““Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.””
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Summer skies, green pastures, and a waxing moon as we approach the middle of the “dog days of summer”. The term has nothing to do with your dog or your neighbors dog, but is all about the Dog Star, Sirius (our brightest star). Did you hear any tales or stories about dog days growing up?
The Farmers Almanac indicates that dog days this year is the period from July 3 through August 11. Generally a very hot and sultry time for many places across the country, but I did find the garden rather pleasant one evening last week. I love seeing the flag as it was catching some light from the string in the arbor!
We found ourselves singing a song about a yellow bird last week since this one kept hanging around the sunflowers. It was comical with a lot of repetition since “yellow bird” was the only 2 words either of us seemed to remember. I believe this is an American Goldfinch, which we commonly only see in the cooler months? Some of our readers are very knowledgeable about birds and hopefully can verify.
The season sure seems to fly by. These sunflowers are fading and bowing their heads and it feels like we only planted them a few days ago. Did I mention that I planted several rows of sunflowers recently for a late showing and most of the new 2 inch high plants were consumed one night last week? My first thought was deer but I did not see any deer tracks along the rows.
Wyatt discovered he loves the sand and the ocean and turned into our blond, blue eyed beach boy instantly upon arriving in Florida…
…all while his Da stayed home and shucked corn. Not fair! But a couple of nights with buttery boiled corn on my dinner plate helped my feelings somewhat!
I saw that “officials” called this the Buck supermoon, but I renamed it the Zinnia supermoon. I guess the “super” title is earned by the full moon that is closest to the earth.
The moon, being part of the cosmos, made a fitting background for our blooming cosmos!
When you are down on your knees pulling weeds and look up and see this, the work becomes secondary. At times I just want to be away from my cell phone but I was glad it was in a pocket.
This bee has been hard at work for a while by the looks of the pollen collection on the hind legs. Her saddlebags are filling up! Creation is beyond amazing…indescribable!
As I prepared to water, a swallowtail refused to leave this plant. Rather than disturb or wet the butterfly I returned later! Some things can wait. They love the purple and so do the hummingbirds!
We kept seeing birds sitting on the top or back side of the droopy sunflower heads and wondered why they weren’t concentrating on the front where the seeds where? Yesterday that puzzle was solved. I suppose it’s easier to spread your lunch out in a nice bowl that also provides a great perch.
The spent flowers of the large variety are very heavy so I’ve started dropping them to the ground, keeping them upright to make the seeds easy pickin’.
Another smaller sunflower variety has a small seed that all types of birds are feasting on. I think this might be a favorite. The Goldfinch has been very attracted to this row of flowers.
Close friends sent us a pic last week of a tree that is in their back yard, wondering if I might know what kind it was. They were given a cutting and set it out a few years ago. It has become a nice feature in their yard with very attractive blooms and will soon have colorful fruit. Curiosity got the best of me so I drove over to get a closer look and take a few pics.
Do you like peanut butter? If so, maybe you will want one of these trees. I remembered seeing one of the trees in a north Georgia landscape while visiting. A local told me it was commonly called a peanut butter tree. I thought, yeah sure! A little research confirms that this truly is called a peanut butter tree because the crushed leaves have a smell reminiscent of peanut butter. It is also called a Glorytree or Clerodendrum.
As always, we appreciate you dropping in on our Simple Southern Sunday and wish for you a pleasant start to a new week. I close out today with a drone shot of the Sunshine Cottage garden, a work in progress for certain.
”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,
Wow, the super zinnia moon is my favorite this week, fantastic! And yes, that’s an American goldfinch.. I used to love watching them when I grew sunflowers. Love the hydrangea shot from below too. Have a wonderful week. Dog days always conjures up images of hounds on porches for me, lol…and the sound of cicadas. ☺️
Thanks so much, Rita. Hounds on porches, that is funny 😂
Butch, the photo of Wyatt is so precious! Add that corn; looks so good! All of the photos brighten my morning. Love to all of you.
Patti, the corn is delicious! Thank you, dear one!
Pam
Lovely garden walk, yes that yellow bird is a goldfinch. We have them year round here.
Thanks so much, Carole!
Pam
Wonderful pictures! Have a blessed Sunday! Thank you!
Thank you and blessings!
Pam
Pam,…the beauty you capture amazes me! The Zinnia and Super Moon (not AS beautiful as the blue-eyes boy) pics are astounding. The little yellow goldfinch visits you as yellow butterflies drop by to say hello to me. I envy your luscious landscapes of color and am so thankful to be on this journey with you to see it all. The drone shot of the cottage is perfect! I have never heard of the peanut butter bush/tree? How interesting! Sending you love, hugs, and prayers always! 💛💛🤗
Thank you, sweet friend. I love our journey together!
Love and prayers always,
Pam 🙏🏻💛🤗
Your gardens are gorgeous!!!! I love how the Zinnia propped up the moon!!!! Stunning photos!!
Thank you, Shirley!
Butch, you do a fabulous job of SSS. You know I’m crazy about the moon so naturally I was enthralled with your zinnia and cosmos moon. Loving the goldfinch too.
I’m sorry your new zinnia plants are gone. I feel your pain. I’ve tried and tried and given up with zinnias. Not enough sun here.
Happy Wyatt enjoyed the beach. So cute.
Your corn looks good. We’ve been eating corn on the cob this week but looks like you were preparing for creamed corn. It is messy and hard work. Sure is good though.
I love the drone shot and the pretty clouds. I’ve been enjoying the clouds this week as I drive but too many power lines to get a good photo. You have many talents.
