“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
Warm greetings as we start this week on a holiday with another Federal Holiday tomorrow. Presidents day does come with an off day for some, but not at my place! If you are still working and get an extra day…good for you!
Winter mornings have provided some beautiful skies of late. We even had a day last week that reached low 70’s. That was short lived. I almost didn’t mention it, given the temps that many across the country are facing now.
These rings are all that remain of two spoked, buggy or wagon wheels. They were given to us by the former land owners. The spokes, axles and other portions of the wagon were intact when we put them under a big oak over 40 years ago. You have a choice in that situation…store it so it’s preserved but nobody sees or enjoys, or place it somewhere and allow nature to take it’s course.
I can’t help but wonder what took place years ago that changed the growth pattern of this sycamore. In times gone by, settlers, trailblazers, and Native Americans would purposefully alter the growth pattern of trees to point the way as trail markers for those coming behind.
The American sycamore is one of my favorite trees, especially in winter. It is called by several names including buttonwood. As a native to the south and east, they may not grow in your region. The sycamore of the Bible that grows in the Middle East is a sycamore fig, sometimes called a fig-mulberry. A very different tree, but along with other figs and the mulberry, the size and shape of their leaves probably gave rise to our sycamore name. The American sycamore is one of the largest trees that grows in our area.
A note: The agreements that organized and formed the Stock Exchange are called the “buttonwood agreements” as they were signed under a buttonwood tree on Wall Street in the late 1700’s.
Ahead of the cold rainy days last week, the little Princess enjoyed a day in the sun. She may grow up to be a meteorologist as it appears she was already anticipating building a snowman. While we don’t have snow, many of you do!
Queen EM is at that age where looking through PJ’s old musical jewelry box is a magical experience. She enjoys the stories about where the jewelry pieces came from and origin of the box itself!
Some “first glances” this week. At first glance, I saw a forsythia (yellow bell) blooming already. That happens typically in March so the sunshine ligustrum will have to provide our yellow/gold for a few more weeks.
At first glance I saw a…giraffe. I know, but I’m sorry, something about this crepe myrtle looked like a giraffe to me. And BTW, this is what crepe myrtles look like that have been pruned way back year after year. There’s a lot of debate about doing such trimming. Southern Living’s Grumpy Gardener would call this crepe murder.
Crepe myrtles supply much architectural beauty and interest in the winter. These 3 have not had a yearly haircut!
We have a couple of other children that never receive mention, particularly in summer when flowers and greenery overshadow. But this cast iron boy and his sister has been in our yard for years. You may wonder about the black belt he is wearing. EM and EK are intrigued with the figures and like to hang about and even climb around on them. Being solid iron each weighs over 100 pounds. Thus, we decided tying them to a post with a coated steel cable was a good idea.
As you can see, birds enjoy sitting on them and…well let’s just say this girl and her brother need some clean up.
Many of you have ice and snow right now with more on the way. Since we don’t have any fresh winter precipitation, our throwback today goes back around 7 years. It doesn’t happen that often for us.
Do not tangle with this even in the winter. It is not true that poison ivy/poison oak can only cause an allergic reaction in the growing season. Some of these vines must be very old as they are large and grow many feet up into the trees. Interesting but not a friend!
You know it is a gray winter sky when a color photo only captures black and white !
We pray you all have a wonderful week!
”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
So many great captures, my mind had a comment reaction to every one of them. I’ll just leave this here…..your girls are so awesome, and that last photo is all we’ve seen for the past week, and all that’s expected in the week to come….with an ice storm in each of the weeks. 🙁
Rita, we had another dismal day but at least not snow, ice, or freezing rain. We are not currently in the warnings or watches, but the counties right above us are. Stay safe!
Butch, I learn so much reading your posts…you are a true Outdoorsman. I am with Grumpy Gardener on crepe murder, just don’t do it. EK is getting so big! And that photo of EM is stunning, both from an artistic point as well as her sweet smile. Have a wonderful Valentine’s…I know Pam is preparing a delicious meal!! 💕
Thank you Roxanne. Butch and I were playing with the girls in the cottage and I noticed Ella Mae’s sweet face in the mirror, grabbed my camera to take her picture. If she knows you are taking her picture she will act silly! She never knew I took her picture until I showed it to her. Have a good week!
A very happy Valentine’s Day to you and your sweet princesses, Pam!
Thank you Linda!
Always enjoy the history lessons Butch. I agree with Grumpy and hate to see crepe myrtles pruned . Today I woke up to minus 6 with an expected high of 3. Who said Siberia was in Russia! It’s snowing again and we might receive 6 inches today but we will put on our warmest boots and bundle up and go to church. I adore the grands and little stories of their play. Marlyn Monroe has nothing on EM in poising. In all of Gods wondrous gifts I must say having my love to keep me warm is one of my favorites. Happy Valentine Day.
Alice, you are an inspiration. I am so glad you all are able to make it to church even in those bad conditions. Stay safe and take care!
Happy Valentine’s Day! It is a rainy one here. Weather is certainly a big issue the next few days for many. I am thankful we have good weather advisories so we can be prepared for these storms as well as we can.
I have heard the same warnings about vines growing up trees in winter. Poison oak and ivy are not to be taken lightly.
The girls photos are always enjoyable. I know y’all are getting excited about the new baby.
