Happy Birthday

Happy birthday to my wonderful husband!!! I hope you have a blessed year to come. I have this feeling that this year is going to be quite exciting. Know that I am excited and blessed to walk by your side through it all. I love you!!!

More Honeymoon Pictures

While on our honeymoon, we decided to take a day trip to Asheville, NC. We had two main goals in mind while there...eat at Tupelo Honey Cafe in downtown and visit Biltmore. I had been to Biltmore as a kid, and Burl had been there a few years ago, but it is always fun to experience things together.

Biltmore

There was a very specific tour that Burl was adamant we take while visiting, the Rooftop Tour. When we were doing our research for the trip, we found out it was called the Architect's Tour. It was an extra $17, and well worth as we got to go on the roof and several of the balconies that are not on the regular admission tour. (By the way, with the help of a friend, I found a 25% of our general admission ticket at www.visitsevierville.com and was able to print it off.)

Close up of one of the windows

Enjoying the view

All the green on the roof is actually copper. The roof is actually slate tiles that are wired onto the roof. We got to see a section of the wiring, but were not able to take a picture due to their restrictions on pictures in certain areas.

Stopping for a quick picture

And we found someone to take a picture together

A close-up of the cooper roof which had a variety of imprints...either George Vanderbilt's initials or the family crest.

We had a wonderful day of exploring the property and learning about the history of the Vanderbilt family.

Mrs. Rice

It is official (and legal). My name is Martha Jane Rice.

Honeymoon Pictures

For those of you who do not know, we went to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge for our honeymoon. We both wanted to stay off the beaten path in a cabin and well we definitely succeeded.

The Pine Knot outside of the community of Pittman Center.

The inside was pretty rustic feeling, but it worked.

A view of the Smokies from the Space Needle in Gatlinburg

Our first full day as husband and wife

The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge. There were some really cute shops and a wonderful restaurant.

Cade's Cove National Park. We rode our bikes through here as it is a bicycle friendly park. I only rode the medium sized loop which was 8 miles, but Burl did the full loop which was 11 miles.

The tunnel on the way to Cade's Cove.

I will try to post a few more later, but I do have some laundry and unpacking to do. I am still working to find a home for all our wedding presents and getting things organized.

Welcome

So, I have been thinking about trying my hand at blogging again. Not sure if it will amount to much, but I think I need a creative outlet. There also seems to be some people that want to know what is going on in mine and Burl's world.