Everyday Living

Simple + Southern Sunday No. 480

~ Appalachian Foothills, Simple + Southern Sunday, Winter

”I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.β€œ
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭143‬:‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Having to brave the cold at times these days to catch a sunrise. It also takes getting out a bit earlier as the days are now noticeably longer. We did escape the snow, but many in north-central and northwest Alabama had quite a winter storm last week!
 

Rainbows have graced our skies a lot this winter. I stood in the front yard watching as this one seemed to be drifting toward me. I was expecting to see that illusive pot of gold at any moment, but I suppose it’s still in the woods somewhere. There’s beauty in the colors, but greater beauty in the Promise!

Have you purchased any wild bird seed recently. I didn’t realize there were so many specialty types for various birds. Some relatively small bags were $40 and even $50. I bought a cheaper bag, but provided a hefty amount when scattering in the yard. I thought I had done well at first…

…but then I received this mean, unappreciative look. As you can see, there’s plenty of choice, free food available. I guess even the birds are spoiled. Our friends in Carolina must be feeding the Carolina Wrens fancy food before they fly westward to Alabama!

This cardinal was at least nice enough not to complain!

And this little EK bird was not complaining either. Making gingerbread cookies with her PJ was nothing but fun, fun, fun. It’s written all over that face!

Our version of the winter storm consisted of a little ice on trees…

…and a lone icicle hanging from a leaky gutter.

And, the lone icicle didn’t hang long, but plunged to the turf and stuck in the soft ground. There were no injuries.

The sky can be so busy! Whether it’s walking through a trying circumstance or taking a simple walk outside, looking up is always a good idea!

Since so many of you received snow last week and we failed to get any, I had to rely on a throwback from about a year ago to have a snowy scene. Montana’s big sky (Triple Creek Ranch) was busy that day too. We only had very cold temps (at least for us) at 8 degrees one morning. One observation station in north Alabama recorded minus 9 Tuesday morning! Extremely rare here!

Through the years I traveled a particular country road many times, but have had no reason over the past decade to be in the vicinity. I took that drive yesterday for the first time in quite a while and discovered an old barn, visible from the road, that I had never seen before. The surrounding acreage had been significantly timbered and the woods opened up, or this barn would still remain a hidden secret, to me at least. I wanted a closer look but fences and private property/no trespassing signs told me I was close enough. 
 

This hawk in a crepe myrtle allowed me to ease in to about 20 feet, which is unusual. That was close enough however, and the bird determined it was time to go. I hope the expert bird watchers out there will help me on this one. I first thought it to be a Cooper’s Hawk. The head had a bit of a flat cap look and the tail appeared long. But the tail of the Sharp-shinned Hawk (Sharpie) is also long. Not getting a clear view of the tail with the bird in flight made it impossible to determine if the tail was flat or rounded. This bird seemed about the size of a crow, like a Cooper’s. Most sources say the Cooper’s has a reddish eye which throws me a little…these eyes appear yellow to me? What do you think? Many experts indicate that determining a Cooper’s Hawk from a Sharpie is very challenging, which made me feel a little better. 

 

Another version of a tree-house. When two opposing schools of thought emerge and nobody wants to give up an essential, a compromise may be bring about a solution. This tree has been here a long time and must remain. This exact location for the house is absolutely necessary for view, aesthetics, and to fit the lot. Easy fix!

I received a text from Appalachian Media the other day saying that surely someone who uses outdoor pics in a blog post each week is outside getting photos of this very vivid and strangely glowing sunset. My reply was ” I am not at home and also not in a place that would allow the opportunity to get any pictures. Maybe someone who owns a media company could make at least one pic for me.” Thanks…and I didn’t edit; it was just a weird looking late afternoon with sun shining through fog or low thin clouds!

Now back to a normal winter sky just after sunset. It was so cold I drove the truck out into the lower pasture and sat with the heat and seat warmer on high in order to hang with this one…and then 4 wheel drive to get back to solid ground to return to the house. I guess I am getting soft!

Wishing you a wonderful week!

