Dear Friends,   As I write this,  I look back at 2023...   To say it was a great year for me is not something I can truly say ---but there's good news!!!   George and I are still here and glad to be alive... AND--we are feeling pretty good now!!!!  God keeps sending his blessings to both of us.

Our hope is for an amazingly wonderful 2024 ---and we wish that for all of you!!  I don't Blog as much as I used to --but I think of you often and want you to know that you mean a lot to us,  and we miss you.  

God Bless you  and HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2024.

Betsy and George

Happy Thanksgiving to YOU!!!

Dear Blog Friends,   Just stopping by to say HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and your loved ones.  George and I had our special Thanksgiving last Sunday with family ---so today,  we are just relaxing and thinking about all of our many blessings which include YOU... 

Hope you have a fabulous day ---and will keep Thanksgiving in your heart throughout the year.

God's Blessings on each of you and your families and loved one.

Love,

BETSY and GEORGE

Fabulous Mother's Day for me ---May 9, 2021

Dear Blog Friends,   See these two wonderful people above?  Robin and Mark again gave me the most wonderful Mother's Day a Mom could ever have!!!!!  This year was no exception...  They had asked what I wanted to do --and I said that I wanted a Jeep Ride and a Picnic somewhere.... AND--that is what I got!!!!  And Better Still:  after lots of very cool and wet weather,   Mother's Day this year was beautiful with temperatures in the 70's.  Just PERFECT.

They took us (George and me) to a place we had never ever been. Mark and Robin love to go on all of the backroads in their shiny Red Jeep --and this is just one of the areas they visited not long ago... WOW---how extremely gorgeous,  way back in the mountains/woods...

We went to the Citico Creek Wilderness area in the Cherokee National Forest.  The closest town is Vonore, TN ---but you may know that area for being not far from the Cherohala Skyway (between Tellico Plains, TN and Robbinsville,  NC).   As we followed the Citico Creek up up up the mountains,  we saw many rustic camping sites along the way...  I truly felt like I was in PARADISE,  and I told the family that this wilderness area reminded me of the nearby Smoky Mountains --back many years ago when the Smokies were less crowded --with fewer people around and no traffic problems....

We found a great campsite for our picnic time.  As you can tell,  the road was in pretty good shape most of the time.  AND---getting to ride in the JEEP was such JOY to me..... The wilderness just smelled so good --with early spring flowers and trees blossoming all around us.

We walked down the road a bit to get a good picture of the little creek next to our campsite...  As George and I walked down,  Mark and Robin headed to the Creek to PLAY... You can actually see them since Mark's RED shirt was visible to us.

This was our campsite all set-up for us....Mark, Robin and oldest son, Bert (Seated),  are just as happy as we were to be in such a gorgeous setting.

 

My favorite picture from the trip:   Mom --in the hammock--enjoying the company of 2 of my 3 sons on Mother's Day.... Talk about relaxing!!!!!  Close you eyes and imagine being in a hammock with the sounds of the water nearby --and the birds singing above us..... "Heaven on Earth" for me!

George took his turn in one of the hammocks also....  Oh how I love that man!!!!

 

 

Mark enjoying the day ---with Robin by his side.... Both Robin and Bert took their time in the hammocks also that day....

 

Beautiful little wildflowers to enhance our wonderful day!

 

 

Of course,  we also had a 'feast' for lunch.... Mark/Robin grilled us Burgers and Brats --with all of the trimmings,  and some fresh fruit and veggies....  YUMMMMMMY in my tummy!!!!

My sons are 'silly' like their Mama!!!!!   I love this picture of Mark and Bert.

Then while some of us slept, talked and/or walked around the area to get pictures,  these two 'sillies' decided to test out the COLD COLD COLD creek water...... Poor Robin is so short that she had to be very careful where she stepped in that creek.... 

I wonder what Mark was pointing to...???????  I'll bet he was telling Robin to go over there and check out what could be living UNDER that big rock!!!!!  (I think that is when Robin decided it was time to get OUT of the water... ha ha ha)

And walking is what I did....   I'll let the 'kids' play in the water... I will just take my little iPhone and get some more pictures!!!!!!!

 Thank You so much,  Bert, Robin and Mark,  for making my MOTHER'S DAY so very very special!!!!!   I am ready to go to Citico again ANYTIME --as long as I can ride in the Shiny Red Jeep!!!!!!!!  ha ha ha

Hope all of you are doing well and staying healthy.   I have many friends who are struggling with all kinds of health issues --so today,  I remember them with my prayers and love.

I am doing quite well right now (Knock on Wood) ---so I hope I can say that for many months/years to come!!!!!  

