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, May 14, 2012

Making Memories

From May 5-12,  George and I were out making more memories!!!!  We went on a Combo Beach and Waterfall trip, and had (as usual) a marvelous time.  We enjoy breaking up long trips in the car by hiking and finding new waterfalls.  First of all,  we visited 6 waterfalls not far from Helen, Georgia (an area which we had visited in February).  Out of the 6 falls,  there were five which were new to us.  The sixth one was Horse Trough Falls which we saw in February.  However,  with all of the spring leaves on the trees now,  this waterfall looked quite different.  The picture above is of us taken on 5/5/12 at Horse Trough Falls.





After spending the night in Simpsonville, South Carolina,  we headed to Ocean Isle Beach on the North Carolina coast on Sunday, getting there about 3 p.m.  Of course,  we checked in and then immediately changed clothes and took a long walk on the beach..   This picture above was taken on 5/6/12.   We were SO excited to get here.  AND--that evening we ate dinner at one of our favorite places,  Twin Lakes Restaurant near Sunset Beach.




The next three days (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) were spent just enjoying the beach --and enjoying the fabulous Calabash Seafood....  This picture was taken on a gorgeous Tuesday evening after we had returned from dinner at the wonderful Boundary House Restaurant in Calabash.

My friend accused us of just going to the beach to EAT... Well--she may be partially right,  but we also did miles and miles of walking this week --and just enjoyed being right there ON the beach soaking up the sun!!!!




This picture was taken on a rainy Wednesday (5/9) evening.   We had just returned from dinner at Ella's Restaurant in Calabash... Both George and I LOVE the big sea scallops --and on this night,  we had them sauteed.   YUM!!!!!  One thing about being at the beach is that each day is different from the next one   Overall we had a wonderful week and only had a little rain on this afternoon/evening.




Here's one more picture from the same area.   This was taken on Thursday night and we had just returned from our favorite restaurant,  the Dockside Restaurant in Calabash.   We love this restaurant so much that we ate there twice,  on Monday and Thursday nights. We both enjoyed a seafood plate consisting of shrimp and scallops... (Even though we both wear sun-block ---we did get some tan this past week... At least,  there were no sunburns this trip!)

Many people ask about our matching t-shirts... The tee which we have on in the picture above was probably the first matching t-shirts we bought.  We bought these in Sept of 2001 on our cruise to the South Caribbean.  AND--we've been buying matching tees ever since... I don't know how many we have now --but it's probably well over 35 sets..... ha




We left the Islander Inn at Ocean Isle Beach on Friday morning --and headed back to Simpsonville to spend the night.  However,  we managed to find SIX more new waterfalls on this day.  The picture above was taken at the Cedar Shoals area --where we saw three sets of waterfalls..   This is at the upper falls area --which is really a dam, but gorgeous.




We woke up early on Saturday morning and headed out to find more waterfalls... Can you believe that we saw NINE more new waterfalls on this day?????  Most of these were near the Cleveland, South Carolina area ---and sometime, we need to go back there since there are many more to see.   The picture above was taken at Middle Wildcat Falls.  This area was a gorgeous place to hike---with a great trail and lots of beautiful rhododendrons and laurels around.




And this one was taken also on Saturday (5/12).   We visited a little park called Pleasant Ridge ---and loved sitting by this little waterfall,  Pleasant Ridge Falls, after a short hike down into the gorge.

After hiking and seeing all of these waterfalls,  we headed home...  As much as I love traveling and going on vacations,  it's wonderful to get back home and sleep in our own bed!!!!!   We found things at home in good shape ---and LOTS of roses and lilies were blooming just for us!!!!!

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On another note,  today is my BABY's 41st birthday.  If you want to read more about Jeff,  click HERE .    Jeff hasn't had an easy life ---and life has thrown him some curves.  BUT--with his drive and ambition,  he is doing GREAT.  In fact, he is getting married in October to a wonderful girl...  I am SO happy for both of them... We'll be celebrating Jeff's birthday with Dawn and him tomorrow evening... Yeah!!!!!

