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...

Friday, July 13, 2012

General Jackson Showboat, Nashville, TN

After leaving Centennial Park in Nashville, Tennessee on our 11th wedding anniversary--June 23, 2012,  (click HERE if you missed this post),   we checked into our motel (Holiday Inn Express) and then at about 6:30 p.m.  we boarded the General Andrew Jackson Showboat for a lovely three hour evening  (7-10) consisting of a boat ride during the late afternoon and evening,  a delicious dinner,  and lots of musical entertainment.

As I mentioned on the  Centennial Park post,  we were enjoying 're-living'  some of the memories we made in 2001--when we were dating and first married.    We last visited the General Jackson Showboat on my birthday in August of 2001.   SO---eleven years later---we went back!!!!!  It was great in 2001---but even greater in 2012....  Maybe we can go back again in 2021, on our 20th.

Hope you enjoy some of our pictures from this memorable evening.  If you want more info about the General Jackson,  click HERE.  Above is a photo they took of us before boarding.  You can see the boat in the background.  Click on all pictures for enlargements.




We enjoyed being on deck --listening to the live Bluegrass music,  and watching all of the happenings along the beautiful Cumberland River.   Here are some skiers having fun!!!




A nice lady volunteered to take a picture of us while we sat on the deck.




Taken in August of 2001
Now here is a blast from the past...  This picture was taken in  August of 2001 ---the last time we went on this showboat...  NOTE the dress I'm wearing...  It's the same dress I wore this year..  I always loved that dress --and it has been packed away waiting for me to lose enough weight to wear it again... How 'bout that?




George in 2001
And here is a picture of George taken on the boat in 2001.  I'm sorry I don't have a picture of the two of us together then.




Downtown Nashville at night 
We went into a huge dining room for dinner (LOTS of people on this boat today)---and after a dinner of braised BBQ short ribs, salad and veggies (and before dessert),  they told us to go back outside and get some pictures of Downtown Nashville at night...  It was a beautiful evening and we both took LOTS of pictures...  Here's one for you.




Concert at  the stadium
There was a Kenny Chesney/Tim McGraw concert going on at the Titans Stadium (LP Field) that night ---so I took a picture of them --from the boat.  (George's sister and friends were at that concert and said that it was fabulous!)




After dessert (chocolate tart),  the "Heart of Tennessee" took us on a musical journey of all of the different kinds of music in the state of Tennessee.   This was my favorite part of the entire evening.  This entertainment group was EXCELLENT --and both George and I really enjoyed it.  Here is one (of many) pictures I took during the performance.




AND---just for us (I'm sure),  they showed a beautiful WATERFALL on the screen....  What could be more fitting than seeing this on our anniversary?????   Neat, huh???




Finally,  when we got back to our room  (while we were still dressed up) ---we took one more picture of us...  (We seldom dress up these days ---so this event was quite special.)

Hope you enjoyed seeing some of our pictures from the General Jackson Showboat... If you ever get to Nashville,  be sure and take a ride!!!!  It's WONDERFUL...

I am really happy this week since we have received almost SIX inches of rain....  It was the steady, gentle rain which the yard LOVES.... All of our flowers are smiling bigtime now...

Have a great weekend and I'll see you on Monday.
Hugs,
Betsy

67 comments:

Ms. A said...

Betsy... the same dress after 11 years, WOW! I think the only thing I could fit into from 11 years ago, would be my socks!

eileeninmd said...

Hi Betsy, what a lovely trip for your anniversary. The boat ride looks like fun. I love the now and then photos. The Nashville at night shot is beautiful. Great post and photos, have a wonderful weekend.

Fun60 said...

What a great post and a walk down memory lane for you. I always keep my favourite clothes to wear again but so far haven't been able to quite manage that feat. Well done you and congratulations.

Twilight Man said...

What a beautiful event you both had! So sweet and romantic moments relived. You have not changed at all except a bit slimmer, I guess.
I truly enjoy such short boat cruises too like the one I had in Japan.

Happy Weekend to you Betsy and George!

