“The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.”
Psalm 103:19
Pam captured a really awesome pic that I hope she will use tomorrow on her Monday Morning Blooms post…but I was able to persuade her to allow me to use it today. As summer fades and autumn approaches, the sunflower (at least to me) is at home in both seasons. There is a story behind this one too. I planted 3 areas of late sunflowers and most were found tasty to the local rabbits and deer. This is one of only a few survivors!
A new side entrance to the garden is taking shape…but still a work in progress.
College football is a big deal in Alabama, and as of yesterday the season is off and running. No pun intended. I knew there were fanatics in these parts but what are we coming to… even the mushrooms in our yard are sporting the Alabama “A”!
We have 2 persimmon trees along the woods edge and they are absolutely loaded with fruit this year. I believe the most I remember seeing. In a few weeks it will not be unusual, after dark and with a flashlight handy, to find a set of eyes in a tree shining back at you. The neighborhood ‘possums find ripened persimmons to their liking!
The little man is always on the move but does not mind pausing briefly and offering a pose for the camera. We don’t have to act silly behind the scene to hopefully get a smile. WL loves to smile!
Not far from WL’s house is a “bee tree” that his dad and I discovered several years ago. I had forgotten about it but when someone runs a chain saw nearby it does get their attention and can serve as a reminder. Seth had a beekeeper come by to advise on what to do. He was very interesting and a nice guy who happens to be President of the beekeepers club for our county. I had no idea there was such a group. He taught us a few things about bees and will return in the early spring with a plan. For now we leave them be! (There was a pun intended this time).
One lone zinnia decided to lay completely over the side of the rock garden and onto the lawn. I thought it would be dead by the next day but I mowed around it anyway. A week later it looks as healthy as ever and the contrast against the green grass is nice. So, the only right thing to do was to gently lift it up and mow under it.
PJ recently had tiramisu at our favorite restaurant. I admit, because it has something to do with coffee, I don’t eat this Italian dessert. But I also admit that I am one of the few people in the world who has never had a cup of coffee, not even an ounce in my entire life…but this does look wonderful. She assured me it was great! Did you know tiramisu means “cheer me up”?
I will be making homemade ice cream tomorrow for Labor Day and I will indulge. Do you have holiday plans?
In a neighboring county, I discovered a historic park that I had no idea existed. This is one of several reservoirs in our region created by hydroelectric dams. But long before dams and bridges, this was the location of a river crossing that travelers and soldiers used because horses and wagons were able to ford the river here. It is known as Ten Islands, although the islands and the crossing are no longer visible. There is a lot of history at this spot because of the significance of the crossing. Men like Andrew Jackson and Davy Crockett used the crossing over 200 years ago. It is also the place of a civil War skirmish where Union soldiers, in the summer of 1864, defeated Confederate soldiers who were attempting to protect nearby iron furnaces.
We have been overtaken by what I am calling the “Armadillo Assault”. These nighttime invaders are destroying parts of the lawn and garden almost daily and this is a small example from last week. The superimposed critter at the top came by several years ago, one of the few times a daytime visit occurred. I have spent a fortune on products that are supposed to control grubs in the lawn, thus preventing the Armadillos digging for food. That method has not worked and I have used double the amount recommended. Any advice, other than sitting up all night on lookout?
These big beautiful summer high top clouds gave way to clearer, drier skies near the end of last week, almost on cue as September arrived!
Today’s throwback is from 9 years ago, a summer scene in Napa Valley!
Having encountered more snakes this summer than I can ever remember, trekking through the brush along the creek below the house gave me reason to walk slowly and look closely. There is a particular stretch where I can always find cardinal flower in late August and early September but the plants are not easy to get close to! Didn’t see a snake on this trip.
While on the subject of creeks, how about a nice scene from the north Georgia mountains!
I’ve made mention on several occasions that some of the most intricate and unique blooms are found on vines but it’s worth saying again. The purple passion flower is found wild here and it is a good example of beauty on a vine!
Wishing you a safe, pleasant, 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,
What lovely, lovely photos! I am continually amazed – daily! – at the beauty of God’s creation.
There are beekeeping clubs most everywhere…..bees are so complex and amazing that there is quite the learning curve to keeping them – I keep them myself!
Try dusting diatomaceous earth especially on plants that Japanese beetles like. It’s non-toxic and the only way I have found to control them, and thus reduce lawn grubs. I also use it infrequently in the chicken coop and have NO flies there.
Also milky spore works but is costly.
I sure enjoy your blog; have a most blessed day!
Thanks so much for the info, I shared it with my hubby. Have a wonderful Labor Day!
Pam
The garden entry is coming along beautifully! WL is such a handsome guy. Good luck in the elusive search for deterring armadillos. I’m just glad they’re not native to our area!
