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 30, 2015

2015---The Year in Review

One of my best memories each year is our yearly trip to Mt. Nebo,  Arkansas.  In 2015,  we were there for George's birthday in March.  This picture was taken on our cabin's back patio.  We always enjoy sitting out there in the late afternoon to see the sunset... AND--as always,  we do have fun!!!
Dear Friends and Family,  As we approach a new year,  I thought  that I would write a "Year in Review" as I think about my wonderful life with George Adams.   Overall,  2015 was a good year for both of us.  We continually thank God for the lives God has given us together.






Walking the "Back Nine" of the Druid Hills Golf Course near our home is one of the best and most exciting walks we take.  No matter what time of day we walk,  we always see something gorgeous around us,  like this sky and reflection taken on an evening walk in July, 2015.
This year's BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT and CHANGE  came in May.  We got FITBITS in May ---and have added 1 long or 2 short daily walks to our already busy schedule, in addition to our yardwork and other ways of exercising.  On an average, I end up with about 5+ miles,  or between 10,000-12,000 steps per day.  There are so many ways to keep moving.  We even park our car FAR AWAY when going to the grocery stores or shopping malls.  I NEVER used to do that --and would drive around looking for a CLOSE spot.... ha

AND--we sync the FITBITS with our food journal,  My Fitness Pal.   I have kept a food journal for many years ---but being able to have it online and to sync with my exercise is SO helpful.  SO----in a nutshell,  being HEALTHY has become the most important task for both George and  me--when thinking about 2015.  AND--we will continue that important emphasis in 2016.  Except for the general aches and pains of most 73 year-olders,  I feel as if I am in the best physical shape I've been in in many, many years.  AND--my wonderful husband has lost about 50 pounds since May!!!! SO proud of him!






Reflections in the water at the Grand Tetons National Park,  at the Schwabacher Landing area in August,  2015;
Our BIG TRIP for 2015 was in August and was an amazing trip to one of our favorite places,  the GRAND TETONS and YELLOWSTONE National Parks.  We had been there in 2012 --but this year,  we put more of an emphasis on the Tetons.  This trip was definitely the major travel highlight of the year.   AND--while you are thinking about the Grand Tetons,  jump over to My Photo Blog  (Click HERE) to see a neat panorama of a sunset from the Grand Tetons!!!!





George and I are so so so proud of Granddaughter Brooke who graduated from high school in June. We were so happy to be there to witness this fabulous event.
But---there were many MORE TRIPS during the year:
1. FAMILY TRIPS:  Our Texas trip in June for a granddaughter's graduation from high school;  Our trip at Thanksgiving to be with George's son and family in Florida;





Sunrise at Ocean Isle Beach,  January 2015
2. ANNUAL TRIPS (to places we love and keep going back to, over and over):  Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina--3 times in 2015 (January, May, Dec);  Mt. Nebo,  Arkansas in March for George's Birthday;  and 4 trips to Biltmore House and Gardens during the year.





Cass Scenic Railroad trip up the mountain to Bald Knob,  West VA-- Oct. 2015 (One of my all-time favorite things to do; OH--how I love the old steam trains!)



We LOVE traveling with our good friends,  Neal and Patti.  This year in October we were in Beautiful West Virginia!!!  This picture was taken at Lower Falls of the Falls of Hills Creek, in the Monongahela National Forest.
3. SHORTER TRIPS  (2-4 days): Smoky Mountain trip in February (Valentine's Day), staying at the Rocky Waters Motel in Gatlinburg;  Benton Falls (TN) and Amicalola Falls (GA)  trip in April;  Brevard, NC trip (Courthouse Falls,  Blue Ridge Parkway,  Craggy Pinnacle, Mt. Mitchell) for our anniversary in June;  Annual October trip with friends,  Neal and Patti ---this year to West Virginia.





