“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”
Isaiah 5:20 ESV
Thanksgiving morning for me started out before sunrise as I took a walk near the river to get a view of what I thought would be magnificent. Well worth getting out early…I wasn’t disappointed. Strangely, as light came, I began hearing yelps and clucks in the trees, those tall ones on the left. Turkeys! Now what could get Thanksgiving off to a better start?
The turkeys left the roost, cackling as they flew down, leaving me all alone. As you can see, I remained, unaffected by their departure. God’s wonderful creation provided me plenty to stick around for!
I did learn something very valuable when I returned from my morning stroll through an overgrown field…do not wear cotton sweat pants when walking through the brush.
Most mornings that I pass this part of the lake, if the water is smooth, geese are playing follow the leader. I never see them lined up this way in the afternoon. I suppose they tire of the game!
There are some serious hikers in our family and last week they enjoyed a few days in the Great Smoky Mountains. Wyatt hikes in style.
Last week I shared the fire that was out of control in the woods to our west. The day before Thanksgiving, we spotted a lot of smoke to our east. Thanks to Appalachian Media, we were able to pinpoint where it was coming from. We were glad to discover it was a planned, controlled burn and was no threat to us.
The summer cedar (dog fennel) does not look like summer or green like cedar this time of year, but it is has a nice autumnal look!
If you’re on the trail and hungry, these fall berries might appear to be a treat. A good thought here is “look but don’t touch”. Carolina horsenettle not only has stickers, but is very toxic…to us and animals!
We continue to see some nice autumn color here in the foothills so why not enjoy it while it lingers. I had not realized the nice orange display on a tree I pass everyday. It is so easy for me to overlook what is right in front of me. The red oak in the lower right really shines in the sun. The tree is beside the drive I take each time I leave and honestly, I’d never noticed the colors. A lesson learned! Red oaks don’t usually show especially good color, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen!
A final stop-off for the pumpkins of 2022. An overnight spent on the patio in the rain and then it was off to…
…the pumpkin graveyard, this year’s final resting place. Ella Mae told me the scarecrow would be lonely all winter with no pumpkin patch to see after. I decided to place them here to give this guy something to do. I haven’t shown EM yet but she will be thrilled!
Our throwback this week to November, 2020, and The Swag in North Carolina. PJ and I wish we could find some time for this now. Life can be busier when you’re retired!
I happened to take my cell along on an afternoon jog, something I rarely do. Glad I did one day last week.
Just the right amount of clouds is needed for a gorgeous sunset (or sunrise). Even trails made by planes can contribute to making a late afternoon sky very interesting.
Change happens quickly this time of the day. Fire in the sky!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 ESV
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Ahh. Such a perfect place for Thanksgiving with all the colors of the season tossed at you like a paint bucket. Will you allow the pumpkins to rot there and sprout vines for next year? I had decorative gourds do that last year. It trailed all the way over my suburban fence into the neighbors yard. “Don’t cut the vine!” I told him all summer. We enjoyed lovely homegrown gourds.
Thanks so much! The pumpkins will rot there in place and hopefully we will see some growing next year. I just know those homegrown gourds were fun. Happy Sunday!
I get to enjoy your beautiful photos of nature once again. And thank you once again. These are such a treat for me since lately all I see is my Florida backyard. We do have a pond though that brings all kinds of birds, ducks and geese. But you have so many interesting things to see.
Good morning Nancy. So glad you enjoyed the photos and glad you have that pond! Have a great Sunday.
Butch and Pam
Stunning pictures! Happy and blessed Sunday.
Thank you Maristella. We wish you a wonderful Sunday!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful nature pics! The sky shots are magnificent. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your day. Clara❤️
Clara, The sky was truly amazing last week, morning and evening. Thanks for your kind words. Have a blessed Sunday.
Butch and Pam
Good afternoon, Pam and Butch. As always such gorgeous photos. I had to laugh when I saw the briars on your sweat pants. When I was little (7-8) my dad paid me a quarter to pick the thorns off of his hunting pants. Oh, my mom was mad. He thought it was funny. I especially enjoyed the photo of your hikers – beautiful young family. Enjoy these next few days, they will be too busy!
Sandra, it is so great to hear from you. I hope you are doing well and will be back blogging soon. It did take Butch some time to remove those briars. Take care of yourself!
Butch, your photos are just mesmerizing and sensitively captured… reminds me of sehnsucht..
a Germanic expression identifying an inexplicable longing when confronted with such beauty.
You have the gift, sir. The Family looks full of vim and vinegar on their trek through the Smokies. What a beautiful clan. The shot of the collected pumpkins in front of your garden
is a blue ribboner. Just love your whimsical pumpkin graveyard solution to EM’s quandry.
You and Pam are such a blessing of goodwill and Sabbath stroll observations. Merci..
Mary, your comments are always heartwarming. I hope your Thanksgiving was special and spent with those that you hold dear. Wishing you a wonderful week!
Good Afternoon Friends!
What a beautiful Thanksgiving morning you had seeing that sunrise and turkeys in the trees!
Your nature photos are always so beautiful and with fall colors as well!
Your sunsets are priceless.
The beautiful family hikers were a treat to see. Thank you!
You may have lots of pumpkins next year in that spot. That will be fun!
Happy Sunday Butch and Pam!
Thanks so much, Jennifer!
Thank you, Nancy. Hopefully the pumpkin patch will see new varieties next year. Wishing you a lovely week!
Absolutely stunning photos Pam & Butch! Blessings to you both, Jennifer 😊
Thanks so much, Jennifer! Blessings across the miles!
Thanks for the beautiful photos! Have a Merry Christmas!
Thank you and wishing you a blessed Christmas season!
Oh, such gorgeous pictures! The sky shots are always so beautiful. Love the family pic and I hope EM is happy with the pumpkin solution! I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and wishing you both a lovely week!
Our Thanksgiving was wonderful, thanks so much Kim!
Oh, how special it was to see the turkeys. Your photos are stunning.
Thank you, Paula!
Such beautiful skies! It is amazing how much we overlook when we fail to look heavenward! Thank you for always sharing your beautiful photos. You are a blessing!