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart...  I thank God everyday for you and what you mean to me.  I am so so so so so  PROUD of you!!!!!  I love you very much!
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Hope all of you have had a great week and enjoyed Mother's Day.  My sweet Mama died in 1991 --at the age of 91,  and I still miss her very much.

Hugs to ALL,
Betsy

86 comments:

Ms. A said...

You both look sun-kissed and it looks great on you!

Happy Birthday, Jeff!

eileeninmd said...

Hi Betsy, what a great trip. I love all the waterfalls and the beach. The photos of you and George are all just wonderful. I love all those matching t-shirts. Have a great day and Happy Birthday to your Jeff!

Beth said...

I was just thinking, "Wow, you have quite a t-shirt collection!" when I next read your comments about the matching sets. That's so cool, Betsy!
Have you lost weight? You always look pretty, but your face seems thinner. Lovely photos of both of you--wonderful post! Visits to the beach are about walking and eating for me too!:>)

Twilight Man said...

You both looked so sweet and loving in matching outfits with the happiest smiles for the camera! Why I never thought of that during my recent trip? I walked too much till my legs ached. I must drive like you guys!

I am sorry about your mama. I am sure she misses you too and smiles at you from heavens. Happy Mother's Day Betsy!

Anonymous said...

Looks like a fun trip with lots of delicious seafood. Happy Birthday to Jeff and congrats to he and Dawn on the upcoming wedding.

Lisa said...

The two of you are just adorable, the matching T-Shirts just make it more. What a great trip, to enjoy the beaches of the Carolinas and the waterfalls of the Blue Ridge (I imagine).

I'll drop by and read about your Baby. Happy 41st Mothers Day Betsy.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I'm glad you and George had such a good trip and returned home safe and sound! Lovely photos and I'm very envious of all that delicious seafood you had to eat! I LOVE seafood!
Happy Birthday to Jeff!

pam said...

You and George have more fun in a month then I do in a whole year!

Sharon said...

As you might expect, your trip just made me want to revisit the Ocean Isle area. It's been several years, but my mouth watered when you mentioned Calabash - we've eaten there a couple of times. Yum! Glad you are back safely!

Harriet said...

As always thanks for sharing your pictures! Looks like a great trip!

Anonymous said...

So many photographs of the two of you; loved everyone of them! You mentioned how the horse trough waterfall looked different than it did when you saw it earlier this year. That's why I enjoy going back to the same places over and over again. They always seem to look different from prior visits and lots of times I find something new (or a different angle) to photograph.

Happy birthday to Jeff!

RoeH said...

I love the pics. So happy for both of you.

MadSnapper said...

happy birthday to Jeff. You and George are looking tanned and happy. welcome back to blog land and home again.

Ruth Hiebert said...

The big smiles on your faces tell it all. Glad to hear you once again had a great time.I am sure we will get to see lots more pictures and I am looking forward to that. Have a wonderful day. Oh,I am heading to Winnipeg after work today to meet Karin Ristau a blog friend.

linda m said...

You and George make the sweetest couple I've seen in a long time. You both always have a smile on your face - must be love. Happy Birthday to your son Jeff.

Karin said...

Good to visit here and see what you've been up to. Love the idea of going out to eat and then working it off with walks along the beach. So glad you can still do it while you can!

I'm looking forward to this evening to meet Ruth! Just imagine she's driving up to Winnipeg where we're visiting family. We flew in and aren't renting a car else I would have taken a drive down south to see her where she lives.

Blessings!! Our ride is here!

Catherine said...

How cute are you two? Always on the go ~ always having fun.

OK, now to switch it up a bit, next time, have George on your left instead of your right. LOL! Adorable!

I have to be on Wayne's left to hang onto hands. ;)

Have a happy week Betsy!
xo Catherine

Marcia said...

So that was some planning to have your photos taken in the same shirts all except the first beach photo. Sounds like you two had a lovely time.

Dorothy said...