The Beautiful SNOWY Smoky Mountains in TN;  Picture taken on our February trip to Gatlinburg and the Smokies;
4. DAY TRIPS throughout the year:   Fall Creek Falls;  Visits to see local family/friends;  waterfall and hiking trips in area;  visits to the Great Smoky Mountains,  etc.






One of our MANY MANY beautiful ROSES in our Yard;  This is BRIGADOON--taken in July, 2015.
Besides all of our many trips and hiking/walking events,  we also took much time to continually work in our YARD ---growing BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS  throughout the year.   Beginning in early Spring and continuing until late Fall,  some of our blooms included:   Crocus, Hyacinths,  Daffodils, Tulips,  Irises,  our HYBRID TEA and GRANDIFLORA ROSES,  Lilies, and  Daylilies.  This involves lots of work ---but the results are amazing!!!!  And even in winter,  we plant Winter Pansies --just to have a little bit of color around.  Our flowers are VERY important to us, especially the ROSES.






One of my favorite Backyard Birds;  This is a Red-Headed Woodpecker;  Picture was taken  in May, 2015.
I still enjoy my BIRD KITCHEN ---and love feeding all of our little Backyard Birds throughout the year.  Those little creatures bring SO much joy to me!






My knee healed quickly and we were back to our hiking fairly soon!!!  This picture of me was taken on one of our most memorable hikes in 2015---to Spruce Flats Falls in the Smokies, in June.  We got to the top of that mountain and the rains came... It rained and rained and rained... We were truly like two drowned rats coming back down that mountain.... Oh --the fun we have together!!!! ha 
Here are a few more EVENTS I haven't mentioned yet:
My KNEE SURGERY (in January);  This was the 2nd surgery I have had on that left knee (meniscus tears)---but all has gone well after surgery and I am doing GREAT.   To show you what I've accomplished after two knee surgeries,  here are some of my FITBIT statistics (from May-December):  Number of Steps taken:  2, 433,001;   Number of Miles walked:  894.55;  Number of floors or HILLS climbed: 7,342;  and Number of Calories Burned:  576,840.   As I said,  I'm working hard hard hard when it comes to exercise---and so is George,  whose stats are even MUCH better than mine!!!!! 






One of MANY pictures I took of our big ICE STORM  in February;  This was our back yard.   So much damage;  No electricity for days;  This was the 'ugly' in our memories of 2015.
The event in 2015 which was terrible was our HORRIBLE ICE STORM(s) in February... That is one thing I definitely blogged about (about 5-6 posts about those 2-3 weeks)... I have NEVER in all of my life gone through anything quite as scary as the biggest of those 5 or 6 storms we encountered...  We were lucky but we did lose several trees/large limbs --but the cleanup was HARD as you can imagine by looking at this picture.  The entire Cumberland Plateau had damage from this/these storms.  It took months and months to recover.. AND --I truly do not want to go through that AGAIN (I hope)....





My one goal on our trip to the Tetons and Yellowstone this year in August was that I really hoped I would see a MOOSE....  I DID (actually saw two) --and here is a picture to prove it!!!!!
I cannot let this 'story' end without telling you another huge highlight of 2015 for me. Seeing my first EVER MOOSE was truly a moment to remember...



Taken at Fall Creek Falls State Park,  Tennessee in April, 2015;  Fall Creek Falls is where I got my FIRST kiss from George in 2001.  We go back to that same area every year and re-live that magical first moment together.
I am truly a blessed woman... My life is so full ---and each year,  with the Love of My Life,  George Adams,  by my side, life just gets better and better... Without him in my life,  very little of what happened in 2015 would ever have occurred.  Thank You,  Honey,  for loving ME and making me the happiest woman in the world.






