“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”
Psalm 19:1
Welcome to our front yard and to January’s last full week. After a string of cloudy days, our weekend was filled with blue skies. Many of you have experienced a lot of snow this winter but none for us so far!
Yesterday was a cold day but sunshine and a few blue jays made it feel warmer than it really was. We have not seen jays in quite a while but yesterday a half dozen or so showed up in the yard. Their migratory habits are a bit of a mystery. Some migrate, some don’t, and the same bird might migrate one season and not the next.
A wholesale nursery near us covers hundreds of acres and thrives with a variety of plants…but not in January. An amazing transformation will take place in a few short months, but it is hard to envision while looking at this scene. I will try to get back by in May or June and see what’s happening!
Hold on! I traveled further down the road and discovered things were not as desolate as I first thought. I’m not sure what these plants are but I noticed a few even have blooms. Or am I dreaming I see blooms??
It was a gray, windy and cold day as I hiked along the lake. The shoreline looks quite different in the dead of winter and with water levels very low…but still beautiful in it’s own way!
I traveled behind the power house dam where there is often a number of people fishing. The turbines create some good fishing but this day only the gulls were taking advantage. I think a lonely egret is standing over on a rock looking on. I was the only human around…had the whole place to myself. As I turned to leave a bald eagle landed in a pine about 300 yards away. I couldn’t get close enough for a pic but the bird took flight after a few minutes and I did manage a couple of distant soaring photos…not close enough to show here. I saw 3 eagles during my short trip that afternoon.
I hate to continue with dreariness but this is just reality on a cold winter day. But contrary to what seems lifeless, there is a lot of activity going on. I saw another eagle here, along with geese, ducks, herons, cranes, pelicans, gulls, doves, a variety of other birds, and a small buck deer…all while trekking along a rather gloomy looking shoreline!
Enough is enough! How about a break from a dull winter look…Princess EK built a castle and is sitting on it. She brightens up everything!
Continuing on the rural back roads of our neighboring county, I found this well preserved barn that was built in 1924. Yep, almost 100 years old. How do I know this? I saw the farmer/owner outside and stopped for a chat. He told me all about it and that he had restored it about 15 years ago. Such a nice and hospitable hard working gentleman, a total stranger, who invited me back any time. This is not unusual in our neck of the woods. Most southern farmers are just those kind of folks!
A little further along I discovered a small private cemetery in the middle of what was a cotton field this past growing season. I wanted to walk out and read the markers but respected this as private property, and I saw no one around to ask about it.
Having lived for years less than 20 miles from this spot, I was surprised that I’d never seen this historic marker.
PJ wondered why I stopped and made this picture. I had pulled in to have my truck washed but they were closed. You can read the sign can’t you?
Back close to home, moss has overtaken the top of a large part of our very old split rail fence. All the twigs in the background are Althea (Rose of Sharon). I plan to transplant a few but they all need to go. They are beneath larger shrubs and trees and have no room to grow. Some will go out near the Sunshine Cottage (so I’ve been informed)!
Let’s go back to 2017, a little east of Aspen Colorado!
After so much rich and sweet holiday type food, this is a really nice change. Not on the diet program I understand… but we can always start that Monday!
Join PJ and 19 other table stylists on Tuesday for a Valentine blog hop!
As I turned in the drive coming home one evening in the early part of last week this was my view. Just couldn’t help but grab my phone and attempt to capture it. We all know even with good cameras it is almost impossible to do some things justice!
Praying you have a blessed 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
Pam and Butch, The blue jay is a welcome sight to brighten these dreary days. EK always brightens the too! Love the red barn and it’s nice to see it restored. I have to wonder if that historical sign is relatively new? It looks really crisp. As observant as you are, I do believe you would have discovered it earlier unless it was blocked by foliage. The lake looks really cold! When I was very young, I worked near the MS river that runs along our downtown area. It’s the coldest place on earth it seems in the winter when walking up the bluff to the office building and even worse if the wind is whipping! Lol Looking forward to seeing what’s going on at the nurseries and to the blog hop tomorrow. Enjoy your day! Clara❤️
Butch said that he thought the sign was new. It is not a road he often travels. The Mississippi River always looks cold to me and a little frightening. Have a beautiful Sunday!
Good Beautiful but Very Cold Morning Pam & Butch! I think the reason Spring is so delightful is because January is so dull and colorless as your photos document…EK is definitely a breath of sunshine, so adorable! The last photo of the sunset is breathtaking! Stay safe and warm today~
Jenna
Thank you Jenna. The sun is shining brightly today! Enjoy…
When all around us looks dead we must look for life. One day last week the yard was filled with birds looking for water. Our little waterfall was the source. There was no sun the entire week but out it came Saturday. Grandchildren are the glory of the old. And so life is renewed.
Amen and Amen, Alice! Hope you see some sunshine this week!
That nursery is showing promise of spring! The barn is a beauty. People in WV are much like those you speak of in farmland AL – very friendly. Here you are thinking of transplanting RoS, and I will be trying my best to rid my tiny landscape of stray new growth, probably for years to come since my neighbor has one right on the property line! EK looks very proud of her masterpiece tent. I hope you all have a great new week on tap.
Yes, Rita the rest of our RoS will be given away to anyone who will take it. It blooms so beautifully, though! Have a wonderful week, Rita!