So glad you and George got to have this wonderful vacation!! Great pictures! You look like you've lost weight!!
Have a happy week!

Larry said...

Do you have any idea of how many waterfalls you have visited through the years? It must be an amazing number!! Larry

Fred Alton said...

Happy Birthday to Jeff! And congratulations to his new wife! Best wishes to them both for a long and happy life together.

Betsy and George! You two look especially blissful and happy in these pictures. Somehow, it seems, you were made for each other ... both enjoying travel and enjoying waterfalls so much. I've never seen you looking better.

Small City Scenes said...

What great and happy pictures. I really like the second one of you sun-soaked and wind blown youngsters. Doncha feel that way.
Happiness to Jeff and his girl. MB

Mary said...

Glad you had such a great vacation!

Janice K said...

From the smiles on your faces, it was indeed a great trip. Funny, I was wondering how many matching shirts you both have.

May 14th--a special day for you and me both....May God bless and be with your son, Jeff (I also have a son, Jeff) in the coming year and with his marriage this fall.

TexWisGirl said...

sounds like you had a great trip. spending days on the beach sounds like heaven. and seafood! :)

Sylvia K said...

It does indeed look and sound as though you both had a fantastic trip, Betsy! I love the beach! A very Happy Birthday to Jeff! I know that you will all have a great celebration!! Enjoy!

Sylvia

Chatty Crone said...

Happy birthday to your baby.
Looks like you got some nice sun and did a lot of good eating - walking it off on the beach. How many matching t-shirts do you have -that is soooooooo cute. sandie

Kelly said...

...what a wonderful trip, Betsy!! You both look so happy together. I can tell you're having a great time from your smiles! :-)

A Brit in Tennessee said...

What a wonderful trip !
The fresh ocean air, and lots of good food seems to agree with you both, you are looking so healthy and sun-tanned :)
What awesome adventures you have, the love and dedication to each other just shines through in your pictures.
Hugs to you both,
~Jo

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

What a great trip! We had so much fun in Ocean Isle when we went last year :-)

DeniseinVA said...

Super photos of you two love birds Betsy. What a great trip. I showed hubby your waterfalls and he said he'd love to do that. I think we're going to see a few of our own in our retirement, which isn't that far away any more.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Wow- the places you & George are seeing, I am just pea green with envy!

and Happy Birthday to Jeff!

happyone said...

You two always look so happy. How nice that you get to travel so much and enjoy life!!
Always a pleasure to stop by here! : )

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Yall make beautiful memories...keep it going. Happy Birthday to your baby!
Just curious, does a tripod take yalls pic in front of the beautiful scenery? or a stranger walking by:)

Jo said...

I'm amazed at the hundreds of waterfalls you've shown me on your blog. This trip was wonderful to share with you and you're looking SO slim in the beach shot I noticed that for the first time, I think, you and George didn't have the same shirts! But you both look superbly fit and healthy. Happy birthday to Jeff, what a blessing to you and wonderful that he's marrying the lovely lady in his life. (((Hugs))) Jo

Connie Arnold said...

You are sure making lots of wonderful memories! I live in NC but have not been to Ocean Isle Beach. Isn't it great spending time on the beach and eating all the delicious fresh seafood!

Happy birthday to your "baby" and hope you had a lovely Mother's Day, Betsy!

Betty Manousos said...

welcome back!

love these shots, betsy! you both look great!

sounds like you had a memorable trip!
hugs
betty

Becca's Dirt said...

You and George have such an awesome relationship. Getting home is always nice...no place like home. Glad you had a safe trip.

LV said...

Loved this presentation. All the shots of you two are awesome. You both share so many great memories. Hope your memory bank keeps going for years. I have been struggling with the new blog version. I am using it but it takes me forever. Thus, fewer post at this time.

Nava said...

Thanks for taking us with you-- :)

Big Dude said...

Making memories is what it's all about and I don't know anyone as good at it as you guys.

Kay said...

