“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
Revelation 4:11
The Sunshine Cottage, living up to the name, as it catches some late afternoon rays. The cottage was the scene of a girls sleep-over last week as Pam, EM and EK “camped out” one night. It was a night to remember as their air mattress deflated about 3:00 AM!
Our pumpkins are up and would be doing well except the new plants have attracted a lot of attention from uninvited guests. I placed a camera nearby after some digging had occurred in two of the hills. I had pics of squirrels, raccoons, turkey, crows, and various other birds. This prompted the employ of scary the scarecrow. I am a fan of all things John Deere, so my scarecrow is sporting a John Deere cap. So far he is doing his job.
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We had one ripe tomato yesterday, first of the season. My tomatoes are usually not very good as they turn black on the bottom and rot as they ripen. A friend directed me to a product that was easy to use and required spraying the plants and fruit once a week for about 3 weeks (I did it 4 weeks). This seems to have solved the blossom end rot that has always plagued my tomato crop!
The old owl failed to live up to his reputation for scaring away unwanted nest builders, just by his mere presence. Birds used him for a perch as they looked for nesting materials. Rather than retire him, I dropped by Hobby Lobby and purchased about $3 worth of acrylic paints and have given this guy a more formidable appearance. Probably useless for scaring anything but the girls loved it. I guess that’s all that matters!
This large golden raintree was planted years ago in the side yard of the historic house that once stood here. We are glad that it still provides attractive color to the landscape down on what I call the “lower 40”. No real reason, just have to call it something!
EM has really taken on the “mothering” role as big sisters sometimes do. WL seems to not mind at all and EK is giving her support. The real miracle here is that you can clearly see all faces and there are 3 smiles, all in the same photo!
Last week not only yielded the first ripe tomato (and squash), but we also have our first zinnia!
Looking back this week to 2013 as PJ is all smiles just before sunset in Santorini, Greece!
The weather finally cooperated for some mowing and baling. I like seeing bales in the field. It’s a true summer thing.
We are blessed with a lot of beautiful waterfalls in our part of the state. This is called High Falls. Less than an hour from us in a neighboring county, we had never visited High Falls Park. A hidden gem on Town Creek, a tributary of the Tennessee River.
This footbridge spans the creek and gives access to hiking trails beyond. This was originally a covered bridge built 99 years ago. The bridge burned in the 1950’s and was replaced with this pedestrian bridge.
The pedestrian bridge is supported by the original piers from the covered bridge. At first, the covered bridge had enclosed sides, but the sides had to be opened up because mules were frightened by the tunnel-like enclosure with roaring water beneath. They would not cross!
We were surprised to see swimmers jumping off rocks and climbing back up. Looks a bit dangerous to me and this water would have to be cool. Ah, but they’re young!
With the steep terrain and summer foliage, it was hard to get pics from various angles. A zoom lens helps capture a different look!
On this day, most of the creek above the falls was shallow enough for wading. We didn’t venture in but quite a few people were testing the waters.
We also learned that experienced kayakers put in at the base of the falls to tackle some whitewater. I don’t know anything about whitewater skill levels but we were told that there are level 3 and 4 rapids with one spot possibly higher? Not being anything I have ever attempted, I am at a loss for being certain of what these levels mean. So, with my limited knowledge, I can only guess there are places with some fast moving water!
We were surprised to find that the park was not a State Park but a County Park. A nice welcome/community center was built about 6 years ago which was accomplished largely through fund raising and donations from area residents.
We will close out today’s SSS with a garden look as light is fading and the sun is slowly sinking in the west!
Have a safe and peaceful 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
Happy Summer Sunday! That bridge is beautiful, and I love the history behind it. What a rude awakening when your bed deflates!! The picture of the grandkids is wonderful, each unique personality is shining through. It’s going to be 93 here today, those waterfalls sure look inviting.
Thank you, Roxanne. We are looking at a week of 90’s. Summer is here!
