The Dog Days of Summer are here and with that a lot of tales and folklore. I heard so many stories about dog days when I was growing up, and read some new ones even recently. Maybe some of those bear some truth but the real reason for the name comes from the constellation Canis Major or The Greater Dog. Our brightest star, Sirius, is within the constellation and is called the Dog Star. Its first appearance in the summer at dawn, coinciding with the sunrise, brings on those famous dog days. I understand that the period is 40 days long; 20 days before this occurrence, and 20 days after. The Farmers Almanac says the dog days of summer in the U S are from July 3 through August 11. And maybe things really don’t heal as quickly during dog days???
“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?”
Psalm 8:3-4
It was a lazy, hazy, dog day of summer on Friday but the view of Weiss Lake from Cherokee Rock Village was still enjoyable. It is even more interesting when you have an awareness of many of the landmarks in the valley and can pick those out.
When I see something like this, I stop and wonder what happened when the plant was younger to cause an abnormal growth pattern. This tree appears (with a little imagination) to be reaching over the rock to keep it from falling over the edge!
I choose to stay on paths and look at the different rock formations but I was surprised to discover the number of out of state people who visit the village to rock climb and hike. I ran into a large group of climbers from Georgia and one family from New Orleans who come here and climb a couple of times each year. It had not occurred to me that this area, almost right outside our door, was the nearest and best place for folks living further south to enjoy these activities. One guy told me they love to kayak and fish in the lake also.
Earlier there were 2 guys out on the top edge of the back rock doing a video for an ad of some sort. I was invited to come up but was quite content in my location. I didn’t want to interfere with their production but I assure you that was not my main reason for saying “no thanks”!
Meanwhile back in the valley, I discovered this beautiful lakeside bloomer that reminded me of cotton when it is in bloom. There is a good reason for the resemblance since both plants are in the mallow family (malvaceae). I always refer to it as the cotton family since a lot of cotton grows around our region. It includes okra too. This is a swamp mallow or rose mallow, an indigenous hibiscus that is found in or near wet areas in the southeast.
EM and EK in their swimsuits ready to go to the pool…but first, a ride on PJ’s new golf cart which has as it’s main purpose the transportation of PJ, the girls, and Wyatt back and forth from our house to theirs!
I took an alternative route home one day and came across a bog area with this plant life covering several acres. I found a parking spot and hiked down to it for a closer look.
With a little effort, I was able to get close to one of the awesome flowers.
I quickly noticed a progression. I am not sure what comes first after the flower but I made a guess…
…a little color change…
…and the transformation continues with this really unique pod…
…and this one is probably nearing the end of this cycle…
…so finally we have an almost dried seed pod! When I saw this I realized we had purchased bundles of these several times to use in arrangements for display and decorating. This is a pod from the Lotus flower. This aquatic plant has a wide and interesting history and use in many countries. It is the national flower of Vietnam. At various stages of growth it is used in food and recipes, including finally, the seeds which are edible. I never knew much about this plant but found it extremely interesting when I did some research. Out of curiosity I checked, and you can order 6 dried pods with stems for $12!
Not far from the bog at the edge of Weiss Lake, there is rich soil and beautiful farming country. While cotton is abundant, corn is also an important crop. Cherokee County, Alabama is a very diverse and beautiful part of our state. My grandfather’s farm, where he mainly raised cotton, was only a few miles from here and also probably only 2 or 3 miles from the bog in the previous pics. The old home place and farm was covered by the waters of Weiss many years ago.
While clearing unwanted growth under a large holly tree, including poison ivy, I spotted this unexpected pair. This was one of the smallest walking sticks I have seen and I am not sure the inch worm was really an inch! I made a video as they actually took off as if racing up the trunk of this rogue tree I was attempting to cut. The walking stick won as you might guess. And, I contracted a rash for the first time ever from the poison ivy. Not sure it was worth it for this pic!
Blazing star is more of a summer bloomer which is probably common for a lot of plants in the sunflower family. This is the first one I’ve seen this season in a disturbed area where I find a variety of wildflowers depending on the time of year.
Have a blessed Sunday and 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 Lind
Beautiful pics and narrative Pam and Butch! I especially liked the progression of the lotus flower. I, too, have in the past bought the pods to for floral arrangements but didn’t know how they looked previously. The girls are adorable and look ready for fun. The golf cart is a great idea for transportation back and forth between the two homes. The rock formations and trees are pretty too. That sunset is gorgeous. Enjoy your weekend! Clara❤️
Clara, thank you dear one. The golf cart will be handy and a blessing to have. Enjoy your week my friend ♥️
Pam, love the new wheels! Butch, so sorry for the poison ivy. I am highly allergic and know its discomfort. So, can we place our orders for the seed pods, lol?
