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{March is well under way}

February days are now gone and March has officially kicked in.   I finally purchased a new monthly focus board.  We ventured out for a day date which included a movie. I love our day dates. I will give my honest review about the movie for those interested. I wanted to see this movie as it was based on a true story. I did enjoy the movie but oh my, it was a tear jerker from the get go! It ended good but mercy! Let's just say that I am thankful that no one was sitting close enough to see my tear stained face. I am glad that I saw it but I am good for a while on sad movies, even if they do end good!   My oldest daughter, her husband and their son participated in the Spartan race which is a series of obstacle courses that challenge. They done so well. As you can see from the pictures it gets pretty muddy!  My three daughters participate each year in the Gate River Run. I love it that they do this together. They have so much support & encouragement from all the onlookers. I am just

{I'M BACK} Birthday pictures to share....Chapter 1




I will begin by sharing a couple of pictures of the lovely cabin that we stayed in while visiting Ashville, NC for a week of birthday celebration. For those that are on FB with me then you saw where I posted daily pictures of our outings. I will not post them all on the blog. WAYYYYYY to many. To be honest...I think I could have have stayed in the cabin all week without leaving. Of course having a hot tub sure made it enticing. 


If you are bacon lover and a sweet lover then my man says this bacon donut is a MUST! I'm your regular glazed donut kinda girl so that did not appeal to me at all. He said that anything with bacon on it was good. If you have a Ducks Donuts in your area it's worth a stop. You would not BELIEVE the different types of donuts they offer! My plain donut with a cup of hot chocolate with extra whipped cream suited me just fine. 

The Biltmore has four acres of floor space, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. This doesn't even begin to cover the ground area!

The Biltmore house was wonderful. It was COLD. My man layered up but ladies, I put my "if it snows" jacket on! LOL! Of course while inside the Biltmore I winded of carrying it. But, not outside for sure! BRR.....




I'm just sharing a couple of pictures we made on the inside. It was so beautiful. The history was awesome. They are running a special through May where they are displaying replicas of the clothing from that era of time. I loved it. 



Even though the outside gardens was in the midst of being prepared for Spring and Summer in which I can only imagine the beauty of it, the green houses held tons of flowers and all kinds. So beautiful! We spent 7 hours at the Biltmore and this behind end was dragging. Ate at a lovely place and though the meal was wonderful, the sitting down and resting was GREAT! LOL! 


We went to visit the Cove. Oh we enjoyed it so much. We had two different tour guides, a husband and wife team and we loved them. 


See the Cross? It is actually 8 feet tall. 


The chapel was beautiful! Only members of the Billy Graham family are allowed to get married in the chapel. There was so much history there as well. 


We met another lovely couple while touring and winded up connecting. Of course kindred spirits usually do connect. The Bible says that Spirit will know spirit. SO TRUE. Our last thing to do while at the Cove was simply to take time to kneel and pray. Five us knelt here that day and each one of us prayed. We prayed for one another as we traveled as well as for things near and dear to our hearts that day. It was a very sweet time in the Lord. 


The beauty of the Lord is our strength.


We made a trip to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock one day. Absolutely breathtaking views. 


And....before you ask the question I will go ahead and give you the answer! NO, NO, NO I did not attempt to walk 26 flights of stairs to the top of Chimney Rock. See here...I walked straight to that thing called an elevator and mashed that button that said UP! And....I got to see the beautiful view all the same!


Needless to say, Ashville is a happening place! I was actually shocked at all the activity that goes on there, even for the off months for tourists. However, we went at a good time. Weather was cold, cold in the mornings and especially if there was wind. But the days would turn into lovely rays of sunshine. YOU STILL NEEDED A JACKET FOR SURE! We didn't wait in line for anything. That's a huge plus for someone like me that gets claustrophobic quick!




He was in hog heaven looking at the tools.

