“”I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.””
Revelation 1:8
Things are taking off in the garden and I have enjoyed seeing something besides weeds. We spent a lot of time outside this week as it was cooler outside than inside. Our AC went out last Sunday and was not repaired until yesterday! PJ did spend a lot of time in the Sunshine Cottage since the air was working well there.
The gladiolas needed support according to PJ so I went all natural. The stakes are fresh cut canes from one of 2 stands of bamboo we have nearby. And if you look closely you can see the green ties that hold the glads in place. Again, all natural…the ties were cut from a pair of PJ’s pajamas (cotton, no poly) that I found in my shop rag sack. Surely everybody has a rag sack?
The day lilies have looked wonderful this season but it is nearing the time when they should begin to fade. These make a nice backdrop to basil, nandina, and “little lamb” limelight hydrangeas!
Amazingly, as some things fade, others take their place. Such is life in the outdoors. You might notice a strange little object in the background…
…a dancing ladybug (on springs) has joined the garden. I add little creatures to the garden at times and challenge EM and EK to find them. They love searching for the new additions. I also added a colorful bird and a butterfly last week.
The girls now ride the JD Gator over quite often. EM has become a decent driver and EK is now brave enough to be a passenger! What Emma loves about it also, is that Ella Mae doesn’t ask her to dress up in order to ride. Just come as you are!
Wyatt however has no interest in a John Deere just yet but I am betting he will take it over in due time!
A bee magnet, our Chaste tree is finally in bloom. We planted another out back and it too is blooming. It is weird that some trees and plants around the house bloom one to two weeks later than the same plants we see around town only 10 miles away. It is south, but 10 miles? This vitex is only one example. It’s true of crepe myrtles, azaleas, and others.
I think I have been detected. We have blueberry bushes between me and where she is standing and those would probably be a preferred treat. So far the deer have left them alone but it is likely only a matter of time.
My all time favorite appetizer/starter is fritto misto. If it’s on the menu I always order it. House made aioli, shrimp, oysters, and on this occasion, halibut. Peppers and lemons too!
After only a few minutes in the yard, it is easy to understand where the saying “busy as a bee” comes from. Bees are the only thing currently around our place that outnumber the rabbits!
We always plant zinnias. Out first blooms of the summer are here. PJ is going to be on my case for using a lot of her garden photos before she does an all out garden post!
Hummingbirds love the color of this mounding mandevilla!
A throwback to the Smoky Mountains along one of our hikes, June, 2019.
Not a throwback, this Japanese Maple has an autumn look in late June!
A pleasant evening on Weiss Lake. With that, we wish you a pleasant 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 Lind
What a lovely start to my Sunday morning! Thank you Butch for a most lovely stroll in your gardens, the smoky mountains, and that ride on the John Deer. I too came as I am… coffee in hand and my jammies. Lol!
Something ate every single one of my zinnias. I did purchase some that are already 6 inches tall. So hoping I can add a few to a bouquet this summer.
That seafood appetizer looked delightful. I sure hope your taste is coming back, Butch.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Happy Sunday friends!
Thank you, Nancy. I am so glad you came just as you are. So sorry about some critter eating your zinnias. I declared war on the rabbits. But, they just continue eating when I tell them to leave! Happy Sunday!
Gather ye blueberry while ye may. That deer looks hungry! I love these Sunday visits, seeing the girls, Wyatt, all the beautiful blooms! We’re living in a rainy jungle here with more to come. I wish I could send some to California or the northwest.
Thank you Jeanie. Looks like clouds and rain for us over the next few days. Enjoy your Sunday!
Pam and Butch, We’re so happy that your a/c has been repaired. Thank goodness for the Sunshine Cottage, especially once the weather got really hot again! The girls are so cute and Wyatt is handsome. He’s really grown! That lady bug is adorable. Bet it didn’t take long for the girls to spot it. Your garden is beautiful with so many lovely colors and plants. We’re so glad the deer and rabbits haven’t chewed on your pretty plants. Yes, we have a rag bag where old t shirts, pj’s, sheets go. It’s so handy! Enjoy your Sunday! Clara❤️
Clara, thank you for your sweet comments. So far, the rabbits are eating clover…I am holding my breath! Wishing you a joy-filled Sunday!
Happy Sunday Pam & Butch! So sorry about your AC problems, and glad you could retreat to the Sunshine Cottage. The girls look adorable in their “convertible” and I agree, it won’t be long until Wyatt takes it over! So smart to use bamboo as garden stakes and how lovely to have gladiolas blooming in your garden. Lovely photos, enjoy this beautiful day~
Jenna
Thanks so much Jenna! The Sunshine Cottage was a blessing this week.