Butch and I rode up to the lotus flowers late yesterday evening. They are amazing with humongous leaves. I had no idea they grew around us. Butch has a keen eye!
Thank you for sharing and some very interesting tidbits. The girls are so cute sitting in the golf cart.
Thanks Della. Wishing you a wonderful week!
Happy Weekend, Butch and Pam! I love these weekend posts and always learn something new. One of my grandmother’s always warned us not to have a medical procedure during the dog days of summer, and whether it’s true or not to this day I follow her advice. I love Pam’s new wheels. How wonderful to have the grandbabies so close by. Wishing you both a blessed week ahead!
Thanks Shannon. I am already enjoying the golf cart. Happy week my friend!
What lovely nature photos you shared…lotus pod photos…great for a series on a wall! Grins, Sandi
Thanks so much Sandi!
I never knew the real reason it was named “dog days”. We were always told they were called that because it was the hottest time of the year and it was too hot for dogs to even roam around. 🙂 Love your photos!
Thanks so much, Michelle!
Beautiful pictures! Adorable Grands as ever,they always make me smile!
Thanks so much Maristella!
Reading your blog on Sunday morning is always so inspirational. It’s like a class for me to learn about plants etc. I know there are millions of things in God’s creations that I never see and you introduce me to so many. Thank you.
Thanks so much Nancy. We could never exhaust all of God’s creation!
Happy Sunday!
The Dog Days… never knew why they were called that but now I do! Thank you.
And how about the new golf cart… I bet that’s fun to be so close to the kids!
I always enjoy my visits here on the weekend because so much learning goes on along with such pretty captures. Thanks so much!
Happy Sunday my friends!
Thanks Nancy. The golf cart will be handy going back and forth. It will keep me from getting on the highway. Butch cut a trail through the pasture and that is my route to take.
Happy Sunday Butch and Pam! The photos of the lotus pod progression is simply amazing!! You really live in an beautiful and diverse part of the country. Wait until the Queen figures out the golf cart can be decorated for holidays. Don’t feel bad about publishing too soon…I once meant to email a friend to meet me after work for dinner as my treat but instead invited my entire freshmen class of 125 by accident!
Roxanne, Butch drove me by the lotus flowers late yesterday evening, totally amazing!
The invitation for 125 to join you for dinner at your expense is hilarious…only you Roxanne 🤣
So could “talk” volumes about this post Butch. You have an eye for the unusual and the beautiful. The time it takes you to search out the background of the plants is much appreciated.
PJ’s new transportation for her and the girls and brother is ideal. It must be so joyful to have them live so near that you can take a golf cart ride to bring them over or go to the pool. I so enjoy living through PJ’s and your post. May He bless you this and every week.
Alice, I am so glad that Butch does the Sunday posts. I think the readers enjoy his vast knowledge. The golf cart will be
handy. Enjoy your week!
So sorry you got poison ivy, ugh!! I’ve never seen a green walking stick, it must be very young. Beautiful flowers, and that lotus pod is so interesting.
Thanks Carole for your visit!
Love this post Pam & Butch! I saw it come thru early yesterday on my phone and thought you were ‘early birds’. 🙂 So smart to have a golf cart for running the grands back and forth and to the pool! The photo of Butch and the girls with the sunflowers and zinnias should be framed! Happy Sunday. ♥
Thank you Mary! See you in the morning!
The lotus flowers and pods are so pretty, and your botanical and nature knowledge always amazes me Butch! That is so nice your grands are only a golf cart ride away, and wow they are growing up so fast. The photo of you with them surrounded by flowers is fabulous! Have a beautiful Sunday!
Jenna
I went back last night to see the lotus flowers. They are amazing! The leaves are huge. Enjoy your week, Jenna!
Lots of interesting things you shared today. I particularly enjoyed the progression of the lotus. I have a couple of these in an arrangement in my home. A great new ride for the girls who look so beautiful and precious. The photo of Butch and the girls is very special. Have a beautiful Sabbath…a day to rest in the Lord!
Thank you Dianne. Wishing you a lovely week!
Thank you, Butch, for risking your skin to get us that great photo of the walking stick and inch worm..in fact, all the pictures of
nature through your eyes and knowledge are a Sabbath gift of enlightenment and serenity. I just love the picture of the blossoming princess/queen with Grandpa among the flowers. You and Pam are so blessed to live in that diverse and picturesque region…so much to discover. I suspect Pam will see to it that the golf cart is given a seasonal decorative scheme
repleat with flowers and swags. I just relish these Sunday visits, Bless you both.
Thank you Mary for your lovely visit and comments. I guess I will be decorating the golf cart!
Lovely post guys ☺️
Bless you both,
Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer! Have a lovely week!
As always, gorgeous images. As always, I am reading Sunday well after Sunday! The golf cart is a brilliant idea and the girls are just growing so! What impressive rock formations!