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, February 2, 2015

Ocean Isle Beach Trip--January 2015


The SUNSET from our balcony the day we got there,  1/25/15
Hello Friends,   First of all --let me welcome all of you to FEBRUARY.  Let's make this entire month a month filled with LOVE.   I added new quotes on my right sidebar of my blog--so check it out for many quotes about LOVE.  I think you will enjoy them!!!!!

George and I just got home the end of last week from several days at Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina... Most of you know (if you have followed my blog for several years) that there are two places we absolutely love.  These two places are the Islander Inn at Ocean Isle Beach,  North Carolina, and Mt. Nebo in Arkansas... We go to Mt. Nebo once a year and we go to Ocean Isle twice a year.  However,  this year,  our December trip to Ocean Isle got cancelled due to my knee problem.

After taking care of me for two months (while I sat on my backside doing nothing except hurting) ---I knew that George definitely needed a vacation after my knee surgery.  (Actually,  I needed that vacation also!)  SO---we went this past week and had a marvelous time.

Some of you may also remember that George took me to Ocean Isle Beach after my gallbladder surgery last May...  That (as was this past week) was 'Just what the Doctor Ordered'.... Hopefully,  I have had my LAST surgery for a long long time... ha

Today I will share 11 photos from this latest trip ---and will show 11 more on Thursday... Hope you enjoy this latest trip of ours!!!!!! Be sure to click on the photos for enlargements.


Dockside Seafood Restaurant,  Calabash,  North Carolina
Not only do George and I enjoy the beach/waves/sky, etc.---but we also LOVE LOVE LOVE the seafood from Dockside at Calabash.  The plate contains our two favorites,  fried scallops and fried shrimp... They also have the BEST hushpuppies in the entire world.....  This year though we were smart!  We took an extra cooler and some containers ---so that we could take some of that wonderful seafood home with us for more meals!!!!!  YUM...


Us on the Beach,  1/26/15
There were almost NO people around while we were there at the beach --so most days we had the beach all to ourselves.  However,  we met a lady who was also walking on the beach that morning and she offered to take our picture together.   You can see our inn where we stayed (Islander Inn) behind us.


SUNBEAMS on 1/26/15
This picture shows you how different one day can be from another.   We wanted to see a sunrise (1/26) ---but it was VERY cloudy.   We didn't get any rain (until about 5 p.m --and even that wasn't much) ---but when we went outside to see if we would see a sunset (like we had seen the night before) ----God gave us SUNBEAMS instead.... I love sunsets --but I also love clouds and sunbeams...  Isn't this a neat photo?????  Wow---thanks be to God.


On 1/26 ---we did get to walk on the beach despite the weather.
I love clouds ---and we had them only on one day when we were there (1/26).. The waves were also stronger that day ---which made for some great pictures... Speaking of waves,  we love to leave the door to our room open at nights -so that we can sleep while listening to the waves... VERY peaceful!!!!


The Beginning of a gorgeous day ---1/27/15
On the VERY early morning of 1/27,  we stood on our balcony to see what the sunrise would provide for us.  Even though there were still lots of clouds around,  we loved all of the colors which this one gave us... Wow----again I say,  Thanks be to God.



Walking on the beach on 1/27/15
As you can see,  the beach looked very different on this day compared to the day before.  The clouds were disappearing and the waves were fairly calm.   Look at all of the shells!!!!!!!


One of George's Creative Photos
I know that George will share his terrific photos on his blogs ---but I just had to share one that I love.  He was standing behind one of the palm trees at the Islander Inn  at sunset.... Don't you just love this one?  I certainly do.


Betsy is SO happy to be there!!!!
On 1/27,  we enjoyed walking on the beach.  You would be proud of me that week.  I was really exercising the 'bum leg'....  We took walks on the beach every day --and most of the time,  twice a day.  I also made myself take the stairs (instead of the elevator) most all week --since going up and down steps is good exercise for my knee... I did fairly well!!!!


A gorgeous sunset on 1/28/15
After seeing the Sunbeams the night before,  we enjoyed gorgeous sunsets (with almost no clouds) both on 1/27 and 1/28.


The beginning of another gorgeous day on 1/29/15
We were leaving that morning --and didn't have time to wait to actually see the sun pop up.  BUT---we did enjoy seeing the sky at sunrise just before that sun rose.

Hope you enjoyed these photos from our trip.  I will share another group on Thursday,  Feb. 5.   Please stop back by then!!!  AND--don't forget to check out my quotes this month on the right sidebar.  Thanks!!!

I also have a short blog post on my Photo Blog (click HERE)...  Check it out if you have time.   And---if you want more information on the Islander Inn in Ocean Isle Beach,  NC--click HERE.

Hugs,

62 comments:

diane b said...

What a great place for recuperation. Lovely relaxing atmosphere and beautiful sunsets swell as good food. Sounds like heaven.

Anonymous said...

It definitely looks to be just what the doctor ordered with all those wonderful skies and food!

Ms. A said...

What a great place to recuperate! I haven't been to the beach in many, many years, so I love that you share your trips with me!

