Monday, December 19, 2016

Festive Christmas

Welcome!

"Be merry all, be merry all,
With holly dress the festive hall;...
To welcome merry Christmas."
-William Robert Spencer

During this special time of year, I'd like to share with you some very special images of festive Christmas decorations in Tennessee and North Carolina-


Christmas Wreath in Jonesborough, Tennessee


Festively decorated Christmas Window at Pie Sensations in Columbia, Tennessee 


Also at Pie Sensations


A Carriage Decorated for Christmas at Homestead Manor in  Thompson's Station, Tennessee


Collection Box at Homestead Manor

"Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart... that thinks of others first."
-quotesgram.com


Christmas Tree in Franklin

"O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, How lovely are thy branches!"
-Traditional German carol


With Mike and Betty During Their Christmas Open House in North Carolina


A Decoration at Mike and Betty's

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."
-Norman Vincent Peale


"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!"
-Hamilton Wright Mable


Shop Window in Franklin, Tennessee

"Perhaps the best yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles."
-Author Unknown


(Also, remembering my father, whose birthday was December 19)

Positive Thought: "May you have the gladness of  Christmas which is hope;
                                 The spirit of Christmas which is peace;
                                 The heart of Christmas which is love."
                                 -Ada V. Hendricks
Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, January 1, 2017, Becky



Sunday, December 4, 2016

A Fall Celebration in Tennessee



Greg and I had a wonderful two-day fall celebration a few days ago when we went to East Tennessee to celebrate Thanksgiving with some of our family.

When we got to our destination, Jonesborough, Tennessee, it was time for supper, so we asked our B&B host to recommend somewhere to eat, and he suggested a new restaurant in town, "The Black Olive." We were so glad he did since the food was delicious!


Chicken Primavera from "The Black Olive"

After our meal, we went to the "Blair-Moore House" in historic downtown Jonesborough where we were spending the night.



This B&B has been highly rated by "Southern Living" magazine, and there are several other accolades, as well. Greg and I will have to agree, this is one of the best places that we've ever stayed!

There's even an excellent short "PBS" documentary on "Facebook" about "Blair-Moore House" which tells the history, etc. of the house that you can access from the "Blair-Moore House" website. (See website address below.)

The innkeepers renovated and beautifully decorated the house themselves.


Everything is so authentic to the period.


An artist friend of the innkeepers painted the primitive mural above on the stairway wall.


Our beautiful room even had a canopy bed which was a first for Greg and me.


There were even scrumptious chocolates by our bedside. They were handmade in Jonesborough by "Earth & Sky Confections."

Speaking of food, the next morning's gourmet breakfast was also a special treat-


The fresh fruit with dip was terrific, as was the French toast, bacon, potatoes, and more.

"...What might be the world's best breakfast"-"Southern Living" magazine


One of the Four Adorable Resident Dogs Asleep on One of the Dining Chairs

After breakfast, Tami Moore, one of the inn keepers who also cooked our wonderful breakfast, showed us some of the pieces her talented husband, Jack, had made for the house. He even has his own workshop on the grounds where he makes his quality wood pieces.


Tami is talented herself. Besides being an excellent chef, she is also an artist who does paintings, and...


she makes lovely jewelry to sell.


Me, relaxing outside the "Blair-Moore House," with thoughts of, "How soon can we come back?"

 FYI:
"Blair Moore House"
201 West Main Street
Jonesborough, TN 37659

www.blairmoorehouse.com

While our stay there was a wonderful experience, it was time to move on to our next destination...


Betty's, for a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner!


We all pitched in and brought some of our favorite things for the meal. 

"Eat, drink, and be thankful."
-PictureQuotes.com


Greg, Getting Dessert-Yum!


The family cat, wishing at the moment that he were an indoor cat instead of an outdoor one.

We all had a wonderful time together, and we're planning our next get-together for December.

Positive thought: "Today be thankful and think how rich you are. Your family is priceless, your time is gold, and your health is wealth."-SayingImages.com
Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, December 18, Becky