Hugs to ALL,

Betsy💝💛💚💕

Being Grateful for our many Blessings-- Thanksgiving, 2020

Dear Friends,  Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours...  2020 has been a 'strange' year for so many of us.  The Covid virus is still around --and for many of us,  it seems to be getting worse instead of better..  As I say A LOT,  will it EVER END??????

As we enter into the holiday season,  most of us are seeing many changes in our lives and our families.. Instead of gathering among loved ones for Thanksgiving Dinner this year,  we are staying home and are talking to loved ones online.   It's just not the same.  

George and I thought we were one of the lucky ones this year,  hoping to spend Thanksgiving with son Mark and his gal,  Robin...  We were so excited... HOWEVER,  they called Tuesday night and gave us some bad news... Robin is the Director of a pre-school in Knoxville and just  found out that her assistant had tested positive for Covid. SO--Robin got tested Wednesday but won't get her results for about 4 days or longer.   THEREFORE,  our wonderful Thanksgiving with them has been postponed... We all were SO disappointed.  So---George and I will be home talking to all of the family on the phone and on Facetime...  Life is different for sure!

Many of you have been talking all month about showing gratitude --even through the rough times.  SO--today,  I have picked out some of my favorite quotes and ideas to share with you... I have always 'tried' to be POSITIVE with whatever life gives me/us... But I'll admit that I am one who needs to read these quotes over and over --each and every day!!!! Another quote which I love says that there is ALWAYS something to be grateful for!!!!  Oh --how true that is... 

For me,  I am truly grateful for being out in nature  and experiencing God's Beauty all around us.  That is why I also included a couple pictures I took on 10/21/20 of the beautiful Fall colors... I hope they will bring a smile to your face on this Thanksgiving Day in the USA.    ENJOY!!!!!

I took this picture on 10/21/20 at Indian Boundary Recreation Area,  off of the Cherohala Skyway --not too far from Tellico Plains,  TN

On 10/21/20,  late in the afternoon --we were headed down the mountain toward home and stopped just to capture this incredible sky.  

Hope your day is WONDERFUL...  With God in our lives,  what more could we want!  George and I were supposed to go to the beach next week --but postponed that trip until March  due to so much Covid around (we have been very lucky so far and want to continue to stay lucky).  But--there's another reason:  Even though I had a Cardiac Ablation only 3 weeks ago,  I went back into A Fib already,  and was not feeling very good for about 20 hours --until I reverted back to Normal Sinus Rhythm.  Tis LIFE ---BUT I will continue to give it my best shot...  God continues to bless me in so many other ways!!!

Have a fabulous day --and weeks ahead... I won't blog again until December 7th...

God's Blessings on ALL of you.  Thank you for always being there for me/with me each and every month/year.   

Love,

Betsy💝💛💚💕

 

MEMORIAL DAY 2020

Today is Memorial Day 2020.  Please take time today to stop and say a moment of Gratitude for those who died to give us the freedoms we enjoy now.

I'll share a few quotes I read:

“Our obligations to our country never cease but with our lives.”- John Adams“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We did not pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”- Ronald Reagan

“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.”- Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Never was so much owed by so many to so few.”- Winston Churchill

“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”- Unknown

“I have long believed that sacrifice is the pinnacle of patriotism.”- Bob Riley

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived.”- George S. Patton

“There is nothing nobler than risking your life for your country.”- Nick Lampson

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy

If you'd like to read many more quotes about Memorial Day,  here is the link with the information I am using today, plus more!  Click HERE.

I will close with this one last thought.

Hugs,

FANTASTIC Mother's Day 2020

Mark and his Mom on Mother's Day 2020

May 10, 2020 was one of the BEST Mother's Days that I have had!!!!  I think it was mainly because we have been cooped up in the house FOREVER it seems.... When one of my sons (Mark) asked if we wanted to get together on Mother's Day this year,  I jumped at the chance to say YES YES YES...

In trying to continue to follow all of the rules for staying healthy these days,  Mark and his gal, Robin,  took us to the top of a mountain for a picnic...  It was PERFECT....

Getting to ride in Mark's shiny red jeep was just SO MUCH FUN....  He took us up-up-up to the top of a mountain in the Cherokee National Forest near Farner, Tennessee ---to a place called BUCK BALD...  Wow---how special was that!!!!!   There were almost no people around ---so social distancing worked well up there!!!!

Mark and Robin had everything planned perfectly...  They took their tarp,  table--even with tablecloth,  grill,  chairs for all four of us----and while George and I relaxed,   they fixed us a special DINNER fit for a Queen/King.... We had Pulled Pork,  Baked Beans,  Potato Salad,  Mac/Cheese,  and Cookies for dessert...

It was truly like Heaven-on-Earth!!!!  We had gorgeous views all around,   great food,  and awesome fellowship, AND very few people around.   I/We needed this SO SO SO much...  I'm still excited about it ---a week later!!!!!

