“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.””
John 16:33
The dog days of summer were officially over last Thursday, at least according to the almanac. Interestingly, we had a week of thunderstorms, tall cumulus clouds like these, and very typical August weather until Friday. Then there was a noticeable change to drier air, a clear evening for viewing the full moon, and a breeze that with enough imagination had a hint of autumn. It won’t last but it was as if the skies were letting us know dog days had passed!
I took a stroll along the river boardwalk, and while it was very enjoyable, there were no signs of autumn on this day! I’m not quite ready for summer to fade just yet. Are you anxious for fall to arrive?
While I’m on this autumn kick, I thought I would show our “pumpkin’s progress”. We are getting a lot of orange in a couple of large ones and I noticed a smaller white one. With a few very small pumpkins, a lot of blooms, and some turning colors I am wondering about the timing. Will some mature too early and others too late?
This is an example of a late comer. I had forgotten that pumpkins have both male and female flowers on the same vine. Of course nothing happens without pollination. This is a female flower. We shall see if anything develops!
I have a hideout under a Japanese maple tree that keeps me somewhat camouflaged. My spot is close to the zinnias and hummers visit frequently! Which one will she decide on?
I was sure she had made a choice but…
…this picky little bird abruptly moved to a different zinnia. I would think all the flowers offer the same nectar so I wonder what makes them prefer one over another? I do believe reds and variations of red attract more than other colors, but the hummers seem to visit them all!
This is by far the prettiest bloom spotted in the garden last week!
Pickerelweed is an aquatic plant that has a very unique stalk and leaf as well as a standout purple bloom. I spotted these near the boardwalk. If my memory serves me well, it will bloom on into fall.
The swamp dogwoods (gray dogwoods) along the trail are loaded with berries this year. I read that these provide food for over 100 species of birds. A very popular treat!
While in my hideout waiting on hummingbirds quite a few butterflies kept me company and helped pass the time. This is a gulf fritillary, sometimes called a passion butterfly. This species can release an odorous chemical which is a defense mechanism when predators are near. I was near but not a predator!
The eastern tiger swallowtail is very common in August around our house. They can look a bit ragged and some swallowtails have lost parts of their swallow tail! This one remained in good condition.
Seared scallops with peach butter, black rice and basil pesto…PJ’s delicious choice for dinner one evening at The Swag.
Our throwback this week goes all the way to the summer of 2011. Pam is standing on top of the ancient fortification of Masada in Israel. It was very hazy but you can see the Dead Sea in the background.
We enjoyed numerous late afternoon cloud displays last week. I never tire of the ever changing heavens!
We pray you have a peaceful and blessed week!
And should there be trials and tribulation, bear in mind…
”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,
Good morning Butch. We also had a change in the weather yesterday and I am not ready for summer to leave. We have short summers here. I love your hide out pictures of the hummingbirds. I haven’t seen one and only two butterflies this summer. I also have not seen a honeybee. Our back yard has many trees so we don’t get to see the clouds or the moon, only shadows. Therefore your pictures of clouds are mostly the only ones I see and they are outstanding. However the picture of EK outshines all the others. Have a blessed day and week.
Thanks so much for you visit and comments. We agree that EK outshines all the flowers. Have a wonderful day!
Pam
Just stunning photos, love those hummingbirds!
Thank you, Carole!
Pam
Happy Sunday, Butch and Pam! The verse~yes and Amen! Your beautiful granddaughter is growing so fast. Fall is my favorite time of the year. The pumpkins are a perfect sight! We have some hot and humid days, still. YET, a break in humidity coming. I long to visit Israel and enjoyed the picture of Pam. May God continue to bless you all. Much love! Karla 💛
Thank you, Karla. Fall is my favorite season, also. Thinking of you and praying for you this morning.
Sending love,
Pam
Thank you, Pam. 💛 they moved my scans to tomorrow! We will know sooner, than later. No matter what, God has me! 💛🥰💕
Yes. he does. I will be praying specifically for good scans tomorrow. 🙏🏻💛🙏🏻
Thank you so much! 💛🥰💕
Checking on your scans 🙏🏻
Pam, they didn’t reveal what I had hoped. I’ll meet with oncologist next Thursday. Some new growth. I have options! I love you! 💛🙏🏻
Butch and I are praying sweet friend. Love you 🙏🏻♥️🙏🏻
Thank you, Pam. I love you and appreciate you both so very much. I’m praying to be back on my blog and reading soon, too! 🙏🏻💛💛❤️
Happy Sunday Pam and Butch! I’m glad to hear that the dog days are over, the temps have been less intense lately, and as ready as I am for fall and football, I hate to see summer go…Your captures of the hummingbird and butterflies are so stunning, just beautiful! And yes, EK does outshine them all. Have a lovely day~
Thank you, Jenna. Zinnias definitely attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees!
Happy week ahead,
Pam
Happy Sunday, Butch and Pam! The zinnia blooms with the hummingbird and butterfly are so beautiful! Miss Emma is such a pretty girl. Those blue eyes are gorgeous. Wishing you both a blessed week ahead!
Thank you, Shannon! It is certainly fun to see the hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies as they land on the zinnias!
Blessings on your week,
Pam
Butch and Pam, Beautiful shots as usual. EK is the cutest little girl in the garden for sure! The hummingbirds and butterflies are great. We’re ready for fall! We did have lower humidity and cooler temps thank goodness! Hopefully the pumpkins will develop by fall and give the girls a sense of accomplishment in the garden. We always enjoy a walk around the water. Happy Sunday! Clara❤️
Thank you, Clara! I agree a walk on the water is always good, especially during summer. Blessings on your week,
Pam
The hummingbird photos are wonderful.as many birds as I’ve snapped I’ve never been fortunate enough to get a hummingbird.