You guys are so lucky to have each other. I love the way you always have matching T-shirts. My Ben and I used to do that when we were dating but after we got married, he didn't like matching shirts anymore. I think it was because he didn't really like T-shirts. He preferred polo shirts.

imac said...

Great showing of Pics and a great time by the TTs
(Tee Twins)

Arkansas Patti said...

All the pictures of you and George are great but that first one is my favorite.
Sounds like you two had a great get away.
Happy Birthday to your son.

kathy b said...

that's it, we've been married 30 years and have NEVER had matching t shirts....a new tradition begins thanks to YOU

Donna said...

Welcome back! The smiles in your photos show the whole wide world that you had a great time seeing the sights together. You two have that pose down pat, LOL!

Ann said...

So glad to hear you had a fabulous time. That beach sure does look inviting to me. I have to say I was a bit surprised to see the two of you in that one picture without your matching tee's :)
Happy Birthday to Jeff

Anonymous said...

Hui Betsy, Wonderful pictures and I'm sure, plenty of happy memories. Good to see you having a lot of fun. I so miss the ocean. I used to live a block from the Pacific so I do remember that ocean smell and sound. Have a most pleasant and nice Tuesday tomorrow!

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

You gotta keep doing the matching tshirts. So glad you had a good time!!

HolleyGarden said...

Happy Mother's Day to you, Betsy! And it sounds like you had a great time! I go to the beach to eat, too! :) I love seafood and there's nothing like good, fresh seafood. Yum. I love your matching tees. What a great souvenir to get from all the places you visit, too!

Glenda said...

I was just thinking about your many matching t-shirts before I read your comment! That's really neat! Your love for each other - and the joys you experience together - really shine in your faces!

Sally Wessely said...

I love your tradition of wearing the matching t-shirts. I guess you two would be very recognizable to your blog readers if they bumped into you on the beach or at some waterfall. ;)

Your trip sounds wonderful. I can't think of anything better to do than what you two did on this latest outing.

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

It sounds like you guys had a really awesome time!! I love the matching t's.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

You two seem to enjoy life and each other soooo much! Beautiful pictures.

carolina nana said...

Glad you all had a great beach trip. I've eaten at Dockside and agree it is very good.
I hated you couldn't find me Saturday at market, I would have still been there at 1:00, we don't close until 2 and I'm usually one of the last to leave.
Next time you are headed this way I'll e-mail you the market address.
Blessings
Marilyn

Carletta said...

Hi Betsy,
Glad you had a wonderful time and you are safely back home.
I've often wondered about the
t-shirts so I enjoyed that little story. I see you got those purple ones here at the Gorge. :)
I hope Jeff has had a wonderful birthday! Have a good time tomorrow when you are together.

It was the first year in a long while my Mom and I were in the same place. We enjoyed a lunch together with free chocolate fudge cake!

Rohrerbot said...

That shot of you both by the Senior Hiker is a framer. You both look great....plus great weather it appears. I'm glad you both had a chance to get out and about. I love how you both take off on some amazing treks. All my best.

Small Kucing said...

Thanks Betsy for dropping by my blog so soon after you came back.

Happy Mothers Day to you too.

Wow...do you always have mtching T-shirts. Too bad I cant have it coz does not have my hubby's size :)

kathy

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

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Welcome home Betsy and George, so happy that you had the best time ever and had great pics to share!

BlueShell said...

What a splendid waterfall, marvelous couple and amazing beach! Here we do not have so many waterfall. We do have beaches...all along the Portuguese coast!
But the nearest beach I have is about 1hour and 30minutes driving!
Lovexx
BShell/Isabel

Anonymous said...

Welcome home!^_^
What a lovely trip and those photos are gorgeous. I think it's cool that you have matching T-shirts :)
Have a fantastic day my friend!
Hugs
Eva

Anonymous said...

What a marvellous trip! And happy birthday to Jeff.

Unknown said...

Love your beautiful photos you both look so happy and love the t"s thanks for sharing joann

Diane AZ said...