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Fabulous images Betsy, you and George deserve a well earned get away and this is heaven! Well done, enjoy! Oh wow, the food is scrumptious too!

Linda P said...

I'm glad that you and George were able to spend time at Ocean Isle Beach after the trip was postponed in December. It looks like a peaceful place with wonderful sea views, sunrises and sunsets from your holiday residence. I'm so pleased that the trip did you both good and you're recuperating well.

eileeninmd said...

Happy February, Betsy! Looks like you had a nice relaxing vacation at the beach.. The photos are lovely.. Enjoy your day and the new week ahead!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

I am pleased that you are looking so well and have recovered. This trip with those gorgeous sunsets and sunrises are fabulous. Glad you both enjoyed it and have a great week ahead.

linda m said...

Happy February. Great side bar photos. So glad you had a relaxing and healing vacation. The beach is the best place I know to recuperate.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

So glad you got the chance to sneak away! Ocean Isle is such a magical place. You got wonderful pictures.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I'm happy to read that your knee is recuperated and that you and George got to escape dreary winter to spend a few days at the beach. And what a lovely beach! I'm beginning to think winter is a bust for this year, so maybe spring will be here soon!

Shug said...

Great, great...post!! The header is awesome....and I can feel the excitement in your writing! Definitely a love story you have. Not only for each other, but for life as well. I am so happy for you and for the great things you all love doing. Glad you are feeling better!!
Hugs,
shug

Big Dude said...

What a great way to get in some R&R and sounds like you had a fine time. That plate of seafood looks awesome.

Out on the prairie said...

What a lovely area and a huge plate of food. YUM!I love fresh seafood.

Marcia said...

Welcome home. Sounds like you are recuperating very well. Friend's husband just had that surgery last week. Love the photos.

Jeevan said...

Sleeping while listening to waves sounds awesome... wish i too get to experience such phase! I too like George’s creative silhouette image and magnificent sunset. But above all its glad to see you enjoyed your visit despite coming out of surgery.

Wish you healthy stable! Cheers

George said...

You got some great pictures during this trip to the beach. I also like your sidebar for this month, although too many pictures have that old man in them.

Rajiv Sankarapillai said...

oh...cool...
great photos...

Liene said...

So glad to see you up and about traveling again! That alone will help you heal faster - body and soul. Take care of yourself, and happy February!

Sylvia K said...

Ah, just what the doctor ordered indeed!! What a fun trip and I'm so glad that you are doing well after your surgery!! Great to see your wonderful captures on your blog again!! Looking forward to your next post!! Have a wonderful new week, Betsy!!

Linda Kay said...

Betsy, so glad you had such a wonderful time at the beach, and that you are recovered from your knee surgery!

LV said...

So glad to hear you are doing better and out enjoying out and about. I feel like I have taken these trips with you and George. Thanks for allowing us to tag along.

Chatty Crone said...

Oh I knew you would have a great time. I am so glad you feel better and you guys look great. The pictures are so beautiful where you went - I need to go on a grip!

Terry and Linda said...

Those photos are stunning. I tried to pick out a favorite, but I just couldn't!

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

David said...

Betsy, What a great way to heal your soul after all that medical stuff! We love the Carolina shore too...plus we really like the Ocean Isles of Georgia. It's been a long time since we've been to the Dockside Restaurant in Calabash but the food looks as good as ever! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Joy said...

I am so glad seeing you very happy and enjoying precious moments with your love. The place is so fantastic. The sunsets, sunrises are amazing. I love your love quotes too at the sidebar:)

Small City Scenes said...

Just by the photos alone I could tell you had a wonderful time. It sure does speed up the healing time. Lucky you all.
I couldn't pick a favorite they all are excellent although George's shot is very artistic.
Welcome home.
MB

DeniseinVA said...

I am so glad you were able to get away after your op. You looked great and so did George. This is a beautiful place and your photos, and George's photos, were gorgeous. Have a happy week :)

Arkansas Patti said...

One of the things so neat when you go there is the time of year you chose. You end up owning the whole beach. That would make one feel very rich. You were blessed with awesome scenery and shows put on by the sun.
So glad you are up and walking around now. Keep getting better.

amanda said...

So wonderful, Betsy! This looks like a perfect, peaceful getaway with so much beauty to enjoy!
Happy February! <3

MTWaggin said...

You are both looking very GREAT! I'm glad you took some time away and you are now up and moving again and still in love - LOL. Isn't it just fabulous to have an entire beach to yourself?!

BB said...

I just love your pics of OIB. Brings back memories of beautiful days in the area. Glad you guys got to get away. Hugs.

Betsy said...

It was wonderful to see the pictures of your trip. You both look so happy. My husband and I also love the coast but don't live close enough to go very often, especially since vacation time is limited until he retires. Glad you had such a great time and I look forward to seeing the next batch of pictures.
Blessings,
Betsy

Ginny Hartzler said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE both of your sunsets!! The next to last one...it is reflected in the water, totally divine!!! I also love you happy and waving!! George's silhouette picture is stunning!

Nellie said...

