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, July 1, 2013

Celebrating our Anniversary

Celebrating 12 Glorious Years together (6/23/13)
Hope all of you have had a great couple of weeks since I have been gone.  George and I celebrated our 12th Wedding Anniversary on June 23, 2013... We took a short trip north of where we live to Kentucky to do some hiking,  see some waterfalls --and just have a good time!

We visited the Cumberland Gap area to do some hiking and photography.  We stayed a couple of days at one of our favorite state parks,  Pine Mountain State Park.  While there we did ALOT of hiking and exploring that beautiful area.  Then we spent two nights in Corbin --and visited Cumberland Falls State Park and did a hike at Yahoo Falls which is near Whitley City.

We had a great time --but the highlight for me was seeing the Super Moon and the Moonbow (rainbow at night) at Cumberland Falls.  And of course,  we enjoyed a fabulous buffet dinner at the Cumberland Falls Lodge Restaurant on our anniversary.

Today I will share some pictures from our anniversary dinner --plus a few more of the highlights of this trip.  Above,  you will see a photo of us taken on our anniversary outside of the lodge at Cumberland Falls... Be sure to click on all photos for enlargements.  Hope you enjoy some of our MANY photos from this trip!




This is a photo of the lodge at Cumberland Falls State Park.




Here is a view from our table in the restaurant (taken through a double glass window).




Here is a photo of George at the table getting ready to eat!!!!!  Their Sunday buffets are fabulous (with lots of choices of salad items, meats, veggies, breads, desserts, etc.). 




And here I am getting ready to chow-down... Oink Oink!!!!!!! ha  (By the way,  my roast beef was terrific!)...  Don't you love our Mt. Rushmore shirts?

My Anniversary Gift from George
George gave me another one of his great photos on canvas (I now have 3 of them) for our anniversary.  This one was one of our favorite photos (which he took)  from Pikes Peak last September--showing the snow-covered mountain peaks  and the clouds in the distance.   Pretty,  isn't it? I love it!!!



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HERE ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR TIME AT CUMBERLAND FALLS STATE PARK:
Gorgeous Cumberland Falls  (showing off lots of water on 6/21/13)--68 feet high and 125 feet wide (known as the Niagara of the South)

Beautiful rainbow at Cumberland Falls--which we saw the morning of 6/22/13


That glorious full moon (Super Moon) --taken on 6/23/13 right after midnight at an overlook near the state park


Moonbow (Rainbow at night) at Cumberland Falls, KY-taken on 6/22/13 at 11:30 p.m.
We had tried a few years ago to see the Moonbow --but the weather didn't cooperate that year.  This year,  it was perfect.  However,  since it was a Saturday night (6/22/13) in Summer --and since there was a Super Moon,  about 500 million (it seemed) of our best friends joined us at the falls to see the Moonbow.  We did not have a good vantage point due to the people --and were lucky to see the moonbow at all.  However, we found out  that the human eye cannot detect the colors of the rainbow at night.  It looks all white/silver.  But--a good camera CAN..... George set the tripod up (which kept getting kicked by people nearby) --and set it for a two minute exposure.... Even though he is not satisfied with the picture,  I think he did well, under the circumstances.  SO--we left very pleased that we had seen it AT ALL.  The waterfall is out of our view (to the left) --but the spray/mist from the waterfall is what causes the rainbow... We WILL go back sometime --during the off-season, during the week (when there's a full moon), and will go about 2 a.m. Yawn!!!!!!!  SO---next time,  we may get something that looks more like the rainbow photo above (which was taken during the daytime at a good vantage point).....

All in all,  we loved seeing the Moonbow --since we had never seen it before --so there are no complaints from either of us!!!!!!   Can you see what a great anniversary we had?

Us on the Blue Ridge Parkway (6/27/13)
I'll close with a photo of us taken on our 2nd trip during those two weeks.  We took a trip to North Carolina to see George's son and family... AND--on the way there,  we just HAD to check out Craggy Gardens and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The reason I'm enclosing this photo is to show you our new Moonbow t-shirts which we got at Cumberland Falls State Park before leaving that day.  Aren't they pretty ---along with the mountain views behind us in this photo????

Hope you had a great couple of weeks...  I'll begin checking your blogs as soon as I have some free time... IF there are any specific posts you want me to see from these past 2 weeks,  please let me know so that I won't miss them.  Thanks!!!!

