Jesus said …“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.””
John 8:31-32 ESV
We started an October tradition of carving pumpkins 3 years ago. Their names are Ella Mae, Emma Kennedy, and Wyatt Lee. The event has taken place on the picnic table each year. While waiting on the carvers to return from their break and identify their work, I thought we might take an autumn glimpse at a few other spots around the yard and see what others do traditionally on nice October afternoons.
The Sunshine Cottage looks really inviting hanging out behind our transplanted Ginkgo. The tree was moved a few years ago with little hope on my part that it would survive because it was already a fairly nice size with a lot of roots. We had to move it in warm weather too. What do I know! I am not your go-to person for tree moving advice.
I trimmed up the Coral Bark Maple and hoped I did no harm. It looks pretty nice hanging out behind the wispy Adagio Maiden Grass.
Another family tradition I drop in on each year about this time. They always have their event on the same sunny log.
The look on this face tells me this pumpkin carver is likely much more comfortable playing in dirt than cleaning the slimy inside of a pumpkin lid! And, we’ve observed him enough to know he loves dirt, but maybe not this strange orange mess!
Now that the 3 carvers (L to R – WL, EM, and EK) have returned from a play break, they wish for you to see their support crew…
…and here they are, in their carving attire and playing the role of pumpkin carver assistants, but better known as Daddy and Mommy!
Fall color is coming on quickly now and I wanted to show as much color today as possible. That was the plan. Plans do change. The issue last week was that Pam and I battled a nasty virus and were unable, for the most part, to leave the house! Well, we were technically away for three days because I was in the hospital. So today, no traveling, only moving around the premises. And moving slowly I might add! The wildflower garden and a Japanese Maple are helping us out here.
What’s with some of the Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangeas showing their pink now? Glad to have it going on…just more color to enjoy.
Our weather is normally too hot at the time the strawberry shades typically show up and the blooms only turn brown. Looks like a few held off until the cooler weather showed up! BTW, our long range forecast shows we could have temps close to frost mid-week. If it’s windy, frost won’t happen. Another weather model indicates a possible freeze for us, showing 29! We shall see.
One of our local meteorologist posts a lot of sky photos. He made a statement last week that most people never take time to look up. I look up too much I suppose because I run head on into objects around the yard. I need to stop walking and gazing at the same time. Even jets can sometimes provide quite a scene!
Pam called this is a bucolic setting. I had to investigate the meaning of “bucolic”. I thought it had something to do with babies having a tummy ache. But, the dictionary says, “bucolic” relates to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life. With my new knowledge of the meaning, I must agree with Pam!
I carried WL over to see the donkeys. They are in the shadows but refused to come any closer. The problem may have been that WL attempted to call the cow over with his version of a loud “moo”!
Our October Monarchs were in last Sunday’s post and we had planned to show off a couple more today. We think they have possibly moved south now. With less opportunity last week to observe the garden we can’t be sure, however, yesterday we were able to spend time outside and could not locate any. We haven’t given up on a few more visitors.
Zinnias were seemingly the favorite but the chaste tree received a lot of attention.
I mentioned my goal of a lot of color today without going far from home. Some weeks back, I had made an arrangement for PJ’s basket that hangs on the Sunshine Cottage porch. It was dried up and spent, so time to clean out the dead flowers. I didn’t realize we had provided shelter for a tree frog until I removed his thatched roof. Pam is not happy about this frog being in the post, but I promised color, and he is very, very green!
Knowing I couldn’t get away with ending with a frog, I found an amazing sunset only a golf cart ride away Friday afternoon. And, when I turned around and went over the hill to the back pasture, I was greeted by…
…a waxing gibbous moon, soon to officially be a full moon, nicknamed “Hunters Moon”. Peak illumination was yesterday at 3:24 PM CDT. That “CDT” acronym reminded me that next Sunday we will move back to standard time!
Speaking of yesterday (Saturday)…just after sundown as I happened to look above the horizon northeast of the Sunshine Cottage, the “Hunter’s Moon” greeted me. I couldn’t resist adding it to today’s post!
Have a wonderful 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,
Life and Linda
So sorry you were in the hospital!! I hope both of you are better now.
Feeling better, thank you Carole!
Pam
I knew something was out of place last week as I searched for a post from Everyday Living.
Praise The Lord both are you are on the mend!
Bucolic pastures bring healing of body mind and soul. Praise the Lord. I enjoy the yearly picture of the turtles on the log. A
Calling older than me. Oh the blue skies with the pilots playing in them and the moon has been so beautiful hanging there to light the way. WL isn’t alone in his dislike for slimy things. My almost 80 year old friend has never cleaned a store bought chicken because it’s slimy. I love the sleepy frog in the basket. He’s my favorite shade of green. You may have been under the weather but your eye was seeking out “color”. Praying for both of you to have your health restored and praying for peace for Israel🙏
We are feeling better, Alice. So funny about your friend never cleaning a store bought chicken. Our prayers continue for Israel!
Pam
I’m so sorry you were both sick last week! So many people are getting Covid lately, yikes! Lovely Sunday photos, I love the Harvest moon and your cute pumpkin carving family! Have a great week and feel better!