Can you believe this crazy girl is 73 years YOUNG???  George took this picture of me being a child one day!!!!! ha
 Well---as you can see after reading all of this,  the good outweighs the bad in 2015 by a LONG shot.... As we enter 2016,  I have some WISHES for you (and for ME):
1.  Get and Stay as HEALTHY as possible  (eat healthy foods,  get lots of exercise,  get enough sleep,  and don't forget to drink your water).
2.  Get off of your computer --and MOVE around... Get out in nature and enjoy life all around you.  (That is the reason I don't blog as much anymore.  I have to make myself get away from the computer!!!)
3.  Take time for friends and family.  Accept people as they are.  We are all God's creatures ---and we all are unique and wonderful!!!!
4.  And most importantly,  LAUGH a lot..... Smile... Be Silly... Dance as if nobody is watching!!!!!! LIVE and LOVE.






This is our good friend from Canada,  Ruth Hiebert.  We finally got to meet Ruth in Nashville on Dec. 29, 2014.... George took a picture of us and surprised us both by having it made into an ornament.  My ornament with this great friend hangs proudly on our Christmas Tree.


Meeting with special blog friends,  Sam and Shug Pollard (from Texas);  We met them here in Crossville (and even got to show them our home and yard) in September...
I give a special THANKS now to all of you blog friends who have stuck by me these past several months when I haven't been around much.  We did have the privilege to meet more wonderful bloggers this year.  Actually, we met our VERY special friend, Ruth Hiebert,  the end of December in 2014 when she was in Nashville.  But I'll count it in my 2015 review!!!!!    Then in September of 2015,  we met Sam and Shug Pollard.  I'm not sure exactly how many blog friends we have actually met now --but it's probably close to about 30 wonderful people.  Bloggers are the BEST.... Love you all!!!!!  Thanks again for not giving up on me!




God Bless each and all of you,  and I pray that we ALL have a blessed 2016.   HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!   (AND---don't forget to check out that sunset panorama on My Photo Blog---Click HERE!!!!!)

Much Love,
 

50 comments:

Betsy said...

Betsy, I so enjoyed this post and seeing again your wonderful photos and your inspiring words about your health. I was told by an online friend that I can't wear a Fitbit because of my pacemaker...but after reading this post I'm calling my cardiologist tomorrow and see what his opinion is. Our daughter has a Fitbit charge and loves it. She usually has about 21,000 steps a day!!! Wow! You are my heroine Betsy. I'm so glad I found your blog.
Blessings always my friend,
The "other" Betsy

Ms. A said...

Excellent review! Here's to an even better 2016, if that's possible!

Ann said...

It's always a pleasure to hear about your travels and adventures.

Rajiv Sankarapillai said...

Wow, what a wonderful review !
Beautifully written; excellent pictures :)
I wish you two a wonderful and beautiful new year !

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Dear Betsy ~ What a wonderful post, filled with great photos and much happiness.

May 2016 be another great year for you and George.

Love & hugs ~ FlowerLady

The Furry Gnome said...

So nice to hear from you! Your positive attitude to life just shines through this post from one trip to the next. You must hardly ever be at hime! Glad the walking has been so good for you; i'm finished the cardio program here and doing a lot of walking too. All your little trips are an inspiration. Hope 2016 is better than ever.

chicchina said...

May 2016 be a great year for you,Betsy,girl evergeen,and George.
From my Sicily,Chicchina.

linda m said...

What a wonderful post. You really had a wonderful year. God has blessed you with a wonderful husband, family and friends. May He continue to bless you in the New Year.

LV said...

What a marvelous journey you two have had. You are a big inspiration and wish more people were like yo. Miss you both, but happy you are doing and enjoying life together. I sincerely wish you both nothing but the best the New Year has to offer.

Linda G. said...

I truly enjoyed reading your year in review. Here's to a great 2016!

David said...

Hi Betsy and George... You have had a very busy and satisfying year, that's for sure! Beautiful photos to accompany your recap of 2015. Great that you're working hard to stay healthy... At our age we all need to do something pro-active to maintain our ability to get around and enjoy life. Wishing you and yours a Healthy and Happy New Year! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave & Laurie too...