Big Dude said...

Looks like a terrific way to celebrate your special day. We've been more on the edge of the rains so have only received about half of what you got, but had a nice all day shower yesterday. Hopefully things weren't too far gone to recover.

diane b said...

That looks like you had loads of fun and some super memories. Congrats for losing weight enough to fit into that lovely dress.

Small Kucing said...

Amazng. You kept the dress for a decade and it's still in tip top condition. That's great :)

Linda P said...

A lovely way to celebrate your anniversary. That evening showboat trip must have been joyful - you
capture the experience so well in your photos and words.
Have a good weekend, hoping the rain
continues to be the soft and gentle type that's good for your garden.

Snap said...

Lovely trip, Betsy. I do like Nashville ... sweet memories!

I Am Woody said...

Yellow is definitely a good color on you! No wonder you love that dress!!

Amy Burzese said...

What a fun time! Nashville has so much to offer. I've always wanted to do that river cruise. You've convinced me!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Beautiful scenes. You look the same today as you did in 2001. I guess some people never age,unfortunately I am not one of those. I love the night scene of Nashville.It is so colourful.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Congrats on still fitting in the dress! I love the color. What a fun tradition.

Gail said...

Happy anniversary! What better way to celebrate the occasion with a wonderful rain and a fun filled trip.

Unknown said...

Beautiful photos, I get to know so many places over there by looking at your pictures. And I love your dress :-)
Have a lovely weekend!

Hugs
Eva

Ann said...

what a fun evening. We went on a riverboat dinner cruise one time. It was fun.
I just love how you show pictures from then and now. That's so cool.

Beth said...

Betsy, what a wonderful way to celebrate your anniversary! You and George look absolutely fantastic---amazing that neither of you seems to age very much. So neat that you were able to fit into the same dress---a very pretty one, too.

And I'm happy, too, to hear that you got rain. We got some, too, though we probably didn't get as much as you did. I was grateful for what we got, though.

Janice K said...

Congratulations! I am happy for you...for your anniversary celebration, your "dress" (I've got some of those waiting for me to wear them once again too), and for the RAIN. Please send some our way--that is exactly what we need.

Have a great weekend.

Marcia said...

I don't think I have kept any clothes that long in hopes of returning to that size. Good for you in losing the weight. Looks and sounds like it was a wonderful celebration of 11 years.

Catherine said...

Well don't you two look like a ray of sunshine all dressed in yellow! Cute cute cute!
Wishing both of you a lovely weekend ~ glad you got some rain!
xo Catherine

Christine said...

Betsy, you and George are so blessed! How wonderful to be able to wear that lovely yellow dress again and to the same place! The night skyline is quite beautiful.
Hugs from me to y'all!

Diane AZ said...

Congratulations to you and George on your wedding anniversary! Beautiful then and now pictures, Nashville at night reflections, and the waterfall on the screen. :)

Out on the prairie said...

What a grand experience, I have never been on a showboat.

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Your yellow dress is lovely,bright and happy. Good to see your younger days photo, both of you. I love Kenny Kesney. He sings a song about Rogersville, where he was born, AND where Ray and I lived.
As usual, wonderful photos, glad you had a good time. Is it your anniversary? if so then Happy Ani to you both.,

TexWisGirl said...

great reflections on the water. and congrats on the rain!!!

Anonymous said...

You two were a happy couple then and now. God's greater plan at work.
You two look marvelous, Betsy!

Susannah said...

Oh what a beauiful trip! You and George always look so sweet together. You can tell you are in love! I am so glad you could take this trip again. Thank you for sharing.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

I feel as if I've just been to Nashville myself. Thanks for the beautiful tour.

Nellie said...

It sounds like a very memorable evening, Betsy. Nashville is a "hsppening place," isn't it?

xo Nellie

Jeevan said...

Wonderful photos! Glad u enjoyed the boat ride and the musical show… you look beautiful in the yellow dress Betsy :) Good to see your photos of past and present and these isn’t great difference and only more happiness and smile.