β€œJesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Linking with:
 Pieced Pastimes,  Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
 Life and Linda

Comments

  1. Good morning Butch. I love your humor. I also love how you communicate with nature. The bird indeed looks angry. But the best picture is EK waiting for Pam to complete making the gingerbread cookies. I’m not fond of skeletons
    And the use of them riding along in vehicles, brings negative thoughts. Here a cop would stop that person because people riding in high occupancy lanes might do that so the could drive in them. (Must have two or more people in vehicle to drive in those lanes) the tree house might be me trying to keep shade for the house but for hubby that would have never happened. Wish you could have had a little snow. Sure the grands would have loved that. The loan icicle was amazing sticking up in the yard. Enjoyed every picture and word today. May God bless you and Pam and keep you safe always with His all seeing eye.

    Reply

  2. I can’t believe you never got snow! We had about an inch Monday night/Tuesday morning and it didn’t melt until Thursday! Beautiful photos of nature and yes the days are getting noticeably longer. I am really tired of being cold, and looking forward to the warm up this week! That is weird about the skeletons, I don’t get it! Stay warm and I hope you both have a nice week~

    Reply

    • We didn’t get any snow Jenna and the grands were disappointed. Like you, we are glad to see some warmer days in the forecast. As for skeletons, it is weird and I see them a lot on and in vehicles. Have a good week!
      Butch and Pam

      Reply

  4. Believe me, the 6 inches of snow we got last Sunday and the freezing rain Thursday on top of that have hung around all week and I’m truly sick of it. It has been extremely cold both day and night. This past week has been rather difficult for this southern gal! By tomorrow we’ll be back in the mid 40s with rain which sounds heavenly and the rain continues throughout the week but temps rise steadily (yay!) so I’m truly thrilled at the prospect of seeing the ground again. The beauty of the birds and sky shots in your post are so uplifting. The sky shots are gorgeous! I truly love the nature shots. That bird does look mad, but maybe just cold! I’ve made that face a times this past week! Isn’t it amazing that the birds are even picky about their food? That’s always fascinated me. The gingerbread cookies sound delicious and EK looks as though she’s having fun! The “treehouse” is interesting. Hopefully that tree will stay healthy. We’re hoping you and Pam’s Daddy are continuing to make progress. Our prayers will continue for you and your sweet family. Have a great Sunday! Clara ❀️

    Reply

    • Thank you for your prayers and comments Clara. I agree that 40’s and rain sounds like nice weather. Many folks to our north and west here in Alabama are still dealing with snow and ice but thankfully we are not. Have a blessed week!
      Butch and Pam

      Reply

  5. Our weather report echoes Clara’s…hopefully by week’s end we will be back to routine.
    I just love the tree house and your description, Butch, and chuckled at your chagrin
    with the developed and sensitive tastes of the bird world. One would think the extreme
    cold would have stimulated desperation…but the bird pictures are delightful. So is EK
    helping Pam get those cookies baked. Love the mystical quality of that old barn and
    the picture accompanying your exchange with Appalachian Media reminds me of a
    street in Colonial Williamsburg (without the houses) Today’s sunrises and sunsets
    with the Scripture are, as ever, a balm to the spirit. Grateful. A blessed Sabbath to all.

    Reply

    • Thanks Mary and may you have a blessed week. You folks in Tennessee had a pretty big winter hit last week, and as you say, we hope it’s back to routine in a few days. Routine isn’t always a bad thing. We appreciate your kind comments!
      Butch and Pam

      Reply

  6. Good chilly morning! Never thought I would be heading to church in 11 degree weather! But the sun is shining brightly before a week of rain and warmer temps move in. Picky little birds…maybe that is where the phrase β€œeats like a bird” comes from. I am astonished at the price of bird seed and cat and dog food. Butch, a family down the road posted a picture from their security camera of a KANGAROO hopping through the yard during the night. Then today we had lunch with friends whose children are local veterinarians. They said β€œlook what they treated yesterday”. It was a kangaroo! So many questions there!

    Reply

    • Hello Roxanne, we can identify with 11 degrees as that’s what we had this morning. I’ve had a lot of strange things show up on my trail cameras but a Kangaroo? Please tell us more of that story! Have a great week!
      Butch and Pam

      Reply

  7. I too am surprised at the variety of bird food available – some are so gourmet sounding! I think most of our feathered friends may not be so fussy!!!
    Love that you have been surrounded by rainbows lately – lucky you!
    Wishing the two of you a beautiful and peaceful Sunday!

