”And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.”“
Mark 14:32-34 ESV
This is the Garden of Gethsemane. Pam and I were privileged to journey to the Holy Land a few years ago and were blessed to visit so many wonderful places. The garden lies near the base of the Mount of Olives. A path from the Mount passing through this area would have been the route Jesus followed riding into Jerusalem on a donkey…usually referred to as The Triumphal Entry. This event took place one week prior to Jesus’ resurrection on what is now known as Palm Sunday.
When I told Pam I was taking a hike in search of Sweet Betsy, she had no worries. She knew I was looking for a cow next door, or a native trillium that can sometimes be hard to find in our woodlands. I found several trilliums in a moist open hardwood area where I had not ventured before. Always exciting to discover a new find! This is the only Sweet Betsy I saw in bloom.
I call this the Wyatt flower because its common name and genus name is baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila). We were surprised to discover early spring wildflowers in the garden from last year’s planting. The wildflowers were planted later in the spring last season and we never saw this one, probably because it was too hot.
Another Nemophila (blue eyes) called fivespot has also made a surprise showing. I feel like I could’ve named this one!
While on the subject of blue eyes, Princess EK loved the Easter table setting. PJ and I had spent a day shopping and eating with the Princess as a birthday treat for her (and us) last week. Her 5th birthday is actually this week!
The young tender leaves of our maple trees have suddenly started to appear. The new growth has a slight fall look for the first few days!
There are many so-called experts in predicting the arrival of spring. There’s the ground hog, the meteorologists who suggest March 1, and of course the vernal equinox last week indicating March 19th as spring’s beginning. But this, seen in our front yard on the 20th, is true confirmation that spring has officially come to north Alabama. There were 3 of these show-offs parading around the yard thinking 4 nearby hens were watching. Big egos!! The girls had no interest whatsoever!
As additional confirmation for spring’s arrival, and in support of our turkey friends, dozens of robins dropped by the same day. They continue to make themselves at home. Have you noticed robins always arrive in groups?
As I continued through the open hardwoods where I found trilliums, I came across many patches of Mayapple. Again, this is a new area for me to be roaming this time of year. What prompted me to go this direction has to do with a cow, but not one named Betsy, at least not to my knowledge!
The Mayapple does well in spring but fades away in the heat of summer. The foliage is unique, very conspicuous. It is native to our deciduous forests. So, about that cow…
…I received a call about a cow being near the edge of the highway. Our neighbors to the east are cows who live on a few hundred acres of beautiful pastures and open deciduous woodlots. The owners however, live about 25 miles away. Since they don’t live on the property, there are times I give them a call, if needed, to try and keep them from making a long drive. In this case, everything turned out fine, and the cow is back where it belongs. I very rarely see their old barn or walk through parts of the farm that I trekked on last week. The search for stray cattle and possibly a damaged fence was really enjoyable!
When mowing, especially early in the season, wild onions are everywhere, and you would think they are the fastest growing thing on the planet. I usually refer to every plant that looks like this one as a “wild onion”. This, found in the woods, is actually wild garlic. And truthfully, what pops up all over the yard is not all wild onions but a mixture of wild onions and wild garlic, (Allium vineale).
Technically edible, wild garlic is said to have a bitter and unpleasant aftertaste. I have no plans to try it, and did not harvest any cloves. This weed is not to be confused with Allium ursinum, which is also sometimes called wild garlic, but looks a little different, having wider leaves!
This is a real woodland up-scale condominium that seems to be visited a lot based on the wear around the entrance!
To jump or not to jump, this is the question. The water is cold but that’s where the fish are!
The bridal wreath spirea was on the verge of being in full bloom, but a couple of frosty morns may have a say in how that goes. The early blooms somewhat resembled a cross.
Most late afternoons with scattered clouds have a golden glow or even fiery red, but shades of pink and a deep blue dominated the sky just after sunset one afternoon last week!
I love a story. People and places have stories. Often it remains a mystery or goes untold. Sometimes we can only use our imagination and allow ourselves to be fascinated by the wonder that comes from dreaming…having no way to obtain the real story. However, I recently met a young man who graciously shared his story with me. I’m getting to know him better each time we talk. His story is quite an encouraging one. I hope to share it in a post later this week.