Chatty Crone said...

Well I do know you and George have a dreamy life - and have visited so many wonderful places- I feel like through the photos I can see things I will never see. A lot of steps there girlfriend. Happy New Year!

Big Dude said...

What a great year you guys had and I enjoyed reading about it. No one will ever accuse you of just hanging around the house. We need to be more like you and less like me. Hope you have an equally good 2016.

Gail said...

You are truly blessed.

Happy New Year.

George said...

I read about all we did this year, and now I'm just plain tired! Actually it was a wonderful year-- thanks to you -- and I know 2016 will be even better. I just hope those aches and pains won't slow us down too much!

imac said...

What a super great collection of a beautiful couple GFs

Ruth Hiebert said...

Now that was fun to read.You folks are busy,but that is good.I am SO happy that I got to be included in this review.Meeting you and George was certainly the highlight of my Nashville trip.I do hope we can make more memories together in the years to come.
HAPPY NEW YEAR to you.
HUGS,
Ruth

Annie Jeffries said...

Your year in review was such a happy read. It is so full of smiles. Happiest of New Years to yoy and George.

Annie Jeffries said...

Your year in review was such a happy read. It is so full of smiles. Happiest of New Years to yoy and George.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Congrats on living a healthy year and having so much fun!

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Still jealous that you saw a moose. I will keep looking! Happy New Year!!!

Fun60 said...

What an interesting and exciting year you've had. I am so pleased to hear that you have changed your lifestyle to include all that exercise. Good on you both. Happy New Year x

happyone said...

It's been quite a year for you. May 2016 be just as good. : )

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

You're a true inspiration, Betsy, in so many ways! May 2016 bring you even more great adventures!

Shug said...

I love this wonderful post!!! I know I have said it before.....but I need to say it again! YOU and GEORGE are amazing and you truly do inspire me to live life to the fullest!! This is exactly what I see you both doing....and I think it is fabulous.
Love you both.....and I pray that 2016 is even more exciting for the two of you!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, I vote a tie between that Moose and your friends. Both are special and unique. I enjoyed seeing your year in review post tonight. Have a really Happy New Year in 2016!

Nellie said...

What a busy year you have had! Great pictures! Have a happy, healthy 2016! Hugs, Nellie

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

This was a great recap of your 2015, Betsy. Wishing you all the best in 2016!

Small Kucing said...

It has been a wonderful you from here.

Happy 2016, Betsy and George :)

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post full of amazing accomplishments and wonderful photos! Wishing you magic in the coming year.

Julia said...

Felicidades por tu post, es una maravilla.Te espero en elracodeldetall.blogspot.com con dos rituales del Feng Shui que podrán ayudarnos a despejar las energías negativas y estancadas en nuestro hogar y nuestra vida, invitando a que la salud, el amor y la prosperidad estén presentes en este año 2016 que esta por comenzar.

Rose said...

Betsy, you have had a good year...I enjoyed seeing and hearing the highlights of it. One thing your blog has inspired me to do is drink more water. I used to love water and not sure when I got away from drinking it.

You wrote a post about living healthy that I read, and the one thing I did start doing as a result of reading it was drinking more water. I still probably should drink more, but at least I am drinking more than I was. I have been meaning to tell you that for a long time.

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Hi Betsy, you and George are both looking absolutely fabulous! This was a poignant and happy look back through your year, and I'm so happy its been so wonderful amid a couple of setbacks. Happy New Year dear Betsy, I hope life continues to bring much happiness to you and George.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

To Rose--from OZ if you read this: Thanks so much for your visit/comment... I tried to go to your blog but couldn't. Have you given up blogging or changed something? I'd love to catch back up with you... Email me at betsyadams@mac.com

Happy New Year.
Hugs,
Betsy

diane b said...

