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, February 19, 2014

Good News after some Bad News!

Our Home the morning of Feb. 13 (6:30 am) after our 5+ inch snow
Well---unless you have followed me on Facebook or heard from me this past week,  you may not know that our special Valentine's Trip had to be cancelled!  We had reservations to go to Cashiers,  North Carolina, to stay in a quaint little inn there in the mountains for a few days.  We had been looking forward to this trip since we were going to do some hiking and searching for waterfalls.

If you followed the weather talking about the horrible winter storms in the south,  then you'll know that Cashiers was in the path for 14 inches of snow plus ice plus power outages, etc....  Yipes!!!!  We couldn't get to Cashiers... We were SO disappointed!

Luckily for us though,  the owners of the inn allowed us to change the dates... SO----we'll get to go again at a later time!!!!  Great News (after the bad news),  don't you think????  We have never been there but it looks like an awesome little inn in the mountains. 

The other good news we had this past week (besides our fabulous Valentine's Day Celebration which I shared with you on Monday) was that, after almost NO snow here this winter,  we FINALLY got the 'perfect' snow (2/12-13).   It was part of that same sytem which crippled the south ---yet we just got the snow here, and nothing severe.

We got FIVE + inches (measured on our deck table) of beautiful wet snow which clings to everything.   This is 'my' kind of snow because we can get gorgeous photos.  The temperature was not too cold ---so we could get out and take a nice, long walk.  AND---the best news is that the sun came out the next day and much of the snow is already melted..... Like I said,  the 'perfect' snow!!!!!!

Today,  I'll show you some of the photos I took the night of the 12th and then early (6:30 am) in the morning on the 13th...  In another post,  I'll share photos from our walk later that morning--after the sun came out.  Get another cup of coffee and sit back and enjoy my snow photos from the comfort of your WARM home!!!!!

Above is one of my favorite photos of our home after the snow... Below are more taken during or after the storm... Be sure to click on them for enlargements.


Our big Rhododendron just as the snow was beginning to come down heavy (afternoon of the 12th)


After dark,  the snow was really coming down hard!!!  I was so excited!



Our Holly Bushes near the front door--early the next morning


Our front yard looking toward the Pink Dogwood Tree (which is now a White Dogwood)


You can see our Azalea and our big Jasmine bush--but the sidewalk is covered!


The lower side of our home;  I love seeing the flag blowing in the breeze.


Looking down our road;  Obviously the roads here were in bad shape!  Luckily, we didn't have to get out ---other than to walk!

Looking at our front yard toward the upper side;    See those sticks?  That's some of our Roses... Think we'll get some blooms now????? ha ha.... NOT til Spring!!!



The wet snow was clinging to everything.  This is one of our Redbud trees.


A photo of our lower side yard;  you can see the woodpile down there.. I'm glad that George had some dry wood in our garage!!!


Want to come and sit on the bench for awhile?????   I think NOT... ha


Our Backyard --looking toward the golf course;  The table is where I measured our 5+ inches.


Our upper side yard --looking at the snow-covered blocks of one of our flowerbeds



Lots of snow clinging to anything it can!!!!
Here's one more photo of our home in the pretty snow!
Hope I didn't bore you with all of these photos.  I know that many of you have way TOO much snow in your area --and I can certainly understand why you wouldn't like snow.  My sweet hubby grew up in Indiana and had his share of snow growing up... But--I'm from the SOUTH.  I have never seen too much snow... SO---when we do get one like we did this time,  I LOVE it.... 

BUT--I will end with a big statement:  Now that I've had my 'snow fix' ---I am truly ready now for Spring... SO---bring it on!!! ha ha

Hugs,

53 comments:

diane b said...

fabulous pics of the snow. It sure does make everything look pretty. The plants are good to survive such winters. It must be awful for people who have to go to work in it every day. I'm happy for you to have enjoyed this.

Kay said...

OH yes! You definitely got some lovely snow! What a beautiful winter scene. I'm glad you were able to reschedule.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Hi Betsy I loved seeing all the snow covered areas of your garden. I love snow also however this year we have not had any where I live. Still there is still time! Your photos are wonderful. Thanks for sharing. Great news that you will be getting away on your St Valentine's break to the inn.

Hootin Anni said...

...as I've said before...y'all can have the thrills of snowfall. I'll take the blue sky, the 80 degrees any time over that nasty white stuff.

That said, I think the snow clinging to the tree branches is pretty. But, only from a warm dry chair....indoors.

Ann said...