Our precious EK looking more like EM with every camera shot… Oh wind, if Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?… That is the mantra to be whispered when confronted with the drabness that Winter can impart. Nonetheless, despite the snows, ice and frigid temps of late, we have been blessed with bright sunlight that dispels Winter’s gloom and chill. Lovely story about the barn and friendly farmer…Private graveyard – haunting …Local Car Wash – hilarious. You and Pam tempt many to relocate to your corner of the world..seems like an ideal place to live. May Sabbath grace and blessings cloak your day and thank you for your weekly journey of revelations….
Thank you, Mary. You always bring a smile to my face with your delightful comments!
Este paseo por esas hermosas tierras es sencillamente espectacular… Ha sido un tiempo muy agradable donde además de ver hermosos paisajes, también conocimos un poco más de sus tierras tan lejanas para mí.
Un fuerte abrazo y bendiciones
Dolores
Gracias querido amigo por tu hermosa visita. Siempre me encanta saber de ti. Espero que puedas volver a escribir en tu blog. Enviando abrazos,
Pam
Good Morning Butch and Pam…
January looks cold and dreary… but you have found color in many ways. The Blue Jay is a beauty… we have them in Pennsylvania and I call them Squawky. They can get quite loud.
EK is getting older and her smile is so sweet!
The red barn is a pretty sight. It reminds me when I went looking for a red barn (in Pennsylvania) to photograph in a winter wonderland. The barn owner came out to chat with me. He was such a nice fellow.
Thank you for your Sunday Morning Stroll… I always look forward to them! Happy Sunday Folks!
Blue jays are loud. We hope to restore the red barn on our son’s property. Happy week, Nancy!
It appears Butch is really enjoying his retirement, and we get to benefit from his walkabouts! This area of upstate SC is rich in Cherokee heritage also. I love my Rose of Sharon bushes but keeping up with the volunteers can be a full time job. With our big snow our church tent had to come down, and the decision was made to move back indoors with multiple services for the next 6 weeks. It was 27 this morning so the heat was appreciated. We have moved around so much, my rector compared us to the Israelites wandering in the desert. It is truly amazing and quite a blessing that our little church plant has grown into a thriving congregation despite all that.
Rose of Sharon volunteers can become invasive if not removed. I am happy to read that your church has grown, Roxanne!
How exciting to see three eagles in one day!
I love your beautiful pic of Aspen.
My that pizza looks good. I haven’t had pizza in a long time.
I bet EK enjoys not having to share y’all with big sister.
I’m sure the blue jays flying in was a nice surprise.
Have a good week. I look forward to Pam’s table Tuesday.
Thank you, Bonnie. Winter has much to offer if we are paying attention!
A delightful drive Pam & Butch to join you on this Monday morning here in Australia!
I love the art in your photos!
Bless you both,
Jennifer
Thanks so much, Jennifer
♥️
Happy Sunday, Butch and Pam! I always enjoy reading about what you have found in nature. My husband and I were so surprised when you posted the historical marker. Chief Pathkiller is my husband’s grandfather many generations removed. My husband was really excited to see this. Thanks so much for sharing. EK is an absolute doll! She has the prettiest blue eyes and the sweetest smile. May you both have a happy and blessed week ahead! Take care!
Wow, how interesting that Chief Pathkiller is a distant relative of your husband’s. Butch was so excited to read your comment. Happy week!
It’s amazing how we can all find God’s handiwork even in the desolate places. That brings to mind many spiritual thoughts, too, and reminds me of one of my favorite devotional books, “Streams in the Desert.” Thank you for sharing the beauty with us here!
Cheryl, “Streams in the Desert is also one of my favorite devotional books. Thank you for your sweet comments.
Happy new week, Butch and Pam. I love all the photos, especially of Miss Blue Eyes. You can see her wheels turning. When we lived in VA. my elderly garden friend told me that I must pick up Rose of Sharon blossoms when they dropped. I had a beautiful white one. Well, I followed his instructions for quite a while and then the heat took over and it became a chore. Needless to say I had many new plants crop up. If you are up for it – pick up the blossoms – it works.
♥️♥️♥️
Happy new week, Butch and Pam. I love all the photos, especially Miss Blue Eyes. You can see her wheels turning.
When we lived in VA my elderly gardening friend told me to pick up the Rose of Sharon blossoms when they dropped. I did this for quite a while and then the heat took over and it became a chore. Needless to say I had new plants everywhere. If you are up for it pick up the blossoms, it works.
Hello Sandra, I could see that picking up each RoS blossom would be a really big job. Happy week dear one!
Hello Butch and Pam, happy to meet you! I enjoyed your January exploring! It seems January is a bit dreary everywhere, your sweet granddaughter sure had a lovely big smile! Love that barn door behind her too! I enjoy seeing the landscape, even in the winter. The nursery will be a booming place in a few months! And I agree, cameras just can’t capture the incredible beauty of a sunset watched in person! Many blessings to you both!
So glad to meet you and thank you for your visit. Wishing you a wonderful week!
What beautiful bird and gorgeous pictures. That adorable princess made me smile. Love the Bible verse you have shared. Have a blessed week too!
Thank you dear friend. Wishing you a wonderful week❤️
I don’t know where to start. This post is just “home” to me. You brightened my gloomy cloud-filled day with the blue jays (my mascot in school and still a favorite along with the Cardinal and the Eagle you almost captured!). Seeing your princess was definitely worth it! I enjoyed every picture and love drives like this. I did see the Car Wash sign and how wonderful to visit with the gentleman. Life is filled with fun adventures when we seek them! Happy almost February to you both! 💕
Thank you, Karla for coming along our back roads of Alabama! ♥️
You’re welcome, Pam! How fun! ❤️