“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
1 John 1:5 ESV
September sunrises will soon give way to October mornings and cooler weather. In fact, next Sunday is October first. I really enjoy September, but October just might be my favorite. Do you have a favorite month?
September brings change that includes a display of yellow in fields and roadsides. I have a spot near the house that is always a showcase for goldenrod (my favorite wildflower). Last week the show was well underway when I checked it out. But, I can enjoy goldenrod wherever I find it. Like…
…on the banks of the Danube River in Regensburg, Germany a few days ago. The bridge is called the Stone Bridge and is from the twelfth century. Only open to pedestrians and bicycles, it was an amazing adventure to walk across this historic bridge, as well as view the river and city from the top.
Meanwhile, back at home…You all know that I like to get out and observe the surroundings at early light.
The old birch tree only catches the early sun at an angle that makes it glow a few weeks out of the year. Last week was perfect timing!
A double cheeseburger, with angus beef and plenty of other goodies. I want you all to understand, I did not eat one of these while on vacation..I ate 3. I know, that is bad, but at least it wasn’t at the same sitting!
I really didn’t want to eat this but Pam insisted. Gelato served in what is known in Hungary as chimney cake. And yes, mine has two scoops, watermelon and raspberry. Pam had watermelon only, but I think her cake was bigger. I thought the lady on the right was running to grab mine so I ate it quickly.
Let’s journey back to Alabama and pay tribute to our hard working birds. I found zinnias blooming in the woods about 100 yards from our nearest garden area. There’s a sweet gum tree in the foreground! God’s amazing design is so beyond our ability to reason or even imagine, yet I see it manifested everywhere I roam!
I had never seen such leaf color as found on this tree in Budapest. I researched to discover this was a littleleaf linden. The tree was in a green area on grounds near the Hungarian Parliament. These trees are planted as ornamentals worldwide, and to my surprise, it’s in the Mallow family, like hibiscus, cotton, and our good ole southern okra!
60 pairs of shoes, molded from iron, are permanently displayed on the banks of the Danube in Budapest. The shoes are replicas of the styles worn in the 1940’s. Shoes were valuable, and it was here along the river bank, during WWII, that approximately 3500 people were ordered to remove their shoes before they were shot, their bodies falling into the river. 800 were Jews. This is an extremely moving spot to visit and is a very emotional experience. You might notice that one pair are children’s shoes. Visitors leave candles, flowers and other items in and around the shoes. The memorial was placed here in 2005.
I mentioned September changes and the Carolina buckthorn is no exception as berries are taking on their dark colors.
Now what could possibly be interesting about this photo? I shall attempt to tell you why this caught my eye… I thought of my grandmother as I looked over the fence into my neighbor’s pasture. My grandparents had milk cows. Bitterweed, like the yellow flowers here, was a terrible thing to have in the pasture. My grandmother could take one sip of milk and know if bitterweed had made its way into the food source. Bitterweed was almost a bad word! What is ironic here, is that this pasture supports a large number of cattle , but they are raised for meat. The plant in the foreground is a wild plant called beefsteak (I didn’t make that up). Does bitterweed affect the taste of meat? Does beefsteak plant make the meat better? The answer to both questions is probably “no”, but my grandmother might have disagreed!
I might go to a reasonable amount of trouble and effort to save a plant or special tree, but this takes it to another level. Hey, this seems to be a success, so what can I say!
What is it about our zinnias that green anoles like so much? You may recall the one I spotted a few weeks back that appeared to be sleeping under a large bloom? This little guy has apparently been observant and learned well from the adults. I’m thinking a lot of various insects love zinnias, and anoles love a lot of various insects!
When I cut the spent gladiolus fronds/stalks this was thriving underneath. While I am not happy to see this “hard to get rid of” invader, I must admit it is unique and interesting…kinda pretty in its own way. Nutgrass (strawcolored flatsedge) is not welcome in the garden or yard!
I often see frostweed this time of year, but I am thinking I have never stopped to take a photo. I don’t know why, since it is a native plant here in the southeast. The name comes from the spray of white flowers that are usually found covering the tops of the plant. It hasn’t been as hot the past few days, and we are happy about that, but not quite ready for frost!
It’s the same beautiful sun every day, but in my lifetime I will enjoy a sunset from this spot only once. I don’t remember if we were still in Germany or already in Austria, but for certain, the reflection and rippling water is the Danube River!
