Recent days have certainly brought pain, heartache, difficulty, and unprecedented challenges in the everyday living of so many across our world. Our Sunday post is designed to reveal the beauty of His creation, and to hopefully be an encouragement to you. We desire to do so today, but at the same time we must remember to pray for all those who face storms, disease, and evil. The best place to start:
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2
A mist rises from Little River, created by the falls. Most people take photos below the falls which is very beautiful, but today I decided to view everything from upriver. Little River National Preserve is a real treasure that is only a short drive for us!
I can usually persuade PJ to loan me a garden pic to bring some nice color to the Sunday post. You all know I am heavy on the wild stuff (I’m talking about flowers and plants) but I do love the zinnias we plant every year. And this one’s Ella Mae’s favorite color!
Our Carolina buckthorn berries have matured from green (in an earlier post) to red and will be black this fall. Birds will enjoy! This particular buckthorn is a southeastern native and actually has no thorns.
A naturalized plant, autumn clematis will grow on a brick pile and is blooming all around our location now. It is found in greater abundance in areas near water. I must confess, the bricks are on top of a small mound of topsoil. The bricks, soil and clematis were all part of the old historic home place that once stood here. It lies right beside the driveway where we found…
…this little Queen who is growing up much too fast! Wyatt is not old enough to miss his big sister but Emma Kennedy is really missing EM on school days! EK came up to visit and she and PJ consoled each other.
Playing in water always brings a smile to EK! And to most of us kids, regardless of age!
The partridge pea adds some nice yellow color to open disturbed areas. Once it starts blooming in mid summer, this mimosa-like legume hangs on until frost.
Pokeberries must be inviting for spiders because many of these clusters have silky webs on them?? A lot of these plants have lost most of their leaves. Called pokeweed, poke salad, poke sallet, or possibly polk salad (depending on where you are in the south), some folks eat parts of this plant. I think mostly the leaves are used and typically cooked a long time like turnip greens. I have eaten it that way, but with the knowledge that it is toxic if not handled correctly, I am choosing to leave it for the spiders!
I stopped by Lake Guntersville on the Tennessee River and took a brief walk onto this replica of the Christopher Columbus ship, La Pinta, one of the trio that sailed here in 1492. This ship along with a replica of La Nina travel for 10 months each year and winter 2 months in Bayou La Batre, AL. It was quite interesting and I’m glad I took a few minutes to check it out. The replicas were built in Brazil by eighth generation Portuguese shipwrights using 15th century techniques and timber from local forests. It took 3 years to build.
My sources tell me this grass is bristly foxtail. There are a number of varieties in this widespread genus (Setaria). It is akin to the millet grains that are used widely for food, especially in Asia.
I did not spray this very old and large poison ivy vine with florescent paint. I haven’t looked but it might glow in the dark. Based on what I can find out, this is slime mold. Mold may not be the best common term because this is not a true fungus.
Later the same day I spotted this growing on decaying debris on the forest floor in a damp area. It was almost dark but the bright color was easy to spot from a distance. Wasn’t there something like silly putty that used “slime” in it’s name and was a product for kids to play with? Maybe it’s still available? Or is it something used to repair a flat tire? Am I only dreaming this?
We have an abundance of this variety of beefsteak plant. It is in the mint family. Some varieties are used in cooking but it is just an invasive weed to me. Some plants are colored much like a piece of steak, hence the common name.
If your roots are deep enough to provide necessary nourishment, I guess you can make it, maybe even thrive, regardless of where you happen to be planted. Might be a good lesson here!
Our throwback this week is a smiling PJ along the top wall of Dubrovnik, Croatia, 2013!
It is evening in the Appalachian Foothills. You would have to examine this very, very closely to notice a dark shadow in the middle of the upper portion of the pasture. It’s a deer, it’s a turkey, no; it’s supermom, our sweet daughter-in-love pushing a stroller and Wyatt is happy for a ride home!
”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
So interesting! There’s a beautiful autumn clematis growing on the trail where I run. Now I know it’s name! I wonder how you’re able to identify so many wild plants? I, too, am drawn to the wild things as I grew up wandering in the woods around my house and inspecting every interesting thing I saw. I’d love to be able to identify the beauty I see now. Any suggestions?
