“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”
Luke 9:23-24
The Chaste (Vitex) tree is a summer “show off” as it provides weeks of blooming activity. Pruning the old blooms triggers more action, if we take the time to do a little snipping!
We probably don’t have another flowering plant that attracts the pollinators quite like the Chaste tree!
We named this guy Rusty years ago. He has been relocated a few times but maybe this will be his final resting place…because he is extremely heavy!
This is a throwback from last season. We are considering one look back pic each Sunday for a while, and why not! The Mountain Laurel near The Swag just outside The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is certainly worth a second look!
The Princesses have discovered their daddy’s 1989 jeep, and after a wash job (assisted and directed by their mom), they are ready to ride. A new set of batteries are on the way and we are believing it will then be trail ready.
Always a summer giveaway, mimosas are very plentiful in our area. We don’t realize how many are around until the blooms come and then it seems pink and white covers the landscape. We noticed a maple attempting to slip in under this mimosa! Do you have a lot of these where you live?
We decided to call this “turtle row”. Another onlooker joined us!
After the magnolia bloom comes the seed pod. We understand a lot of patience and a blessing of a long life is needed to witness the transition from seed to a mature tree that produces blooms. It can take from 15-20 years!
What is your favorite color of rose? Some say you need red roses for a blue lady or a yellow rose if in Texas, but the pink isn’t bad either!
An interesting photo but not what you really want to see in your garden. This a parasitic vine called dodder (Cuscuta) which we haven’t had around before this year. No doubt it was lurking in the top soil we brought in for a raised bed. The vine invaded some of our sunflowers but we have hopefully removed it but will need to keep a close watch for more!
It is hydrangea season in north Alabama and a lot of other places too. These blue beauties are on “Sand Mountain”!
A lot of breathtaking sunsets last week were aided by diffused light caused by dust in the atmosphere. The dust was from Africa’s Sahara Desert. Did you experience the hazy dust?
”Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”.
Hebrews 13:8
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Beautiful pictures! And I love the kids and the Jeep 😍💚
Thank you and have a great week!
You too!
What an amazing collection of pictures to resurrect our memories. Mimosas Lined the driveway to my grandmothers house that us children climbed. I love their smell but they don’t grow in Colorado. The Saraha dust storm was one of the many systems my now retired husband flew when flying for The National Center for atmospheric research. The vine that’s choking your sunflowers are quite invasive and will kill anything it climbs if not removed.Magnolias hold many memories one of cutting branches from a grove for my nieces wedding three years who. And the 1989 Jeep with the princesses in matching dresses reminds me of when my grandson ran over everything in his path while learning to drive his. Is the heron going to pluck a turtle from the log for its lunch?
Alice, I used to climb mimosa trees. They are quite invasive here in the Deep South. That is so interesting that your husband flew for the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Magnolias are one of my favorite trees, and the bloom’s fragrance is intoxicating! Wishing you a lovely week my friend!
The mimosa, the magnolia, the pink rose of summer, the hydrangeas, and other blooms brightens this Sunday morning. The real stars are always the princesses in their cute dresses and smiles. What a treat that Dad kept his Jeep for them to enjoy. The dust storm was heavy here yesterday. The night before I got the most amazing photos of the sunset. Have a good week friends. Can’t wait to see more of the shed.
Thank you Dianne. Wishing you a lovely week!
There is no better way to start Sunday than with beautiful flowers and views, thank you Pam! I understand that the dust from Africa is keeping tropical storms at bay so I hope it sticks around…that sunset is breathtaking!
Jenna
Thank you Jenna. I hadn’t heard that about the dust, maybe it will keep tropical storms away!
Reading your blog always makes my Sunday begin with a sweet blessing. I am intrigued by your mimosa and Chaste, and imagining where both could grow in my yard.
I am always interested in your beautiful photography and rarely read your blog without learning something new. I’m equally interested and thankful for your featured Bible verse. Today’s verse prompted me to open my Bible to Luke 9 and reflect more on that story and chapter.
Have a blessed Sunday, Pam.
Cindie, your sweet words are so encouraging. I have been under the weather and was unable to go to church today. Wishing you a lovely week!
Oh Pam, I truly hope you are feeling better today. (Hug)
Thank you Cindie, feeling better but still not up to par.
I love roses and pink ones are my favorite. Cute pictures of the girls in the Jeep and also a beautiful sunset. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Della. Have a lovely week!
I love the pink rose and the hydrangeas, but my favorite photo is of the girls; so precious. Have a blessed Sunday, dear friend.
Thank you dear friend!
I’m so glad you saved your sons jeep. Perfect for the girls.
Gorgeous sunset and assortment of blooms.
There aren’t any mimosas near me.
Your chaste tree is stunning.
Have a lovely week.