So glad you got your AC repaired before the heat and humidity came back! I was enjoying the cooler temps. I wish they’d stick around longer. The mountains are absolutely breathtaking! Have a blessed week!
Thank you, Michelle! It looks like clouds and rain for this week! Happy Sunday!
Pam and Butch ~ How I relish strolling through your Sabbath photos and commentary…so spiritually rewarding. The girls and
Wyatt bring their own particular delight to the experience…my, Pooh is growing in leaps and gearing up to steer that Deere….
The Chaste tree is magnificent in its symmetry and bloom. Many thanks for sharing the bounty your hard efforts have wrought in the beauty and blessings of your Everyday Living. Have a grand week.
Thank you Mary! I have a feeling that Wyatt will definitely be in charge of the Deere. Wishing you a lovely week!
Beautiful post Pam. the kids looks so sweet in the little Gator. Wyatt is a doll baby. I have a great-grandson named Wyatt. Love seeing your gorgeous flowers .I imagine with the rain you get, everything is fresh and green.
Thanks Linda. We have had a wet spring and it seems the rain will continue this week!
Pam and Butch, I feel for you with the A/C since we just went through the same thing. Ugh. Now we are having internet problems! It looks like the grands are growing as fast as the weeds. We have the same situation where everything in our yard blooms later than in town. I wonder if the concrete heats everything up faster?
Roxanne, so weird that we have also had internet problems. You might be on to something with the concrete. Wishing you a wonderful week!
Pam and Butch,
Thamns for sharing such beauty with us all…Stunning pictures!!!
Hugs,
Deb
Thank you Debbie. Have a wonderful week!
Always a treat to see your gardens, Pam. Love seeing those little smiling faces too. Happy Sunday!
Thank you for your sweet visit. Happy week, Sarah!
Happy Sunday, Butch and Pam! I love seeing your week in photographs. All of the garden shots are so pretty, and I love the new ladybug. The grandbabies are so precious. We are getting lots of rain and cooler temperatures. However, with the rain comes lots of weeds. I laughed at your weed comment, because I can relate. I may be weeding for days. I hope you both have a most wonderful week ahead!
Thanks so much Shannon. Wishing you a wonderful week!
Now isn’t it wonderful that EM and EK can “drive” over? And best of all, they can come over just as they are! Wyatt will soon learn the way to PJ’s and Da’s house too. Who knows maybe hitch a ride in a wagon attached to the John Deere. How sweet it is! The garden gets lovelier each time you photograph it. Oh my, not a good time for the air conditioner to go out. Our daughter in Olympia Wa had a high of 103 today and expect a high of 111 tomorrow. Most homes there don’t have air conditioning because temps don’t usually go that high.
Thank you dear Alice. Oh those temps in the NW are unbelievable. Hopefully they will get relief soon. Have a wonderful week my friend.
Adorable pictures! Precious kids! Blessings.
Thank you dear one!
A delightful post as always! 🤗 I love the photos.
Bless you both,
Jennifer
Such a sweet post, Pam, with pretty flowers and those darling grans. Glad you got your A/C repaired.
Amalia
xo
Thank you so much Amalia!
I know what you are going through with your a/c…we are having problems as well. I was surprised with the color of your Japanese Maple in June, it looks like it should be fall. One of my favorite trees. Hope the rabbits and deer don’t cause too much trouble in your garden.
Karen, I sure hope your a/c is repaired. Rabbits and deer are constant threats to the garden! Happy week!
So much to take in here….flourishing gardens, adorable girls with anew baby brother, tasty food. You’ve got it all covered!
Thanks so much Linda.
Oh your grandkids are all so adorable! Your gardens always look so healthy and colorful! Love that you could cut your own bamboo for supports! Wonderful shots of the flowers, especially the one with the bumble bee! P. Allen Smith just posted about planting Vitex. I suspect it won’t do well up here though since I’ve never heard of it before. Beautiful tree! Your property views are gorgeous!
Thanks so much Liz! I should watch P. Allen Smith’s post on the Vitex!
Such a delight to stroll through your garden with you via these wonderful photos. You’ve created a true haven. What a fun idea to hide surprises among the foliage for your granddaughters to find!
Thanks so much, Nancy. Happy 4th of July 🇺🇸
I’m captivated by that bumblebee snapshot, Pam … I hope you’ve enjoyed this past week!
Thank you Linda!