“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 1:18 ESV
The sun rises and shines every day, but in the real world we don’t always get to see it. A foggy, rainy December day on the lake with Lookout Mountain almost hidden in the background. This may be a boathouse designed to promote health. You have to swim the first 50 yards and then climb up onto the pier.
Sunshine is not absolutely necessary for finding a nice water reflection. And, something that I know, but easily forget, things are not always as they appear. This island looked deserted and the weather dreary and cold. But as I passed on down a country road and through the woods, I did a look back to get another perspective. What I saw was a very lively side of the island, covered with birds of various kinds. I hadn’t noticed them before. Then, I looked at my outside temp reading…it was 60 degrees!
It seems roaming the woods and collecting live greenery to do some Christmas door trimming has become a Christmas tradition. I topped off the load with this year’s cedar selection for the patio Charlie Brown tree. I’m one who has always had a soft spot for the hard working, deserving underdog in any situation who simply needs an opportunity to shine. This is the case with the patio tree (as if trees have feelings). It is really scraggly and kinda pitiful, never standing a chance to be chosen when compared to those competing for a place to show off this holiday season. But, I believe the tree will be a true, award winning champion among Christmas trees!
It was a beautiful clear late November evening to enjoy the rise of the Full Beaver Moon last week. Most think it gets its name because beavers retreat to their dens this time of year as they prepare for winter. I’m thinking about doing the same thing!
As I walked back to the garden and dark settled in, I had to spend a little more time with the night sky. The full moon was changing from the low in the atmosphere yellow to its nighttime bright white brilliance. And how nice to see Jupiter in the upper right in this pic. Gazing across the garden, the lights in the gingko tree on the left gave me thoughts of an angel (and Pam). I decided to look from a different angle…
…and to me, even from here, it reminds me of an angel. Would you have thought so?
This very wintry scene is part of a nearby swampy area that is maintained and kept in tact by a hard working group of locals known as…beavers. I don’t sense that these beavers have gone into winter mode. They were possibly out earlier in the week enjoying an evening watching their full moon namesake!
There was no bribe or blackmail involved to bring this to today’s post, but close to it. I don’t understand the excitement and enjoyment the girls get from this, but on many occasions when I am at their house for a visit, it is a must that they place, in my hair, as many of their bows as can be found. This time, Emma insisted that I view how good they look and escorted me to the mirror. And then she insisted that we have our pic made together. While EK and EM thought this to be a wonderful idea, WL, being the boy that he is, was not fond of the situation at all. When EM and EK were not present to guard me, WL removed the bows and some hair along with them.
It is no secret that Pam and I love music and especially the music of John Denver. We had the neatest experience last week as we attended a Rocky Mountain Christmas concert in Nashville at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The music was performed by former members of John’s band and the Nashville Symphony. It was a wonderful evening. Audio and video of John appeared on screen and the band and symphony, including background vocals, accompanied him perfectly as if he was actually present. Technology today is amazing!!
This isn’t just a couple of guitars that happened to belong to the evening’s musicians. These guitars were being custom made for John Denver at the time of his death. He usually had two identical guitars built when having instruments custom made, one 12 string and one 6 string. This was the first time these two guitars had been together since John’s death, 26 years ago. I like guitars, so I made this photo before the show, having no idea what they were, until during the concert their story was shared!
As we left the concert venue, a nice green Christmas tree greeted us…
…and inside, underneath the tree, this cheesecake dessert greeted PJ. (and yes, I had one too)!
Our local raccoons move around mostly at night, but these two were playing follow the leader on up in the day. Sometimes my trail cameras catch as many as 10 together at night. I had 8 in one photo last week. I am inclined to believe they are not on the endangered or threatened list! These two are young so they are probably just being kids.
I always enjoy looking at old barns and make photos of a lot of them. I merely showed this one to Pam in passing, not planning on using it in this post. Again, I first thought, it’s cloudy and rainy and this isn’t so interesting. But on second thought, it is a neat old barn in reasonable repair and fits perfect in this winter landscape. The real final decision was made after PJ told me there was a bird sitting on top. When I zoomed in and discovered it was a hawk, that sealed the deal. I hadn’t noticed when I took the pic!
Clouds were rolling in as we approached a rainy weekend. It was good to see a few days of rain, even though I love the sunshine. We needed the moisture and blessed to get it! Trying not to complain after fussing about the dry months! Reach out and slap me if you catch me complaining about cloudy weather, at least if I do so in the near future.
“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).”
Matthew 1:22-23 ESV
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
I am in agreement with there being no shortage of racoons. They are the reason we had to stop putting out suet feeders. The suet had a tendency to disappear overnight, holder included! At times we also hear them frolicking on our deck at night. Beautiful pictures as usual.
Those raccoons are rascals. We have a lot of wildlife and some are definitely pests, but they are delightful to observe!
Merry Sunday!
Pam
The photos of the lake are beautiful! Your pictures provide such a peaceful look at the beauty around us. Thank you!
Thank you, Mrs. White!
Pam
Butch, you are a good grandpa! And it’s not a bad look — just a trifle avant garde! Hold the idea for costume parties yet to come! I would have loved to have heard that John Denver concert. His Rocky Mountain Christmas is one of my favorite albums and I still remember the TV special of it from years ago. I wish PBS could have resurrected that one!