Wonderful pictures my dear friends!!! Thank you for this beautiful virtual tour…Made my day! Your Grands are adorable. Hugs and blessings.
Thank you, Maristella. Happy Sunday!
Good morning! We are battling critters too! I planted dahlias in a planter at the back door and caladiums with calla lilies in the beds at the back door. They were doing great! Now most are missing totally! I’m using old coffee grounds to deter whatever it is (I’m guessing a ground hog). We’ll see if it works! The beautiful falls will be busy with swimmers this oppressive heat wave coming this week. Love the bridge and its history. That’s a gorgeous area. You’re fortunate to have it so close to home. Glad you have zinnias and tomatoes! Our zinnias are coming up along with marigolds but are a bit behind as they were planted late. The children look so cute and are having fun! Santorini is a beautiful place to visit. It’s been many years since we were there but I remember the narrow streets filled with vendors and all the blue and white buildings. We enjoyed your compilation. Have a wonderful day! Clara ❤️
Thank you, Clara. Battling critters is non-stop. We are in the 90’s all week. Happy Sunday ♥️
Happy Sunday Pam and & Butch! You did a great job painting the owl Butch, he looks scary to me! Love the John Derre scarecrow man, keep those pumpkins protected! Sorry your slumber party sprung a leak~ your grands are adorable and growing so fast…Fun facts about the mules and the bridge, it’s so pretty. and the falls are beautiful. Stay cool this week~
Jenna
We do all kinds of things for our grands 😂 Happy week, Jenna!
An eventful week! Can’t imagine what kind of night that must’ve been in the Sunshine Cottage, but I’m guessing not much sleep. Love seeing your ‘firsts’ in the garden, it is always a prelude for our region. Looks like your scarecrow is doing his job. Looks like little EK is a bit of a daredevil (standing on the riding toy on what appears to be the edge of a concrete pad!). Those falls and pedestrian bridge are beautiful! Yes, class III and IV can be exhilarating, but I have yet to (and likely won’t ever!) try V and VI, both of which WV is famous for in whitewater rafting. Age is humbling when it comes to daredevil antics. 😉 Have a great week, you guys.
Thank you, Rita. EM & EK went back to sleep. I moved to the chair and ottoman which is better than the blow-up on the floor. Why did I ever suggest sleeping in the cottage 🤣 EK seems to be fearless, have to keep an eye on her. I couldn’t believe the folks that were jumping off the rocks into the water. Have a wonderful day!
Good morning, Pam and Butch. Your sleep over sounds like something I would have enjoyed at 20 or 30 – but not today. I know the girls had a wonderful time though. I think Butch did a wonderful job with his scarecrow – hope he continues to frighten away the unwanted guests. Your falls are beautiful – WV is blessed with many. However, we always have deaths from people climbing on the rocks and jumping in. I wasn’t interested in it at 20 or 30.
Wishing you a wonderful day and week ahead – enjoy those tomatoes!!
Sandra, I would have never jumped off rocks into swirling waters, having no idea what was beneath the surface. Wishing you a delightful week.
Pam
Love seeing your littles they are so adorable. The pics of the bridge are beautiful. Butch love the scarecrow.
Thank you, Kris.
Wishing you a wonderful week.
Pam
Happy Sunday, Butch and Pam! The owl made me think of my mom and dad who have been battling Barn Swallows. They have tried everything, and nothing seems to work. I know they can sure make a mess of things. I loved the sweet picture of the grandbabies. They all look so happy. You can tell they are having fun! Wishing you both a wonderful week ahead!
Thank you, Shannon. It seems that everyone is battling critters this year.
Wishing you a wonderful week.
Pam
A deflated mattress is what can happen when all fall into bed after one of Grandma’s wonderful meals… a slow leak
that awakens one at 3:00… the girls probably enjoyed the incident. Love the scarecrow and Butch’s solutions for
intruding critters. The creek reminded me of a childhood “swimming hole” beneath a high ridge that we youth defied
and used for jumping off into the swirling waters below….what Summer fun we had… One can almost hear the babbling waters in that first shot of your high falls..such a beautiful area. A local BurgerKing here has two of the most grand
golden raintrees on either side of their entrance….adds quite a bit of “class”. Pam also added a bit of the same to
Santorini. Your gardens at dusk are a study in serenity. Thank you for this Sabbath breath of beauty. Blessings.
