture of George on the trail...  It was a nice walk,  and in another blog,  I'll show you a picture of some Mountain Laurel beginning to bloom.




Our hike took us to an overlook across from two other waterfalls,  Cane Creek and Rockhouse.  This is a picture of me with Cane Creek Falls in the background.




Finally,  here is a picture of us --taken near the little dam in the George Hole area.  I don't know what one of us said--but we are both really laughing when that picture was taken.

After taking the hike and checking out the waterfalls,  George took me to the Lodge Restaurant for dinner....   Glad I had hiked that 3.19 miles (9657 steps) ---since I splurged and had some delicious Banana Pudding for dessert.... YUM...

Hope you all had a good weekend--like we did!  We're going to the Smokies today --so don't know when I'll catch up with blog reading...  I always try to do what I can --but life sometimes gets in the way!!!!

Hugs,
Betsy

72 comments:

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Dear Betsy and George - Happy Kiss Anniversary!! You two are an inspiration, I love your "love" and I love your pics!
Fond wishes
Rose

Hootin Anni said...

Awwwwwww, this melts my heart. Beautiful story, wonderful to have the love of another...and able to go back to relive that 'first kiss'!!!!

I think it feels much more colder in the Spring 'cause the air is thicker with more humidity. But that's my opinion.

Love the LOVE you two share.

From the Kitchen said...

love hearing abut you fun celebration.

best,
bonnie

LV said...

Forget the bloggers and enjoy your day and time together. Looks like you figured out how to do the new version on posting. Not me.

MadSnapper said...

first things first, i love banana pudding. you do look cold and i really like the rock with the holes, cool name to. LOL the first photo could be in KY

mamahasspoken said...

Oh you guys, love that you are staying young with your love!
Happy kissversary!

Sharon said...

Thought about you as I passed your exit on my way to and from Nashville this weekend. Little did I know you were just up the road celebrating! Hope you're bringing coats to the Smokies - you may need SNOW gear! Yikes! Can't wait to hear where you've been in my neck of the woods.

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary you two lovebirds! Sorry the weather didn't cooperate this year with its unusual cold spell, but it sounds like George kept you warm! ;)

Dorothy said...

Wonderful pictures!!!! It's nice that they named the 'Hole' after George;-) Don't know if you look 'cold', but you DO look thinner!!!
Betsy, you and George are having way too much fun;-) Go for it!!!!

Shug said...

Big Congratulations to both of you on this special event in your lives!
A first kiss day is definitely something to celebrate. I certainly enjoyed seeing all the pictures of the years past and I look forward to seeing more pictures of you two in the future. I ask God's Blessings for each of you!
Have a wonderful, exciting day today!
hugs,
shug

Cuby said...

The story is so smoochy happy kiss anniversary!

Donna said...

You two lovebirds are an awesome inspiration! And you have reminded me that I need to go back and visit that wonderful park.

Rose said...

I do enjoy re-reading about your guys meeting/marriage...it is just a wonderful story.

TexWisGirl said...

you two sweet waterfall-loving romantics. :)

Tabor said...

What a wonderful trip. Love the photos especially the the rock wall. I must drag my hubby there and see if I get a kiss! Have you lost weight?

Anonymous said...

Wonderful photos and I hope you two have a fabulous day today. Can't wait to see what you find!

Christine said...

Ain't love grand! What a sweet story along with those fabulous photos.

Sylvia K said...

Love is grand indeed and it is heartwarming to see, through your wonderful captures, the love you share! I am so happy for your both, Betsy! Enjoy every moment!!

Sylvia

Karin said...

And so many years have gone by and you're still kissing! Wooohooo! Happy 1st kiss anniversary and many, many more! ----Just an aside - We have a prominent Hole family here in Edmonton - Greenhouse/Gardening business! Nice photo of George standing by that sign!

Blessings for a great week!

Fred Alton said...

Betsy, you and George look so good in these pictures! I rejoice in reading of your joys over the blessing of each other that God sent into each of your lives. You both are just radiating joy here.

The Retired One said...

how wonderful! You both look great and so so happy. Congrats on all that lip locking!

I Am Woody said...

Happy Kissaversary! I just love the you guys embrace life and the world around you!

joy said...

what a touching love story and it's yours. Happy for you both and as usual wonderful pictures!

Chatty Crone said...

You remember when you had your first kiss? Betsy and George - Happy Kiss Anniversary!! I love the picture of the two of you. Love the reflection of that huge rock (?) in the water. sandie♥

Glenda said...

No matter the weather, you and George have a great time! Your joy shows!! Beautiful place . . . . wish we were headed for the Smoky Mts!!

Marcia said...

Sweet! Traditions and anniversaries are so nice. I'm glad I was able to read about yours. Lovely photos despite the cold.

Lynn said...

Belated Happy Anniversary! These might not have been your best photos by your standards but they are still wonderful. What a lovely area to get your first kiss, and falling in love with each other and waterfalls! Love your story.
Enjoy the smokies. Don't ever worry about "catching" up....just enjoy each other like I know you do. Blessings.

Unknown said...

I was going to ask if you got a kiss this year....not only do you look cold, I have noticed lately you are looking thin...have you lost weight? You look great!

Gracie said...

I love your story Betsy, happy anniversary to you and your husband!

Out on the prairie said...

Whayt a lovely way to remember your passion shared

Busy Bee Suz said...

What does one give on a kiss-aversary?? Chap stick? Lip gloss? Mouth wash?
I love all your photos, but mostly I love your story! Enjoy your day! I will be gone the rest of the week, so miss me bunches. ;)

Ms. A said...

I saw the reenactment of that kiss in George's photos!

Arkansas Patti said...