    Reply

  8. Gorgeous photos. and thank Appalachian Media for his. I read that a juvenile Cooper’s hawk has yellow eyes, so that may be the case here. Lol, that Carolina wren. I guess that’s how angry birds originated. Sweet EK and her PJ were having some quality time together.
    We had a terrible weather week of snow and frigid temps. I’m hoping the warming up thaws the snow and ice before the rains this week, to avoid flooding.
    Grateful for heat, reliable cats, and good health!

    Reply

    • Thank you Rita and for the word about the juvenile hawk having yellow eyes. That might be the case as this bird was about the right size for a Cooper’s. I can see where much rain on ice and snow could pose a problem. Hoping you have a great week with no flooding!
      Butch and Pam

      Reply

  9. I love your sunrise and sunset pictures. Always appreciated.
    It has been cold even in lower Alabama. I’ve worn my Alaskan parka to walk several times.The wind has been brutal. Our lowest was 18 degrees but I know you have had lower temps. Quite a few ladies brought out their furs from storage for church this morning.
    EK probably felt quite special to have a one on one with Pam making cookies.
    Thanks Butch for all you do to share on Sundays. We get hawks frequently that just sit and watch for a while.They are quite big. Your looks a little different.

    Reply

    • Thank you Bonnie. Brutal is a good word for the wind. It’s a lot more bearable without that wind. EK did enjoy cooking baking and I enjoyed cookie eating. Have a blessed week!
      Butch and Pam

      Reply

  10. I enjoy your photos so much each Sunday Butch and the photos above are so beautiful and telling…no description necessary. Loved all the bird pics and seeing Pam in her element in the kitchen teaching and enjoying EK. So special. Hugs this week and stay warm.

    Reply

  12. I’m so happy to be here and commenting! Oh my goodness! This post, pictures, the words, the verses…they all made me smile and gave me HOPE! From the sunsets to the birds (I’m partial to Cardinals and I don’t know about the hawk, B–I’m no expert but the eyes did look yellow to me!) to the cute EK bird to the barn and tree house. Our Creator makes the coolest skies, birds, trees, and especially, kids (and PJ’s who make cookies!). My heart is full. I love you all so much. More than you’ll ever know! I pray daily for you. We laid a precious uncle to rest on Saturday and I had the pleasure of having my son with me for 3 nights. It was 2 degrees with a windchill of 20 below–and the warmth of family, the promise of eternity, a country church’s good cookin’, the laughter and memories all made us cozy. It was hard to say goodbye. So I said, “See you later!” and Pam and Butch–I believe it! Wishing you all a wonderful week! If I lived closer, I’d want to drive to the pasture for pics and have tea in the cottage! Much love! πŸ’›β€οΈπŸ™

    Reply

    • Karla, So encouraging to read your comments. Sorry about the loss of your Uncle, but even through that and frigid weather I see that God warmed your heart in many ways. If you were closer we’d definitely want you to come by. Have a blessed week!
      Butch and Pam

      Reply

  13. I always love the sky shots – so pretty – and the sunsets are gorgeous. EK certainly looks like she’s having fun! The tree house is really interesting and the cardinal is so pretty – what a great shot. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t tell the difference between a Cooper and a Sharpie lol. I’m sorry you didn’t get any snow there but you are welcome to some (or all) of ours – just say the word as we have plenty ha ha. Wishing you both a wonderful (and warmer) week.

    Reply

    • Thank you Kim for your comments and thanks for the snow offer. We wouldn’t want to deprive you of any of it however. I’m sure you chuckle when you read our panic over one or two nights of single digit temps. Have a wonderful week!
      Butch and Pam

      Reply

  14. That bird did look angry! I’m so glad EK Bird is happy!
    The rainbow is gorgeous! It looks like you could grab the pot of gold!
    I’m sorry you did not get any snow. Please read my post tomorrow… I have a surprise for you!
    Enjoy the rest of your week friends!

    Reply

    • Nancy, I read and enjoyed your post. After the snow tour I was very ready for the hot cocoa you offered. The pine walls of your home there are exactly like the walls in the house I grew up in! My sister owns it now and I was by there today! Have a great week and stay close to that fire!
      Butch and Pam

      Reply

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