Thank you Stacy. Butch uses the app Plant Snap. Another good one is Picture This. I hope that helps.
Your pic of tree next to rocky cliff reminds me that even in tough times we can grow if we cling to The Rock -God
Yes, we must cling to the Rock that will not move!
I love that I’ve been friends on this blog long enough to remember your announcement that you were expecting your first grandchild. Now EM is starting Kindergarten. They do grow up so fast! Mine are all in their 20’s. So I enjoy the little ones on my blogging friends posts.❤️
Thank you for following so many years. You are a treasure!
Your writing is always encourages. I believe that is a huge small thing we so need in our world. So thank you! I see your gorgeous hydrangeas often in the blog. I have huge Annebelle mopheads that have flourished for years. But my recently planted Limelights seem to be struggling. I bought quite mature plants. Not sure of the issue (90 degree heat maybe) but hoping they get to look like yours. God bless you, your family, friends, and readers.
Thanks so much, Wendy. Hopefully your limelights will be thriving next summer. Many blessings 🙏🏻
Such interesting and informative pics. Deep roots really makes a difference in a tree and our lives. Deep roots keep us grounded in the face of difficult times. It is hard to believe that the beautiful EM is going to KG. I have had the joy of watching her grow up and too quickly. I love the photo of Pam. The replica of the La Penta looks so interesting and I don’t remember ever seeing a briskly foxtail. There has been a lot of destruction in the area due to flooding. There is a lot of sickness. I told one of my friends this week that my every thought is a prayer and that is true.
Thank you Dianne. The flooding in NC and TN has been unbelievable. May we have deep roots of faith for our troubled times🙏🏻
Oh goodness, Ella Mae does look so grown up! That slime mold is quite something and the photo of Pam is wonderful…Lovely photos and lovely opening words and prayers… I hope you both have a beautiful and peaceful Sunday.
Jenna
Thanks Jenna. Happy Tuesday!
Pam and Butch, Your words and pictures are always so uplifting. It’s soothing to see wonderful pics of nature and life in general. EM has really grown. It’s hard to believe she’s in kindergarten! EK is growing up too. We know she misses her sister when she’s in school. Dubrovnik was such an interesting place to visit. When we went many years ago, they had a museum of their then recent war struggles with the names of the young people whose lives had been cut short due to the recent conflict. We enjoyed the walk within the wall. As I recall, the ladies sat around the wall and sold their handmade wares. I bought a lovely table covering with cut work and needle work there as a souvenir. Those are fond memories! Thanks for reminding me of them. A picture does indeed speak a thousand words. Enjoy your Sunday and upcoming week. Clara❤️
Thank you sweet Clara! I am so happy to hear that you have visited Dubrovnik! We should compare travel notes ♥️
Thank you so much, for the prayers. Your pictures are just beautiful and take us places we might never be able to see, or, to even know about.
Thank you Nonie 🙏🏻
What an object lesson is that defiant, deep rooted tree challenging its environment. Must have American spirited DNA…..talk
about adapting.. EM looks far wiser (most likely is) than Kindergarten level. She is being so beautifully groomed for life by those who love her. Our beloved Carrot Top, EK, is following in those well planted footsteps and Wyatt is chomping at the bit to plant his. The fluorescent slime mold is fascinating and leave it to Butch to give us a glimpse of this forest wonder. His findings are nature lessons supreme. What a thrill it must have been to tread the boards of La Pinta. What ancient minds and hands have wrought ~ amazing. Pam looks much at home in Croatia. A day of prayer for our troubled world and Sabbath
blessings to all.
Mary, EM said that she didn’t learn anything last week in school 😂 She is really a smart little girl. Praying for our troubled world!
I’m sure little EK will miss her sweet sister during school and I’m sure she eagerly awaits her return every day. I enjoyed your stroll through your surroundings and seeing all the beauty that nature has proved for you to enjoy,
Thank you Karen.
This past week especially has felt like the world has been gripped by evil. Thank you for beautiful scripture and calming photos that bring such a feeling of peace to my soul.
I agree Roxanne.
Thank you for such encouragement. Wonderful photo of Pam! The girls are adorable! Blessings.
Thank you Maristella. Blessings.