Wishing everyone a Blessed Palm Sunday and a peaceful week!
”May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.“
Psalm 67:1-2 (ESV)
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Happy Easter week to the Richardsons, Amy EK have a fun birthday celebration!
looking forward to the story of the young man you’ve met, Butch.
I’m hoping this morning to uncover my plants for the last time from the threat of frost and freezing!
Thanks Rita, and wishing you a blessed Easter week. I covered plants again last night as we were under a frost warning but it did not happen. Very glad of that and like you, hoping to not be covering things again!
Butch and Pam
Love seeing the turkeys strut! Such pretty flowers, your photos are always a nice walk on a Sunday.
Thank you Carole. Some of the flowers may struggle a little after a couple of cool nights but should recover in time. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Time passes so quickly. I can’t believe EK is 5! Happy birthday to her! Her hair and eyes are beautiful. She’s a pretty young lady. The sunset shots is gorgeous. I enjoy seeing the animals returning in the spring and all the blooms popping out. Happy Easter! Clara ❤️
Happy Easter week to you Clara. I heard that song, Sunrise, Sunset this week for the first time in a while and the writer really captured neat thoughts on the passing of time. We will pass the birthday wish on to EK!
Butch and Pam
The haunting quietude of Gethsemane, the AL fields laden with wild growth and verdant green
inhabited by His knowing creatures, the shining face of a beautiful 5 year old secure in loving care,
and the gift of your insight and lessons…. such a Sabbath is to be treasured, Butch. Just love the sound
of the word, trillium…. Looking forward to the tale of the young man who captured your imagination.
Palm Sunday – triumphant – a prelude to scorn and suffering ..pity those who failed or fail to truly see Him… or the promised glory in it all….
Thank you Mary. A good week for observing the trillium, a trinity of leaves, a splendid reminder of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Some of the olive trees in Gethsemane are over 2,000 years old. I shared your Palm Sunday- … words with a group today. Have a blessed Easter week!
Butch and Pam
What a pleasant visit on this Palm Sunday when Jesus rode a lowly donkey through the streets and people placed their clothing/coats down before our Lord, showing their adoration. One week later he was spat upon and scorned and hung on Calvary’s Cross by many of these same people. I always think of the song “In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed on bended knee…..” thank you for the peaceful pic.
EK is growing up so fast…Happy Early Birthday to your beautiful little “ginger”.
Butch your exploring trips are wonderful and make us think we are right there with you. Love the wild Tom turkey in your yard…we had so many of them when we lived in Kansas…and I always enjoyed their strutting around. We do have them in Florida but not as plentiful.
Thank you and Pam for your faith and your fellowship in Christ.
Until His coming…hugs and Blessings.
Kari
Kari, thank you for your comments, very encouraging. It is amazing how people can have such an about face, trying to stay on what they thought was the winning side. How deceived they were. We will pass on the birthday wish to EK. Have a blessed Holy week!
Butch and Pam
Thank you for the beautiful scripture and photo of the Garden of Gethsemane. Just got home from our Palm Sunday service where we gathered early to make palm crosses together, then assembled outside with palm fronds for the reading of the Gospel. There are some beautiful blue eyes in your family for sure! Happy Birthday to EK (who looks so grownup). We used to have a gardening call-in show where someone asked how to eradicate wild onions. The Master Gardener replied only the Christmas method works…hoe, hoe, hoe! Looking forward to reading of your encounters with the young man.
Thank you for your comments Roxanne and for sharing about your Palm Sunday morning…such a special and worshipful gathering. We will give EK the birthday wish. As for the onions, I guess I will mow, mow, mow since we have several acres of them. Have a blessed Easter week!
Butch and Pam
Thank you for sharing this beautiful post. Happy Birthday to your adorable Grand! God bless you all.
Thank you Maristella. We will share your birthday wish with EK. Happy autumn to you and have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Happy Palm Sunday! What a lovely stroll. The Garden of Gethsemane was truly a highlight for me. Thank you! Knowing that Jesus walked through the area in which you stood when you visited must have been an incredible feeling. I get chills thinking about it but you experienced it!
EK is going to be 5! That’s a big birthday for a little one. It means they are becoming school-age. And those blue eyes are gorgeous with her red hair. Happy Birthday Princess.
