”fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.“
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
Low clouds and fog lingered one morning but finally gave way to clearing and sunshine. It turned out to be a nice spring day here in our Appalachian foothills. The old dead tree is the result of too much water, flooding provided by beavers. About half the time I pass here, there’s a hawk sitting on top of the tallest limb. Not this day. He missed his chance to be a part of this post!
I was unable to do much roaming last week, but fortunately ventured about Sunday and Monday. Pam and I have the flu and have been sidelined since Tuesday. I topped a hill in this pasture across the creek to discover white narcissus scattered all over the place. This is the same area where I found groups of yellow daffodils a few weeks ago. The white ones bloom somewhat later than the yellow.
Most of these have 2 flowers per stem. I suppose we could call these jonquils? I do think it is acceptable to call them all daffodils, after all, they are both of the genus narcissus.
I discovered this on the ground under some oaks near the house. It was about the size of a lime and looked a little like one. We don’t grow limes or lemons in north Alabama. It was thin skinned and very light weight. Have you heard of the Oak Gall wasp?
Strong winds some days ago apparently brought this gall to the ground. The Gall wasp has secretions that cause the gall to form around the eggs, in this case, from an oak leaf. I went back Tuesday before the flu bug dealt a major blow, and found that the gall had dried, turned brown, and the young had seemingly gnawed their way to the outside, part of the circle of life.
I opened up the gall to see what life would’ve been like for larval development on the inside. There are quite a variety of these insects (1,300 species) and the life cycle is complicated, interesting, and amazing. Creation is astounding, so what does that indicate about the Creator! Indescribable!
I made great effort to discourage mockingbirds from building their nest in a bush in the garden near the Sunshine Cottage. I had placed a scarecrow of sorts on the bush thinking that would do the trick. I thought this was a successful deterrent until I saw birds going in and out, as if making fun of my scary device. I decided to investigate and found I was much too late for discouragement. In fact, I was basically attacked by a mockingbird mom before I could take a quick photo and leave. This was the day the birds were hatching. I was not welcome!
The seasons first peony, and fortunately, just outside our back door! It is known as Festiva Maxima.
I mentioned last week that we like old barns and churches. Many of you also relate, based on comments. Today’s throwback is from 2018, Grand Teton National Park, near Jackson Hole, Wyoming…the most photographed barn in the world.
When we have snow here in Alabama, it is likely to come from spent snowball blooms from the snowball viburnum in April. I am pleased to say that after three and a half years of not having any sense of smell (thank you COVID), a few weeks ago I noticed that I was beginning to detect smells and fragrances. It came back out of nowhere, just like it went away. Not as acute yet as before, but I am very grateful. I mention this because these spent blooms actually “stink”, and I am delighted to smell even something stinky!
I’m not sure why this poppy chose to fold its petals down in this manner. I noticed a few of the orange ones did the same thing. I don’t remember seeing this in the past and we’ve had these growing before in the wildflower garden.
Pam didn’t think much of this pic but when you’ve been unexpectedly ailing and unable to get out as much as normal, you use what you have. This is everyday living. I actually liked this photo of large yellow vetch. I found it growing in a ditch near the narcissus the other day. It is a vine in the pea family.
The fringe trees are usually in full bloom by mid April. They make a statement in the woods where they grow wild but a lot of people have them in their yard.
We experienced a lot of clouds and some rain last week. Just when I thought the clouds would win out and the sun be left to try again another day, el sol was not to be defeated!
Wishing you a wonderful 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
Testing
Great shot of the new hatchlings! Our bluebird is still sitting on her eggs.
Thanks Carole. I’m not sure about our bluebirds. I’m trying to stay clear of all the mother birds. Have a good week!
Butch and Pam
Praying you and Pam are recovering🙏
The green ball looked like a lime and then the picture of the inside even looked a little like he inside of a drying up lime. I love the wild flowering trees you show. I would be out there with a shovel and planting them on my property. God plants the must beautiful things in out of the way places so that when we are “out of our ways” we see Him there.
Thanks for your prayers Alice. I do need to transplant a fringe tree to the yard. I see them in people’s landscape. It would be easier to get one from a nursery than digging though. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Hope you both feel better soon! The bird hatchlings win favorite pic of the day! The pics are all interesting and I always enjoy the narrative. Your peony is so pretty. I don’t know if we’ll have peony buds and blooms. We do have beautiful green plants though so maybe next year…. Love the iconic barn! Take care of yourselves! Clara❤️
Thank you Clara. It takes those peonies several years to come around. Pam counted as best she could the peony buds recently on 4 plants and there were around 160 total. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
I’m so sorry you both have been down with the flu, I hope you’re feeling better by now. So glad to hear your sense of smell is finally coming back Butch, such good news! The bird hatching photo is amazing! I prefer snowball virburnum snow much more than the real stuff! The peony is gorgeous~ I hope you both have a wonderful and healthy week ahead!
Thank you Jenna. This virus is hard to shake. I do remember one year some time back that we had snow in early April and the tulips and daffodils looked strange standing in snow. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Sorry you were both down with the flu this past week, but glad your sense of smell is returning! Great shot of the mockingbirds, but sorry they encroached with their nest – they are nasty mean!
Thanks Rita. I will take the bad smells along with the good. And you are so right about the mockingbirds, they will get after you. That instinct to protect the little ones. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
So sorry about your both dealing with the flu…nothing better than regular dosages
of elderberry to stave it off…a great immune builder. Continued prayer for you and Pam.