Happy July 4th to ALL and God Bless America.  Be sure to check out my Photo Blog  (click HERE)  on Wednesday for a beautiful patriotic photo.  

Hugs to ALL,

72 comments:

Ginny Hartzler said...

You're back!!! I was just going to e-mail you and ask if you had fallen off the face of the earth, or had gone on a huge waterfall trip! Happy Anniversary! The pictures are breathtaking!! I love the way the sun is on the falls, and the gorgeous moon, they are awesome pictures! Your header is beautiful too!

Ms. A said...

Belated Happy Anniversary! Looks like it was great!

eileeninmd said...

Happy Belated Anniversary! Gorgeous photos from your trip. The moonbow is pretty, what a sight to see. I like your new t-shirts. Wonderful photos, have a happy day!

MadSnapper said...

you two certainly know how to celebrate your anniversary.. you were in my favorite part of our world. and these are the only places you travel to that I have been there many times. but that was 50 plus years ago. welcome home, love all the pics

Small Kucing said...

I dont quite get it... "on canvas" means he paint it himself?

George certainly is very talented :)

Happy ANniversary again

Unknown said...

Hi Betsy,

Happy Anniversary!! It's great to see you both so very happy :) Your pictures are always so stunning, I do love the nature myself and wish I could get out more often hiking and such. Might invite a dear friend and go hiking soon. Enjoy your week.

Hugs
Eva

Marcia said...

Happy Anniversary! I've never heard of a moon bow before. I can see why it was so popular to see now.

Hope your garden survived the deer while you were gone.

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

It looks like you had a lovely anniversary celebration and you both look so happy. You two know how and where to celebrate. The photos are fantastic as always.

Love and hugs to both of you ~ FlowerLady

Annesphamily said...

A perfect anniversary! I love all the beautiful photos. Your gift from George is gorgeous and the t shirts are so cool! Happy anniversary to both of you and many more .

linda m said...

What a beautiful anniversary trip. Great photos and I love the picture George gave you. Hope you two have many more anniversaries together.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Sounds like a wonderful anniversary! Love the shirts :-)

Big Dude said...

Happy 12 years Betsy and George.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

hope you both had a wonderful time. I love seeing that folk are living in a happy, healthy & great marriage together for many years. I know it can be done if you both put the work into it & keep the faith.

big big hugs.
enjoy your week. happy 4th. ( :

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Belated Happy Anniversary Betsy and George.. I wish you all many many more.. The photos of the lodge and Cumberland area are fantastic... We wish you all a very Lovely Happy 4th of July Holiday.. Hugs Judy

Joy said...

Happy anniversary to both of you. You really had a very grand time together:)
The pictures are awesome always.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Oh, I envy your getting to see the moonbow. That's interesting that you can't see the rainbow colors except in the photograph. I thought George did a fine job. I know it's not as sharp a photo as he would like, but he certainly captured the moonbow. Nicely done.

LV said...

The good Lord knew what he was doing when he matched you two up. You are a very special couple that is blessed with love and enjoy the same things. Not much of that anymore. Glad you had a nice trip and anniversary, but I did miss you.

Lady Di Tn said...

Yawl had a wonderful time and now we get to enjoy your fabulous photos. I always feel like I get to go along with yawl when you post these great photos. Peace

Lynda said...

You two always have a reason to celebrate something. I love that about you! I was about to mention the beauty of the mountain ranges behind you against your new shirts. That can go in "my" top ten of favorite pictures of you as a couple. I have never seen a moonbow - - until George's photo but we did go outside and see the supermoon. It was totally amazing - - so large and bright!

The Furry Gnome said...

What a wonderful sounding trip! Just found your blog; I think I'm going to enjoy reading it.

DeniseinVA said...

Belated Happy Anniversary Betsy! What a wonderful trip you took. Beautiful photos and yes I loved those shirts. Gorgeous scenery. I'm getting excited because we are counting down to Gregg's retirement and I have said, "We'll be able to travel just like Betsy and George!" :)
Hugs,
Denise
An English Girl Rambles

Ruth Hiebert said...

Beautiful pictures.You always look so happy together,as you should.Keep on celebrating those anniversaries,I hope you have many more.

Unknown said...

Big loving hugs to the sweethearts ... your photos are always the best & yo two look fab.

Happy safe 4th hugs,
TTFN ~
Marydon

Sylvia K said...

Great to see you back online!! Wishing you and George a very Happy Anniversary!! May you have many more! I love your photos for the day and what a beautiful place it is! The waterfalls are awesome!! Have a great week!!

