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...

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Three Trips in Two Weeks!!!!! (Nov. 25 - Dec. 6, 2013)

George's son, Robert and family
Since I have been away from Blogging for two weeks,  I must admit that George and I have been VERY busy!!!   We took THREE trips during this time...

First,  we took a trip to Palm Harbor, Florida,  where we enjoyed Thanksgiving with George's son Robert and family..  Secondly,  we drove to Chattanooga,  Tennessee,  and got to spend some time with two of my three sons and a couple of grandchildren... And thirdly,  we drove to Ocean Isle Beach,  North Carolina  (by way of the Smoky Mountain backroads and Biltmore)...WOW--what a fantastic couple of weeks!!!!

Today,  I'll give you a short glance into these trips (with the exception of the Smokies and Biltmore which will come later).  Hope all of you are doing fine and had a fantastic Thanksgiving like we did!!!

Above is a picture of George's son,  Robert,  with Melissa,  Zack and Sean.  We had taken a hike on a very windy day near the Courtney Campbell Causeway at Clearwater,  Florida,  trying to walk off some of that delicious food they prepared for us!!!!



View from the Robert Adams' home in Palm Harbor, FL
Here is a great view from Robert and Melissa's living room. That is a beautiful area of Florida!



Fried Turkey for Thanksgiving Dinner
Robert is quite a great chef ---and he cooked MANY wonderful things for us while we were there.. His Dad loves to cook also ---so those two had fun discussing all of the things one should and should not do when cooking!!!!  I had never had fried turkey before --and this one was TREMENDOUS....  Rob uses all of the best seasonings ---so this was truly one of my favorite turkey dinners EVER.




Thanksgiving Dinner
YUM.   I put two photos together to show you what I ate on Thanksgiving day... Not only is Robert a good cook, but Melissa is also... Most everything they make is 'from scratch' ---and it was absolutely fantastic.

Robert makes cheesecakes from scratch ---and we had two different ones while there.  This is a Pumpkin Cheesecake with caramel topping...  SO---other than the turkey,  the cheesecakes were my favorites!!!   Oh My Heart---can you say "DELICIOUS".... Wow!




George and me with son, Mark, from Texas
After getting home from that trip,  we headed to Chattanooga to see more family.   My middle son,  Mark,  drove up from Texas for a couple of days with his beautiful daughters,  Bay Lee and Brooke.  We hadn't seen them in awhile ---so as you can imagine,  we had a fantastic time!!!



Top: Sons Mark and Jeff;  Bottom:  Jeff and beautiful wife, Dawn
Not only did I get to see Mark and the girls,  but it was great seeing son Jeff and his wife, Dawn, also.  They drove up from Georgia so that all of us could be together.   Mark and Jeff are only 16 months apart in age --but don't get to spend enough time together these days...We loved seeing all of them.



Top:  Me with Mark and his daughters,  Bay Lee (with her teeny little dog) and Brooke;  Bottom: Mark and a very happy, proud Mama/Grammy
As I said,  Mark and the girls live in Texas.  Bay Lee is 20 now and in college at Texas State University.  Brooke is 16 and is a Junior in high school.  They have grown up much too fast for this Grammy!!!




Mark and daughters,  Bay Lee and Brooke
Finally,  this is my favorite photo of Mark and his daughters.  It was such joy to see them and get to spend some time with them.  I miss them all so very much!




Me at Ocean Isle Beach
After going back home,  washing clothes and re-packing,  we headed to Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, for a few days.    We did take a couple of side trips (Smoky Mountain backroads and Biltmore)--but will report on them later.   Today,  I'll share some photos from our beach trip.

One thing we love is walking on the beach (and getting lots of exercise--which we needed after all of the good food).  George took this picture of me with some of my shore bird friends!!!!  It was much much warmer (in the 70's) this year --when compared to last December when we about froze!!!!  We love walking on the beach when there are so few people around!!!  We have it all to ourselves.. I did manage to find a sand dollar this time.




George enjoying dinner at Dockside in Calabash, NC
Another reason (besides walking on the beach) we love to go to that area is to go to Calabash, NC to our favorite restaurant (DOCKSIDE).  We have never found the seafood as good ANYWHERE we go... That night we both had Shrimp and Scallops... Our favorite though by far are those huge Scallops... They are fantastic.. YUM...



SUNSET at Ocean Isle on Dec. 5, 2013
Another reason we love to go to Ocean Isle (Islander Inn) in December is to see the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets  (which we cannot see when we go in May).  And as you can see,  we saw some 'beauties'....