Linda, it is hard to snap a hummingbird because they move so quickly. Your photos are always stunning!
Pam
Are not those hummingbirds the most endearing little creatures? And speaking of an endearing little creature, EK takes the prize… signature family blue eyes… The photos of the skies are picture-perfect and I marvel how Butch captures so many of his shots at just the right moment. I am
welcoming my also favorite season, Autumn, especially as a prelude to Thanksgiving and
Christmastide..perhaps as a glutton for holiday fuss and bother. The girls can be proud of their pumpkin harvest and grateful for the loving soul who taught them how…. Love the picture of Pam in Israel…what a beautiful medallion…. Really enjoyed this Sabbath stroll, as ever.
Thank you for your sweet comments. Autumn is my favorite season, also!
Blessings,
Pam
The hummingbird pictures are so beautiful. When I zoomed in on the pictures, I thought, wouldn’t they make lovely wallpaper or fabric for a pillow! Just so lovely…as is your blog and spirit
Thank you for your sweet and encouraging comments,Cherie.
Blessings,
Pam
I have to agree out of all the picks your sweet little EK is the prettiest bloom. Here in Illinois we are still in summer mode. No signs of fall just yet. As always the pictures captured are beautiful. Have a good week ahead. xoxo Kris
Thank you, Kris. Wishing you a great week!
Blessings,
Pam
Now I’m singing, “Yesterday, today and tomorrow, God is the same, always the same . . .” I love summer most of all, with humidity, hurricanes and mosquitoes, I still like to stretch it out as long as possible. — Hmmm. I just may write a story about that! Thanks for the dose of prettiness.
I will be waiting to read the story!
Blessings,
Pam
We’ve had some subtle changes in the past few days that signal the seasons turning – angles of sun, less humidity and lower temps, fog on the river early mornings, and even a bit of burgundy tint on the green leaves of Japanese maples…..all the seasons are so wonderful to enjoy if you take time to notice. Your EK is a doll. Great pictures of the hummers!
As the season does signal change, I feel the need to get a plan figured out for what changes I want to make in my landscape, but I’m frozen with inaction. Will wants more grass, I want to move plants around!
Have a good week tending yours.
Rita, I totally understand being frozen with inaction. I used to make decisions quickly, but as I have gotten older, it seems harder to make decisions. Have a wonderful week!
Pam
Good morning Pam and Butch! I never tire of seeing hummingbirds, butterflies, and sunsets! Princess EK is growing so fast, the fairest of the flowers. When I was a child, my Grandpa said there is always a cool week in August…all these many years later, he has never been wrong!
Have a wonderful week!
Thank you, Roxanne for your sweet comments. I have never heard about the cool week in August. Grandpa was right!
Blessings,
Pam
The butterflies and hummingbirds enjoying the zinnias is a beautiful sight. Emma fits so beautifully in the garden. Blessings to all of you.
Thank you, Dianne. Wishing you and Bob a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Pam
thank you both for your wonderful Sunday musings and lovely pics. I look forward to them each week. EM gets more beautiful (if that is possible)…I am sure I am partial to another ginger. LOL I enjoy Fall also and have STARTED putting a few pieces of decor around the house regardless of the warm temps. God Bless you and yours.
Thank you, Kari for your sweet comments. By this time in August, I look forward to fall!
Blessings,
Pam
I agree with the prettiest bloom of the week! It seems yesterday she was born! And loving your pumpkin. That’s a reminder — I need to add a little green to my orange pumpkin painting!
Thank you, Jeanie. Wishing you a wonderful week at the lake!
How exciting to have baby pumpkins growing! Hoping you have a bumper crop!
The hummingbird and zinnia pics are great. Love the butterfly ones also.
EK looks so pretty in the garden. My grands enjoyed cutting flowers from mine and arranging them.
Love your food, Pam, and the pic of you in Israel.
The cooler temps helped last week so much. The kids, Sarah, and I actually were able to go up in the attic in the early morning. We discovered some treasures.
Blessings to y’all.
Thank you, Bonnie. I know you enjoyed your family visiting. Did they enjoy their to DR? Have a wonderful week!
Adorable and sweetest EK! Wonderful pictures too. How amazing your corner of world is… God bless you all.
You are so sweet, Maristella!
So thankful with you, Pam, for the glorious break in the weather, pumpkins growing, beautiful butterflies, and lovely grandchildren. Bless you!
Thank you, Linda!
Thanks for the share! It’s always a treat for my garden loving heart to see your photos.
Sarah, thank you from one garden loving heart to another!
Love the cloud displays – there is always something majestic about them! And of course EK is the most beautiful flower in the garden! The butterflies and hummer is gorgeous too and I just have to share that today I saw a hummingbird in our garden – here in Calgary! They apparently are here but its the first one I’ve seen one in the 30+ years I’ve lived here. I’ll have to read up on them! Thanks as always for sharing your week and I hope your pumpkin crop is awesome!
Kim, how exciting that you saw a hummingbird. Thank you and wishing you a great week!
Blessings,
Pam
Thank you for that beautiful Scripture confirmation at the end. Much needed & much appreciated.🙏❤
🙏🏻♥️
You always take the most amazing photos. I love the hummingbirds, but I would have to agree with you about the loveliest bloom!
How sweet, thank you so much!