Grandma Bonnie said...

I am glad to hear you are back safely. I have been missing your photos. Happy Anniversary! What a beautiful anniversary gift. George must be so sweet.

Rose said...

Oh, Betsy, looks like you had a wonderful time. Neal told me the other day that you guys were on vacation...I have not been blogging till the past 3 or 4 days...trying to start again....Seems like soon as I start something happens to distract me.

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Hello Betsy and George,
You've had a wonderful break I see!
I had never heard of a moonbow - how awesome and that full capture? Simply brilliant of course!
What a wonderful place and I enjoyed every single photo.
Congratulations on 12 wonderful years!
xxxRose
The Rushmore shirts are very chic...

Ann said...

Well a very happy belated anniversary to you and George. Wishing you many more happy years together.

Terry and Linda said...

Wonderful for you!!! Happy Anniversary! Thank you for sharing the Moonbow!!! My first!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Small City Scenes said...

Wowee look at that happy couple---12 years how excellent. Your happiness glows. You had such a great time. Your pictures are excellent and beautiful. Your header is so nice. I like the picture on canvas George made for you. I am so happy for you two. Whoda thunk!! haha
I like your new header too. Now back to the humdrum of everyday life. Dontcha love it. YES!!!
MB

Carletta said...

Happy Anniversary!
Welcome back!
You and George always know how to celebrate. Looks like you had a wonderful time.

Dee said...

Dear Betsy, as always your photographs just put me there with you. However, the one of the waterfall revealed to me just how much I miss by not going there myself. It's 68 feet high you said and it looks so much less in the photograph.

Your t-shirts--both the one from Moonbow and the one from Mount Rushmore are just lovely. I so like t-shirts and they make up 1/3 of my wardrobe. The other 2/3s are sweatshirts and pants. Peace.

Miss Debbie said...

Happy Anniversary! Sounds like a nice trip!

diane b said...

Happy Anniversary for last week (the day before my birthday). You sure do look like you had a happy time. The header and photos are beautiful and the restaurant and view look like a magic place to celebrate.

Sharon said...

When I was a little girl, we would camp at Cumberland Falls so I've seen the moonbow many times when there were just a handful of people there. It's a favorite childhood memory.

Wendy said...

A very happy anniversary to you both!!!! How wonderful to spend it at Cumberland Falls with the Moonbow! I think the pic is fine - especially since I'd never heard of a Moonbow either!

You have some lovely pics and it looks like you had a perfect anniversary celebration trip.

Thanks for sharing and I do love your shirts, especially the moonbow ones.
Sending lots of hugs,

Catherine said...

Congratulations to both of you! 12 happy years together on your adventure of life. Fantastic!

Happy July Betsy!
xo Catherine

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Happy belated anniversary! I am happy that you both enjoyed your get-away to KY. I have only been to KY a couple of times - just up 127 a short way across the border from TN and also up from Nashville to get to IL. So, someday I will travel more within KY. Have a wonderful coming week - rainy here in FL today.

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

Congratulations, Betsy! May you and your beloved have many more wonderful anniversaries together. What a great way to mark the occasion with such a brunch! Such beautiful views!

Arkansas Patti said...

Happy Anniversary. Best 12 years ever I'll bet.
I love the gift George gave you. Didn't know they could do that. Looks just like a painting.
The moon shot and moon rainbow(didn't know they happened) were great.
Welcome home.

amanda said...

Wow, a MOONbow.. I've never heard of one, that is fantastic! The supermoon sure was bright enough for it! How great that you guys got to experience it. Happy anniversary - what a wonderful way to celebrate!!

Shug said...

Looks like you two enjoyed a wonderful anniversary celebration. I do declare Betsy...you just keep getting more beautiful every day. I guess I need to take up hiking!! lol
You do look great and I love seeing the happiness that you and George share...
Hugs to you...
shug

Susie Swanson said...

Happy Anniversary to you both. Looks like ya'll had a great getaway. Love the pics. Hugs and love, Susie

Marie said...

Awww! Happy Anniversary to a beautiful couple!
Love all the photos!

betty-NZ said...

What a lovely pair the two of you make! I'm glad you had a very happy anniversary. Your photos are just terrific.

Buttercup said...

I do love your Mount Rushmore shirts and your fabulous pictures. Thanks so much for sharing them. Wishes for many more happy celebrations.