Thanks Rita. They were not native here until they decided to move northward. Happy Labor Day!
Good Sunday Morning Butch and Pam!
What a lovely stroll you took us on again. Ill eat seeing everything you come upon. Except the Armadillo! I’m glad we don’t have them here.
WL is getting bigger and what a smile!
As for the dessert. I bet Pam is thrilled you don’t care for it… that way there is more for her!
Thank you for this Sunday Morning stroll.
Happy Sunday and enjoy the rest of this Labor Day weekend.
Thank you, Nancy. Oh those armadillos, they are disgusting 😖 Happy Labor Day!
Pam
Butch and Pam, WL is the cutest little boy! The lone sunflower and zinnia are indeed healthy and happy. Rabbits and deer ate most of our zinnias but a very few survived which are thriving nearest the front door. We have some that have healthy stems further away from door and in the same bed, but the flowers were eaten. The finches are bummed that their Fall food source is greatly reduced. Alabama is a fabulous football team historically and very popular in Tennessee. Armadillos are absolutely a nuisance! We have no solution unfortunately as we contend with them also. Your garden expansion side entrance is so pretty. Homemade ice cream sounds wonderful but the tiramisu looks good too. I would have to vote for the ice cream as coffee isn’t my favorite. I do drink it occasionally in the winter. Wishing you both a wonderful Labor Day weekend. We’re getting lots of rain here. Clara❤️
Thanks so much, Clara. I am so glad you have a few zinnias the critters didn’t eat. I am a big Alabama football fan 🅰️ The armadillos seem to have gotten the best of Butch. It is raining here today, and I am thankful. Happy Labor Day!
Pam
There isn’t anything that works to repel armadillos (or moles either) other than hiring a trapper and relocating them. Websites will try to get you to use castor oil, or predator urine, both a waste of your money. That dessert looks scrumptious, I love coffee!!
Thank you, Carole. Butch has trapped one and relocated. They are very hard to trap.
Pam
Happy Sunday Pam and Butch! The sunflower is breathtaking, I adore sunflowers this time of year {actually any time of year!} Armadillos have been a problem in our neighborhood lately, and we’ve not ever had that before. Several of my neighbors have traps set on their grass, they look sort of like a maze with a cage at the end that apparently traps them. I have driven by and seen trapped ones several times, so it must be working! Good luck! I hope you’re enjoying a relaxing Labor Day weekend, it’s been rainy on the coast but we’re having fun anyway. The Tide looked great last night!
Yes, the Tide looked great. This coming Saturday will be
tougher. I can guess those mazes with a trap at the end are kind of funny. They are very destructive and extremely ugly 🤣 It has rained most of the day, but we needed it. Happy Labor Day!
Pam
I’m loving your garden entry.
Your sunset picture is lovely. Your scripture is so comforting.
I had a purple passion flower in a pot that I sat by my antique fence and before long it was covered. Recently, I pulled it all up because I enjoy seeing the fence, Not to worry little vines are coming up all the time.
Your lone zinnia and sunflower are so pretty.
RollTide !! 🏈🅰️🏈
Thank you, Bonnie. Happy Labor Day!
Yes, Roll Tide
Pam
We have been invaded by armadillos as well. They are destroying our lawn and flowerbeds. My husband stays on the lookout for them during the night. We don’t have grubs, but we do have lots of earth worms. I have read that they love them as well along with ants and a lot of other insects. I have also read they don’t like the scent of moth balls. Snakes aren’t supposed to like that scent as well. I’m just ready for them to move on their merry way! The opening photo of the sunflower is beautiful. Wyatt is such a handsome boy who looks so happy. That smile is precious! I hope Pam and you have a wonderful Sunday and week ahead!
Thank you, Shannon. Is this the first year you have had armadillos? Happy Labor Day!
Pam
What a wonderful walk this morning. The mushroom that was in your path was a sweet gift from our Heavenly Father. Your new garden entrance caused me to think that fences are for honest people. The other kind just jump over or tear down. It’s beautiful and the entrance looks much larger than the others. Can you build it so the armadillos Can’t get through? They probably would dig under.
WL is so precious! I want to hug him If he would slow down long enough for a hug. Love the creek, sunflower Zinnia picture that thrive no matter what. Have a blessed week.Butch do you drink tea?j
Thank you, Alice. The armadillos dig holes all over the four acres that we have as our lawn and garden. They are terribly destructive. WL loves hugs and is tender hearted. Butch is a definite ice tea drinker. Happy Labor Day!
Pam
Computer back up and running, so I once again can visit. I have a lot of catching up to do. My favorite place would be along the creek.
I am sorry your computer has been down. So good to see you here today. Sending love and prayers.
