“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12 ESV
Road construction has been ongoing for several years on the highway that will soon route traffic further away from us. While road construction isn’t necessarily an attractive feature of our everyday living (and daily drive), a scene like this will take your mind off those orange and white barrels!
I named this group the “Three Sisters”. These triplets were lined up in front of the house one morning last week. Spending the day together is a goal of day lilies, making the most of their short life. Not a bad idea!
I am sure I visualize things that nobody else imagines or sees and most of the time I am thought to be hallucinating when I mention my observations. I will once again take the risk and ask if you see a zoo animal here?
The ‘man of the earth’, sometimes called a wild potato vine has shown up in one of our pastures, It is a morning glory species that we don’t typically see in this particular field. The field is normally mowed by late May or early June before the vines bloom.
A recent outing with Wyatt and EK served as a reminder to me and their PJ that we are not as young as we would wish to imagine. Keeping up with our little man is a workout, but we survived and loved every perspiring minute of it!
Chaste trees (vitex) are bee magnets. We have 2 trees…shrubs might be a better description…and at any given time my guess is that there could easily be 100 or more bees on a single bush! I believe there is a blurred honeybee in flight in this pic preparing to join the bigger bumble bee. Am I again seeing things, dreaming?
I am a meat eater but Pam is totally content with all vegetables. If you love a vegetable plate, this would make you very happy. The day we dropped by Bottega Cafe, this happened to be on the menu and Pam could not resist!
‘Luna Rose’ is a new hibiscus that we are enjoying this year. The blooms are gigantic. I thought this might give you a perspective of the size…most as large as a dinner plate!
Someone tossed out their left over spaghetti and it landed on a grassy area by the lake. Well, actually, this is an invasive parasitic vine called dodder. At one time this species came up in a raised bed we had planted with sunflowers and attempted to take over the plants. It was apparently brought in with some new topsoil added that year and was very hard to control and get rid of. I remember it took about 2 seasons before we completely eliminated it! I spotted quite a bit of it around this local lake.
As I was making pics of the dodder, I felt as if something was watching me. I turned to discover something was, and from a close proximity. A lot of people feed the geese even though they are asked not to, so I was likely seen as a food source. This one was disappointed, but followed me back to my truck!
The Plain of Sharon is a Mediterranean coastal plain and the most densely settled of Israel’s natural regions. The plains are mentioned several times in the Old Testament and the book of Acts. This Rose of Sharon is another member of the hibiscus genus and the Malvaceae (mallow) family. A lot of mallows grow in our region, like cotton and okra for example. Some of our younger ‘Sharon’ shrubs are blooming for their first time.
I have been in clean out, discard, and organize what’s left mode this spring and summer. This includes the pole barn and farm equipment area, my workshop, and another storage and work building behind the larger workshop. I’ve uncovered a lot of things I had forgotten I had, and would have never remembered had I not found them. This cardboard container for a WAAGE electric iron was in a large box on a shelf with other stuff I had not seen in 20 or more years. Once I saw it, I did vaguely remember my mother passing this on to me. The strange thing is that the iron in this original box is a Coleman iron and not the item listed on this box. I didn’t turn up much info on the WAAGE model that is on the box, but this model of Coleman iron appears to have been made for several years, beginning in the early 1930’s. I cannot be certain and wish my memory was better, but the iron may have belonged to my great grandmother, but for sure it did at one time belong to my grandmother. She would’ve been in her 20’s and a newly-wed when these irons were being made. Needless to say, this will not be discarded!
One of Pam’s all time favorite cities is Venice. Our throwback today is from 2013! We did take a gondola ride.
Someone across the river will occasionally take to the air in what I first referred to as a hang glider. Then I decided that a powered parachute was a more accurate term. With a little more research I now believe paramotor is even a better description. Most of the examples of a powered parachute showed a frame with three wheels like a tricycle suspended from the chute. This has no frame or wheels and is also sometimes called a powered paraglider. I tried to wave this guy in for a closer look but to no avail! I have no plans to try this. Do you?