What is significant about this sunset is that I took this photo about the time that my sweet father-in-law (John Adams) passed away in Tennessee.  I look at that photo now --and know that God was smiling down (see the Sunbeams?) saying that another of his angels was safely home.  Rest in peace,  John Emery Adams.



Us at Ocean Isle Beach, 12/5/13
We took this photo from the Gazebo at Islander Inn.  You can tell by the smiles on our faces how much we love being at the beach in December!

**************
On another note,  thank you so much for all of your wonderful comments on my last blog post talking about the death of George's sweet Daddy.  Many of you feel as if you knew "Dad" since I had blogged about him so much.  Dad's health had been getting worse --and our prayers were that he die peacefully--which he did.  He was one amazing and inspirational man --who lived for 101 years,  and whom I adored with all of my heart.

If you want to read what George wrote yesterday on his blog about his Dad,  click HERE.

Be sure to check out all of my new quotes on my sidebar!!!!!  After that--jump over to my Photo Blog (click HERE) for a photo I took on December 2 on our visit to see the lights of Biltmore at NIGHT.

Hugs,

46 comments:

Ginny Hartzler said...

I just love the view from Robert and Melissa's living room! The wonderful palm trees and water, it is like a paradise. And of course your beautiful sunset. I am so glad you managed to see so many loved ones for the holiday. The last picture of you and George is your prettiest and best couple picture yet.

Ms. A said...

To have had all that wonderful food, you don't look like you've gained an ounce!

Was saddened to hear of Dad Adams passing and glad to hear you two had some wonderful trips. Three trips in such a short span... I'd have some serious recovery to do! Heck, I'd probably have to recover from just one.

diane b said...

Wow you have been having a busy exciting time. How lovely to be able to spend time with your sons and especially those beautiful granddaughters. The beach and sunset pics are great. All the food looks delicious too.

Anonymous said...

Betsy, you and George certainly have had a wonderful, but sad at times, two weeks filled with family time and making memorable memories as you traveled.

Glad your home safe and happy.
Hugs and smiles across the miles :)

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, what a fun and busy time you have had! The Florida and the beach trips sound wonderful. Lovely series of photos. Have a happy week!

Ann said...

Wow, you packed a whole lot of fun into those two weeks. The thanksgiving dinner looks delicious and I may have gained a couple pounds just looking at the pictures...lol

Tabor said...

So glad you got to spend time with family this time of year. they all look so happy and your son does look like you! That last photo is "frame-able
.

From the Kitchen said...

I love hearing about the adventures of two of my favorite "gypsies". Roam on!!

Best,
Bonnie

Sharon said...

Glad you are back - beautiful pics and descriptions as always!

Peaches McGinty said...

Hi Betsy!
Boy! you two have been busy, and such amazing trips. It's great to see your beautiful families and the good times you shared. The food looked delicious, pumpkin cheesecake with caramel topping? I have never tried it but it sounds yum! x x x

The Furry Gnome said...

Boy, you had a busy time! Nice to have those family visits. And I look forward to your smokies pictures.

Out on the prairie said...

Welcome home, looks like lots of fun. The beach looks the best, and that plate of shrimp and scallops yummy.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

You WERE busy during those two weeks! Great pictures. Mark's daughters are beautiful. That picture of you and George in the gazebo at the beach could be your next year's Christmas card photo. :)

Mary said...

Looks like you have had a great time with family and traveling. You and George know how to enjoy life each day to the max.

Joy said...

Really touching being with our nearest family. Precious moments. Nice seeing them too.
And fantastic pictures. You are really a lucky girl sorrounded with wonderful people.
God bless you more :)

Nellie said...

I have continued to hold you in my thoughts and prayers during this time, Betsy.

The pictures show a wonderful time with all the family gatherings!

Hugs,
Nellie

Sylvia K said...

Such fun for all of you! Wonderful captures make it easy to share the fun with you!! Thanks, as always, Betsy!! Hope your week is going well!! It certainly looks as if the last several weeks have gone well!!!

Jim and Sandie said...

There is definitely a strong family resemblance with you and Mark's daughters. That was a fantastic way to spend the Thanksgiving holidays. I love that last picture of you guys.

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

You and George have been in my thoughts the past few days since you wrote about his wonderful Dad's passing. I'm so glad that you've been able to enjoy time with family in so many places in the past few weeks. Your stamina is unbelievable! And it looks like you're having such a fantastic holiday season! I think I just gained a pound looking at that lovely Thanksgiving dinner!

Ruth Hiebert said...

I always enjoy reading your blogs.It feels like we are sitting and looking at pictures as you share about each experience.Thanks for sharing your travels this way.

