“It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it,”
Isaiah 2:2
I would think you might guess this scene from a few days ago was not found in northeast Alabama. We recently spent an amazing few days at Triple Creek Ranch in southwestern Montana. The ranch was featured on last Thursday’s post. Hopefully you will see a second edition soon which will feature arts and activities.
Meanwhile, back in Alabama…I discovered a Star Magnolia in full bloom last week. This magnolia is a Japanese native and deciduous as you can see. The blooms appear on bare limbs in late winter before leaves return.
The magnolia gets its name from the star-shaped flower. I understand the slow growing shrub is an endangered species in its native habitat and is declining in numbers. I have not researched to find the possible reasons for the potential loss of the native plants.
When we returned from the snow country and our Rocky Mountain High it was clear that the bulbs planted last fall are not endangered and have a good head start on the season. A cold weekend here with yesterday morning in the 20’s may slow things down a bit!
This Tulip Magnolia or tulip tree is one of the prettiest around but something besides the tree’s beauty caught my eye. There is a single mourning dove in the picture. I thought a dove was fitting for the scene and the emerging new life on the tree. Can you spot the bird?
You may recall a recent post where this loner daffodil was making an attempt to debut the season’s first blooms. This is the plant that has been appearing for probably 40 years or more. It is finally looking really nice and even a crane fly must think so. Another hard to spot critter, but if you look closely you should find it easier than the dove in the prior photo!
EM is prettier than any daffodil. While on a flight recently, Pam and I watched an old movie to pass the time. In the 1957 movie, Funny Face, a 28 year old Audrey Hepburn starred alongside Fred Astaire. I had never seen the film, but after viewing it, I think EM could pass for a younger Audrey!
Meanwhile back at the ranch…well not Triple Creek but a ranch nearby. We wondered why people were making stops to get photos at this entrance. It is picturesque but most things around Darby, Montana and the Bitterroot Valley are picturesque. We have never seen the TV series Yellowstone, but maybe you have?? This is the actual location of the ranch used in the series. It is really known as the Chief Joseph Ranch and I understand you can actually stay in a cabin on the ranch. I suppose that’s what all the fuss was about!
Back at Triple Creek Ranch, also near Darby, Montana, I spotted this Ponderosa Pine off our cabin’s back porch. When I find an unusual growth pattern I have to take a photo and also wonder what happened a long time ago to cause it. A survivor overcoming adversity!
What a difference a day makes to a brushy stream side where it appears alders have gathered quite a bit of the new snow on such slim branches! I’m guessing alders since they were so thick along the creek.
A dog bird house…not something we had seen before but he was kinda cute with his ears and nose covered with snow! It must be a boy. A girl would have better sense than to hang out here in the winter with no birds around looking for a nesting spot!
It isn’t just people that end up with their eyes closed in photos. I believe the one on the right was falling asleep on me! Or maybe it is just the way he looks out of those lazy, mysterious eyes?
Let’s go inside, warm up, and have some local trout with lentils and other goodies.
I argued against posting this but Pam insisted. It does get windy in Montana. It is what it is!
A young whitetail deer may have been confused since it kept trying to join up with the local elk herd. I’m not sure if the young cow elk was inviting, or warning the little one!
The elk seemed welcoming enough but the deer finally gave up and left. Most of the elk we saw were cows, but a few of the younger bulls were around. The bigger boys were in hiding! Maybe we can show a few more elk in our future Triple Creek post.
And meanwhile, back in Alabama once more, for a splendid sunset last Wednesday.
Have a blessed 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
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch,Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
This is such a lovely post with beautiful pictures. The Magnolia trees are lovely! (I could not find the dove!) Thank you for such encouraging words and pictures! God bless you!
Thanks so much, the dove is on top of the cross. God bless you.
Pam
You are correct, Rachel! Thank you.
Pam
The dove is on top of the cross on the church steeple! Beautiful pictures. I only love snow for a few days on vacation.
What beautiful pictures of nature…and what a change from Alabama’s early spring to Montana covered with snow! I am at my sister’s in Charleston, and her azaleas are blooming almost 6 weeks early. The weather is crazy all over the place, no wonder the groundhogs were confused!
Thank you, Roxanne! Wishing you a lovely week!
Pam
Where do I begin? These captures of Spring trees in bloom in Alabama and the snow covered trees in Montana are spectacular. What a lovely Sunday Morning stroll in two different states.
I found the dove and won’t give it away in my comment… but I squealed when I found it!
EM is such a beauty! I agree… a young Audrey Hepburn indeed!
Loved your selfie!
Sending great big Happy Anniversary Hugs to you both!
Happy Sunday Friends!
Thank you, Nancy. I was the one who said do not post that selfie 🤣 I never like seeing photos of me. Wishing you a wonderful week dear friend!
Pam
Thanks for posting about your trip. What a lovely place!
I agree! EM is beautiful.❤️
You are so sweet, Nancy ♥️
Pam
Thank you for posting the lovely photo of my church home here in Gadsden, Alabama.
We also think the tulip tree is amazing ~~and, our parish is beautiful.
Miki, I am so glad you commented that this is your church. Thank you for following so much. Happy week to you ♥️
Your pictures are always stunning. What a beautiful trip. We watch Yellowstone and the scenes in the show are so stunning. EM is just adorable. Happy Sunday.
