Is everyone ready for February? If not, it might be time to get moving with some fast preparation. Here’s wishing you a lovely February! But, until then, enjoy this final January day!
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
An awesome beginning to a clear and peaceful day last week. Unfortunately, every day wasn’t as nice, as turbulent weather moved across Alabama early in the week including a deadly and devastating tornado!
A view of Noccalula Falls from a little different angle than a lot of pics we see. I suppose we could call this shot “one taken from the north rim.” Ok, it’s not the Grand Canyon, but this is a very neat place to visit if you happen to be in northeast Alabama!
Walking along the woods edge I ran across this plant. It reminded me a little of lambs ear. It was fuzzy and soft and felt like a flannel shirt! After a little research, we are thinking these are the leaves of Verbascum thapsus, or common mullein. I was not familiar with it but it seems it is a biennial herb and has a lot of medicinal uses, including the treatment of cough and other related ailments. Are you familiar with this plant? It is not native to the U.S.
The bark of the birch tree is truly amazing. It has been used for centuries for building and crafting. It is strong and water resistant and can be easily shaped and sewn. I am not a craftsman and find it fascinating to think of the talent and patience needed to craft canoes, bowls, baskets and other items from birch bark!
Queen EM and Princess EK are enjoying the first meal to be served in their new house. EM told us this was the dining room, and, we discovered when examining the house plans that…this is the dining room. When everything is completed, it will be interesting to see if the picnic table remains!
I had never given much notice to the fact that these berries remain on trees through the winter. Chinaberry trees bring back fond childhood memories. Several trees grew in my Papa and Nannie Kennedy’s (hence Princess Emma’s middle name) yard and they were good climbing trees. But most of all, the green berries in the summer provided ammo for chinaberry battles. We threw them and used them in slingshots. A disclaimer here, don’t try this at home! No one was seriously injured and it’s fortunate we didn’t eat them, now that I read most everything on the tree is toxic, especially the berries! And who knew the seeds were used to make beads?
A winter reflection on a clear blue mountain lake. An Appalachian Mountain high is quite refreshing and calming. Nice! And besides, it’s a little too far to make a day trip to Colorado!
Since we chose to drop by Noccalula Falls last week, and invited you to visit, it seemed good to borrow some great shots of our city from Appalachian Digital Media. The Coosa River provides a tremendous amount of recreation and sport as well as beauty.
ADM timed it perfect for a magical picture. Heading in the direction we are facing here, we live about 10 or 12 miles up-river!
Our look back this week is Liverpool, England, 2015. If you decide to catch a ferry cross the Mersey River it could look something like this. Many of you know the song made famous by Gerry (Marsden) and the Pacemakers and the music known as Merseybeat. Gerry, leader of the band, passed away earlier in January. He was 78.
Do you recognize the geyser?
A duck sails in looking for the perfect roosting spot as the sun sinks slowly in the west!
Everyday living has certainly been challenging for most, heartbreaking for many, and different for all the last 12 months. In the midst of it all, let us do our best to reflect on God’s faithfulness and the blessings that can so easily be forgotten during times of hurt and pain.
”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
Hi..i first heard of you when reading about your husband falling from the deer stand..I have been dealing with painful difficult times for years now and most recently a bad break from a bad relationship…thanks for the reminder that Gods blessings are ever present even in the trials . I pray for His hand to guide me into better things in coming days. Enjoy your pics from the falls and your home state😊
Michelle, I am so sorry to read of your painful and difficult times you are experiencing. Trust in the grace and mercy of our faithful Father. I will pray for you.
Those Chinaberry trees were part of my childhood. I remember climbing them but mostly I remember how bad they smelled. Have they mostly disappeared because I haven’t seen them in many years. Mullein is common here. Mother planted a birch tree in the yard because she loved the way the bark looked. Love the first meal and blue river pictures. Enjoy a day of rest friend.
Alice, Butch said he doesn’t see very many Chinaberry trees, there were several near our river. Thank you for your sweet comments. Wishing you a day of rest our friend!
Your blog is a wonderful way to start the day. Thank you!
Thank you Lois. Many blessings ~
Thanks for your faithfulness also to share scriptures and comments that direct us in God’s ways. Thanks for sharing pictures of everyday living. May we never take it for granted.
Love the pic of the girls in the new house being built.
Happy Sunday. Raining here.
Thank you Bonnie. It is raining and a gray morning. God is always faithful!
Thank you for the beautiful words at the end of this post, Pam and Butch, truly a message we all need to remember and embrace. The photos from ADM are stunning, and I love seeing the girls dining in their new house! Adorable!