We even went to an old tobacco barn that had been turned into an antique barn. It was quite amazing. I couldn't believe the things they displayed that was over 100 plus more years old. NOR THE PRICES! When I saw some of the same dishes there that I have and the price.....I told my husband that he better be real good to me because I was worth a fortune! LOL!


And this was my favorite time.....YES, PJ's, fireplace and coffee! Thank you Jesus! 


I have more pictures and stories to share with you all so stay tuned. Next week I will try and post a few more pictures and outings. We went on a walking food tour, waterfalls, the Billy Graham Library and more. We had a wonderful time. Needless to say, I winded up getting sick after returning. That's another story for another day. Let's just say this mild- stone age afforded me a birthday celebration the whole month that was grand...but this mild-stone body reminded me that I can't do everything, 100 mph either! 


I will leave you with this today in case you need to drool.......One of my favorite places we visited. I went twice! 

I hope that you all have a lovely week. I am counting on a week of good health.

Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Psalm 37:4 - Delight in the Lord - Bible Verses To Go
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Comments

  1. Oh, how it makes my heart happy to see your post. I'm so glad you all had a great time, but even more happy that you must be feeling at least a little better. I'm being selfish, but the only thing that would have made your visit better is if we could have met up. (just kidding....sort of...;-) PLEASE take care of yourself, my precious Friend! Love you!

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    1. Thanks Deb. I missed blogging with you gals but I sure wasn't feeling it last week. We did enjoy a fun time and made lots of memories. Marty keeps asking me what was my favorite but I'd have to say top two...Biltmore House and the Billy Graham Library! But then I loved the Cove too.....Apparently I loved it all a lot cause I went 100 MPH most days! Well....think I need to slow her down a tad. LOL! I wished I could have saw you too my friend.

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  2. I was happy to know that you were able to go to Asheville...isn't it a beautiful area? I've not been to the Biltmore, but have been to Chimney Rock! The views are fantastic just about anywhere you are in that area. Glad to have you back, but sorry that your first week home found you ill. The cabin you stayed in was just gorgeous! I would have been content to stay there the whole time, too. :)

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    1. It is very beautiful in Ashville Dianna. So glad we went. The cabin was very pretty. That's about the only way I will go to the mountains is if I can stay in a cabin. Well, now...it wouldn't be the only way I could go but is my number one choice! The views at Chimney Rock---yes, beautiful!

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  3. Cindy, what a beautiful week of celebrating your birthday. I love Asheville and the Biltmore. I would love to go to the Cove! Hope you are feeling better!

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    1. Thanks Pam. You would love the Cove. It was really sweet and quiet humbling to stand in the home where Billy Graham's coffin sat in the living room. NO, don't worship Billy G by any means but I sure did have a ton of respect for a man that God found worthy enough to place His hands upon and anoint that man like I felt he was. Such a legacy.

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  4. Love the pictures. Every single one of them Cindy. I am so sorry you have been sick. I sent you several emails and was beginning to worry about you. Praying for complete healing. Can't wait to see the rest of the pictures.
    Connie Royals

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    1. Thanks Connie. I saw the first email late yesterday afternoon. Girl, I have laid low. Thought for a day or two it was going to be real low......LOL! I will be sending you an email tonight or tomorrow. Thank you for praying.

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  5. I know you had a wonderful trip, Ashville is such a great place to visit, love the quaint shops and charm of it all, and the Biltmore is fabulous! Happy belated Cindy!
    Jenna

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    1. Thanks Jenna. Yes, I enjoyed some of those cute shops too. I would love to visit the Biltmore at Christmas one year. But...not sure I want to fight the crowds they say they have. Ha!

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  6. So glad you are back! That trip sounded right up my alley! I've been wanting to go to Ashville, NC. It's on my list! You guys reminded me of us because I'm always in my winter coat and Mr. is usually in a hoodie and gloves! I would love to see Biltmore Estate and those donuts sound good. I loved the photo of you by the fire. That would be ME! What a fun trip. I love that cabin!