Pam
beautiful pic of WL….just a blessing to you and Pam as are the girls. Armadillos can be a problem, but down here they are usually trapped and some say they carry leprosy disease. I don’t know that for a fact, just stories that float about. I can’t wait to see your new garden area when it is completed. love the zinnia and sunflower pic too. We are having home made ice cream tomorrow with chocolate sheet cake, fried chicken, potato salad, deviled eggs and baked beans per our Labor Day tradition. Have a great week-end! Blessings Always, Kari
Kari, I want to come and eat with you. Your meal sounds delicious. Will it be the two of you, or will you have family or friends?
Thank you, and Happy Labor Day!
Pam
thank you Pam….we love to eat and I love to cook! We try to share our holidays with those who have no family near by… and Friends from our church family and you would always be welcome at our table.
Where to begin? The new entrance is awesome…can just imagine the beauty of the garden expansion you have planned. We have a “resident” armadillo which our Grands found a fascinating study, as they don’t exist on their East coast. WL has the most endearing smile, cultivated by his doting sisters, no doubt. My Cousin’s husband was a supreme beekeeper and is probably one of more prolific in Heaven today. Fascinating hobby. Like you, Butch, he was the consummate
gardener who kept his Church amply furnished with glorious bouquets. Again, bless you both for these enchanting Sabbath strolls…
Thank you, Mary. WL is a little sweetie. He love hugs and smiles all the time. Happy Labor Day!
Pam
Best results for killing grubs was “Merit” if you do not object to using a herbicide. Enjoy the photos and comments you post.
Larry, thank you for commenting and the info. I will check on it.
Butch, I always enjoy your photo filled posts! Thank you! Sorry about the armadillos and the grubs. Not good! Your new garden area is shaping up nicely though. I so admire all the time and effort your two give to your property.
Thanks so much, Sarah. Gardening is always a challenge but is rewarding!
So much interesting info this week…I especially enjoyed the history of the river crossing. We kept bees for awhile until John became very allergic. Pam, my week started with the 9 abandoned kittens, then ended with learning a workman in our home stole and forged a check for $1175 and stole my engagement ring (which I have worn for 50 years). It was someone we trusted, and I am totally heartsick.
Roxanne, that is just horrible. Can you get your engagement ring back? Someone you trusted and they steal from you will make you heartsick. I am so very sorry.
I have a feeling it is in a pawnshop somewhere, and he is not responding to my pleas to tell me where it is. Bank of America is going to prosecute him for forgery and check fraud. They put the money back in our account. BOA also opened a new checking account for us, and it took me 5 hours yesterday afternoon to straighten out all our online bill pay, auto payments, etc. Between the dumped kittens and this, I feel like we have “sucker” tattooed on our foreheads.
I am relieved you got your money back. But having your engagement ring stolen is heartbreaking. I hope he will tell you where it is. Again, I am so sorry Roxanne 🙏🏻
Wonderful photos, all of them, but my favorite is the one of Wyatt. Happy Labor Day to all!
Thank you, my friend. He is so sweet!
Gorgeous photos, as always. And my “new learn” of the day — there is a beekeeper’s society! Happy Labor Day!
Dear Pam and Butch. Wonderful post, as always, but my favorite photo is of Wyatt. He looks as though he is not only loaded with energy but personality as well. When we were in VA my husband kept bees we really enjoyed the time he spent. It was worth it. The beekeeper is probably waiting for spring, hoping they will swarm and he can capture most of them. Bees are fascinating if one studies them. I wish I had help for you with those dreadful armadillo’s. But I do not. I can just imagine dealing with them would be the worst. Hope you all are enjoying a lovely Labor Day Weekend and do enjoy the ice cream. I can just taste it!
WL is personality plus. We are all enjoying him and probably spoiling him! Thank you, Sandra. The ice cream was delicious!
Your garden entry is looking fabulous you two! That lone sunflower is perfection and so is the zinnia – nice of all the animals to leave you one of each lol! But it is definitely the smile on WL’s sweet little face that steals the show! Have a lovely week and enjoy your ice cream – homemade sounds delicious!
Thank you, Kim. The ice cream was delicious!
Wow! It was so funny as I looked at the photo of the creek BEFORE I read the caption under it, I thought, “That looks like Helen!” We lived there right on the bank of the Chattahoochee River from 2016-2019, and this photo just reminds me so much of it. I would sit on our townhouse balcony so many times and watch the rushing river flow by while praying. I miss it so much! It broke my heart to have to leave there in 2019, but God had other plans. Thank you for the trip down memory lane this morning and for all you do. Your blog is an enormous blessing. As you can see, I save up your posts to savor when I have time to catch up!
Cheryl, I remember when you lived in Helen. It is a lovely place!