Rainbows have been frequent in the skies around our house over the past few weeks as we have finally begun to get those passing summer showers. This was a double and the lower was one of the brightest I have ever seen. God continues to provide reminders of His purpose for the rainbow and with that, all of His promises. If this pic looks a bit fuzzy, it was still raining when this was taken.
Am I seeing a large bird low over the pasture to the right of the base of the rainbow? Are buzzards now searching for a pot of gold?
”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,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
That rainbow says it all for me! God’s magnificence shines in all your pictures!
Thank you!
And yes… it is a bird!
Thank you, Nancy! Wishing you a lovely Sunday!
Pam
That final photo with rainbow is so gorgeous!! I love the saturation of all the color! Glad to hear I’m not the only one who is exhausted after being with the littles. They keep us young and old simultaneously! That dodder around the lake looks to be a real threat, the goose is questionable. Around here they just seem to be a nonchalant, total nuisance! The three sisters is who my sisters and I are known as at the antique mall. 😊 Not sure what you saw in the tree form, but it reminded me of a sloth. And Pam’s plate looked delish! Have a great week, guys. Who knows what rain storms we’ll have, but one thing’s pretty certain, I think our weather people put the green/yellow/red blips on the radar AFTER it comes. They’re so bad at projecting!
Thank you, Rita. The geese are a nuisance around our downtown, river, and lake areas. The vegetable plate was fabulous and I would enjoy almost daily. Happy week to you!
Pam
Gorgeous pictures! Stunning rainbow. Wyatt is so cute! Love your post as ever. Hugs and blessings.
Thank you, Maristella. Wishing you a wonderful new week!
Pam
Butch you are hilarious! You and your imagination along with Pam’s imagination make for us a joy to behold. My imagination saw the ears, nose and mouth of a large deer. I join that group that wants to take our rainbow back. Lord have mercy on those that use Gods rainbow for a reason He didn’t intent. People jump off the mountains here to glide to earth and many times their efforts when the air currents send them falling to earth rather than lifting them up cause them to harmed or even die. My pilot husband will not attempt to do that. He must be in control at all times. This post has so many things to comment on. A book I must not write. Have a most blessed first day of the week.
Thank you dear Alice. I am definitely not a risk taker, there is no way I would be hanging in the sky with a battery powered chute. Have a wonderful new week!
Pam
I did see an animal in the tree trunk, it looks like a donkey to me! Interesting about the iron and yes, the grands can be exhausting at Wyatt’s age! I’m glad that you get to come to Bham so often to dine at your favorite restaurants~ The rainbow is gorgeous, a lovely way to start this Sunday!
Jenna, I can see a donkey also. We need to meet you for dinner sometime when we are in B’ham! Happy new week!
Pam
Happy Sunday blessings, Pam and Butch. Your rainbow with the Sunshine Cottage bathed in gold is spectacular! I saw an animal in the tree trunk too…at first glance maybe a deer, but I decided to go with the more exotic gazelle! Recently I downloaded the Merlin app from Cornell ornithology..it is free and helps identify birds by song and sight. The first time I used it, the sound feature identified a red finch, cardinal, and a blue gray nutcatcher (who is raising a family in one of my ferns!). The playgrounds now are amazing; when I was EK’s age, we had CINDERS from the school boiler spread under the swings and slide! If you fell off, your knees paid the price. Your iron is indeed a treasure!
Roxanne, I can see a gazelle! I am not sure what Butch was seeing, but I will find out for sure. The Merlin app would be good to have. Yes, playgrounds are different than when we grew up. This one is all padded! Happy new week to you!
Pam
That is probably one of the most beautiful rainbows. Gorgeous. All beautiful pics. Have a good Sunday and wonderful week. Hugs. Kris
Thank you, Kris. Happy new week!
Hugs, Pam
I immediately saw zebra stripes! Also loved the rainbow. I look forward to your Sunday post…always great pictures and interesting descriptions.