MadSnapper said...

well that certainly was a full two weeks and lots of miles to travel. you made so many family memories while having fun... that turkey looks delish... so did your dinner...

David said...

Betsy, Nice family photos! Looks like a truly happy time... I've never had fried turkey but it sure sounds good! We also had great seafood at the same restaurant in Calabash. Never been to Ocean Isle but given it's location, we'll have to check it out! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Cheryl @ TFD said...

It's good to have our traveling girl back! It was fun seeing photos of your beautiful family and that last photo of you and George should be framed! Gorgeous sunset, too!

Big Dude said...

Three trips in two weeks sounds about right for you guys but it made me tired reading about it :-)

pam said...

I've been following your travels on Facebook, wanted to stop in here and see it all together.

Marie said...

What a great two weeks with family. :) The last photo of you and George should be your Christmas card, it's beautiful!
My step-sister and her hubby just bought a beach house in Emerald Isle. I'm looking forward to spending time there. :)

happyone said...

You certainly have been busy. Your pictures of your family are just beautiful. You are blessed.

Shug said...

Great family fun and I certainly enjoyed all of the beautiful smiles on each face. You have a precious family and I know that those two grandsons in the top photo have to be on your number 1 list. Hey...great looking turkey there!! So, so glad that you had a great time..
hugs to ya

Terry and Linda said...

The gift of family! Who could ever ask for more! No you and me that is for sure!! :)

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
¸.•*¨*•♪♫♫♪Merry Christmas ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥
˜”*°•.˜”*°•.˜”*°•.★★.•°*”˜.•°*”˜.•°*”˜”

Grandma Bonnie said...

You have such a beautiful family. It is wonderful that you got to spend some time with your loved ones. We spent our Thanksgiving driving to our daughters house. We had Thanksgiving dinner a day late but still enjoyed the food and family.

Connie said...

Great family photos, Betsy! It sounds like you had some wonderful times visiting on your trips. Lovely beach photos!

DeniseinVA said...

A wonderful post Betsy, lovely visits and happy smiling faces and you and George. I have been thinking about you both over this time with the passing of his Dad, and it is good to see you posting again.

Neal said...

Wow... I gained weight just looking at all of that food.:)

Glad you guys had a wonderful time.

Lynda said...

Our son-in-law deep fries the turkey, also. He first injects it with seasonings and it is delicious.
I, too, am sorry for your family's loss of George's Dad but it is wonderful knowing you will see him again one day in heaven. Our hearts are empty now but our turn seems to be coming quicker than I can comprehend!

Rose ~ from Oz said...

You've captured some truly precious memories here Betsy with your family and lovely images to cherish.
My you and George have been the happy wanderers! Good on you both!
Happy days and happy travels!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Glad you went South to beautiful FL and then to Chattanooga and to the beach. Fun trips. Our weather was warm in the low 80's here in Marion County and now in the low 70's for a cool-off. Have a happy Thurs. and enjoy the golf course views and your beautiful yard.

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

How lovely tp spend time here and there and love it as you two do!

Our photos said...

Glad you are back - beautiful photos!

Rose said...

I am so glad you got to see your family, Betsy. It is hard not seeing them....I can imagine how you feel with our older daughter being on the west coast.

And so glad you got to see Bay Lee and Brooke..

Small City Scenes said...

Excellent post, Betsy. You two are whirlwinds-zipping here and there. But you do enjoy every minute of your time. So glad you both got to see your sons and their families. Granddaughters are beautiful.
I love the beach in the winter too. Here it would be windy with crashing surf but exciting.
MB

Anonymous said...

So many lovely shots. Looks as if you had a wonderful time.

Linda G. said...

Not fair .. TWO trips to the beach in a 3-week time period! You have a lovely family. I enjoyed looking at the pictures of your sons and their families, as well as George's son and his family.

Anonymous said...

What beautiful family photos. So happy that you enjoyed your visits and the good food and pretty scenery.

I know that Dad Adams would be happy that you all celebrated his life among friends/family.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

wow, you guys really get around. love that last shot of the two of you... that would be great for a Christmas card in the future. i just don't understand why i am so hungry after reading this post? any clues??!! ha. ha!! i love shrimp. yummy!! love the sunset shot. so pretty. thanks for sharing all your fun. ( :

Unknown said...

Hi Betsy,

Beautiful pictures as always, and those dishes looks delicious.
Have a fantastic Weekend!

Hugs,
Eva

Kay said...

These are really fabulous photos. You all look so happy. Sounds like you've had a very busy and wonderful family time. The food looks scrumptious!