Thank you, Mary. We enjoyed the trip to High Falls and hope to return in autumn. Wishing you a delightful week.
Pam
I’m crazy for bridges so I like those photos and the garden, well, I’m a little green with envy!
I also love bridges, Linda!
Those waterfalls are so cooling and lovely! And I love EK’s long red hair! What a wonderful photo of the three. I hope you both have a beautiful Sunday.
Wishing you a wonderful week, Jeanie!
The spend the night party will be talked about for a long time. Pam, I’m glad you had a recliner to escape to.
Love the picture of the kids. So sweet.
I think everyone is fighting critters this year. I would hate to have to make a living growing things. So many problems to deal with.
I wish you a good crop of pumpkins. My son’s home they bought in Colorado has raised beds with screens covering them to keep pests out.
I had to stop putting bird seed in my decorative feeder because racoons were tearing it up.
I love the beauty at Santori and would love to see it first hand.
Y’all have a good week.
We may have to go to screen coverings. We stopped feeding the birds also. We would love to return to Santorini. Happy week, Bonnie!
Love the photo of your sweet girls. All smiles, indeed! Thanks for this lovely post. Beauty abounds here. Happy Sunday!
Thank you, Sarah! Happy Sunday!
Don’t know what my favorite thing is so I’ll pick your beautiful wife’s picture. A classic look!
Alice, you are a sweetheart. Sending love,
Pam
Love the photo of your beautiful grandchildren.
Happy Sunday.
Marilyn,Joan and Marion
A special thank you to you all, Marilyn, Joan, and Marion!
Your beautiful grandchildren look so happy. I enjoyed all the photos..such reminders of the farm where I grew up. There were Always hay bales in the field, a scare crow near the vegetable garden, and lots of chores to do. The waterfalls look so refreshing. Interesting story about the bridge. Sorry the mattress didn’t make it through the night but this will be a fun memory. I do hope your pumpkins do well. Mother had them every year and we looked forward to the harvest. They are beautiful growing in the field. A beautiful Sunday post. Blessings dear friend.
Thanks so much, Dianne! We are hopeful for the pumpkins to yield a good crop!
Lovely post guys! I love waterfalls, there’s just something majestic about them. 😄
Bless you both,
Jennifer
Thanks so much, Jennifer
Blessings,
Pam
Such beauty around every scroll! First off Sunshine Cottage is quite lovely with the sunlight shining on it so beautifully. (Too bad the inflatable deflated… yikes!)
Your gardens are gorgeous and the Littles are smiling because of the happiness that they feel each and every day!
I loved seeing all the waterfalls and that walking bridge! I bet they feel so cool on a hot summer day.
Thank you for another wonderful post!
Happy Week to You!
Thank you, Nancy for your sweet comments!
Happy week,
Pam
SO fun to catch up with you and your darling family every Sunday! Thanks for the beauty, the laughs, and the inspiration as always! Hope you have a lovely hot week! ♥
You are a sweetheart, Barbara!
Ah Pam and Butch – so many lovely pictures. The grands are adorable and growing quickly. I didn’t realize the magnitude of the falls until I saw the pic with the people in it – they are huge (the falls that is)! Santorini looks gorgeous – did you get to see the caldera? Love the scarecrow with the John Deere hat – priceless, and the owl looks pretty intimidating to me. The garden looks lovely! Have a wonderful week you two!
Kim, thank you for your sweet comments. Wishing you a wonderful week!
Beautiful pics of the park and waterfall. Looks like a great place to spend a hot summer day. Also love the pics of your gardens and grands. They are growing so fast!
Thank you Lynda, you are so sweet!