Thanks so much, Beth. Happy new week!
Pam
That rainbow is spectacular! I do see the face and antlers of a zoo animal. The veggies look delicious. The little ones do keep you on your toes. I often wish for their energy. We have geese in our neighborhood and their little ones are so fun to watch as they forage for food and run from noise. Their little downy bodies look so soft. The day lilies are gorgeous. Enjoy your day. Clara❤️
Thanks so much, Clara. Wishing you a wonderful week ♥️
Pam
I will be forever indebted to you for these Sabbath revelations…such beauty in the skies, rainbow, the goose and flowers…and of course that handsome guy (his shoes are so natty) In the twists and turns of the trunk I see a one-eyed creature with a long snout and a mane descending down his face to the right. Amazing how something parasitic can display such great beauty as in the dodder photo. I imagine many researchers get that insight when peering through their microscopes. I’m with dear Pam on the vegetables and the wonders of Venice. The choicest of blessings be upon all today.
Thank you, Mary. I love a fresh vegetable plate and oh my, Venice is a dream!
I see a zebra in the tree, complete with an eye. Yep, I see the little bee too. Great photos of the hibiscus flowers, such great shots of many wonders of our natural world.
Thanks so much, Carole. Happy new week to you!
Pam
The rainbow pic has made my week. It is glorious! I seldom get to see rainbows. So glad you captured it. It is spectacular!
Thanks so much, Bonnie.
Pam
Happy Sunday, Butch and Pam! The pink day lilies are so pretty, and I always love Rose of Sharon. I remember my paternal grandmother having one. I’m with Pam on the veggie plate. It looks scrumptious! We had garden food yesterday (green beans, new potatoes, corn, sliced tomatoes, yellow squash and watermelon).I thought I was going to founder! I didn’t need meat at all, but ran down to the local barbecue stand and picked up some barbecue for the meat eaters. Wyatt is adorable! I can’t believe how fast he is growing up! I know you had a wonderful time. Wishing you both a wonderful week ahead!
Shannon, a vegetable plate is a favorite. Thank you so much, sweet friend and wishing you a wonderful week!
Pam
Alas, my tribute to today’s entry has evidently been lost in cyberspace???
Unable to retrieve…Suffice it to say, I continue to marvel and applaud your
great talents and observations…. Merci …..
Mary, your first comment came in. I appreciate all of your efforts to comment, dear one.
Pam
A beautiful post my friends, the last photo is particularly spectacular! Well done & yes I could see the second bee 🙂
Blessings to you both, Jennifer
Thanks so much, Jennifer!
Pam
Wyatt is getting so big! Loved seeing that wonderful old iron, Venice, and the rainbow. How gorgeous.
Thanks so much, Jeanie! Have a wonderful week!
Now that is one beautiful rainbow! The three sisters bloom is spectacular! Isn’t it fun to discover hidden treasures while ‘right-sizing’ – if that iron could only share its memories!
Thanks so much, Mary!
Happy Monday,
Pam
Yes, I saw some member of the antelope family–perhaps a gazelle. Then again, the stripey bark might bring to mind a zebra. So glad you captured a shot of that rainbow, Butch. SO pretty, arching over your little cottage!
Thanks so much, Nancy. It is interesting to read how many different animals people could imagine with the tree!
Happy week, Pam
That is definitely one beautiful rainbow and I love the clouds too (even with the highway construction). I could not believe the size of that hibiscus – wow! Wyatt is adorable and is growing fast. Love the pic of Pam in Venice. Butch, you are not hallucinating – I couldn’t make my mind up whether it was a deer or a zebra – ha! Happy week to both of you!
As always, thank you for your sweet visits and comments, Kim!
Wishing you a wonderful week!
Pam
Thank you for this beautiful photo of the rainbow. I am so thankful for God’s promise that we are reminded of each time He allows one to appear in the sky. Praise His holy name it belongs to Him and always will. May He bless you today.
Thank you, Cheryl. I hope all is well with you and yours!