Tulip Time at the Biltmore Estate

Regardless of how many times we visit the Biltmore Estate, 
               there is always something new to see,
                              something new in bloom~~

In all the visits that we have made to the Biltmore -
(and we've been there a lot!)--
 this was our first opportunity
to see the tulips at their peak 
of full bloom. 

~~

follow me through this gate

into the beautiful

walled garden~

such a beautiful

mix and mingle of colors

 stunning pink blooms

in front of the grape arbor

standing inside the grape arbor --
looking out at the gardens~

(I wish I had worn shorts that day~
the morning was cool -- 
and then it got hot-
quick!)

looking down towards the
conservatory~

lost in her own world-
a perfect spot for
sketching

You can actually drive all around the perimeter

of the walled garden-

but the best way to truly appreciate

 the beauty,

is to walk the paths that meander 

through the beautiful
blooms~

These next few photos were taken in the late evening

at Antler Village,

the newest addition to the

Biltmore Estate~

The Inn at Biltmore

sits on top of the hill,

the view from up there is truly amazing~

A few photos from one of my favorite places on the estate~

 the Reflecting Pond

evening shadows~

(he didn't mind that I took his picture)

sometimes~

when the water is perfectly calm,

you can see beautiful reflections of

the house

~

(the water had a few too many ripples 

this evening~)

 a better reflection~

(when the wind died down)

~~

I'll be back in a few days with the second part of this post -- 

some beautiful photos of the Conservatory and more pictures taken around the estate~

Just keepin' it real~

I'm listening ~ to a great audio book-- Princess Elizabeth's Spy -- a delightful series. This is the second in the series that I have enjoyed.  Just perfect for when I'm sitting by the pool--(and knitting!)

I'm eating~ trying to take advantage of the fresh veggies that are just starting to become available. Summer is the easiest time for me when it comes to watching my weight -- I could live on fresh fruit and vegetables. My post on my own weight struggles to maintain my weight loss is coming up soon! Like in the next few weeks~

I'm doing~ working on some beautiful new designs for my ETSY shop this fall. Playing with colorful beads and some stunning embellishments~

I'm needing~ to feel some Caribbean breezes.  Sigh~

I'm watching~ have just finished the entire series of Upstairs, Downstairs -- the old version and the new.  Loved them both. Have also just finished watching Top of the Lake (a little odd, but I loved it!) Hubby and I are totally caught up on Scandal now (OMgosh!!) And --I have just finished watching the cutest 7 part series on Netflix - Last Tango in Halifax.  Loved it!  

I'm reading~ Just finished the Orphan Train --(I totally loved it.)

Now I'm reading All the Light We Can Not See -- I think this may be one of the best books I've read in a while~ 

I'm loving~ the warm beautiful days. I play in my flowers every morning, love mowing the grass (yes, I really do!), and am enjoying just being outside every chance I get.  Finally -- I feel that summer is here! I'm sorry that I've been gone from my blog for a bit -- but there has just been SO much to do around the house now that the weather is nice. I have SO much more energy in the sunshine!

~~

Thank you so much to each of you who visited my blog and left beautiful comments to enter my Spring Giveaway -- your words have truly touched my heart. I would give anything if I could return every comment --- telling you each how very much I appreciate your visits and support.

If you have somehow missed my Spring giveaway -- you can find it here    (You have until June 21 to enter.)

Sending much love and gratitude to you all~

xoxo,

Vicki