Jenna
Butch had a severe stomach virus, mine not severe. Thank you Jenna.
Pam
Sorry you were both sick last week and you ended up in the hospital. 🙏🏻 you are doing better now.
Both of us are feeling better. Thank you, Della!
Pam
Pam and Butch, Hope you are recovering nicely. So sorry to hear you were in the hospital Butch. Both of you please take it easy. I did enjoy all the colors in this week’s post and the monarchs last week. The pumpkins look like they were fun to carve. The children will have such good memories of these activities. The moon shots are so pretty. The tree frog is super green! The trees are gorgeous. Loved the nature shots. We had rain yesterday! We’re going to get a little more rain and then really cold weather for this time of year. I’m almost ready for the cold weather; I’ve so enjoyed not running the a/c constantly the past couple of weeks. I don’t get too cold very often so the heat won’t run constantly. Although with the quick change in temps, that might change! Enjoy your week and don’t overdo yourselves. Clara❤️
Thank you, Clara. It was a wretched stomach virus. I am glad you had some rain, we desperately need it to rain. We might be in the high 20’s Wednesday morning. Wishing you a wonderful week!
Pam
I love your tradition (and glad to hear Wyatt had a little assistance!) The family photos are my favorites but of course everything is simply beautiful in your world right now!
Thanks so much, Jeanie. Cold weather is headed our way on Wednesday!
Pam
Saddened to hear you both were unwell, that Butch required hospitalization, but relieved to hear that you both are on the mend. Praying for complete recovery, more possible if you slow down and run on God’s metronome. The pace of life these days is not conducive to a regulated existence and we have to make a determined effort to try to follow His tempo of living. Love all the photos – Wyatt’s coy expression in the secure arms of his Mom…the proud expressions of EM and EK displaying their carved wonders – the gathering of
turtledom (never saw so many convened) and the various shots of sky and nature that always hit the target of interest. Another Sabbath of gratitude for what your eyes and hearts see and share. Thanks and blessings
Yes, Mary we need to slow down, especially Butch! Thank you dear one!
Pam
Pam and Butch, I am so so very sorry you both got so sick. Praying for a full recovery. The norovirus is going around SC, and I’ve had a few friends that ended up in the ER recently. Your pumpkin carvers did a great job! We have a log in our pond where the turtles line up for a sunny afternoon snooze too. It is supposed to be 82 today and 31 on Wednesday. Currently in the Leaves vs. Roxanne battle, the leaves are winning by a landslide!!
Thank you, Roxanne. The virus was wretched. Impossible this time of year to win the battle of the leaves! Happy Monday!
Pam
So happy to hear you both are recovering now. Take very good care…you and all that you do are so very special. Such beautiful photos, such beautiful colors!
We are having some crisp and sunny fall color days AND some snow now!!
God bless you!
Thanks so much. Enjoy your week…wow snow!
I am glad you are on the mend! Your Grands are adorable and always make me smile. Sending prayers. Hugs and blessings.
Thanks so much, Maristella!
Pam
Glad you are on the mend! I work at a hospital and it is incredible how many people are getting COVID. Continued prayers for complete recovery, but it sounds it can linger at times. So many beautiful images of the season. Always brings joy to see how other are savoring and celebrating this beautiful season. Have a wonderful week!
Thanks so much. We had a bad stomach virus. Wishing you a beautiful week!
Pam
So sorry y’all have been sick. That is no fun! Hoping you are all better now.
Loved seeing the kids pumpkins and the whole family together.
Moonshots, butterflies, sunsets, and flowers are all my cup of tea!
Please take care and have a wonderful birthday tomorrow, Pam!
Blessings, Bonnie
Thank you, sweet friend! Happy Monday!
Butch and Pam we hope you are feeling better. Thank You for sharing these beautiful pictures.
Get Well Soon
Marilyn,Joan and Marion
Thanks so much dear friend for your well wishes!
Pam
Wishing you good health and wellness! The images of your grandchildren are so very darling!
Thank you, Mary! Wishing you a lovely week!
How I love a snaggled-toothed pumpkin face. And how I love your sweet fresh faces of joy. Good health and birthday wishes and bouquets of fall leaves to you!
Thanks so much, Leslie Anne. Wishing you a lovely week!
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear of the nasty stomach virus. Not fun at all but glad you both are on the mend. The pictures are stunning and I love love all the sky shots – the moon shots are fabulous! The green frog is so cute and the monarchs are gorgeous. Love the grands carving the pumpkins with their carving assistants and can’t say that I blame WL for not liking the slimy orange stuff lol. The Sunshine Cottage looks beautiful with the ginkgo in front of it. Wishing you both a feel better and wonderful week!
Thank you, Kim. We are doing great now. Happy week to you, my friend!
Pam
Oh, my! I am so late in reading blog posts, and I am only now discovering that you were both so ill. I praise the Lord to see in the comments that you are both much better now. So sorry to hear that Butch had to be in the hospital. May God heal any residual aftereffects and keep you both healthy, in Jesus’ name.
Thank you, Cheryl. We are doing well now. Blessings,Pam