Hope you enjoy the pictures from Buck Bald today!!!!!

View from Buck Bald

Thank You, Robin and Mark,  for such an awesome day!!!

Mark and Robin came prepared to cook us an  awesome picnic FEAST.

Different views --all directions;  I think this is where the Cherohala Skyway goes across the mountain from Tennessee into North Carolina.

George is watching Mark and Robin--hard at work fixing dinner!!!

From another angle---Beautiful Views EVERYWHERE--all around us! WOW!

This old woman was SO SO SO excited to be there.  Mark found out that there used to be a fire tower up here (which is now gone).... But the road up is still in good shape!!!!

What a delicious "Mother's Day" DINNER --on top of the mountain!!!

Dinner at Buck Bald;  How Awesome is this!!!!

Can you imagine sitting on the top of a mountain,  eating a fabulous meal ---and being able to enjoy the views??? WOW--it was fantastic!!!

One more picture of Mark and Robin --on top of the world!!!

I love this picture of Mark and Robin... They are always SO good to me....  Thank You AGAIN,   Mark and Robin, for making Mother's Day so special for me...

Two lovers  enjoying our day with family!!!!!  Not only was it special to me to be with Mark and Robin,  but the most special part of my life, my Georgie,  was there with me!!!  I am so blessed.

It did get a little cool on the top of that mountain  (hence the coats) --but it was mostly the winds!!!!! But---we weren't complaining because it truly was a beautiful day with bright sunshine!!!!

On a Clear Day,  You can See Forever!!!!!!  Mother's Day 2020 was that day for us!!!!!  Such Views;  Such company;  Such a gorgeous ride on the back roads in the Jeep;   LIVE IS GOOD!!!!

Hugs,

A Sunny Florida Thanksgiving

Robert and Melissa's awesome backyard

Dear Family and Friends,   I hope all of you enjoyed your Thanksgiving Holiday WEEK...  George and I certainly did!!!!!  We enjoyed a few days with George's son,  Robert,  and his wife Melissa (and their family) at their beautiful home near Tampa, Florida.  They 'ordered' some fabulous weather while we were there --and I'll admit that that warm Florida sun felt GOOD!!!!

Both Robert and Melissa are AWESOME cooks ---so you can only imagine what they fixed for our delicious Thanksgiving Dinner...  Here's a list of some of the dinner choices:  Ham,  Turkey,  Dressing,  Gravy,  Green Bean Casserole,  Macaroni and Cheese,  Mashed Potatoes,  Wild Rice Casserole,  Rolls/Butter,  Cranberry Salad,  and for dessert----Robert's homemade  PUMPKIN CHEESE CAKE....  Oh My Heart and Soul!!!!!!  (Glad Calories don't count on Thanksgiving!!!! ha ha ha)

Today I'll share with you a few pictures from our visit with them (Nov. 27-30)!!!! Hope you enjoy seeing more of our wonderful family!!

Their gazebo --up close and personal!!!

More of their backyard --including several water treatments!!!

Along the back fence

All of the beautiful vegetation in their front yard 

George and son Robert at the Thanksgiving Dinner table

George and his grandson,  Sean (Robert's son); We were amazed at how tall Sean is now.. He is a Sophomore in high school.

"The Parents"  enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner;  It was a 'running joke' that we were not only the 'parents' --but we were also the OLD PEOPLE.... ha ha ha

Besides Robert and George,  I introduce you to Melissa with the yellow shirt on and her daughter, Kayla and two of Kayla's 3 children.  The baby and Daddy stayed home because the baby was quite sick... We missed seeing them this trip. 

The other end of the Thanksgiving table;  It was a marvelous day and we were blessed to be able to be there,  although many family members couldn't be there with us.  Melissa has 3 sons: (1 in Basic Training for the Navy; other two are in North Carolina).  Robert's other son lives in Colorado now.  Melissa's mother lives in North Carolina.   George's daughter (Kelly) is visiting with Rob/Melissa this coming week.

What does one do AFTER eating that big Thanksgiving Dinner?????? 

WELL---this shows what I really did!!!!  NAPTIME!!!!   (How many of you take naps after a big meal????? ha)

We left Florida on Saturday,  Nov. 30 and headed north to enjoy more of our special journey.  We had one night in Savannah and one night in Charleston --and now are at our favorite beach (Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina)...   We love the beach at this time of year since there are very few people around and we seem to have the beach all to ourselves!!!!  LOVE it.  I will do some upcoming blog posts on these areas of our trip I'm sure.

Have a great week --and enjoy this wonderful, happy, joyful month of December...  George and I are still so very THANKFUL for our families and for good health... Thanks be to God for all of the blessings we receive each and every day.

Hugs,

Emoticons