Hello, Butch and Pam. Your photos are just beautiful as always. I had to laugh about the autumn clematis. It was something my mom fought with all her might. It was her dreaded plant. She would never have thought it was photo worthy. I always thought it was pretty, but I never told her.
Sweet little Emma is really going to miss her big sister. It will be an adjustment, but she will be comforted by her dear grandmother.
Wishing all of you a lovely week ahead and thank you for your wonderful post.
The autumn clematis is definitely invasive, but I do think it is pretty. Thank you my friend!
Wonderful post. Comforting in these troubled times. Wonderful pictures. Ella Mae is a charmer and that sweet face and red hair of Emma’s are lovely! Your area is really beautiful! Happy Sunday!
Thank you Liz. The girls are growing too quickly!
They grow so quickly Pam❣️
Blessings sweet friend,
Jennifer
Yes, they do!
What a lovely stroll…
EM going to Kindergarten! I remember when she was born!
Pam looks as beautiful today as she did a few years back in Croatia.
To stroll a replica of the La Pinta had to be amazing.
The Autumn clematis is blooming here in our side yard. But it is starting to take over. So I may need to trim it when the blooms stop.
Prayers for those who are dealing with flooding, sickness and sadness.
I always enjoy your strolls… thank you and Happy Week to you my friends! Stay safe.
Nancy, the clematis will take over. Thank you for your sweet comments my friend. Enjoy your week 🙏🏻
I read all the comments and the ones about autumn clematis are very interesting. I’ve always loved it and so I brought a sprig from NC with me to Co and planted it near a post not knowing if it would survive Co Winters. Sure enough it’s over 20 years old and I cut it back each winter but it indeed has deep roots and covers beautifully the post every year giving the sweet smell of clematis that I remember from my youth. EK has my heartfelt understanding in missing her sis. My sweet neighbors 3 year old is so sad that his big sis and brother get to go to school and he can’t . Oh but just wait, the fun will end when those lessons must be gotten up. Pray for peace.
Alice, how wonderful that your clematis has survived the CO winter all these years. Yes, continued prayers!
I can’t believe Ella Mae is already in kindergarten! 😭 Beautiful pics and always interesting tidbits of information. Our blessing of children, and the analogy of deep roots are the positive thoughts that keep me grounded in an otherwise chaotic world we seem to be in the midst of. Praying against any and all evil that is lurking among us.
Thank you Rita. EM has grown so quickly. Enjoy every minute with your precious little one!
I am absolutely shocked that Ella Mae is starting school this year. It seems like she was just born! Oh, my! And she looks already and so darling! I’m not at all ready for autumn and all that follows! But what a lovely way to begin the week!
Thank you Jeanie. I cannot believe how fast EM has grown. Time passes too quickly!
dear friends, I am back in my (more or less) everyday life. I’m glad to see the beautiful photos. It makes me much more happy to see the girls so old … they are beautiful … Now I have noticed in time that has passed, it is a long time.
I’m fine but not like before, there are still things to finish, but I hope that I will have the same skills as always.
I send you a big hug with a lot of affection.
Querida Dolores. Estoy tan feliz de verte aquí hoy. Tengo muchas esperanzas de que esté mejorando cada día y pronto vuelva a la normalidad. Mis hijas están creciendo rápidamente y el pequeño Wyatt pronto cumplirá 4 meses. El tiempo se escapa tan rápido. Cuídese y no se exceda. Enviando mi cariño y abrazos!
Aw, I can’t believe your precious girl is already old enough to go to Kindergarten! Where do the years go? SO quickly they grow up, and we can do nothing to hold back the march of time. Pam, you look so beautiful in the picture taken in Croatia. And, I loved the last photo with your daughter-in-love and baby Wyatt. It is so wonderful that they live close enough for her to walk him to your home. The pasture is so beautiful! So wonderful to visit with you dear ones tonight!
Thank you dear one. Blessings and hugs!
Love your pictures. And the tree growing in all that rock and along a wall of rock, wow, there is a lesson there for us.
Thank you Theresa. Yes, a lesson for sure.
Beautiful images. We have pokeberries up here in New England also and I’ve always wondered what they were called. Now I know. The bright purple/pink colour is so pretty.