I enjoyed all your wildflowers on this stroll. And I look forward to hearing the story of the young man.
Enjoy your Easter week my friends!
Thanks so much Nancy. I do hope to share about my new friend on Thursday if I can gather my thoughts. Walking where Jesus walked is an unforgettable experience. We will share your birthday wish with EK. She will be excited to hear that people that haven’t met her said happy birthday. Have an enjoyable Easter week!
Butch and Pam
What a special trip! Happy Easter and enjoy the party.
Thank you Judy. Visiting the Holy Land was an unforgettable experience for sure. We hope you have a wonderful Easter week!
Butch and Pam
It is truly a time of wonder as we enjoy Spring coming to life~ I love seeing the turkeys!
And, as usual, one of your darling grands steals the show! Happy Birthday EK!
Thank you Jenna. Things are coming to life. A lot of activity with all the birds and I’ve seen a few butterflies too. We will tell EK. Have a joyful Easter!
Butch and Pam
The little Blue Eyes flower is so delicate and pretty – and the blue eyed EK is a charmer as well. What a lovely spring you’re having.
Thank you Leslie Anne. I’m thinking spring is really amazing way down there in LA (lower Alabama for some who might be confused). Grands are definitely charmers. Have a blessed Easter week!
Butch and Pam
I do feel as if I am right there with you on your wanderings, Butch! So many sights.
I’m amazed at the beautiful turkey!
Happy Birthday to EK! She is beautiful!
Love your pics of The Garden of Gethsemane and so special on Palm Sunday. Hosanna to the highest! May you family enjoy a joyous Easter! Bonnie
Thanks for your thoughts Bonnie. Our turkey population is going crazy. It’s very interesting. We will share with EK. Some of the olive trees In Gethsemane are believed over 2,000 years old. Have a joyful Easter!
Butch and Pam
It is amazing what one can find looking for lost cattle or checking fence lines! Taking pictures of little ones and places that make you happy is the perfect way to start the week!
Thanks so much Mary. There truly are a lot of amazing things out there that bring happy thoughts. I guess to many folks I enjoy strange things. We hope your week is off to a great start and that you have a wonderful Easter!
Butch and Pam
I’m glad you rescued the cow and all is well! I didn’t know that about wild onions and garlic. Yes, I think I’d give it a pass, too!
Thanks Jeanie. The cows often help out by going back on their on or with a little pressure. And usually they go back to the place of escape. That helps identify fence problems. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
I’m late making a comment to your post Butch. We did get to church and saw a friend dealing with cancer. And we have snow again. To much! But I’m eagerly awaiting the young man’s story. Happy Burthday Emma Kennedy🎈
Thank you Alice. More snow for you…my, my. So glad you made it to church. We will give EK the birthday wish. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Happy Monday. Have a great week and Happy Easter. Your grands are such cuties. Hugs. Kris
Good to hear from you Kris. We hope you have a wonderful week and a Happy Easter!
Butch and Pam
Happy Palm Sunday and Easter Week. I visited the Garden of Gethsemane many years ago, too. It was an amazing opportunity to be there. Visiting from Love Your Creativity linkup.
Thank you Jennifer. We were in the Holy Land in 2011 and would love to visit again. Have a wonderful Easter week!
Butch and Pam
Oh my, those turkeys are so funny strutting about. I enjoyed your walk-about and glad the cow is back home safe and sound. Those “blue-eyes” flowers are so pretty and something that I’ve not seen before. Hope that bridal wreath spirea is okay. The sunset is beautiful but EK is the show stopper. Happy birthday EK and I hope you both have a wonderful Easter week!
Thank you Kim. We had not previously seen the “blue-eyes”. They appear delicate. The spirea seems to be recovering fine. Wishing some spring weather for you. Have a great Easter week!
Butch and Pam
Princess EK is just beautiful and growing so fast! It seems like we blink and they’re grown! I look forward to reading the story about the young man you met. I am so far behind in my reading, as you can see, so you have more than likely already published it. God bless you all!
Thank you Cheryl. I understand being behind. I seem to always be that way so I guess it’s just normal for most of us. Hope you are having a good weekend.
Butch and Pam