I chuckled at “just a trifle avant garde!” Merry Sunday, Jeanie!
Pam
Oh my goodness Butch.You outdid yourself again. The sky is always changing and you have a good eye. I love the old barn. Someone made it extra attractive. Speaking of attractive that’s one handsome head of hair in the bathroom mirror🙂. Can’t say I saw an angel in the tree but I’m pretty sure you are married to one. Years ago we had a raccoon living in our fireplace chimney. What a mess he made until we capped it. He left our chimney and went to our neighbors. They were not happy. That Nashville concert sounds fabulous. The cheesecake looks delicious. Just looked outside and it’s snowing again . Need moisture too so trying not to complain. May God bless your family this week and every week .
Alice, your comments are always delightful! Raccoons can be pests! Merry week to you!
Pam
Beautiful post, Butch. And the photo of you and Emma is precious! So exciting about the concert in Nashville. It is hard to believe that John Denver has been gone 26 years; surely a talent lost much too early.
Thank you, my friend. Butch is a great “Da”!!
Pam
Beautiful captures of Mother Nature! The time in Nashville sounds like a lot of fun, and I think I like Butch’s hair without the bows better 😂 Good for WL for taking them out! I’m looking forward to seeing your Charlie Brown patio tree. Happy December Butch and Pam!
Jenna
Thank you, Jenna. The girls hair styling was not good looking, but they enjoyed the laughter! You have a birthday coming up!
The time in Nashville and the music sounded so nice. Glad you got the opportunity to visit and enjoy. Ha Ha the bows are fab. Grandpas are the best to play along. Happy Weekend. Have a good new week ahead. Hugs. Kris
Thanks so much, Kris. Merry week 🎄
Pam
Awesome photo journal this week, Butch and Pam! Lol, the bows in your hair are the million dollar shot this week (jk, that yellow moon shot with Jupiter and the barn are amazing). Love that you were able to take in the JD concert in Nashville, how very special! I know you’ve seen the Chevrolet holiday commercial featuring Sunshine on My Shoulders. Oh my, what a tearful one! Have a great week, Richardsons!
Thank you, Rita. We had not seen the commercial because we rarely turn on the TV. I found it and watched it and cried and then went outside to
tell Butch that he must come in so he could see something. We both cried through it. That is our favorite JD song and that commercial is amazing. Thank you for bringing it to our attention, my friend!
Pam
A week spent in nature, music and hair bows – it does not get any better!!!!!
Mary, now that is funny!
Pam 😂
Butch, you look quite colorful in your ribbons, and EK looks pleased as punch!
What a treat to attend the John Denver concert, it’s truly amazing what they do with technology. We just got home from a Celtic Women Christmas…it was spectacular with many, many gown changes, amazing harmony, and Irish dancers. What a great way to start December for both of you and us!
Thank you, Roxanne! I know you enjoyed Celtic Women, they have beautiful voices. Merry Monday!
The best-ever picture is with Butch and all his bows! A great big thank you to Emma for getting a picture to share.
The pictures are all so peaceful as well as the verses that are shared.
I am so glad you got to see the concert! We enjoy the music of John Denver as well. I bet it was wonderful!
Merry December to you both!
Thank you, Nancy. Butch is a good sport and will do anything for the grands. Merry December, Nancy!
I have to agree that the photo with Butch and the bows and EK is the show-stealer. He is indeed a good sport and EK does look very pleased. The moon shot is fabulous and the John Denver concert sounds fabulous! Love all the shots. Happy beginning of December to you both!
Thank you, Kim. I encouraged him to share the photo, I thought it was too cute! I look forward to the blog hop tomorrow!
My husband and I are both John Denver fans. You and Pam are just a wee bit older than we are. We raised our son to his music and he still listens to him about everyday. The concert sounds wonderful! And I enjoyed your cloudy day pics. After all, we are not promised sunshine everyday, just that we walk with our Lord through all kinds of weather. Thanks for these thoughtful Sunday posts.
The concert was outstanding. We saw John around 10 times before he passed away. Our son grew up listening to his music and still loves it today.
Amen Darlene!
Pam
The trees lit up are so pretty. I always enjoy moon gazing. My Mom was always fascinated by the night sky. It’s funny that the girls want to dress up your hair. Most grandfathers don’t have enough hair to put a bow in so it’s so sweet that they want to fancy up your do! I know the Nashville concert was great. John Denver was a favorite of ours too. We had a precious friend pass away in Murfreesboro so we were close by and also on our way to meet a lifelong friend and her husband in east TN. Enjoy your week. Clara❤️
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious friend, Clara. It is always sad to say goodbye to a friend. Thank you for your sweet comments!
Pam
Oh, my goodness! I had to share the photo of Butch with the hair bows with Kevin and Zach! I think it is safe to say that there probably isn’t anything he wouldn’t do to please those sweet little ones! You two are such excellent grandparents. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family!
Yes, Cheryl you are correct. Being grandparents is truly the best!
Pam
You are right Cheryl, there are 3 little people that could bring me to the place of allowing the hair bows, but no one else in the world could persuade me without force. May the Lord bless you and Merry Christmas !
Butch and Pam