“The mountains rose, the valleys sank down to the place that you appointed for them.”
Psalm 104:8
Our throwback this week is such an awesome scene that I decided to give this pic first place. This is from 12 years ago…the Canadian Rockies as seen from a Rocky Mountaineer dome car, a train adventure that is unforgettable!
I realize that today many of you are experiencing cold, wintry weather. In fact after a high of 70 last Friday, we will only reach the middle 40’s today. We did a little roaming close to home and discovered some hints of spring and we are counting on our finds to warm you up, if only briefly! A red maple was covered in buds.
The Japanese Magnolias always pop out early and usually get bit by frost and struggle through cold nights. You can see that frosty mornings last week have taken a slight toll on the blooms. This is a Tulip Magnolia or Lily Magnolia, Magnolia liliiflora.
Only a short distance from the Lily Magnolia, I discovered a Star Magnolia, Magnolia stellata, already in full bloom!
One of the larger nandinas I have seen. While not blooming but fruiting, the red berries bring some really nice color to a late winter day. This is probably Nandina domestica, often called heavenly bamboo…of course it is not bamboo at all. The name comes from the vine and leaves looking a little like bamboo and at one time there was a belief that it should be planted in sacred places, thus heavenly. And by the way, I found this one in a cemetery. Interesting!
“Ol’ Blue Eyes” (Frank Sinatra) may have earned that nickname in the last century for good reason, but if he were still around today, he would have to give it up to WL!
This mural on a downtown building is near where concerts and various musical performances are held in a small intimate setting. I have not researched the history of the work but there are two things I do know…this takes time & talent!
Is anything wrong with having a Pre-Valentine dessert a day in advance?
In my boyhood days, me and the neighborhood guys would’ve been beyond excited to find such treasure as a China berry tree that was this loaded. These berries have so many uses, especially in slingshots. I had never noticed this tree near the house but against the bareness of the surroundings it stood out.
Continuing with glimpses of spring, my first attempt at fall bulb planting is showing promise. It does seem a bit early for the plants to be up and this tall, but time will tell. EM and EK help plant these bulbs and I think they will be excited to see the fruit of their labor!
Intruders used our picnic table without permission and then left without cleaning up! I suppose it was courteous to at least use the bench and not the tabletop!
With inflation at historic levels it is important to find creative ways to continue Valentine traditions. I am hoping PJ will be excited about this. I arranged it myself. We’ve all heard the old adage “it’s the thought that counts”…
…but in case that saying is not well received, it is always good to have a backup plan!
Closing out another beautiful February day. Like people and snowflakes, no two sunsets are exactly alike!
We are grateful that PJ’s dad, who spent a week in the hospital, is home and doing very well. Many of you have been very thoughtful and asked about him. Thanks to you all!
I understand I have been commissioned to do a Valentine Day post so check in to see if I am able to pull that off.
”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
That photo of the mountain is amazing.
Amalia
xo
Thank you and wishing you a wonderful week, Amalia!
So glad Pam’s Daddy is home.
Have you noticed the birds don’t eat nandina berries? They seem to know they are poisonous. The berries are brightening the winter garden. They seem to be a bright red well after Christmas. At Christmastime they look more orange in my area.
I agree with Amalia, the mountain picture is amazing.
Are those bulbs amaryllis?
Love all the spring plants starting to bloom.
Good morning, Bonnie. The bulbs are alliums. I think they came up a little early. Have a wonderful Sunday!
I would love to hear more about your train adventure because that is on our bucket list! Those chinaberry trees were much sought after by my brother and his friends too. What magical childhoods we had, playing outside for hours and roaming the woods and marshland. Wyatt looks like such a happy little fella…just wait until he bats those baby blues and all the girls come running!!
Thank you Roxanne. The Rocky Mountaineer train trip is one of my all-time favorite vacays. The trip began in Vancouver and ended in Calgary. We were in a Gold Leaf dome car and the scenery was breathtaking, the service impeccable, and the food was fabulous! You don’t sleep on the train. We had five star accommodations at Fairmont Hotels with overnights in Lake Louise, Jasper, and Banff. I highly recommend. Check out their website. Happy Sunday!
I love scriptures that remind me that God is my rock. The photo of that mountain reminded me of those scriptures. God is my mighty and majestic rock like that mountain!
I can see God in that beautiful, blue-eyed grandson of yours too. What a blessing!
Thank you, Nancy. Our three grandchildren are blessings!
Oh, your photo of Canada is so pretty! We’ve been to Canada quite a few times in our little RV. When we live in New York we went to Niagra Falls three times! Your little guy is just adorable – those eyes! He’ll break some hearts one day! 🙂 Hope you’re having a nice weekend.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Thank you, Shelia. Wishing you a wonderful week!