Jenna
Thank you Jenna! Blessings always~
Good morning and blessings to you. Beautiful photography and scripture to begin this Sunday. Love seeing the girls in their new home. Thank you for reminding us to count our blessings in the midst of an uncertain time. Let’s keep dreaming and believing.
Thank you sweet Dianne. Our Father is always faithful and we can trust His goodness. Wishing you and Bob a wonderful Sunday!
Pam and Butch, The water shots are beautiful. The ADM blue twilight pic is fabulous! The water pics are so relaxing. I especially like the reflection lake pic and the duck sunset pic. The girls picnic looks like fun. Thanks for sharing all the wonderful, encouraging commentary and beautiful, colorful pictures during this past year. We’ve all had to adjust our lives this past year but could always rely on you both to lift our spirits with your blog. We always enjoy the vacation throwback pic and childhood memories recollections. We need that for sure! We always look forward to settling in and scrolling through each post. Have a great day sweet friends. Clara ❤️
Clara, you are always so kind and encouraging. Wishing you a most delightful day. It is raining here. Are you expecting snow tonight?
No thank goodness we’re above freezing currently. We had rain yesterday and really blustery winds yesterday and so far today. It’s just cloudy here today. Hope we both see the sunshine soon! Enjoy your day. 😊❤️
Good morning Pam and Butch. What a wonderful way to begin the day. All the photos are lovely, however, as always my favorite is of the girls. This photo of them at their picnic table will bring them good memories one day. Your blog has been a wonderful blessing during these most stressful and difficult days we have all endured. Wishing you a joyful and peaceful day and a wonderful week ahead. ❤
Thank you Sandra. The girls are so excited about their new house. Their mother and daddy have so much fun with them. I would have never thought to have a picnic in the house under construction! Happy Sunday!
Blessed pictures and wonderful Bible verse! Thank you for your always encouraging posts! Happy Sunday!
Thank you sweet friend for your friendship❤️🙏🏻
What a grand panoply of scenic photos…outstanding in every way. Above all. many thanks for all your encouraging messages and uplifting scriptures to get us through what could otherwise be a
time of greater discouragement. Love the girls dining so elegantly in their upcoming home. The
queen really called the layout…. Sun here early this morning, now turned to Winter’s cloudy dimness. Can Spring be far behind? Longing for its light and warmth. A blessed Sabbath to all.
Thank you for all of your encouragement Mary. Wishing you a blessed week dear one!
Thankfulness indeed! Your words at the end were such a Blessing to hear this day!
The girls eating inside their dining room to be …gave me a smile.
The Birch Tree is always a joy to see. We purchased a lovely picture from a Maine artist when we were there several years ago and she painted a loon on a Birch fragment. It’s displayed beautifully at our LakeHouse.
Thank you for your lovely captures and encouraging words.
Happy Sunday Pam and Butch!
I am so grateful that you were encouraged sweet friend. The art work sounds beautiful, I know it is lovely in the lake house. Wishing you a wonderful Monday!
I remember chinaberry fights too… lucky we didn’t put an eye out! Sure loved the music of Gerry and the Pacemakers. Life seems to be getting a little harder with the pandemic. Everyone is so worn down and exhausted. We just have to trust in God to see us through and remind ourselves of our many blessings.
Roxanne, we do have to trust in God. It has certainly been difficult. Wishing you a Happy Monday!
Another beautiful post! So grateful for your encouragement here!
Thank you Cheryl!
Another beautiful post for our Sunday. The closing paragraph was most appropriate, and I found such comfort in your opening scripture. May you both have a most beautiful and blessed week ahead!
Thank you Shannon. I am so glad the scriptures have you great comfort!
My dear sweet Pam and Butch….As you know, We used the same verse to begin our posts today. I don’t believe that is a coincidence!
I love your inspirational verses and photos. Sooooo beautiful.
I need to get caught up on the new house for our little Royalty girls. I did catch that there is soon to be another Royal! Congratulations! Bless you and your family.
Our Creator has made such beauty all around us! What a joy we can share the beauty with our photos.
Much love and hugs
Kari
Thank you sweet Kari. I know it was no coincidence that we shared the same scriptures. I believe it was needed for those who might read and be encouraged. You are a testimony of God’s amazing grace my friend.
Love and hugs,
Pam
Love your ferry across the Mersey! I didn’t know about the chinaberries. I wonder if they are also poisonous to birds? Now I have a quest!
I don’t know if the chinaberries harm the birds or not, good question!