That almost miraculous view of the mockingbirds birthing is a delight to behold…how you grace
us with your discoveries, Butch. Shots of the interior gall and the poppy formations are further
reminders of the intricate works of the Grand Designer. Will He ever cease to amaze us? The
old barn at Grand Teton is a testimony to the resilience of the pioneer spirit. How well you choose
your subjects. Snap back soon and hope you can really “smell the coffee” before long. Sabbath
blessings.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers Mary. The flu bug has been hanging on but we are moving about in the house a little this afternoon. Many do believe in the benefits of elderberry. We love your thoughts about the pioneer spirit. The Tetons are a favorite. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Butch and Pam, I know it must have taken superhuman effort to do this Southern Sunday post as sick as you two have been. Amazing that your sense of smell is back, hallelujah! Really interesting to learn about the gall wasp. Now I know not to go poke any mysterious green limes on the ground! Our perfect spring weather has disappeared for today with rain and a high of 56, but I am okay with that. Praying you both have a speedy and complete recovery and hoping Seth and family didn’t catch it.
Thank you Roxanne. Fortunately I had gotten a few interesting photos early in the week. And so far, Seth and family are well. We are having a rainy cool day here too. And upper 30’s predicted the next two nights. Hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Thank you so much for sharing all the beauty we would never get to see. Isn’t is all so amazing.
Thank you Nonie. His creation is amazing. You live in a beautiful state. Lots of beautiful places, just different. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Yippee Butch your sense of smell is coming back and I am sorry you and Pam have the flu. Please get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Nature will continue to flourish and the circle of life will continue in the lives of the birds and bees until the Lord comes. Bless you both for the joy you bring to all your readers. Blessings always
Thank you and blessings to you Kari. Yes, we cut a few peonies and have then in a vase and I can smell them. That circle of life will continue until God says it’s time. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Hope that you feel better soon. Everything is looking beautiful!
Thank you so much Elizabeth. We are some better this evening. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Happy Belated Sunday. Lovely all,l but that photo of the nest and hatchlings is exquisite. Timing is everything and you nailed that one.
Thank you Jeanie. My timing to happen upon the next was good for a photo but made a mockingbird very upset I think. All is well though, I see her going and coming. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
I’m so sorry that you have both been down with the flu. Butch, I’m so happy that your sense of smell is starting to come back. The photo of the peony bloom is beautiful! We have had terrible winds this April, and sadly my azalea and snowball blooms didn’t last long. There were petals everywhere! Take care of yourselves and rest. I hope you both have a wonderful week!
Thank you Shannon. We are improving and yes, I’m glad to have a sense of smell again. Sorry about your windy weather. You get a lot of wind I imagine and I thought I saw where there might be some storms out your way this week.? Wishing you a good week!
Butch and Pam
Dear Butch and Pam, First, I’m so sorry you’ve had the flu. I will pray for continued strength and healing. It seems, in my parts, we’ve all been battling such things as strep throat, allergies,…I’m just sorry you’ve had to battle that!
I had never heard of the Gall Wasp–how interesting! It’s the everyday life pics–of your Everyday Living–that I’ve come to love, cherish, and enjoy so much. From the most-photographed barn, the sunsets, sunrises, and all of Pam’s gorgeous table landscapes, combined with God’s landscapes, keep this MO girl full of hope and love for my Alabama family! I think it’s neat that one poppy decided to be different! It’s still beautiful!
This week I will have another treatment and I’m playing catch up, like always, after several doctor’s appointments, one day in nature, and an author’s expo (yay!), put me “down” a couple of days–and today, I’m lifted because of the promises of God–our hope in HIM–and to be here, to celebrate life and Earth day with you. May God bless you, Shine his face upon you, always. Much love and blessings–you mean so much to me! ❣️💛💕
Seeing those baby birds made my heart and soul smile! What a capture, Butch! I have a nest that has been built in my wreath on my front door (my wreath says, “Amazing Grace”). I have to take a picture of that nest! Happy Earth Day!
So good to hear from you Karla. We knew you’ve had busy days and we pray as you have a treatment this week. We are better. The bug has us down but not out. We had a nest in a wreath one time. Birds pick the strangest places, but to nest in “ amazing Grace” is pretty wise. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful pictures! I hope you are on the mend, dear friends.
Thank you Maristella. We are much better. Hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I am late in commenting but I am glad to hear you both are on the mend and Butch, that some sense of smell has returned. Yay! I love the daffodils, the beautiful peony, and that folded poppy. I have never heard of Gall wasps and that was quite the sight to see. What a wonderful shot of the hatchlings even if mama bird wasn’t all that happy about it lol. And I agree, snowball viburnum spent flowers is the only kind of snow to have – I didn’t realized the spent blossoms were stinky, especially from such a gorgeous bloom. Beautiful sunset too. Wishing you both a happy (and healthy) rest of the week!
Thank you Kim. We are both doing better, starting to stir around a bit. And you wouldn’t think such a beautiful bloom could turn on you and be stinky. One of our sweetest outdoor fragrances here in the south is honeysuckle and I’m hoping to smell it this season. Have a great rest of the week!
Butch and Pam
Hope your Sunday was filled many blessings! And I too am attracted to white blooms in nature especially in the springtime!
We had a good Sunday Mary and regaining a little strength after a hard week last week. Hope your week is going well and that you have a good weekend also!
Butch and Pam
As you can tell, I am very late in commenting! I have been very busy with adventures and putting the house back together again. What a job!
I enjoyed seeing all the daffodils. And the “Alabama Snow.”
I am sure glad to hear that you are on the mend!
Enjoy your weekend.
Thank you Nancy. We are on the mend and hopefully you are getting the house back together. Have a wonderful weekend!
Butch and Pam
Wow, If I had just had time to finish reading last weeks post I would have known Butch was regaining his sense of smell. Life gets hectic sometimes!
Bonnie, I think life is hectic most of the time. Hoping things slow a little and you can catch your breath. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
I’m so sorry to read that you all have been sick with the flu. I trust the Lord that you are feeling much better by now. God bless you all!