It looks just lovely, Betsy. Now you are home in time for winter weather.:-) xo Nellie

Janice K said...

I think God must save some of those gorgeous sunsets just for the two of you. So beautiful!

Sally Wessely said...

This trip sounds heavenly to me. The scenery is just beautiful. I'm so glad you got away for some R & R away from home.

The Furry Gnome said...

So nice to hear from you. It sounds like your knee has healed up very well and you're back to your usual enthusiastic self! Glad you had such a great break.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Beautiful pictures. I can totally understand why you like being at the beach during the off season.It looks like its the best time to be there.

carolina nana said...

Love the beach in winter time. Glad you all had a great time and glad to see you are getting over your knee surgery.
Blessings
Marilyn

Linda said...

Fantastic photos! I'm glad you had a great trip!
Scallops at the shore are so delicious! I've tried them at inland restaurants and they are so disappointing.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I'm happy that you are feeling good enough to walk the beach! It was just what the doctor ordered. You captured some great scenes, too!

Andrea said...

Hello Betsy, i miss you and George. I hope you are really doing fine and you really look very well, no sign of any hurt or aging, hehe! Happiness is the secret, i guess. The photos are great too.

I also went out for more than a month since 25 November, Sydney-Brisbane and a few places in New Zealand. i felt rich for sometime while touring and eating around wonderful places, just meeting friends and have a good time. Now am back to reality and start blogging again.

Carletta said...

Glad you recovered enough to get away. Lovely pics! You said "leave your door open at night". I can't imagine. I'm hoping you meant window. :)

Terri D said...

I agree with everyone! What a great place to heal, and what wonderful photos (always)! Your quotes on the sidebar are precious! Happy February, Betsy!!

Helen said...

Love, love the sunset pictures. Gorgeous!

Connie said...

Such gorgeous photos of a beautiful place, Betsy. I'm glad you were able to go even though the trip was delayed. I'm glad to hear your knee is healing and getting better all the time too.

Ann said...

Love the photos. I can see why you love going there so much. How wonderful to have the place almost to yourselves also. A great spot for some R&R

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

What a beautiful place to recover at! Y'all's pictures look like postcards! Sorry about the bum knee, hope it is better soon!

Linda G. said...

The beach is medicinal :). I did look at your sidebar, as I was reading your blog post. I enjoyed the quotes, but I enjoyed seeing pictures of you two lovebirds even more!

Small Kucing said...

Welcome back dear Betsy. Am so happy that both of you got the wel deserved holiday. You looked fantastic in those photos.

11 photos each posts? Hmmm....any special significant on the number 11?

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Hi Betsy!!! I'm so glad that you both had a wonderful time at Ocean Isle Beach :) lovely photos!!

Vanessa Morgan said...

What lovely photos. Makes me want to go to the beach too. Have a lovely Wednesday.

Peaches McGinty said...

Hi Betsy!
I'm definitely feeling the 'Love'!! how beautiful! the sidebar quotes and you two lovebirds! I think a holiday is always a good thing, the sea gives so much, I think it's good for the soul. Good food is too! my goodness the seafood looks delicious (great idea to take containers too!) I also think sunbeams are very special, I'm so glad you saw them and shared the beauty - take care, and try and be patient! your knee recovery may take a little longer to fully heal, but you'll get there before you know it! ps my kitties are still running the show here haha! they are so cute x x x

Rose said...

Oh, my goodness...you ended up getting some great sunrise pictures...and I love sunbeams, too. Glad you got to go and get to the beach!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Betsy I miss seeing the ocean and eating fresh seafood like you had in NC! I will have to take a trip soon to do both. Your photos are beautiful!

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Wow Betsy ~ What fantastic photos! You two are blessed to be able to take these wonderful trips you go on and with the talent for photographing God's beautiful creation.

Glad you exercised your leg with all the walking you did, stairs and beach.

Have a great day today ~ FlowerLady

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i love the shot of the rays of light coming down from the clouds. so cool. awesome!! you caught some must keep memories here. thanks for sharing. have a great day!! big big hugs. ( :

Elizabeth Edwards said...

Betsy ... i just commented but my comment did disappear ... where did it go? blogger i really don't like you. that stinks. : (

Judy said...

Just what you need to brighten your days after recovering from surgery! Thanks so much for sharing the photos, especially the sunrise ones. Awesome. They brightened my day clear over here in Idaho ;-)

Jazzmin said...

How fun!!! What a wonderful trip! And your photos are, as always, miraculously gorgeous. I couldn't stop staring especially at the "beginning of a gorgeous day." :) Every shade and color is so captivating.

Hope you are well :) And I hope that was your last surgery, too!

Blessings,
Jazzmin

Marie said...

these are wonderful photos! I'm so glad you were able to get away and get some exercise in paradise! I just asked a blogging friend, that lives in Raleigh, if she could recommend some beaches to visit and she did. Now I have your recommendation. :) I'm looking forward to visiting the coastal area.
hugs,
Marie

Kay said...

Oh my gosh! What an amazing day and there's another photo to make me hungry.

I've been so busy with guests that I haven't been able to visit.