Have a joy-filled last week of September!
“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
Pam and Butch, does it seem surreal, now that you’re back home, that you were floating down the Danube a short while ago? Budapest and her people stole my heart…what an incredible, beautiful city and country that has fought so hard for precious freedom. Butch, I love your sunrise views. Our eastern view is blocked by woods, and I do love my early morning wander about, coffee in hand. Pam, last night I fell down the Pinterest rabbit hole looking for dining table inspiration. Guess whose photo was literally almost every one I stopped to study?!? A talented lady from everydayliving!!!
Roxanne, as always a lovely trip passes too quickly. Yes, they have fought hard for their freedom. Your kind words warm my heart!
Pam
Sometimes travel feels as though it speeds up our passing of time, but even with being right at home, I feel like September has literally flown by. I always enjoy when you slow things down with your sightings, Butch. Several of these I have not been aware of, or known names for if I was aware. I love getting peeks of your trip too.Happy Sunday. I hope you’ve both acclimated to your home schedules.
I agree, Rita that September flew by me while I wasn’t looking. I am not waking up at 3 am the past couple of nights, so that is progress!
Pam
Welcome home. I wasn’t aware that you had planned a trip but the beautiful blue Danube makes for a trip of a lifetime. We made that trip via Viking longboat in 2005. We didn’t want to leave the boat when we arrived in Amsterdam.
Your picture of 60 pairs of shoes wrenches my heart. When a nation divides itself and allows hatred to consume it heir minds that is what happens. Lord have mercy on us.
Thank you, Alice. It was indeed a lovely trip that you have experienced. The 60 pair of shoes was most sobering an hearing their struggle for freedom was eye-opening. Amen!
Thank you so very much for this delightful and interesting journey. I enjoyed every picture and word. Blessings and much love to you both!!
Gina
Thank you, Gina. Much love and hugs to you, our friend!
Lovely walk around the world today.
Thank you, Carole!
I’m overwhelmed by all of this beauty. I’m still “digesting” it (the treats, the burgers, and the beauty). Your Grandmother’s memories, the bridge and river, the shoes (I teared up~having just watched a documentary on the Holocaust). Simply, I’m overwhelmed and filled with love and joy that you both experienced your anniversary in this way. And just the way you see beauty around you. You give glory to God, absorb this huge world and it’s “splendidness” from Austria, Germany, to Alabama,…the roads at home. What a gift you both are to so many of us. I’m so happy you’re home safe. I’m going to be MIA off and on for a while. I’ll have one more post and then head to the Grand Canyon with friends. I’ll return and have two weeks to prepare to fly to Maryland for my surgery the end of October. Pam and Butch, October is my favorite month. God-willing, my life is going to change as the trees and leaves fall. Thank you for praying for me. It means more than you’ll ever know. I pray for you both daily. Thank you for sharing, again, the beauty around this world! 💚❤️🙏🏻💕
Karla, my dear friend your comments are so sweet and uplifting. I pray that your trip to the Grand Canyon will replenish and restore you. I know how much you love God’s creation and haven’t been able to enjoy for a long time. Soak up all of its beauty. We are praying that your surgery will bring healing. We know you are in the Healer’s Loving Hands.
Sending prayers, love, and hugs 🙏🏻♥️🤗
Karla, my dear friend your comments are so sweet and uplifting. I pray that your trip to the Grand Canyon will replenish and restore you. I know how much you love God’s creation and haven’t been able to enjoy for a long time. Soak up all of its beauty. We are praying that your surgery will bring healing. We know you are in the Healer’s Hands.
Sending prayers, love, and hugs 🙏🏻♥️🤗
Thank you, Pam. Thank you, Butch. I’m so excited. I do wish my platelets were up~I’ll go Wednesday for another appt, draw, and a plan to boost me when I return. It will be so busy the next few weeks so I’ll reach out by email (I’ll try to post one more time). I feel your prayers. I can’t believe what’s going to take place. It’s surreal; yet not surprising of our Savior! I FEEL the love hugs and prayers. It means so much. ❤️🥰💕🙏🏻💚🤗
I can’t believe October is knocking on the door! It is a beautiful month and perhaps my favorite too. Your sunrise and sunset pictures are always a favorite part of your Sunday strolls, Butch, the one over the Danube is stunning! The shoes on the wall are chilling. I hope you both have a lovely Sunday~
Thank you, Jenna. Happy week to you!