You have had a great year except for the storms. Well done on your fitness regime. You have some very good advice. I also use My Fitness Pal but not with Fitbit but with MapMyWalk ap on my iPhone. Hope 2016 is good to you and George, you old romantics.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Happy New Year! You had a wonderful 2015 and I hope 2016 will be even better! I'm not blogging or commenting like I once did because I just haven't had the time. We've been so busy with one thing and another and I'm like you and just need to get off the computer and do other stuff. I've got lots of goals for this new year and I won't get them done if I'm on the computer, so my blogging may continue to slide. HOWEVER, I won't forget my blogging friends and am wishing for you a happy, healthy and fun-filled New Year!
Hugs,
Cheryl

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, what a great post. You had a wonderful year and awesome photos to prove it. I wish you all the best in 2016. Happy New Year to you and your family.

Sally Wessely said...

You certainly had another memorable year filled with family, fun, and friendship. It just doesn't get any better than that. I hope 2016 is filled with all good things. Blessings to you and George.

Small City Scenes said...

Well Betsy it looks like you and George had a wonderful 2015. Always the optimist like you are we had a great year too. Laughed a lot, loved a lot, travelled a lot and visited family too.
May 2016 be ever as joyous.
MB

Beatriz said...

Hi Betsy!!!

A wonderful year for you too Betsy! I saw that the year 2015 was full of adventures for you, right? So, continue this year and all others like this, with joy in your heart!

Many, many, many hugs

Bia <°(((<
www.biaviagemambiental.blogspot.com

Lux G. said...

Happy 2016!

DeniseinVA said...

What a great year in review Betsy. George is so thoughtful in many ways but I thought getting that ornament made was very special.

I am back from vacation. Thanks for visiting when I was gone. My first journal post is http://anenglishgirlrambles2016.blogspot.com/2016/01/first-day-of-vacation-washington-dulles.html

A Very Happy and Healthy New Year to you both :)

Busy Bee Suz said...

What a year you've had!!! I'm so glad I was along for the adventures. ;) I love that the two of you are always on the move; whether in your neighborhood or all over the country.
Kuddos to you and George for making your health (and love) a priority; you're an inspiration to us all!
Happy 2016
XOXO

Connie said...

So many beautiful photos, Betsy! I enjoyed reading about your year in review. I think 2015 was a good year for you. Congratulations on becoming healthier and more fit. Wishing you and George a very happy New Year!

Linda P said...

It's good to look back and give thanks for God's goodness in our lives. You and George have had a wonderful year with your good recovery from surgery. Like you I thank God for a wonderful husband and friend and like you want to make the most of each day that's been given us as a gift to enjoy one another's company, not to mention a loving family and good friends both in our neighbourhood and on the internet. Every blessing for 2016 to you and George and your family.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

what a full year you & George did have. i love the moose, the ice tree shot, i know it was not safe but it sure was cool to see. awesome!! love all your trips. hope this coming months will hold tons of fun too!! i still can not believe the year is over. 2015, done, gone, over. it just flew by. i never remember feeling like that as a kid. time always seemed to struggle by. ha. ha!! we did Cass Railroad, gosh, many years ago, not sure what year it was? wow, 4 trips to Biltmore, i wonder how often you will go this year. i bet you are super excited about that. ( :

Elizabeth Edwards said...

oh, Betsy i don't see my comment, i pray it didn't disappear. fingers crossed. nice to visit. take care. stay warm too. ( :

Linda said...

Sweet post, wonderful pictures! Keep up the walks! I believe that what we do every day determines what we will be able to do as we get older.

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

What a year you've had! Love that first picture of you and George. I can't believe George has lost fifty pounds; that's amazing. Sounds like you are both getting good use out of your Fitbits. We got our son an Apple watch for Christmas, and he likes that it reminds him to stand up every hour when he's at work. Happy New Year and keep having fun!

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

You are very blessed and an inspiration . Buddy and I must try a fit thingy. We need far more activity for better heart health.
You've had an incredible year. Keep on going :-)