Thanks, Bonnie. The corn is delicious and we love it creamed, roasted, or boiled. The skies have been beautiful this week!
“Yellow Bird” by the Mills Brothers is the song, yellow bird up high in Banana tree etc. I just looked it up and heard them singing. What a sweet reminder of good music. Wyatt is indeed your blond blue eyed beach loving boy. So cute I want to squeeze him. I too see the flowers fading as the Summer I love so much is marching right along. Hear on earth the moon and stars give us light by night BUT in heaven God will be our Light. Praise Him🙏🏽
Thank you, Alice. I remember that song from when I was very young. Wyatt is so huggable, I love squeezing him. Amen🙏🏻
Pam
A walk in your beautiful garden before I head off to teach Sunday School is always so enjoyable. My first sunflower is open now, with two dozen more in the waiting. Bunnies are the usual culprits in eating my sunflower seedlings…last year they snuck in via a hole they chewed in the plastic mesh fence and had themselves a veritable smorgasbord. We switched to chicken-wire this year and are having better success at keeping them from eating the seedlings.
Have a blessed and wonderful Lord’s Day, Pam and Butch
~ Cindie
Hi Cindie, I would love to sit in your Sunday School Class. I taught for forty years, I am spending time now mentoring young ladies. We do think it is rabbits eating our little tender plants. Wishing you a blessed Lord’s Day. Driving to church now!
Pam
Happy Sunday Pam & Butch! I did not know the origin of the term “dog days of summer”- so much better than the panting dog I always envision! I love love seeing full moons, they are always stunning! Wyatt looks like he’s having so much fun, what a cutie~ as always your photos are beautiful and so artfully framed, love the one looking up to the sky with the hydrangeas. Have a great week ahead~
Jenna
Thanks so much, Jenna. Wyatt loves the water, you can’t your eyes off him, he thinks he can swim.
Pam
Incredible photos…those moonshots ….what an eye… the drone of the cottage is just great and does you proud…so neat. Yours truly is ready to move in.. Beach boy Wyatt just steals your heart away… He looks triumphant in managing
the great escape to freedom from the hovering sisters…the beach all to himself. Have a blessed and peaceful Sabbath dear family all.
Mary, Wyatt is loving the water. He can really move fast, so you can’t take your eyes off him. Wishing you a wonderful Sunday!
Pam
Oh Pam and Butch you both are so blessed with all the beauty around you. Your precious Wyatt is so adorable. He reminds me of the Gerber Baby from the 50’s. Those eyes! The moonshot of the zinnia is beautiful. Have a great new week ahead. xoxo Kris
Thanks so much for sweet comments, Kris. Wyatt does resemble the Gerber
baby. Happy Sunday!
Pam
The goldfinch, the swallowtail, the zinnia moon and beautiful shucked corn…full of summer delight. Yes, my grandmother often spoke of the dog days of summer. Wyatt is really in his element at the beach. Such a cutie. Another beautiful Sunday roundup.
Thanks so much, Dianne! wishing you a wonderful week!
Loved seeing Wyatt having fun at the beach!
We love those American Goldfinches!
And seeing your Zinnia Moon made me smile!
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday dear friends!
Thank you, Nancy! Wishing you a wonderful week!
Thank you both for sharing such beautiful pictures on this Lord’s Day. Wyatt is adorable and I am especially fond of the moon pics, gold finch and flowers. O Happy Day. ….comes to my heart and I sing the words. Hugs and Blessings
Thank you, sweet friend. Sending hugs!
Beautiful shots and commentary Butch and Pam. Wyatt is adorable. I have officially given up on all the flowering plants. Deer have even eaten on the marigolds and zinnias because we’re watering them and they’re tender. They’re thirsty and seeking tender plants so I’m giving it to them for the rest of the summer. We’re filling up the birdbaths as we know the creatures must be hot and thirsty. We’ve actually hit 100+ for 14 days with another hot week ahead. We’re in a drought situation and the farmers are really hurting so I can’t be too upset with the deer. At least our livelihood isn’t endangered, just our landscape! We’re ready for fall! That corn looks delicious. We put corn up too last week and going back for more tomorrow. The sky and moon shots are fabulous! Stay cool and be careful in this heat! Clara❤️
Clara, I was awakened with thunder and lightening last night. I was so happy to hear rain. It has rained all around us for several days and we wouldn’t get a drop. I know the heat is horrible. Please take care and stay in and cool♥️
Absolutely gorgeous images! I may need to go buy some corn on the cob tomorrow! I grew up with fresh corn every summer. We would go to my uncle’s farm, harvest some ears, and indulge. Love the Zinnia Moon! As always, this is a wonderful post full of beautiful shares. Have a great week!
Thank you, Sarah. Happy Tuesday!
I used to see so many goldfinch and don’t anymore. That sunset-hydrangea photo is a gem. I know loads of people see this blog but it deserves a much wider audience! And Wyatt looks in his element. What fun!
Thanks so much, my friend!
Aw, little Wyatt is so precious! I still remember the first time we took our sweet boy to the ocean and how surprised I was at how at home he seemed to feel there. It is so wonderful to see things afresh through the eyes of a child. God bless you and your family always.
Wyatt is an active little one. Have a wonderful week, Cheryl!
Beautiful pictures and love your zinnia moon. The cosmos are glorious and little Wyatt is soo cute! I learn something almost every time from SSS – I did not know that that was where bees “stored” the pollen they collected. Very interesting and what a fantastic shot. Thanks for sharing as always, and have a lovely week you two!
Thank you, Kim. I appreciate your sweet comments and visits. Have a wonderful week!
Pam