Hope you do get a little snow. I bet you do!
Have a great Valentine’s Day!
Thank you Bonnie. No rain today, just dismal skies. We aren’t in the warnings or watches, so only time will tell. Stay warm!
Pam and Butch, Your pics and commentary are always interesting. The pic of EM is fabulous! Her smile and eyes are gorgeous. EK is a little doll too! We had an ice storm last week, another one on the way later today with snow on top, and another one mid week and we’re in sw TN! 🥶 We won’t see 32 degrees until Friday! Your winter shot is beautiful and your last shot is spot on. We have iced over, bent trees and shrubs along with gray, dismal skies. Your statuary is so cute. I can see the girls enjoying playing around them. I can see the giraffe too. Our crape myrtles are not trimmed up, but I like the umbrella effect trimming provides. Happy Valentine’s Day to a sweet couple! Clara❤️
Thank you for your sweet comments, Clara. Stay safe this week!
In “tropical, balmy NM” the snow is falling and blowing and the wind chill is -17, a “high” of 5 today and -9 tonight. Not my mind of weather by far, but it makes spring all the sweeter. I enjoy reading your comments and seeing your photos. Your granddaughters are precious!
Thank you Karen. Your weather sounds dangerous, stay safe!
Great photos, and I saw the giraffe too!!
Thanks Carole!
Another wonderful Sunday morning post. I have never seen cast iron figures like the brother and sister but just love them. The queen and princess are adorable. Hope you and Pam have a most lovely Valentine’s Day.
Thank you for your sweet comments. Blessings to you and hubby, Bobbie!
I love these Sunday posts, and I always learn something interesting! Those sweet girls are precious! We have been iced in this past week and have a blizzard going on right now with another coming in the middle of the week. I’m jealous of your 70 degree day. It is 3 degrees here right now. They say Oklahoma hasn’t seen weather like this in decades. I hope you both have a most Happy Valentine’s Day!❤️
Thanks so much Shannon. Please stay safe in that dreadful weather.
Good morning, Butch and Pam. I so enjoyed this post. I agree with the Grumpy Gardner about “Crepe Murder.” We have many gorgeous old trees in our area and we also have what I refer to as “Harry Hackers.” It is amazing what is done to such beauty.
Those sweet girls are growing way too fast. You can see the changes in them from week to week.
Wishing you, Pam and family a lovely Valentine’s Day. We are planning to see nasty weather this evening and tomorrow. However, that is life in the winter if one lives in West Virginia.
Thank you Sandra. Stay safe and warm!
Adorable girls and gorgeous pictures! I love those beautiful garden statues so much. Have a blessed Sunday!
Thank you and wishing you a wonderful week, Maristella
How fun to have a little girl to tell your jewelry stories to! Little boys have their charms — but they aren’t quite the same! All the photos are wonderful — as always. Happy Valentines Day!
Thank you Jeanie. Wishing you a wonderful Valentine’s!
My dear friend, what a beauty everything !!, I love knowing about the trees and their peculiarities, these are beautiful that you show us. Surprise the figures of children, they are very beautiful, I love them.
Trees are living beings and that is why they show us their best moments, they shine before us because they are very flirtatious …
Curious that on a cloudy day the photo comes out in black and white … You always learn something new.
A big hug on the day of love, of friendship.
Dolores
shortly I will continue editing on my blog
Dolores, espero que te vaya mejor con tu hombro. Siempre me encanta saber de ti mi amigo. No puedo esperar a que empieces de nuevo tu blog, me he perdido tus hermosas publicaciones. ¡Cuídate, amigo!
Enviando abrazos♥️
Surrounded by hills of ice, accompanied by humorous pictorial alerts by local police…we have to inject some humor into hazardous, gray, stay-at-home days The girls radiate their particular sunshine and warm the heart. I see the spindly giraffe legs. Agree about the crepe myrtle and
delight with the girls in the statuary of children from another time. As always the Sabbath entry
is inspiring, informative and a visual feast. Cherish each other this Valentine’s Day and celebrate President’s’ Day with gratitude and pride.
We aren’t in the warning or watch area but very close, I wouldn’t mind a little snow but not ice. Thank you Mary, stay safe and warm!
I see the giraffe!
I thought it was funny!
I do think that trimmed crepe myrtle looks exactly like a giraffe Butch! And EK is growing up so fast, and I love her snowman dress…it looks like she may get a chance to build a snowman this week, I hope you guys can stay safe and warm!
Thank you Jenna. Safe travels for you!
Aw, the pictures of the girls are just precious! Especially the one of EM looking in the mirror! They are just adorable and I can only imagine what a blessing they are to you. God bless all of you!
Thank you Cheryl. Blessings~
Fabulous captures and I am intrigued every time I come for a visit. even though I am late this week. It my sweet man and I had Valentine’s Day Fun and I stayed off my iPad.
The girls are getting so big!
Happy week to you all!
I am so glad you had a good day with your sweet man. A day or two off the iPad is good for the mind and soul. Thank you for visiting and you aren’t late my friend!
Wow, forsythia in February!!
I am just beginning to think about bringing in some branches to force.
Wonderful photos but my favorite is of Queen EM and the jewelry box…that is one I think I would frame.
Thank you Karen. We love spending time with our girls!