Aww, I just love seeing you love birds so happy and celebrating that first kiss anniversary. And to think most husbands can't even remember a wedding anniversary. You are both keepers.
After walking that far, you are entitled to a little splurge.

Anonymous said...

I loved your first link, but something is wrong with your second link (I can't access it). You and George look so happy in all of your photos!

RoeH said...

Wish you could send some of that cold this way. It was 105 yesterday. Absolutly too early for that stuff. Love the story and the falls. So beautiful.

Ginny Hartzler said...

This is your best kiss anniversary post yet!!! I love the third picture with the awesome reflection, and George with the tripod, and of course the two of you!!!

Latane Barton said...

What sweet memories!! And, to think George gave you the first kiss in such a gorgeous setting. Very special indeed. Hey, that man of yours is handsome, Betsy. No wonder you fell in love so quickly.

happyone said...

All wonderful photos. Yes, you did look cold in that picture.

Small City Scenes said...

A first kiss anniversary. How special. Your love shows through in all you do.

I'm having fun too---LOL MB

carolina nana said...

Going to the Smokies !!! ??? Hope you took some warm coats and maybe even some snow boots !!!!! Enjoy the trip !
Blessings
Marilyn

Ruth Hiebert said...

It may have been cold weather,but by the smiles on your faces,I know that the fire of love was keeping you warm.The area looks beautiful,even on a foggy day.

Cicero Sings said...

Having fun with your Sweetie is far more important than blog reading. Important things first!

Big Dude said...

I hope you and George read each others blog today. Congrats.

Elzie said...

I hope you had a blessed day at the 21st. Lovely fall pictures.
Hugs Elzie

Travel Quest said...

Lovely couple, truly an inspiration for a newly wed like me :) Discover the Beauty of Bohol

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Quite romantic and sentimental and lovely! We were at Fall Creek Falls two weeks ago. We just walked a bit and saw the hotel, lake, pool, store, falls, and little cabins. Mostly to just check out the facilities since I was then nursing a sore leg so did not hike. Have a great day and another nice day tomorrow. Hope it warms up a bit here!

Sally Wessely said...

You two love birds are awesome. Thanks for sharing your story and the walk down memory lane.

Terry and Linda said...

Happy Anniversary!!!!


Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

Nancy said...

Congratulations Betsy and George...I love visiting your blog because I always see lots of beautiful pictures and also inspired by the two of you.....

Don't worry about us..just go and have fun and make the most of each day......

Connie said...

These are great pictures, Betsy, and how sweet to celebrate this special day each year. :)

Beth said...

Wonderful post, Betsy! It's fabulous that you two are able to travel like this together and celebrate all those moments so special to you.
Despite the less than perfect weather, the falls are wonderful and even the 'capture'of the fog is awesome.
Enjoy the Smokies---lucky you!:>)

Ann said...

You two are just so sweet. I think it's great that you celebrate these special moments in your life and you have such beautiful spots to celebrate them in. Thanks for sharing your story

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Sounds like you two had a whirlwind romance! What fun to go back and relive those "first" memories! Great photos...love the falls. I'll have to come back to view the other photos when I have a bit more time. Enjoy your time in the Smokies!

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

So sweet. We mark our first kiss anniversary too. This year will be 25 years for our kiss anniversary!

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

What FUN! Love that you guys have kept the tradition alive.

Serenity Cove said...

Happy Kissiversary! You are a very romantic couple and I love that you have so much fun.
Have fun in the Smokies and stay warm. I'm a little jealous. No I'm a lot jealous!

SquirrelQueen said...

Celebrating the first kiss! You two are so romantic. Have a great time in the Smokies.

Small Kucing said...

Awww....my first time reading this. It's so sweet to have your "own" special place. Happy "anniversary" :)

kathy

http://www.smallkucing.com
http://mamakucingbooks.blogspot.com

Jeevan said...

Hope you are enjoying the special day with him and of course along with your waterfalls! That's sweet narrative about u r fall of love and kiss... I checked you previous post on this important day and i'm glad you both could make it more special by visiting the creek falls.

Wishing you both all the best and hope this moment remains special throughout your lives and u kept visiting the creek falls.

Sandra said...

What a lovely story and how blessed are you. Happy Anniversay!

NatureStop said...

Happy kissversary!Lovely story and Enjoy your time together!!!

Shantana

pam said...

You both are so sweet and romantic!

Patty said...

What a lovely way to spend the day. The photos are great! Makes me want to visit the falls..

Rohrerbot said...

It LOOKS cold!!! How romantic:)!! Sounds like something I would do with my other half.....maybe in two more years when we hit our 10th year together. You both look great.

Pedaling said...

Happy First Kiss Day!

Funny it's so unusually cold there...now all of the sudden it's unusually warm here, for April. In the 80's and I am lovin' it!

Have fun in the Smokies!

Angela said...

.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·`¤
Happy Anniversary!
¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·`¤

What a wonderful way to celebrate your anniversary Betsy! I love it! I could tell you were cold in that picture too! I loved all the pictures. Such a neat place. Funny with the George Hole picture of George! lol

Hugs,
Angela

JDS said...

This is one of my all time favorite posts, Betsy. Your personal anecdotes make me smile and when I look at those pictures I can practically smell the Tennessee woods!

The last few days have been unbelievably cool for this time of year down here. We are hoping to make it back to the Smokies this summer and I can not wait!

Farida said...

Thank you for sharing your love story to us. Stay in love, Ms Betsy. Farida :)

Pat Tillett said...

Beautiful photos and story! Aint' love grand?

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Great post and great memories, Betsy.

It would have been fun if we could have connected in the Smokies on Monday. Maybe next time.

penny said...

You two are so sweet together. God blessed you both with love for each other.
xoxo

Janie said...

I love the love story of Betsy and George. You two make a wonderful couple. George picked a beautiful spot for that first kiss.