Have a nice weekend!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

You look so pretty in your yellow dress! It looks like you and George had a great time in Nashville.
Glad you got some rain. We are still awaiting ours. It's needed desperately.
Have a nice weekend!

Sylvia K said...

What a great, fun time! You both look wonderful and I do love your dress, Betsy!! Have a great, safe Friday the 13th and a beautiful weekend!!

Shilpa said...

Seems u had a fantastic boat trip and I love the photos esp. the reflections on water!

Wow! You look gorgeous in that outfit, Betsy. Enjoyed the post

Hugs
Shilpa

Sharon said...

Wow, the two of you sure do dress up nice!!

My favorite General Jackson story is that several years ago, we took our two nieces on one of the afternoon cruises. We got about 30 minutes into the trip and they both announced to us that they were BORED and wanted to know what else there was to do!! One of those nieces just graduated from high school and the other begins VET school at UT next month. We still laugh about their "boring" day on the General Jackson!

P.S. Guess we have to get out the lawnmowers now, don't we???

DeniseinVA said...

What a wonderful post Betsy, you look great and so neat to be in your pretty yellow dress again. I have favorites packed away too waiting for the day :) Have a great weekend and thanks for starting off mine with all these super photos.

Debbie Jones said...

Congratulations on your anniversary! Sounds like you had a wonderful, memorable time! It's always great to celebrate the wonderful milestones in life that make us happy. I am enjoying your blog.

Connie said...

You look lovely, Betsy! The boat ride with dinner and entertainment sounds like so much fun. I would love to do something like that.

Chatty Crone said...

Oh my goodness what awesome pictures this is and you had the same dress on - wow I am impressed lady. And I am so glad that you are probably more in love today then then. sandie♥

Anonymous said...

Hello Betsy,
Happy anniversary! It looks like you both had a wonderful time in Nashville. How exciting that you saved the dress and was able to wear it once again. Congratulations on the weight loss, you look great!

From the looks of your weather map, we may get more rain this weekend...yipeee, my yard is starting to turn green once again. Have a great weekend.

Anonymous said...

You look lovely, Betsy. Your trip looks like so much fun and you are a handsome couple and an inspiration to us all. Have a good weekend and enjoy the cooler weather.

Lady Di Tn said...

Thanks for sharing your special anniversary with us. I loved the fact that you were reliving the things you had done before. You look fantastic in the dress and should be really proud that you fit back into it. I see red roses out in the yard for George to pick for you. Peace

Glenda said...

Wow, Betsy! You deserve applause for being able to wear your beautiful dress after 11 years . . . and it looks brand new! The bright yellow is just perfect to match your sunny personality! Great pics!

Starry Dawn said...

Howdy Betsy,
Wooowww!! Oh, my goodness!!
I am so impressed by your excellence, your beauty from inside and out, your photos, your love stories, and so on.
Betsy and George, Happy Anniversary again!! You are so much in love, and it shows...
Of course, one day, I'll sail that Jackson Showboat in Nashville, TN., if that is God's will...
I'm thrilled!! I just can't wait to get there. You wrote a great inspirational thought with which I thoroughly agree,"Life is all about choices and attitude. Make the right choices, keep a positive attitude, and you'll find joy through all of your ups and downs."
Of course, a little bit of luck will add its best ingredients and good spicy flavours to reach some sort of happiness.
Thank you so much for visiting my sites and offering your wise thoughts, sweet Betsy!!
You are an amazing lady, darling.
God keeps blessing you, George, and your beloved ones!!
Blessings,
Poet Starry.

Starry Dawn said...

Hi Betsy,
It's me again...
I forgot to tell you how beautiful your dress is. It's really fantastic that you can still wear the same size after 11 years.
You are a gorgeous lady, Betsy.
I love to see the majestic stadium in a Nashville Concert.
Superb post, Betsy!!
Thanks for sharing with us!!
Warm Hugs,
Starry.

Grandma Bonnie said...

Your pictures are great. I like the first of you bothe together with the boat in the back ground. I just love your dress. Hope you have a great weekend.