Pam
Always beautiful pictures. Ohhhhh about Budapest and the shoe memorial. I bet it was very emotional. Have a good Sunday. Hugs. Kris
Thank you, Kris and yes it was emotional. Happy new week!
Pam
Your trip sounds wonderful! The Danube looks beautiful. The shoes really affect you, even in a picture. I’ve never heard of chimney cake but it sounds interesting. Is is hollow inside? Your birch picture is fabulous! September has indeed flown by! I love all the shots. Looking forward to more travel pics in future posts. Happy Sunday! Clara❤️
Thank you, Clara. The trip was beautiful. Chimney cake is delicious, it is hollow inside and can be filled with ice cream, chocolate, etc. A travel post is coming soon ♥️
Pam
Ahhh….shades of past memories… The Danube has a lure that is irresistible. Hungary is so worthy of imitation in today’s unsettled world.The shoe memorial and rescued tree are so symbolic of their
vision.What an enviable journey you have had… tuck it away as a lasting feast for days of yearning.
Thank you, Pam and Butch, for this Sabbath blessing.
Mary, it was all you said it would be. We enjoyed the trip and it will tucked away in our memories. Happy New Week!
Pam
Such beauty & joy flow through your post today! But also a sobering note with the shoes…so deeply sad. Thank you for sharing your thoughts & trip with us today my friends. Blessings, Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer. The shoes were sobering and deeply sad.
Blessings my friend,
Pam
burgers and gelato, the beauties of nature, and inspirational words. thank you for this winsome ending to a busy fall weekend!
Thank you, Linda! Happy first week of fall.
Pam
So lovely and also sobering. The shoes represent a memory that should never be forgotten. The photos are wonderful, and I look forward to seeing more. Glad that it was a good trip and that you are back home safely.
Thank you, dear friend.
It looks like you both had such a wonderful trip! That sunset is gorgeous, and what a special memory to have. The gelato and hamburger looks delicious. I always enjoy seeing the nature photos you share. Happy fall to you both!
Thank you, Shannon. Happy Fall!
Pam
Thank you, Shannon. Happy Autumn!
Beautiful photos, especially of your travels! Happy fall!
I always look forward to your Sunday posts and this one did not disappoint at all. I loved the mix of “here and there” photos. God is so amazing and showing His beauty is breath taking. So sad looking at the “shoes”….I love the music of the Blue Danube and couldn’t help but play it over and over in my mind while shedding tears for those who lost their lives. Welcome home to the good ole U S of A. Bless you both for your love of the Lord and being an example to all of us to be thankful for even the smallest insect and flower.
Kari, you are so sweet. The shoes were sobering. Your comments encourage us!
Pam
Love hearing about your travel adventures and the ‘Hungary as chimney cake’ treats – Delectable!
Thank you, Mary. The chimney cake was delicious!
Pam and Butch – such gorgeous pictures of here and there. Your trip sounds amazing and I can’t wait to hear more about it. Oh my goodness, the shoes… So very sad and all I can say is that I hope we all learn from past mistakes. But what a poignant reminder and lesson at the same time. I’m always drawn to the sunrise and sunset pictures, and the anole looks like a very clever fellow – perhaps waiting for some insects to alight?? Love the pic of the birch tree and the cheeseburger looks delicious. Happy Monday to you both!
I would have eaten three two. Oh my — that trip looks fabulous and I look forward to reading more about it. I think the shoe display would be extremely powerful. I’m just moved by the photo.
Thank you, Jeanie. The shoes were emotional for me.
What an interesting post! The shoe memorial made me so sad, and the thought of all those precious souls being shot in that spot, then falling into the river below is beyond sobering. Such evil is hard for me to even comprehend. Those little shoes really got to me thinking of that poor, dear child. When you were talking about the bitterweed and your grandmother being able to tell if the taste made its way into the food/milk, it reminded me of how my Daddy and I could always tell when there was something he referred to as “boar meat” in sausage. We could spot it when we walked into a Pizza place or when frying sausage or bacon. Everyone else thought/thinks I’m a nut when I detect it, but my Daddy understood! He told me the smell was caused by something particular happening when the hog was being butchered. To this day, if I smell that, I won’t eat it! I’m looking forward to reading more about your recent travels when I have time.
Thanks so much for sharing your memories with your dad. The shoe memorial was very sobering.
Pam