Pam and Butch, The best news is that your sweet Daddy is home! Hope he is feeling better and improving daily! We prayed for him and are so pleased that he is hopefully on the right track. Wyatt has the prettiest eyes and happy smile! He’s a precious little boy that’s gonna break hearts when he’s older! The Rocky Mountain shot is fabulous. That’s a train ride we always wanted to experience. Maybe in a few years after Covid is less of a threat. Spring is popping out everywhere, but with winter doing battle to stay, it’s affecting the plants. I really hope we have a few plant blooms that aren’t affected. I’ve never seen nandina that large. It’s beautiful! Your Valentine’s flowers are so pretty. Pam will enjoy and appreciate them! The dessert looks tasty. Enjoy your day sweet friends! Happy Valentine’s Day! Clara ❤️
Thanks so much for your prayers, Clara. Hopefully, you can take that train ride in the future. I would love to do it again. Have a wonderful Sunday ♥️
Your backup plan is perfect, Bruce. All your photos today are just beautiful.
Thank you, Carole 😂
Stunning opening photo! I’m so glad to hear your father is out of the hospital Pam. Wyatt is growing and glowing! I like your back up plan Butch, you can’t go wrong with beautiful tulips!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you both 💕
Thank you, Jenna. My Dad is doing really well, just hope it continues! Happy Sunday!
Sweet Daddy home and fairing well – answered prayers. The signs of early Spring and that Canadian vista dispell some
of the frigid preocccupation we have had these days. Don’t have to wait for Wyatt to grow up – those blue eyes are already
tugging at heart strings.. Love Butch’s ingenuity in providing a posh container for Pam’s roses, but that tote of tulips should
save the day …and the dessert? … go for it…or else why celebrate? Lent comes soon enough…right? The princesses should
be overjoyed with the fruits of their labor. What a meaningful childhood experience, thanks to doting Grandparents… A blessed Sabbath, dear ones.
Thank you so much, Mary. Blessings on your week ♥️
How good to read Pam’s Dad is home and doing well! The signs of spring are a most welcome sight too! Gorgeous leading picture of the Canadian Rockies, and WL is such a beautiful boy. Happy new week to the Richardsons!
Thank you and happy new week to you, Rita!
Hi Pam,
Love the gorgeous pic of the Canadian Rockies. Your little grandbaby does give Frank Sinatra a run for the blue eye contest. He is so adorable. Happy Valentines day tomorrow Pam. xoxo Kris
Thanks so much, Kris ♥️
Good morning Butch and Pam. So happy to hear Pam’s dad is home and doing well. Your photos are gorgeous as always. However, Mr. Blue Eyes is my favorite. He looks like he is such a happy little boy. Wishing you all a Happy Valentine’s Day and a wonderful week.
Thanks so much, Sandra! Happy new week to you!
The mountain doesn’t even look real. Magnificent! So good that Pam’s dad is doing well and home where he can get all the love and attention. I am waiting for the first signs of spring to come here, our high today will be 40, so I know it will not be today. I tend to like the first bouget, that is more my speed.
Thank you, Nonie. The first bouquet didn’t require much attention 😂
Glad to know your father is at home. Great news. Wyatt is the cuttest boy! Adorable Valentine post ! Stunning sunset… Best wishes, dear friends.
Thanks so much, my friend!
Praise to the one that heals that your dad is home and doing well Pam. Wyatt looks like the spitting image of his dad. Butch I laughed more this post than ever. Your flower arrangements need Pam’s hand. There was a chinaberry tree at my grandfathers that we climbed but when those chinaberries began to ripen they were mush on bare feet and they smelled yucky. Have a fun Valentines Day with dessert.
Thank you, Alice. Daddy’s improvement is amazing, praise be to God. Enjoy the week!
I’ve neither heard of nor seen a nandina — beautiful bush! Loving Wyatt and I’m so glad Pam’s dad has been released from hospital. That’s such good news. Happy week!
Thank you, Jeanie!
Wow what a starter! That is a gorgeous mountain!
Thank goodness Pam’s Dad is doing much better… thank the Good Lord.
The spring starts we’re all so beautiful to see. Thank you for the Sunday Stroll. Looking forward to tomorrow’s post.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thanks so much, Nancy. My Dad is doing well and it makes me happy. Happy week dear one!
Beautiful photo of the mountain. Thanks for sharing it.
Your grandson’s picture reminds me of Brian Hart Hoffman, the editor-in-chief of Baking from Scratch. lol
Thanks so much. Have a wonderful week!
So many beautiful things in this post. So glad Pam’s dad is out of hospital! And WL’s baby blues – oh my. All the grandkids are darling. And yes, those Rockies – so good to see them through someone else’s eyes (and camera) and be reminded of how majestic they really are. I see them everyday but sometimes I don’t really notice them. Thanks for sharing and Happy Valentine’s Day you two (love the flowers Butch)!
Thank you, Kim. I can’t imagine viewing the Rockies daily. Happy Valentine’s Day!
I’m so sorry to hear that your Daddy has been ill and in the hospital. I must have missed that. May God continue to heal him and bless all of you.
Thank you my friend!