Hugs. Kris
Thank you, Kris
Pam xoxo
The spring flowers that are all bursting forth are gorgeous! Our tulip magnolias are in full bloom as are the daffodils. That tulip magnolia beside the church makes a beautiful picture, especially with the cross and dove. EM does look like Audrey Hepburn. EM has beautiful features, especially her pretty eyes. The Montana shots are all fabulous. Love the gates to the Yellowstone movie ranch. The animals at Triple Creek look right at home and very relaxed. They would be fun to watch. That’s a cute birdhouse; but do the birds use it as it is shaped like a dog? A sunset shot at home is always enjoyable to see. Happy Sunday! Clara ❤️
Thank you, Clara. I also wonder if the birds use the house. Wishing you a wonderful week♥️
Pam
All the spring trees are beautiful. I will have to get a magnifying glass to find the dove later on today!
Love all the Montana shots especially your selfie.
The trout dish looks wonderful. What was for dessert?
EM is a beautiful girl.
Happy Sunday!
Thank you, Bonnie. I don’t remember what dessert was, but it was delicious! I didn’t take any notes on food, just enjoyed every bite!
Pam
Your pictures in any geographical location are always compelling, but the contrast between these is sharp…my temperature rose and fell with the viewing..warm/cold… but
they are ever beautiful…..as is EM.. she is so poised and assured for one so young..must
have something to do with the nurturing…Glad you decided to post your windy picture… ..great~ What lovely memories you two make and how blessed you have been to share so much together …50 years of discovery and love, blessing others along the way.
Awaiting confirmation on the dove sighting, but am certain on the crane fly, unless you
say otherwise… fun searches…..
Mary, thank you for always encouraging us with your sentiments. This Thursday is the BIG DAY, 50 years!
Love,
Pam
Beautiful pictures. Looks like you had a wonderful time and enjoyed the snow and cold. EM, is just the sweetest.
Thank you, Nonie!
Pam
Beautiful photos, Miss Em could pass as a very young Audre Hepburn, Montana is a beautiful state, our oldest once lived there and we were privileged to have visited it. .
Sue
Sue, thank you so much. Montana is beautiful and I am glad you have visited. Have a wonderful week!
I read your post early this morning and couldn’t find the mourning dove, but am just now opening on my desktop and yes! I spied the bird! Your trip looked fabulous, and I can see why people stopped at the ” Dutton” Ranch (we have watched since the beginning). Little EM does very much favor a young Audrey Hepburn. And equal to her beauty are the sights of spring arriving! There are daffs blooming in our neighborhood, but mine have not just yet. Soon….
Have a wonderful week ahead as we begin the Lenten season.
Thank you, Rita. I think we are some of the few people that have not watched Yellowstone. We never watch anything on TV. Our trip was really perfect and we have been celebrating our anniversary all month. This Thursday is the big day. Seth and Allison are having a dinner at their home for about 30 of our friends. We are excited. Have a wonderful week!
That’s wonderful Pam! I’ll be thinking of you on Thursday. May many blessings continue!
Stunning pictures! EM is adorable! Great post. Have a lovely week ahead.
Thank you, Maristella!
Pam xoxo
Beautiful photos! Love MT! EM is so sweet, I think you are right she does look like Audrey!
Thanks so much! Wishing you a wonderful week!
Pam
Dear friends, I have not vanished, nor have I been sick… I am fine in my new house in the south of Spain, this little town that makes the way of life easier. It’s been almost a year now!!! I don’t even believe it myself…I don’t think it’s been that long.
Here time passes more slowly, people are not in a hurry, there is not a large circulation of vehicles… in short, the days go by almost without me noticing. And I apologize for my great silence.
Now I organize my time better and I will be able to continue taking care of my wonderful friends such as you.
I love everything you have published, it is beautiful as much as the eldest granddaughter … she is very old and she is a very beautiful lady.
All the images are spectacular, I congratulate Butch…
A huge hug, Dolores
Querida Dolores, siempre es un placer saber de ti. Me alegro mucho por ti que te encanta tu nuevo hogar y el sur de España. Siempre me preocupo cuando pasa el tiempo sin saber de ti. Es bueno saber de su buena salud. Cuídate querido. Mucho amor para ti. pam y butch
Found both the bird and fly. Your eye for the unusual is great Butch. Always look forward to your Sunday morning post. EM is striking. Soised. A sign of her up bringing. Sure you and Pam had a little something to do with that. Probably from all those tea parties Pam throws that teaches the graces . Sunday being the first day of the week is sent off with a bang. Thanks Butch!
Thank you sweet Alice. Wishing you a wonderful week!
Pam
A delightful trip through the seasons Butch! Living in a country that rarely sees snow (only on our highest peaks) the winter shots are a delight. And of course you & Pam look rested & content in that setting.
Blessings to you both, Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer! It was a wonderful trip. Wishing you a lovely week!
Pam
Your holiday away looks wonderful — what a temperature shock to return to green! And you are spot on about EM and Audrey! What a joyful post! Happy week, you two!
Thanks so much, Jeanie. Happy week to you!
Pam
Beautiful pictures Butch – that tulip tree is amazing! (I couldn’t really see the mourning dove though, but I’ll take your word for it). I agree that EM is Audrey Hepburnesque – must be those gorgeous brown eyes! But my favorite pic this week is of the two of you – what a fabulous photo and so glad you included it! Hope you both are having a wonderful week!
You are so sweet, Kim. Thank you!
Pam
It looks so beautiful in Montana! And the snow makes it all look so magical! So thankful y’all had such a wonderful time!
It was a beautiful time. Thank you, Cheryl!