Thanks Bonnie. Butch saves everything 😂
Good morning, Pam. Your Chaste tree is so pretty and it is a new tree to me. It truly is a beauty. Of course you know those girls are my favorite and the fun they will have in the jeep. All your photos are as always wonderful, but your sunset has captured the magnificent artistry of God.
Wishing you a beautiful week, my friend.❤
Hello Sandra. The chaste tree blooms beautifully and was given to me by a lovely friend. Have a lovely week sweet friend ♥️
What is the name of the vine in Rusty? I really like it! Always enjoy your pictures! Have a blessed day!
Hi Beth. The vine is called “silver falls” dichondra. Wishing you a wonderful week!
Mimosas here, nope. On my walks, wattle trees are starting to bloom in yellow. We are in mid Winter here. Love your photos as always.
Love Cath
Thank you Cath. It is always great to hear from you♥️
Your garden just gets better and better and it is a treat to see all that blooms there.
Thank you Linda. Have a beautiful week!
Hi,Pam! Fantastic post as ever…You always make me smile!Precious pictures…Have a lovely week ahead.Thanks!
Thank you dear Maristella. Enjoy your blogging break!
Beautiful shots Pam! The girls are adorable and will enjoy the Jeep. The vibrant sunset is gorgeous. That weed looks wicked! 😱 The deer got their revenge on our established hydrangeas; ate half of them! ☹️ I finally bought deer and rabbit repellent after seeing the mass destruction. I shall not be without it in the future! On a happy note, our butterfly bushes are blooming! We’re happy to have some color in the yard left after the raid! Lol
I really love the chaste tree! It’s beautiful. I must see if our nurseries sell them. I don’t know as I’ve ever seen one in person. Wishing you a lovely week and happy 4th! Clara♥️🇺🇸
Thank you dear Clara. I am so sorry that the deer ate your hydrangeas, that is so discouraging. The butterfly bushes are so pretty! Wishing you a lovely week ♥️🇺🇸♥️
Always something to be learned on Sunday pilgrimage to Pam and Butch.. The Chaste tree is new to me and something to behold. That sunset is spectacular and the Moppets are darling in that snazzy jeep….what a 30 year old cream puff… The
garden is looking so lovely.. the mimosa and hydrangea….no wonder the dodder was tempted…away with it! Thank you for the beautiful scripture message that reminds us of priorities in life….Sabbath blessings to all.
Hi Mary, I recommend the chaste tree. It was given to me by a friend and it blooms profusely. The bees love it! Have a great week!
Happy Sunday, Pam! Such beautiful pictures, and the sunset is gorgeous! We have had lots of dust the last two days, and the sunsets are not very pretty. The dust has also been terrible on allergies. I hope you had a wonderful weekend, sweet friend!
Thanks so much Shannon. We have not experienced the dust. Have a great week!
Lucky you with those gorgeous hydrangeas. No wonder you have such glorious table settings so early in the season. It’s not that early for you! It’s really looking lovely — and what a perfect way to end my day!
Thank you Jeanie, wishing you a lovely week!
Good Monday Morning Pam!
The stars of the show are the princesses in the Jeep! You know we love our Jeeps! 😉
Your mimosas look quite similar to our AZ Fairy Dusters!
And Rusty is in a bed of Lantana… correct? I love our yellow lantana in AZ.
As for rose colors… I love them all!
We are suppose to get that dust this week. Hoping for some great sunsets!
Sending great big hugs to you! Enjoy your week dear Pam!
Happy Monday dear friend. The dust has provided some beautiful sunsets. Sending hugs to you and wishing you a most beautiful week!
Isn’t that something how the dust from somewhere so far away could make its way all this distance and affect things here? That makes me think of sin and how far-reaching its effects can go and how none of us are an island and the repercussions of our actions may be felt by people far away who we have never even met. That sunset photo was just glorious, and the sweet little ones are as adorable as ever! I know they will have many hours in their Daddy’s jeep, exploring your beautiful grounds! May God richly bless all of you!
Thank you Cheryl. Wishing you a joy-filled week!
What a great group of photos you’ve gathered! The girls in their daddy’s Jeep … too precious!! This has been a plentiful year for turtles in our pond too. And mimosas are blooming profusely here too. John’s family was stationed in Morocco back in the ‘50s (his dad was career Navy) and experienced some of the huge sandstorms, called siroccos, up and personal. He said it was a huge wall of sand, advancing across the desert towards them, so large it blocked out the sun. Pam and Butch, have a blessed week.
Thanks so much Roxanne. I wouldn’t want to see a wall of sand coming close! When is your surgery Roxanne?
It’s this coming Monday, July 6. I’m trying not to dwell on it and get stuff down that I know I won’t be able to do for 6-8 weeks. Thanks for asking, Pam!
I will be praying for you Roxanne!
The princesses must be off on wonderful adventures. I hope you are getting postcards.
Amalia
xo
Thank you Amalia!