The wet snow is my least favorite since it's the heaviest to shovel :) I'm glad you got your snow fix though since I know how much you love it.

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, your snow scenes are pretty. Do you need some more, I have plenty here. Sorry about your plans but it is nice you were able to change the dates.. Have a happy day!

Fun60 said...

Good to hear you could change your reservation. Those snowy photos are very pretty.

Small Kucing said...

Sorry to hear that the trip had to be cancelled. But it's good of the owner to allow reschedule. :)

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Great photos. Snow like that is not something we see down here in s.e. FL.

Glad the owners of the inn let you change your date to stay there.

Have a great day ~ FlowerLady

Big Dude said...

I'm with you on the photo ops provided by the snow clinging to everything - I enjoyed seeing your snow fix.

Sharon said...

Isn't it funny how that snow is already a distant memory. I actually heard THUNDER a few minutes ago. Not excited about severe weather season, but at least it tells us spring is on its way. Would love to know the inn you are heading to in Cashier's. We love that area and have stayed in many of them through the years.

linda m said...

Beautiful pictures of your snow. So happy you finally got your "fix" of snow. We just had another five inches and believe me I am ready for Spring.

Arkansas Patti said...

Aww, now that is the perfect snow!!! Beautiful, fluffy and with the good sense to leave after a few days. The white concrete type of snow we had here wasn't so well mannered.
How nice you are able to change dates. Looking forward to that post.

Neal said...

It's hard to see how anybody can think that is not pretty. However, I think a mountain is pretty but wouldn't want to move one every day. :)

David said...

Betsy, Nice snow photos... It's nice that you finally got that snow that you wanted but I would have been happier if it had skipped us down in the valley and just snowed on you. Coming from Michigan and Illinois I've seen and shoveled all the snow I want! Have a great day and Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

MadSnapper said...

i like the bench, the mailbox and the dogwood tree, beautiful photos

Shug said...

Each of these photos are absolutely gorgeous....but, my favorite is the one of the Redbud tree. Beautiful, how the snow was clinging to every branch on that tree... I know the scenes were all breathtaking to say the least. Have a great day today in all of your busyness.....
hugs
shug

The Furry Gnome said...

Lovely picture of your house. In spite of us having more snow than I can ever remember, we still haven't had even one of those beautiful snowfalls where the snow sticks to the trees. But it's been an amazing year for skiing and snowshoeing!

Tanna said...

You are right... it is the perfect snow. So beautiful! How wonderful that you were able to reschedule you trip!

I'm visiting via Shug; I loved that you have been such an inspiration to her. You can never have too many positive people in your life. blessings ~ tanna
PS LOVE you sidebar!

Liene said...

I knew you would make the most of it! Cashiers is lovely in the spring when the azaleas are blooming...

Anonymous said...

Glad you got a pretty snow and were able to capture photos. Enjoy your day.

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Betsy, Sorry you missed your trip to NC... WOW you all did gets heaps of snow. I reckon it is all melted by now.. I have so had it with snow for this WINTER bring on Spring.. Hugs Judy

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

That really was the "perfect" snow, Betsy; and I'm so happy for you that you got to see it. So sorry about your Valentine's Day trip having to be cancelled, but it sounds like you were wise to change those plans. These photos are absolutely beautiful. Your formerly-from-Indiana-hubby has missed a good winter here. We're within a couple of inches of setting an all-time winter snow record. :)

Donna said...

I agree that our east Tennessee snow about a week ago was perfect. It sure did cling to the trees - for a couple of hours at least, LOL. I grew up in Indiana and went to college in Kansas, so I am not overly fond of harsh winter weather. But TN winters aren't that bad and it's a real treat when we have beautiful snows like this.

Out on the prairie said...

We had 3 snows last week. It was 55 yesterday and a major blizzard coming Thur night. Winter doesn't want to leave.

Connie said...

You got lots of pretty snow pictures, Betsy! I'm glad you got the perfect snow that you wanted, and like you now I am really ready for spring! Haha! :D

Peaches McGinty said...

Hi Betsy!
I'm so glad you were able to change your reservation, such a relief! the snow pics are beautiful, we have had about 10 minutes (seriously, that was it!) of snow this year, it was lovely though x x x

Pat - Arkansas said...

Lovely snow photos. It's nice when there's enough snowfall to make it pretty and not enough to break tree limbs.

Jim and Sandie said...

I would have to agree. The perfect kind of snow. Beautiful one day and almost gone the next. You got some beautiful pictures. I especially liked the one of your Redbud trees. I was glad to read that the Inn allowed you to change your reservations so you can take the trip later.

