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...

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina Vacation ---January 2015--Part II

Two people in love at the Gazebo on 1/27/15
If you missed Monday's post (Part I of our trip),  click HERE.     Today I'll share more beautiful pictures from our days last week at the beach...

What we LOVE about going to the BEACH:
-Going during the off-seasons when there aren't many people around, and the prices are cheaper;
-Islander Inn --right on the beach where we can sit on our balcony and enjoy the ocean;
-Leaving our room door opened (even all night) so that we can hear the ocean;  SO Peaceful!!!
-The SEAFOOD --especially at Dockside Seafood Restaurant in Calabash;
-Walking on the Beach (getting exercise so that I could eat that fried seafood);
-Finding shells and watching the Birds;
-Watching the clouds (always different from one day to the next)
-Sunrises and Sunsets (can be viewed from our balcony in winter)
-SUNBEAMS ---which we saw this past week!!!!
-Just being able to totally relax, read, sleep/nap, work on the computer ---anything we want to do!!!!!
-For me this time especially,  we used the steps most all week rather than the elevator;  That gave my bum knee LOTS of good exercise!!!


George eating his favorite Seafood (those big, yummy fried Scallops)--Photo taken on 1/28/15
As I mentioned,  we love Dockside Seafood Restaurant in Calabash---so we managed to go there 3 out of four evenings...  We even got to know our waitress (who is from West VA)...  SUCH wonderful seafood!

The other night (when we weren't at Dockside), we went to another favorite restaurant in Calabash,  The Boundary House.  That is where we get the best PRIME RIB ever!!!!! 


We had never eaten beside the beautiful fireplace at Dockside until this year --but we loved it.  Photo taken on 1-25-15



NO---I'm NOT in the water!!!!!  Photo taken on 1/26/15
George was wandering around the dunes taking photos ---and he captured this picture of me playing Peek-A-Boo..... It looks like I am standing in the water --but I'm not... TOO COLD!!!! ha


SUNSET on 1/27/15
Except for Jan. 26,  the weather was wonderful the entire time we were there. (Even the 26th was not bad though.) We photographed  3 beautiful sunsets  (1/25, 1/27, and 1/28) while there.  This is when the sun was almost 'going going gone'..... Isn't this a beauty?


Lots and lots of BIRDS  (photo taken on 1/26/15)
We enjoyed watching the birds all week...  I guess they love it when 'they' can rest and not be bothered by lots of people on the beach... Most of these are GULLS  I think.


My Wonderful Man enjoying walking on the beach  on 1/27/15
Don't you love seeing the puffy clouds?  AND did you notice that there were no people out walking????  There are usually a few locals who live nearby who walk usually very early in the morning or late in the afternoon.  BUT--when we were out during the day,  we sometime were the ONLY people around!!!!  We loved it.


This Girl was so happy to be there --and be WALKING. Photo on 1/26/14;
Even though my knee is still painful,  it is gradually getting better.  I enjoyed walking on the beach ---and got some good exercise.


SUNRISE on 1/28/15
As much as I loved the sunsets,  the sunrises were even more beautiful (mainly since they were not at an angle like the sunsets were).  Thanks be to God for all of this beauty we enjoyed.


The morning we were leaving ---1/29/15
I was standing out in the parking lot as we were getting ready to leave Ocean Isle Beach..  The sun hadn't come up yet---but the sky was gorgeous....I loved seeing the Palm Trees and the Gazebo from this angle.


Oh how marvelous it is to be out in God's Beautiful World   (1/27/15)
I wanted to end these two sets of photos with this one because it expresses my deep feelings about our time at Ocean Isle Beach.  There are many beautiful places in our country --and this is just ONE of them.  BUT---if we all just take time to get out and look around and enjoy what God has provided for us,  we will be a better people for doing so.  Thank you God and thank you,  George,  for making this such an incredible vacation.

Hugs,

53 comments:

Carletta said...

Looks like another fun time! All of your sky shots are gorgeous!

Carletta said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

You two love birds really enjoyed this idyllic place. The sunsets and sunrises are beautiful and I especially love the last shot. Glad to hear your knee has improved

Ms. A said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!

Stairs are kicking my butt, rather my knees, at this point, but I'll get there eventually. I hope!

Jeevan said...

Absolutely fabulous! The photos related to sunrise and set is spectacular... and so nice to see you relaxing/enjoying along the beach.