Hi Betsy, Sounds like you had a fantastic trip to the beach and waterfalls. You and George look wonderful! :D

Hootin Anni said...

You both always looks so happy and full of youth and vitality!!! Amazing.

Gorgeous country too, on your trip.

Grandma Bonnie said...

Sun, fun, walking and seafood. Sounds like you both know how to live life to its fullest. I love the photos. Hope you have a great week.

Cheqna said...

and I thought you were about to say that you found SIX new matching t-shirts to add to the 35 you already have..hehe..

I so love seeing the photos of you and George..especially on the beach taken on 5/6/12..looked so happy there.

Have a good rest and looking forward to the photos of 6 + 9 new waterfalls?

and Happy Birthday to your "baby"..wishing him well and happiness...hope you all have enjoyed the celebration.

:-)

Ginny Hartzler said...

Welcome back, Betsy! It seems like you had more fun this time than ever!!! I am so gad! The waterfalls are full and very pretty! And your header is beautiful!!!! My, but you are just a little slip of a thing now!!!

Tracy said...

Betsy, you guys are just so cute! I love that you have matching shirts on most of the time and love the photo of you and George in your yellow! The ocean is simply stunning in your header!

Unknown said...

I just love ya'll! Ms. Betsy, have you lost weight? You look really good and happy...

Terry and Linda said...

The incredible shrinking Betsy! You both look so very, very happy!


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

Shug said...

Girl....you are looking like a teenager in the picture of you on the beach in the yellow tank top...ADORABLE! you are a doll!
These pictures are so good and I am so thankful that the two of you are able to enjoy retirement like you do...
You both are blessed!

hugs...

Susie Swanson said...

Hey there wondering stranger..lol.. glad to see you're back..been keeping up with you on fb and your beautiful pics..Happy Birthday to Jeff..Stay still Until we can keep up with you..lol.. You both look so happy and relaxed..I need to take a vacation like your to help get the kinks worked out..I don't know if I could stand all of that walking..welcome home..Susie

camp and cottage living said...

Betsy
Happy Birthday to Jeff!
You and your dear husband look like love birds-so sweet.
You were certainly smart to head south instead of north like I did!
The falls are beautiful!

Angela said...

Those are some incredible looking places you and George went to Betsy! I love your matching shirts! I'm so glad that you two had a great time. Happy birthday to your son! I hope he had a good one and I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day!

Hugs,
Angela

Connie said...

It sounds like you had a fabulous time, Betsy. Your pictures are great. I love the beach! :)

Dar said...

I'm missing you, but see where you have been, enjoying those gorgeous waterfalls, the ocean, each other. You two are two peas in a pod, sweethearts showing us the way to happiness. Just look at you two, so as if you were one. Marriage is looking good on you both.
BlessYourHearts

Perfectly Printed said...

Just found your blog...what wonderful times you and your husband share traveling and exploring.

chris

Holly from 300 Pounds Down said...

Wow I just found your blog and I'm so happy I did . You and your husband look so happy. I love seeing all the pictures of the two of you experiencing life and adventures together. This is awesome!! I wish I saw more couples like this in real life. You give hope to all of us!

Lynn said...

You two had such a lovely combo trip of beaches and waterfalls. Love all the pictures. Belated birthday greetings to Jeff. Blessings.

Annie Jeffries said...

Look at you two, so cute and all matchy matchy.

Annie Jeffries said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Neal said...

Sounds like a great trip. You two sure do know how to enjoy yourselves.

Busy Bee Suz said...

I think you two win the cutest couple award! The Coach and I don't have matching anything....except for children?? :)
Love that you had a great time beaching, water falling and eating!
xoxo

Pat Tillett said...

Nice photos of both the scenery and the two of you! My wife and I only have one matching t-shirt. Mine says, "I'm with her because I deserve the best. Her's says "I'm with stupid!"

Janie said...

Happy birthday to Jeff!
I love the matching T-shirts! Glad you had a great time at the beach and hunting waterfalls.