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    1. Thanks Heather Lou. Somehow, I just imagine that you will be going to Ashville. LOL!

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  7. Thank you for sharing your fun trip photos with us. The photo of you in your PJs and hat made me smile. I would have tried the glazed bacon donut. YUM!

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    1. Marty said Margie that donut was worth every single bite ! 😂 girl , i can’t stand running heat at night so i enjoyed those pjs there . Of course that fireplace heated things up quick .

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  8. Beautiful pictures. Have a happy week Cindy. Hugs.

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  9. Oh, what an awesome birthday trip! I love everything about this trip. I have never visited The Biltmore or The Cove and would like to see both. You look like you enjoyed every minute of it. Happiest of years ahead for you!

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    1. We did have a good time .Ashville seems to be located in a good area where there’s so many things to do and see .

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  10. OMG You had such a wonderful Birthday ... Your pictures were sensational... Love the Biltmore and the history that evolves like the swinging doors of time. You certainly took in alot of fun and interesting sites... My hubby would love to try that bacon donut ..I'm like you...I just like them plain. ... Too much excitement... So sorry that you ended up sick .. and hope that you are now on the mend.... Love that super picture of you by the fireplace ... Your smile said everything...Happy Belated Birthday Cindy....Big Hugs

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    1. Thanks Zaa. I’m trying to get my mojo back and it’s been slow . But feeling so much better that I’m not complaining . The history is Ashville was amazing .

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  11. I loved seeing your photos of your trip, both here and on FB. I am so sorry you ended up getting sick, however, That's a downer, but at least you had so much fun on your trip and you didn't get sick for the trip...that's the best thing. That looked like a wonderful place to stay. Sounds like "heaven" to me. I know it's hard coming back down to earth after a week like that!! Please take care and stay well. God bless you with many more happy birthdays.

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    1. Thanks Pam . The cabin was lovely . We haven’t b n to the mountains in quite a while so it was nice . So funny how the mind quickly switches though . I told Marty i was about ready for the beach now 😂

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  12. Oh my gosh...what a wonderful looking bday trip. I bet it was a blast and that cabin...WOW. oh yeah, thinking I would love a bacon donut. I love donuts and I love bacon so it sounds like a given! Thanks for sharing your trip. Looks like tons of fun. I have an album on FB of Rustic Old Buildings like barns and old homes, then I have one of churches. I esp love the older churches I find on my adventures.

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    1. He said that bacon donut was good 😊 I struggled with even thinking about bacon on a donut 😂 i love pictures of old barns and especially churches Pam .

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  13. Cindy, thank you for the mini-vacay--I needed that! I've always wanted to go there, so this post was a real treat for me.

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    1. Thanks Jean . Glad you enjoyed the pictures . I plan to post more about the trip next week .

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  14. Cindy, I do hope you are feeling much better and hate that you were sick! I love the photos and that cabin...oh my goodness! I would never want to leave either! So glad you had a wonderful birthday trip! And yes, my husband would want a banker's dozen of those donuts! LOL Love and hugs!

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    1. Thanks Benita . I appreciate you checking on me too . How sweet . That bacon topped donut apparently is a winner for Ducks donuts . I was told they sell them as fast as they can make them .

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  15. You are just too cute!
    I so enjoyed reading and viewing your wonderful photos, thank you for taking us along with you.:)

    You looked {{cold}} in a few of those photos!

    Have a great week ♡

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    1. Awe thanks sweet lady . It was cold . Very cold on the mornings. It would actually be nice during the day unless the wind was blowing . We usually choose to go to the mountains during winter months so weather wise, you never know what you will get . We had fun . I know you enjoyed your birthday as well .

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  16. A well documented birthday celebration for sure! I enjoyed every photo and that cabin...wow, I would love to stay there!

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  17. You certainly put put together a wonderful post and your photos were even more beautiful here on your blog. I'm sure it was a birthday (birthweek) that you'll remember forever. And it sure is great to know there's an elevator just in case we want to take a trip to Chimney Rock! Looking forward to Chapter 2...and so glad you are feeling better! Hugs!

