“The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.”
Psalm 145:8-9
The Sunshine Cottage finally saw several days of sunshine last week. Temperatures are also heading upward but we stand determined not to complain!
Even though we think the white crepe myrtles are a little late blooming this season, maybe it was worth the wait. Possibly the most blooms ever, with some limbs almost touching the ground!
Wetter weather has contributed to an abundance of flyers that we usually don’t see in the garden, but mainly down along the creek. Dragonflies are buzzing around everywhere. We are glad to welcome them since their main diet is mosquitoes and they are no harm to humans. With over 5,000 species in their order, no attempt will be made to name this one. Here in the south ( I think it’s a southern thing) we call them snake doctors among other things. It is funny and interesting how common names come about based on folklore and old tales. Facts are totally unnecessary, and that’s what makes it fun!
I always check out the one buckthorn at the edge of the yard along about now to see how it is doing. I think this shrub is having a good summer. There is a buckthorn that is not native and considered invasive but I’ve always believed this particular plant to be the native alderleaf buckthorn. Some maps show the range of the native shrub to only reach into Tennessee but I am quite certain they are scattered in our region. And, we are not far from Tennessee!
An unexpected fog rolled in a bit after sunrise yesterday to give a slightly different backdrop to this colorful spot. I enjoy all the colors, and butterflies and hummingbirds love hanging out here. But even better than all this is the attraction the area has for…
…the Queen and Princess. I was seen with these two here last week but no doubt my removal is a big plus!
The nearby town of Leesburg has done a very nice job in upgrading the boat launch area, campground, pavilion and walking trail to provide recreational opportunities along Weiss Lake.
This channel connects the waters in front of Weiss dam to the part of Weiss we call power house lake. A few years ago, (make that more than a few years ago) we, along with good friends, loved to ski here. In the late evening the water would often be as slick as glass and we all wanted to get in a round before dark. For safety reasons, skiing is no longer allowed in the channel due to the increase in boat traffic. Back in the day we usually had it all to ourselves.
I would say the 3 main crops grown here are cotton, corn, and soybeans. We love to show off cotton fields and last week corn was featured. In an effort not to slight the soybean, I made a visit to a local farm. The soybean bloom is small but a beautiful, soothing color. You have to get out among the plants to get a good look at the blossoms.
The young “fuzzy” beans!
A friend who farms near us told me that it was a hard year to get crops planted because of so much rain. He was concerned. They planted about 300 acres of soybeans. I’d say the crop is doing fine!
And without fail, even in the plant world, there will always be a rebel, a rogue, one that goes against the flow!
I found a sunflower that had lost all its petals. But even so, it struck me that this is still a sunflower. Maybe there is a lesson in this? It is still beautiful in it’s own right and contains many precious seeds.
We saw a lot of God’s handiwork in the afternoon skies last week!
We were blessed with several gorgeous sunsets over the past few days. Normally I would try to grab a pic facing west but this was our view facing east!
Wishing you a joyful Sunday and a pleasant week. Can you believe next Sunday is August 1st!!
”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
It’s so easy to praise the Lord for His creations after looking at your pictures. I look forward to your posts and your narration. This morning it reminded me of a song my daughters learned with they were little- “God’s Beautiful World, I love God’s beautiful world”.
Yea!next Sunday is August! Lord willing, my grandson who has been teaching English in China will be home! Because of COVID, we have not seen him in two years!
Nancy, I know you are so excited to see your grandson! Praying safe travels for him.
Thank you for your sweet comments and blessings.
We had some beautiful sunsets here, too! The crepe myrtle is beautiful! I’ve always loved those. I hope you have a wonderful week! I hope you continue to get more sunshine!
Thanks so much, Michelle. Happy Sunday!
Happy Sunday, Butch and Pam! These posts are always so beautiful, and I always learn something new. I had no idea there were so many varieties of dragon flies. That is amazing! I’m always happy to see them as I know they will will help to control the mosquitoes. The opening photo of Sunshine Cottage is absolutely stunning. Your crepe myrtle is gorgeous, too. We had a terrible winter storm in late February and many of the Crepe Myrtles in the area didn’t survive. If they did survive they didn’t bloom this year. I’m jealous of your zinnias. They are so pretty and happy looking. For some reason, my seeds didn’t do right this year. It’s definitely been a difficult year for gardening in these parts with the late freezes, rain, and cooler temperatures. However, the heat has returned with a vengeance, but I’m not going to complain. Wishing you both, a wonderful week ahead!
You really had a rough late winter with the weather. Thank you so much for your sweet comments. Wishing you a wonderful week, my friend!
Your crepe myrtle is gorgeous! I love the first photo too of the Sunshine Cottage glimpsed through the Vanilla Strawberry hydrangeas, beautiful! The girls are so adorable, I know you’re having a fun summer with them. It’s hot at the beach too, and there are pop up showers daily. Can you believe it’s almost August?? Have a super week Pam & Butch!