Wow! You captured the essence of love so well in quotes and photos... very sweet of you both there ;)

Beatriz said...

Hello dera Betsy
You seem to be very well after surgery! I'm glad with it!
Choose a place like this to rest is everything good. I love the sea and its lovely landscapes! I believe you had very happy and peaceful days by the sea, with all those wonderful sunrise and sunset !

A big hug and take care!!!

<°))))< Bia

eileeninmd said...

Hello Betsy, lovely shots from your trip to the beach... I like the top shot of you and George! Have a happy Thursday!

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

More wonderful photos. How great to be there with no others on the beach, so peaceful.

FlowerLady

Janice K said...

You were certainly treated to some awesome sun rising and sunsets. The sky was so red!! Glad to hear your knee is doing well. It looks like a really good time to enjoy them beach

Tanna said...

Such beautiful photos, Betsy... of what looks to be an absolutely perfect vacation!! Just the two of you walking on the beach (great way to get exercise without even feeling like you are!), doors open to the sound of the waves, sunrises and sunsets, good food and wonderful company. Yep, I'm a little envious. ;) So glad you were able to enjoy God's beautiful gifts on your trip. blessings ~ tanna

From the Kitchen said...

I want to know how that basket of hush puppies in front of George tasted? Love them! Wonderful photos of your great time at the beach. You look lovely in purple!

Best,
Bonnie

Linda Kay said...

Betsy, your photos are amazingly clear and beautiful. Thanks for sharing your vacation.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

did you plan that header? so cool. i love it. you all always take some great travel shots. i feel like i am there with you all. so so cool!! love the sunset. the seafood platter looks delicious. i love shrimp. southern cooking too. ( :

i sure hope your knee is on the mend considering you all need to get to traveling again ... walking more. i know how you love it.

thanks for being my friend. you have no idea how much i appreciate your friendship.

linda m said...

What a beautiful place. I love all the pictures you and George took. My favorite is the gazebo picture and the last one of the sunrise thru the gazebo. So glad you are feeling better and that you had such a wonderful vacation.

Linda P said...

That's a lovely flat sandy beach to take a walk and exercise. I hope your knee will be back to normal soon so you can go hiking. Your trip away must have been very relaxing.

Rambling Solo said...

Betsy,
Your photos are beautiful. Am adding Ocean Isle Beach to my to-go list. Happy to hear your knee is healing and that you are up and about.
Sallie

Out on the prairie said...

Amazing place to play, I love it!

George said...

Ocean Isle Beach has truly become a very special place for us, and I'm glad we could enjoy this time surrounded by such beauty.

Terri D said...

Oh Betsy, I do love your photos!! And now I want seafood! That looks SO good, and I love scallops. Oh my!!

Anne Payne said...

Oh, these are all such gloriously beautiful photos of the beach! It looks like y'all had a grand time.

new follower here through GFC. I found your blog while visiting Viewing Nature with Eileen.

Sylvia K said...

What a gorgeous place and I have to admit that I'm just a tad envious of your wonderful trip!!! But the next best thing to being there myself is being able to enjoy your photos, Betsy, and I have and I am -- totally!! Your photos are superb!! I'm SO glad you had such a great trip!! Have a lovely weekend!!

David said...

Betsy, Beautiful photos... We love the beach and the water too! That was a huge helping of scallops that George had in front of him. We just have to get back to Calabash! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Betsy said...

Such beautiful pictures Betsy. We also love to sleep with the door open when we go to the Oregon coast...but not in February! Brrrrr. You look so good and just look at all the walking you did. You are such a trooper. God is SO good and He gicpves us such gorgeous places to see and visit. You are truly blessed to have a kindred spirit in George.
Blessings,
Betsy

Terry and Linda said...

Look at you walking here and there!

YAY!

Linda ❤⊱彡
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
https://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/sherlock-boomer

Roses and Lilacs said...

Hi Betsy, love the photo of you sitting by the fireplace. I had to laugh while reading your post. I was thinking of what we have in common. Two things: sitting by the fire and watching the birds. I'm watching the birds outside at the feeders surrounded by a foot of snow and drifts two feet deep. I've been getting my exercise shoveling about three hours every day. Just came in, worked up a sweat in temperatures right around zero (-8 last night). Wanna trade places? Maybe we have something else in common. After I walk the dogs, I'm having seafood for lunch:) Enjoy that lovely beach.