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    1. That’s my friend . I’m feeling much better . If i could just have a burst of energy I’d feel lots better 😂 girl , i would have stayed at the bottom of chimney rock had that elevator not worked ! The views are beautiful from anywhere you look from . Chapter 2 i hope to release next week 😂

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  18. What a great post Cindy! Thank you for sharing wonderful photos yes I love bacon in a doughnut. Happy birthday too. May god bless you more.
    https://www.kocinadepinay.com

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    1. Thanks lady . Well you and my husband would get along great with your bacon donuts 😂

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  19. I know you had a fabulous birthday trip, Cindy. Your cabin looked oh so cozy!! My late beloved and I visited Asheville in August, so we did get to see the beautiful gardens at the Biltmore. I would've loved to visit the Antique place and the chocolate store. One of my favorite pics of you was in your pj's sipping your coffee by the fire. Thank you for sharing the fun with us!! Love and hugs to you....

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    1. Thanks Kitty . I’m sure you have some beautiful memories with your late beloved visiting the Biltmore together . I can imagine how the gardens much look in spring and summer . The green houses alone was beautiful .

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  20. cabin's interior so exciting.
    thank you for sharing series of beautiful photos.
    have a great day

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  21. wow...what a fun birthday vacation. The chapel is so so beautiful...the cabin looks as if it was really nice...all the photos are great....

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  22. Oh Cindy, what an amazing birthday trip! You are just the cutest, my friend, and I so enjoyed seeing how much fun you had :) Pj's, coffee, and a fire are definitely A MUST! {{smiles}} Wish I could have joined you.

    I was sorry to hear you were sick as well. I hope you are feeling much better now. Sending love and hugs your way!

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    1. Thank you Stephanie . I hope that you are feeling much better as well . 🙏🏻

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  23. I loved seeing all the pictures of your amazing birthday trip. Just perfect!!
    I hope you get over the bug you caught and have your energy back again.

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    1. Thank you so much . Feeling much better abd getting my mojo back . 😊

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  24. What a great birthday vacation!! Thanks for sharing your experiences! We’ve been to the Biltmore but several other places, including downtown Asheville are on our new list of places to visit. Happy birthday, again, dear Cindy!

    Zenda

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    1. Thanks Zenda for tagging along with my pictures . I hope to show more next week . We had a great time .

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  25. Oh, sweet friend! I am so sorry you got so sick when you got home! Bless your heart, I hope you are feeling much better by now. I sure can relate to how our bodies cannot withstand what they used to be able to. It is a hard fact to swallow and accept. I loved seeing all of your photos of your amazing adventures! We have been wanting to go visit the Cove and the Biltmore, so you have renewed that desire in me! Maybe we will just go one of these days, Lord willing! So wonderful to visit with you this morning! May the Lord bless you and heal you.

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    1. Cheryl you would enjoy the Biltmore and the Cove. If you get the chance to go to the Billy Graham Library is unbelievable.

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  26. What a wonderful vacation! Your cabin was/probably still is 😉 amazing! What a thrill to see interior shots of The Biltmore. Yay for their new policy! If I ever make it down that way, I am definitely going to visit. And the Billy Graham site is also wonderful...so well planned and designed.

    I am sorry that you had that sick spell...seems as if so many have been ill for prolonged periods of time. It was a bad bug this year.

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    1. Thanks Vee. We had a great time. The Cove was very sweet too. Very humbling for us. I can't wait to share about the Billy Graham library though. I am feeling much better but don't know when I have been that sick. My mercy! I had a nurse friend of many years say something recently to me that seemed a little frightening to think about. She said with all the different types of flues, bugs and junk, that one day everyone would walk around with a mask! Oh my! Hope you are feeling better Vee.