Jenna
Thanks so much, Jenna! I can’t believe how quickly summer is passing. Enjoy your day!
Once again, stunningly beautiful photos of your part of the world. Great shot of the dragonfly, they don’t sit still long. It is hot and humid here, and a miserable time of year to be outside. Hoping it will cool off soon.
Thanks so much Carole! Hot and humid today!
Beautiful pics and narrative Pam and Butch. Your crape myrtle is truly magnificent and so is the sunset shot. The girls with their colorful clothes make the zinnias and sunflowers even more special. What a wonderful pic! The lake looks inviting especially with the hotter temps. I love the dragonfly pic. They remind me of biplanes. Enjoy your day sweet friends. Clara ❤️
Thanks so much Clara. You are a sweetheart♥️
Your pictures are spectacular, as always. What a beautiful world God has blessed us with! Please, what kind of white hydrangeas do you have planted ; the ones that show the pink? We sold our home and I have to leave my gorgeous white pinkachu hydrangeas that are no longer available. My limelights do not get the pink tones the pinkachu do, and I would love to plant some like yours at our new home.
Thanks much!
Thanks so much Jae. I sent you an email.
Your crepe Myrtle, hydrangeas, zinnias and other blooms are so beautiful. Love the beautiful pic of the girls among the zinnias. Love love this dragonfly and the sunflower. The sunflower makes a strong statement of how life evolves and how beautiful each stage can be. As Pam says….open our eyes and see it. I so agree. I am always looking for the beauty. Maddie, my granddaughter told me this week that in every disappointment she finds the positive. Music to my ears!
Thanks so much Dianne. Maddie is wise beyond her years. May you and Bob have a week filled with blessings!
Your sky shots are always so stunning, God’s handiwork for sure. I’ve noticed more dragon flies too but had no idea there were so many types. Looking at the Queen this week was like a glimpse of the beautiful young woman she is about to become. I am loving the rainy summer because everything is so lush, but wowza the humidity is off the charts…summer in the South!
Roxanne, I can’t believe how fast the Queen is growing. She is so much fun and all three give us great joy! Stay hydrated in this humidity.
Don’t know if the surrounding garden or the girls are more colorful…especially that carrot-top… As ever, your photos and commentary are a Sabbath blessing and a respite from those from other quarters…. can always rely upon you, Pam and Butch, to inspire and guide to what is true and beautiful. The shots of the heavens are exquisite.. May your day be filled
with peace and joy.
Hello Mary. Thanks so much for you lovely comments. May your week be filled with blessings!
I always look forward to Sundays and your beautiful pictures from all around your area. You even had a creature feature! I can’t believe how many dragonflies there are!
Your zinnias are so beautiful! Mine did not germinate this year. I’ll be planting some in October in Arizona! I am planting more and will need to purchase more pots when I go back. I cant grow them in the ground as our lizards/ birds/ or whatever eat them when they first sprout. Loved seeing the girls in front of the zinnias! Where do you purchase your seeds from?
Have a lovely week ahead my dear Pam and Butch!
Good afternoon Nancy. I purchased seed from Johnny Seeds this year, both sunflowers and zinnias. I have been happy with them. Have a great week Nancy and Sweet Man!
Wonderful post,dear friends! You have brighten up my day with it. The girls are soooo cute… Blessings.
Thanks so much Maristella. Wishing you a blessed week!
Beautiful post! 😀
Blessings,
Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer!
I think your sun shine cottage out side posts need to be painted the blue you have on the door. Thank for sharing your love of Jesus, with me daily. You are the best. God bless you and your famil
Hi Judy, thank you. My husband agrees with you about the posts. God bless you and your family!
Good morning, Pam and Butch. What wonderful photos. Oh, how I do love your glorious Crepe Myrtle and it is proof white should never be ignored in the garden. And your zinnias should be in a garden magazine. There is a magazine “Country Gardens.” It is not a large publication and I think it is only published 4-5 times a year. Anyway, every Aug./Sept. that ask for garden photos. If you are not familiar with it – look for it and please send your photos. Those sweet girls are so adorable and I know must keep you busy.
Enjoy the week ahead, stay cool and many blessings to you all.
Thanks so much Sandra. I am familiar with “Country Gardens” and have purchased several times in past years. I didn’t know they requested garden photos, I should look into that. I hope you are enjoying a lovely day!
As always, the photos are glorious — the zinnia garden being a fave today, along with the Queen and Princess! I’m late to the party but so glad I’m here!
Thank you Jeanie! You are never late.
Your crepe myrtle is just beautiful. We have seen an abundance of dragonflies here in New England as well. It’s been unseasonably humid and as a result there are more than ever mosquitoes…which means…dragonflies. I love dragonflies. They bring to mind transformative new beginnings.
Thanks so much for your visit and lovely comments!