Linda G. said...

Great pictures of the two of you, as always! Congratulations on your weight loss.

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Just awesome to see you two enjoying your ride on the boat. I think Nashville is a beautiful city. Love visiting it but have never gone on the General Jackson!

NatureStop said...

Betsy, I love that yellow dress...after all this time it still fitted your perfectly.How cool is that:)You look so pretty.Have a great weekend!

Shantana

Faye said...

I'm smiling while reading this post, Betsy. You and George have such joy in the lives you've made together it just shows. I hope you get to repeat the same trip in another ten years.

Enjoy the rain this weekend. We keep hoping.

joy said...

I fell in love with this post and I'm so happy for both of you. One can feel that " love is in the air" Hope me and my hubby will remain in love like you both when we retired. Anyway, we are now married for for 21 years and still very much in love or I will say more in love:) good luck to you both and thanks for inspiring us with your love for each other. Beautiful!

Arkansas Patti said...

I fear I am in Mrs. A's boat. You are really peeling off the pounds Betsy. Big time kudos.
The love between you two is so evident.
So pleased you got such a great, steady rain. Your many plants will be so grateful.

Rohrerbot said...

That is SUPER impressive on two fronts. 1. That you can fit into the same dress many years later and 2. That you still have the dress!!! You must take excellent care of your clothes:) This looks like a really nice evening out. Sounds relaxing...a little breeze from the water and some good times. Is this cheap of me? I stay at the econohotels just so I can do the bigger things during the daytime. I figure that we just sleep in these places anyway so they don't have to be anything fancy:) Enjoy the rest of your weekend. All my best. Chris:)

Janie said...

Sounds like a fun boat ride. Love the dress, both then and now! I notice that you and George were color coordinated in yellow this year.
How nice that you've gotten so much rain. We've had barely a drop. Hoping some will fall this weekend...

Hootin Anni said...

Love the two of you sitting on the deck best!!! What a thrill for the two of you. And......ahem.....to be able to fit into a dress from even ONE year for me wouldn't be a realization. But, look at you girl!!!! Way too go.

Neal said...

Very interesting Betsy. It looks like you guys had a really great time.

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Betsy you share these wonderful events in yours and Georges life so well, that I feel I'm along for the ride! Congratulations, just a wonderful uplifting post.
x

Rose said...

Believew it or not, and you would ten not to if you knew me, but I noticed the dress first thing...that it was the same in the now and then shots.

Looks like you had a wonderful time.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely trip down memory lane!

Terry and Linda said...

Happy Anniversary! I enjoy this whole post!!!!



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

Tammie Lee said...

it looks and sounds as though you had a wonderful time. I am so happy for you~

happyone said...

You've had that dress for a while!! How nice look in yellow. : )
You and George always have the nicest smiles! Your happiness shines through your posts.

Andrea said...

That is great memories to remember, and wearing the same dress is very significant. Before you said it i noticed the same dress, so i first thought i was confused, and there you said it. That is a beautiful dress and am very glad you had pictures together. You should always ask someone to take your photos, or use a tripod, it brings wonderful memories and comparison of the past. Happy more anniversaries to come! I am sure that dress can still wait for another 10!

Sally Wessely said...

What a great trip! It looks like the perfect anniversary get away. Love the dress, and the history of the dress. Good for you for getting down to that size again.

Sally Wessely said...

For some reason, my comment didn't post.

So here I go again. Love the dress, and the history of the dress. Good for you for getting down the size you were 11 years ago. That is an accomplishment.

I think that you had the PERFECT anniversary trip.

SquirrelQueen said...

What a great way to celebrate your anniversary. The riverboat looks like a lot of fun ... and very romantic too.

Hope you and George had a great weekend. We finally got some rain too, yay!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

What a wonderful way to celebrate your anniversary, Betsy and George! I loved all the photos both new and from the past of you both! You look fantastic in that pretty yellow dress, Betsy!

Cheqna said...

A lovely treat for your anniversary..wishing you both many more happy life together.

:-)