Roses and Lilacs said...

Hi again, yes, it's me still living in the big old farmhouse. Life sends challenges to all of us, some of them life changing for better and worse. I'm not working 40 hours a week any longer so hoping I have time to stay in touch with my blogging friends. I'm trying to find enough photographs to publish a couple a week. You guys have a wonderful time on that beach and a safe trip back home.

Chatty Crone said...

Girl you look TERRIFIC! I am glad your walking and feeling better.

It looks like a wonderful place - I think I remember you going there last year and I got that hotel name from you.

I would love to go there!

Love, sandie

Susannah said...

Wonderful, wonderful post with beautiful pictures...especially of the two of you. Glad you are doing well, Betsy!

BB said...

I miss the seashells on the Carolina beaches. Not as much here but we do have that beautiful white powder sand.

Photo Cache said...

beautiful vacation photos. the food looks delish.

Fun60 said...

What a gorgeous sunrise. It is so good to see you walking around.

Ann Thompson said...

it's so beautiful there. The two of you look so happy too but then again the two of you always look happy :)

Arkansas Patti said...

I love how you two keep romance in your relationship. That place is perfect from having the beach all to your selves, listening to the ocean, to eating by a roaring fire place.
With hardly anyone else there, you can just enjoy it like you owned the whole place.

Shug said...

Your last paragraph is so TRUE! God has provided so much beauty all around. It is so nice when we take time to bask in HIS awesomeness. I know that this was a great get-away and you have some beautiful memories that will last forever...hugs

Rose said...

I would love having the beach all to myself...I just don't care for it otherwise. It does look like you had a good time...after all you have been through I am glad for you.

Ruth Hiebert said...

I love this post. Something about the photos and your words,makes it feel so peaceful.I can almost feel your peace and relaxation by reading this.Have a beautiful day my friend.I miss you.

Lux G. said...

I love places like this. Reminds me to relax.

You're so blessed to be having a good time here. :)

Enjoy!

The Furry Gnome said...

Glad you had such a wonderful time. It is a beautiful world, and your pictures show it!

Sally Wessely said...

You really did have a fabulous time. What a blessing to have that place to yourself. Trips to the beach are healing. You are looking good.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous pictures of the beach!

diane b said...

You sure do love that place and any wonder the beach, the sunsets and the seafood all look great. I enjoy winter at the beach too for the same reasons.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

You do look incredibly happy to be there! Sounds like it was a much needed vacation.

Small City Scenes said...

Oh my....two very happy people I see.
I love the sun and sky pictures. Well the water shots too.
Stay happy!!!
MB

Cheryl @ TFD said...

A beautiful post with beautiful photos, Betsy! I so agree that everyone should open their eyes and see what God has given us to enjoy everyday. I'm so thankful that I can see the beauty all around that He has given us. Have a lovely weekend!

Connie said...

Fabulous photos, Betsy! That looks like the best time in the world to be on the beach--with no one else around. I'd love to walk along there. Looks like lots of pretty shells to see too. Glad you got to make this trip and hope your knee continues to heal and feel better.

Annesphamily said...

Drat! Drat! Drat! My comment disappeared. Silly technology! You look like you are doing so well and I am happy that everything is getting back to normal for you. I so love looking at all your photo and hearing your stories. You and George are such wonderful people, I am so happy to know you here. Love and Hugs to you both and Have a Happy weekend! Anne

DeniseinVA said...

A wonderful time away, and isn't it lovely when we can spend that time with no other people around? I love the beach in winter. Your photos are gorgeous!

Our photos said...

Wow, Betsy, You really have made a wonderful series ! Very nice !

Susie Swanson said...

Wow, what beauty. Ya'll amaze me at your energy and enthusiasum for life. You both are an inspiration to us all. I try to keep up with you on FB but haven't been on much lately or on here either. Thanks for sharing your beautiful pics with us. Hugs, xo

LV said...

You and George have truly been blessed being able to get out and about enjoying the good Lord's creations. May you continue to enjoy life and share it with us. I am doing okay for an old lady.

Small Kucing said...

what a cozy place to dine. Both of you looked very relaxed :)

Kay said...

You two are so beautiful, and now you've made me very HUNGRY! I love scallops!

wildcatwoods said...

Glad to see you are still blogging and doing well. I have not been posting much these days.

Carolina Mountains