““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
I often start the Sunday post with a sunrise and today is no exception. However, it is not normal to begin with a throwback… a gorgeous morning from this week, 2018. This was pre-Sunshine Cottage and the garden expansion, so it was nice for Pam and me to view how the back yard looked a few years ago. But, honestly, a main reason is that last week was filled with dreary, rainy, foggy days, and I did not catch a good sunrise! I’ll share a bit more on this subject as we move along.
With Christmas two weeks away, we thought we would share some special ornaments. Most of you know we live in Alabama. We were excited upon finding this Radko ornament many years ago.
Today, being our son’s birthday, I thought it would be nice to have a look at a stocking ornament given to him by my precious grandparents when he was born. The year was 1985. He won’t mind if you decide to do the math!!
Going back even further, this little wrapped package ornament is from our first Christmas as husband and wife. This is Christmas number 50! We still place 2 ornaments on the tree that have been a part of the holiday decor since 1973. Memories abound from all seasons but holidays bring special thoughts. I feel certain that all of you have many such Christmas memories. In case you missed it, check out Pam’s recent post, “Old Time Christmas”.
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Isaiah 7:14
WL is perfectly happy to relax on the old lawn furniture that is stored down near the pole barn. I think he is shaping up to be a country boy!
A day trip had us in Birmingham last week so it was a must to drop by Chez Fonfon. Lintel soup was a good seasonal choice as a starter. Pam loved it and I was given a taste!
This is typical of the weather around these parts last week. There were a few brief periods where the sun made an appearance and we attempted to take advantage.
A short window of sunshine allowed us to make a fast trip to Birmingham to pick up an item that was on hold. It would only fit in the back of my truck, so no rain for 3 or 4 hours was essential. And by the way, these are not items we picked up, but we couldn’t help stopping off for a pic!
The short lived clear skies and sunshine were nice and the timing was perfect to enjoy a festive street corner !
Back to reality as far as weather is concerned, the old lazy river is kinda nice as a bit of fog settles near the surface!
This cardinal thought he had secured his own private stash of goodies on this chaste tree…
…until this one flew in and forced him out. This is not the same bird. I was observing the action! Not a nice move. Tis’ the season for giving, not taking.
Rainy days and Mondays can get you down. I suppose it is a double whammy when these two get together. Looking for something positive, I think the rain created a neat sprinkling of colorful, seasonal petals.
Our snowball bushes have no sense of time and are blooming again. One bush hasn’t looked healthy this year. I am not sure if both need pruning or if it is just that these bushes have been here a long time and age is catching up…and I well know how that is!
Our 30 minutes of partial sunshine yesterday. We’ll take it!
Even my sunset is a throwback this week.
Wishing you a peaceful and pleasant week!
“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
The cardinals are beautiful. I think the sunrise picture is so peaceful, and so is the sunset photo! I enjoyed seeing the ornaments on the tree. God bless you!
Blessings and thank you!
Pam
W.L., your “first” ornaments, an unforgettable sunrise, and the Cardinal all brought warmth to my heart. Sending love and blessings to your entire family! 🎄🎄🎄❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you, sweet Karla. Love, prayers, and blessings ♥️🙏🏻🎄🎶♥️
Pam
You’re so welcome ❤️💕💛💚💙🙏🏻 sending love and prayers
You’re so welcome. Love and blessings back to you my dear friend. 🎄💚🤗
We had the exact same weather with dense fog after sunset all week. We needed the rain to combat the drought but not seeing too much of the sun is rough! Love the ornaments. How wonderful to have a Radko ornament of your state. Love the cardinals! They’re one my favorite birds. Enjoy your day. Clara❤️
Clara, it has rained all day and we have rain forecasted for tomorrow and Tuesday. Maybe sun on Thursday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SETH! His birth makes Christmas so special. And HIS birth is the reason for Christmas.AMEN! Your garden is beautiful even in stormy weather. Thousands of years ago Isaiah wrote that verse and we have the privilege of reading it today. May Jesus bless you and your family today and every day.
Thank you, Alice. I will share your birthdays wishes with Seth. Blessings today and every day, our friend!
Pam
Happy Birthday Seth, blessings for a wonderful year! 1973 was a good year for long marriages…I truly hadn’t thought that means John and I have spent 50 Christmases in marriage! Are those teeny tiny duck boots on your little farmer-in-training? He is just precious. I have really enjoyed the last week of rain and fog because it just made the house and Christmas decorations feel so cozy. Tomorrow the weather are promising sun.
Thank you, Roxanne. I will share your birthday wishes with Seth. Yes, can you believe 50 Christmases have passed so quickly? We have more rain tomorrow! Merry Week!
Pam
I love to see your beautiful ornaments and hear the stories! And those shop windows are charming. I cannot resist a cardinal. It’s all splendid!
Thanks so much, Jeanie!
Pam
Charming photos Pam, Wyatt is getting so big. My great grandson name is Wyatt. Happy Birthday to your son. How special to see the cardinals. Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Linda. We both have a Wyatt!
Pam
Give the garden strong, balanced bones and it will be glorious even when bare…your garden attests to this.
Even in Winter it is a glorious site/sight….Happy Birthday, Seth ole boy…Wyatt does you proud. Cardinals have become almost synonymous with Christmas haven’t they? .. Your Sunrise and Sunset would have been breathtaking any year, Butch. We are hoping for a lifting of the drab weather to a level of sunshine and blue skies.. just to uplift hearts…. Has Pam lifted her head from the Christmas storage bins yet or is she all
finished and working on her hot chocolate and scone? A blessed Sabbath to all.
Thank you, Mary. I will share your birthday wishes to Seth. I have finished the decorating for this year. I simplified and didn’t do as much. Blessings and Merry Week!
Pam
Stunning pictures. Adorable post as ever…Blessings.
Thank you, Maristella
Pam
Butch always enjoy your gorgeous catches in nature. Wow that cardinal not being very nice. Little handsome man WL is always so adorable to see. I bet he is getting excited for Santa to be coming soon. Have a good week. xoxo Kris
Thank you, Kris. Merry week to you!
Pam
Another beautiful stroll. The cardinals were striking but seeing WL… grabbed my heartstrings.
From pretty ornaments to lovely sunsets and sunrises… thank you!
Enjoy this week and Happy Birthday to your son!
Thank you, Nancy. I will share your birthday wishes to Seth. Blessings and Merry Monday 🎄
Happy Birthday to your son! May God bless all of you this beautiful Christmas season!
Blessings to you, dear one!
Lovely pictures – even with the uncooperative weather! WL is growing so much and looks adorable! Beautiful pics of the cardinals – they are such striking birds and we don’t see many of them here in our neck of the woods. I hope Seth had a wonderful birthday and have a great week you two!
Thanks so much, Kim. Wishing you a merry and bright week!
Lovely photos, as always! I especially liked seeing your ornaments.
Thank you, Donna! Christmas blessings ~