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  27. Ashville, NC has recently been recommended to us by several friends. Your post confirms its awesomeness. Looks like you had a wonderful time.

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    1. We surely did. Yes, go to Ashville and go to the Biltmore House. You will love it.

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  28. Cindy, what an amazing birthday trip! The cabin looks amazing. I do love a bacon donut. :) But I've only ever had 2. Love your p.j. photo!! We have been to NC twice, but haven't been to that town. It looks fun!!
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Thank you Jann . You are so sweet . We enjoyed ashville . I’m so glad we stayed for a week and explored the city and surrounding areas .

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  29. Hope you are feeling better and so glad you were under the weather AFTER you got back.
    I did just the opposite, sick before our trip.

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    1. Thanks Christine. I am feeling better, praise the Lord! Oh No! Not sick before the trip. Bless your heart. Had I been that sick before hand we would not have left the house. I wasn't able to help myself much less do anything else. But...we had a great time.

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  30. indy,
    What an amazing trip!! Love the cabin and I have always wanted to go to Ashville to see Biltmore... I would love to go at Christmas....HGTV ran a few Christmas specials many years ago when they first started out. I still have them on VHS tape and yes, I have a VCR to play them on!! Sorry to hear that you wee sick!!
    Thanks so much for stopping by!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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    1. Thank you friend . I would love to go st Christmas to biltmore . Not sure I’d want to fight the crowed but the decor might would be worth it . ❤️

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  31. What an incredible getaway Cindy, and a belated Happy Birthday to you!!!! The cabin is just adorable where you stayed, and I bet the hot tub was really nice after those cold windy days! The fire, hot coffee and pajamas looked pretty awesome! I loved seeing the Biltmore, thank you for sharing such gorgeous pictures, what an incredible place to visit! The flowers were gorgeous! Sorry to hear that you got sick after all the excitement, and I pray you are feeling better now!

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  32. Thank you . We had s great time . So much to do and i sure tried doing it all 😂 feeling much better . Hugs to you .

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  33. Cindy, I enjoyed every moment of this post. You are such a dear soul and I am glad you had a great time. It does look like you had a fast pace and that it was cold! So sorry you got sick after you got back. I totally understand that because I was sick all of February.
    Seeing the replicas of the clothing from the era at the Biltmore would be especially nice.
    I loved the story of you praying at the kneeling bench. I got chill bumps.
    Happy late birthday!

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    1. Thank you Bonnie . I especially loved the clothing from that era of time . Yes, praying at the chapel that day was very special . Yep fast pace it was indeed though late evenings we spent our time at cabin and soaked up the beauty of our surroundings . I’m so glad we went but hated winded up being sick . Feeling better now 🙏🏻

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  34. I was just there at the Biltmore the day you posted this! My first time there and it was awesome. Very, very crowded though. I loved the mannequins with the gorgeous costuming. My camera didn't take them very well - they looks a bit washed out. The greenhouses were awesome! Can't wait to go back with the gardens are in full bloom!

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    1. So glad you got to go Melanie . It was amazing . We spent 7 hours there that day but of course that included taking time out to eat at the Bistro . I was tired 😊

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  35. HI Cindy and I wish you a belated happy birthday! What a marvelous time you must have had! I have always wanted to visit the Biltmore. Maybe one day. Thank you for sharing your birthday travels with us and for popping in to see me.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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    1. Sheila it was so good to see a post from you dear lady . Yes if you have the chance go to the Biltmore . You won’t be disappointed .

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  36. Oh my goodness, what an amazing birthday you had dear friend ! The cabin where you were looks wonderful.
    Happy belated birthday sweet lady. I so enjoyed each image you have shared with us.
    Although you got sick on your way back home, it's better had you gotten sick in the middle of your great get away !
    Thank you for your well wishes for my mom.
    Hugs,
    Fabby

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    1. Thank you Fabby . It was a great trip . Praying your mama gets better soon .🙏🏻

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So glad you stopped by to visit.
Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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