KathyA said...

So glad all turned out well. And yes, the fresh snow really is beautiful, isn't it?

Sylvia K said...

The snow is beautiful indeed!! I had my share while raising our family in Montana, but I still enjoy the pristine beauty of a snow covered world!! Sorry about your trip having to be cancelled but glad you didn't get stuck in the snow there! Hope your week is going well!!

Nellie said...

Lovely pictures, Betsy. We had about 8 inches of snow here, according to my husband's estimate. We have had warm temperatures this week. Looks like spring is on the way!

Hugs,
Nellie

Nellie said...

Lovely pictures, Betsy. We had about 8 inches of snow here, according to my husband's estimate. We have had warm temperatures this week. Looks like spring is on the way!

Hugs,
Nellie

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Gee the Glade looks beautiful in your shots! I do somewhat miss that special place - just not that weather. It's 77 here right now. Have a pleasant day!

Jeevan said...

Great snow pictures Betsy! Love the winter scene out there… the snow sticking to trees fascinates. In India we can see snow only in the Himalayan states of north India and for me snows are still dream.

Stay warm :)

Rohrerbot said...

It's amazing how much the snow can change the landscape and make it all feel so cozy. Beautiful pics Betsy....and bonus is that you'll still be able to see this place later while still enjoying the snow event:)

Chatty Crone said...

Well you lucked out this time girl - no ice! You sure did get a lot of snow compared to us.

Good you can take the vacation later.

Your home looks like a home in the woods - very pretty.

Sandie

Terry and Linda said...

Are you sure you don't live in Colorado? :)

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Miss Debbie said...

The snow is pretty! Glad you get to go on your trip later, Cashiers is beautiful and has some nice waterfalls.You will be happy there!

Ruth Hiebert said...

That truly is a beautiful snow. I love it when it clings to everything . Usually too cold for that to happen here.

Small City Scenes said...

Wonderful pics of the snow. I am sad your plans got cancelled but at least you get to go someother time.
As for the snow---it is all yours. We haven't had any snow yet and now that it is so close to Spring I don't want any. A few years a go we did have a snowy winter and our last snow then was in April. No thanks. MB

SquirrelQueen said...

Sorry the bad weather put a damper on your trip, Mother Nature has a way of doing things like that. Your snow is beautiful. We had a foot of it here but it was my favorite kind, dry and light. I would much rather drive in the powdery kind than the wet.

Rose said...

I am tired of snow, but it doesn't stop me from thinking these are some beautiful shots. I always love snow pics, even if we are buried under snow.

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Perfect snow for sure. Beautiful photos. Your trip will be wonderful when ever you take it. I know about weather changing vacation plans.

carolina nana said...

we still have quite a bit of snow hanging around over here even after a hard rain last night and a record breaking 72 degree temperature today. It must be waiting for anothe one !!
Blessings
marilyn

Rose ~ from Oz said...

I am for sure delighting in these gorgeous winter wonderland images from the WARMTH of my hot humid tropical home Betsy!
Doesn't the new paintwork on the house compliment the surrounding white-world!?
Stay warm!
Hugs
Rose

Anonymous said...

The snow is magical! So nice that you finally got your fix.

Pat Tillett said...

Wow! You guys have really been getting it this winter. We don't want the snow, but could sure use the water it contains. Great photos Betsy and thanks for the tour.

Unknown said...

You certainly have gotten a lot of snow there, it looks beautiful. But agree with you...bring on the spring now. It's great that they allowed you to change the dates.

Ercotravels said...

Indeed, Very pretty pictures!! the snow looking amazing.. have a very nice morning..

Cheqna said...

Hi Betsy,

So nice reading your many good news and cheery posting, even on the cancelled trip you sounded positive about it.

Love all the photos you shared here..and I definitely am not bored.

Have a lovely day.

:-)

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

Wonderful pictures of your home and the snow, Betsy! Isn't it grand to be retired and not have to go anywhere in snowy conditions -- just being able to get cozy and enjoy it? So sorry to hear about the postponement of your trip, but later on, the hiking will be so much better! In the meantime, your home, which is lovely in any season, looks particularly warm and cozy in the snow!

Twilight Man said...

Goodness! The snow is so thick but beautiful to my liking! I would be excited too.

Your lovely house covered with white snow reminds me of a family friend's house I stayed over during Thanksgiving 1991 in Erie, PA. It looks almost exactly in layout and flanked with tall trees! Sweet memories!