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Happy anniversary!!!! Sounds like you had a great time. George did good capturing the moon bow even if it wasn't under ideal circumstances.

Chatty Crone said...

Do glad you're home - I missed you. Well another great vacation and wonderful photos. I saw the waterfalls and the rainbows. The moon. And the new T-shirts. You guys are so much in love. Welcome home. sandie

carolina nana said...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU ALL. LOOKS LIKE YOU HAD A WONDERFUL TIME. I have been to Cumberland falls, it is a really beautiful place. Glad you saw the moonbow !!
Blessings
Marilyn

Lynn said...

Even having seen most of your photos already on FB, it was delightful to see them again in sequence all in one place. My favorite (really hard to have just one) is the last one of the two of you, your shirts and the stunning Blue Ridge behind you. I have rarely captured or seen the ridges that numerous before fog surrounds them. Very lovely.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful photos and what a great anniversary trip. The lodge is so pretty and the food looks delicious. Wishing you both a safe holiday. So very sorry about the loss of your dear friend.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

I really do feel like you take me along with yall....love seeing the pretty photos. Yall look happy with your anniversary.
that moon was beautiful too

Larry said...

Congratulations to two of the most joy filled people I know... yes... know... I suspect that is why your blog is so very popular... it is real in the best sense of the word as are you and George and those of us in Blogland feel like we know you personally! Blessings, Larry

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful trip - full of love and beautiful scenery.

I've never heard of a moonbow - must have been a lovely sight!

Fun60 said...

Good to hear from you again. Happy belated anniversary. You both look so well and happy the photos of the two of you are such a joy to see. Excellent photos of the moon and rainbow as well.

Krishna/à´•ൃà´·്à´£ said...

belated happy anniversary greetings



Betty Manousos said...

happy (belated) anniversary!!
you both look so happy!
what a fabulous trip you took!
sounds like a wonderful anniversay.
totally enjoyed all of these photos.

welcome back!

big hugs~
xoxo

Neal said...

What great pictures. I like Cumberland Falls also even if it isn't very high. And of course you know I like Cumberland Gap. :)

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

HI What a wonderful trip for your anniversary and great photo for memories in the future. Thanks for sharing. Thanks also for leaving a comment on my blog. Blogger is making ALL my replies DISAPPEAR now adn this is so frustrating as I have always relies to EVERYONE who commented so thanks for you now adn in the futre. Margaret

Donna said...

Congratulations on 12 blissful years! Looks like a terrific place for your celebration too.

Beth said...

What a wonderful trip! So glad you were able to go and then share it with us!:>)

Janice K said...

Congratulations--You saw so many wonderful places, and I'm glad your rainbow and moonbow pictures turned out. It looks like you had lots of fun!!

Connie said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip, Betsy! Beautiful photos. What a neat gift for you from George too!

Jeevan said...

Wow! The waterfalls sound fabulous and moreover your moon-bow experience... first time hearing about it. Glad u had a great anniversary at your favorite places. Beautiful photos Betsy!

I was also fascinated by rainbows during my vacation last month in Kodaikanal here and we are least by chance to see super moon her due to cloudy weather.

SquirrelQueen said...

Hey you two, a belated Happy Anniversary!
It looks like you had a great trip. I really enjoyed seeing the waterfalls and cool mountain scenes as it is hot here. We hit 106 yesterday and it's going to be 107 or above today.

SquirrelQueen said...

Oh Betsy, I meant to tell you the book I have on my blog today is a Zombie Apocalypse type novel. Just wanted you to know before you recommend it to your son. But he still might enjoy it.

MTWaggin said...

An amazing trip and you and George were meant to be together!!!!!

Mary said...

Happy Anniversary! I don't know anyone that has more fun and such great trips as you two. May you have many more together and God bless your love for each other each day.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your 12 anniversary. You and George are perfect together.

Linda G. said...

I love all your matching t-shirts and that you wear them on the same day. I wished you a happy anniversary on Facebook, but I will do the same here .. Happy Anniversary to both you and George and many more to come!

Twilight Man said...

Happy Anniversary to you both Darlings! I always envy you both and hope to have a nice retirement going places.

"Life is all about choices and attitude. Make the right choices, keep a positive attitude-- and you will find JOY through all of your ups and downs. "

Your motto is beautiful and keeps ringing in my ears!!!

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

Congrats and wow!!
Buddy and I saw that same moon down in the Caribbean. We have never heard of a Moonbeam and now we got to see one!
SO COOL!