“To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Timothy 1:17 (ESV)
Ready or not, June is here! I’m with the weatherman/meteorologist on this issue, June means summer, even though it officially arrives with the summer solstice at 3:50 PM CDT on June 20. After that day, the days will slowly become shorter. To me it feels like the days just started getting longer. Time flying has stepped it up a notch!
We pass this neat cottage on our way to one of our favorite mountain getaways. We don’t know the story and have never seen anyone. Pam would love to peep inside but we’ve never snooped around.
I was hiking a section of the Cataloochee Divide Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park when I came to this meadow. I looked up the hill to my right and thought, “what a perfect setting to find sheep grazing”. To my surprise and disappointment, they were only white rocks! My imagination was kicking in again.
If I can briefly imagine sheep, why not imagine this as being a tired shepherd propping up for a little rest. He would wear a size 14 shoe, and appears to be in need of a pedicure!
Princess Emma is quite the versatile little lamb, transforming overnight from an evening on stage in a ballet performance, to one of the resident cowgirls ready to take on the farm!
I’m finding open areas along paths and in meadows near our house that are now filled with white blooms somewhat similar (at a distance) to Queen Anne’s Lace. It’s only an old weed and not native, but spreading hedge parsley does make a showing wherever it is found. And, portions of the stem and leaves do look a lot like parsley!
The Swag in North Carolina was a great place to spend a few days during Memorial Day week. The red, white, and blue were all around. Stories of the sacrifices of the many who perished in order to gain and maintain our freedom flowed in hallways and meeting places. This was really refreshing and encouraging!
I have a spot near the garden where I regularly feed the birds that are ground feeders. I mostly keep food out in the winter months, but this season I had left overs, so I am continuing until we run out. There are certain birds we’ve observed that don’t care to eat right off the ground, but this male house finch doesn’t mind. He has become our most frequent visitor. Doves come often as well.
Pam got a very nice photo of this beautiful old chestnut oak. We thought the random way the limbs have grown through many years gave it a wild, whimsical look that was very interesting architecturally!
PJ and I both indulged in what was simply called strawberry shortcake, but this dessert went beyond any strawberry shortcake we’ve ever encountered! The cake had a delicious icing and the strawberries were right from the farm.
I have fond “mimosa memories” from my childhood. I know it is not a native, but has been around so long it seems like it has surely always been here. The trees proclaim summer. I often climbed them in my grandmothers yard…and I always associated them with “school’s out for the summer”. They grow around here in abundance, being a legume, they produce a lot of seeds in their pods!
Pam made friends with a mountain rabbit. I believe with a small amount of patience, this little guy would have let her pet him. She could have claimed the title of “rabbit whisperer”!
Another true sign that June and summer are nigh is the presence of elderberry all over the place! This plant gives a chance to view the stages from bloom to tiny berries. Many tout elderberry as very useful in various ways for good health.
I discovered these very gregarious mushrooms out behind the picnic table in a place I don’t mow often. Some people call members of this family of fungi honey mushrooms. I read where they almost always grow in the presence of rotting wood. This makes sense as this is an area that I cleared and there are old stumps and rotting roots just below the surface.
I was amazed in 2 days at the color change that had taken place. This is the same group 48 hours later! I checked yesterday and there was nothing but a black spot on the ground where the mushrooms had been. They didn’t hang around as long as the cicadas!
Old barns and sheds are so intriguing. I love to find these structures and get a chance at a photograph. We pass these two well preserved old-timers on our way to The Swag on this very narrow country road. The corner of the first building is literally only inches away from the road’s edge, yet we’ve seen no evidence that it has been damaged by road traffic. If it has, the owner has done a magnificent job at repairs!
If I call this cow itch will it cause you to feel the need to scratch? I hope not, but just in case, let’s go with another name. How about trumpet creeper, hummingbird vine, or trumpet vine. Another true sign of summer’s soon arrival, this vine, native to the eastern US, does cause some people to have allergic reactions…but hummingbirds love it!
It is not always necessary to look west to find beauty in a sunset. At the close of a peaceful day in the mountains, this view is looking southeast while standing at an elevation of approximately 5,000 feet!
Have a blessed first week of June!
”Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”.
Hebrews 13:8
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Great photos for this first week of June. I can totally relate to the thoughts of sheep and the shepherd in your interpretations, Butch. EK makes an adorable cowgirl! I’m happy you got to spend d time at the Swag. I noticed the rhododendron in bloom in the first photo and guessed that might be where you were!
Thank you Rita. Many of the rhododendrons were in full bloom with others still to come. Mountain laurel was also beginning to bloom. Hope you have a wonderful first week of June!
Butch and Pam
Happy second day of June everyone. It is a beautiful cool morning here in PA. I am sitting on my side porch observing rabbits, squirrels and 🐦 birds darting in and out of the trees. The chestnut oak looks similar to our curly weeping willow tree. The people we bought this house from had 🐑 sheep, the building they were housed in is still on the lower end of the property. Your granddaughter is precious! I am with Pam on being curious about the cottage. Have you ever heard of a music box rose bush? I planted one last year, it blooms non stop from spring to fall, the roses change colors as they mature. It does seem like the days just started getting longer! I have to admit to looking forward to Fall my favorite season. Have a blessed week everyone.
Thank you Matyann. It is cool and rainy here this morning with showers off and on yesterday too. I can see the weeds growing. I am not familiar with that rose but the name is appropriate for the changing colors. Fall has to be beautiful in PA. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
As I sit reading your post I am at 5363 feet. And all around me is flat but when I look westward, I see the Rocky Mountains at my feet. I love Spring and Summer that brings such wild beauty. God plants and we enjoy. The Swag sounds like a great place to visit. Your imagination is in “full bloom” this morning. But I can also “see” the Shepherd taking time out and your comment about his feet made me laugh. The mushrooms
short life makes me think. The sun is up and we will strive to get ourselves together and go to church where we will worship the One who made this beautiful world. Have a very blessed day and week.
Thank you Alice. I would delight at that view of the Rocky Mountains, a favorite place to visit for us. I think the old shepherd has problems with his big toe on that left foot. Hope you make it to church and have an opportunity to worship alongside others. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Lovely sunset light on the clouds. I’ll bet somebody came by and ate those mushrooms! Such a sweet little rabbit, too.
Thank you Carole. Deer along with others like mushrooms so maybe they became a treat for creatures. We hope you enjoy this first week of June!
Butch and Pam
I’m loving that little cottage and the little cottage girl, Princess Emma. That strawberry shortcake looks to die for!
Thank you Jeanie. I can envision Emma standing on the porch of that red cottage, seems fitting. Have a wonderful first week of June!
Butch and Pam
Another Sabbath tour de force…The charming cottage has its American flag out and a fresh wreath on the door, so “I think there’s a story there.” Our imaginations are attuned in seeing that mountain’s sheep and reclining shepherd.. Just love the picture of the ever-growing red-head. Pam’s tree has a paisley-like design with a lovely haunting quality. Great captures of the flora and fauna..weathered buildings…the rabbit did not come through, but what a great shot of the dining bird. The mushroom’s life-span is a surprising note. Something to be learned here always. The Swag looks like an ideal destination for a time of renewal and who could resist that strawberry treat? Bless you for this first taste of June, dear ones…..
Thank you Mary. Maybe one day we will not be in a rush to reach our destination and can take time to search out the story of the cottage. The Swag is a wonderful place to relax and refresh or be active if one wishes. (Hiking is refreshing to me) Not a place however to be counting your calories. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
The sunset is just gorgeous. Little EK is always adorable. Beautiful pics of your trip. Have a great Sunday and good week ahead. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. That EK is really growing. We hope to share a few more trip pics in coming days. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
The opening shot is gorgeous! Your cowgirl is adorable! The curly limbs of the chestnut oak tree reminds me of scary movie scenes. The little red cottage is so interesting. The sheep and shepherd musings are spot on! Thank you for sharing some of your trip pics. Happy June! Clara❤️
That barn has been lucky so far! Where we live, it would have several cars a week through it!
Agreed. That barn wouldn’t last a day around here!
BR
Thanks so much Clara. I hadn’t thought about a scary or haunting scene while looking at the old tree but it does kinda have that look. We hope to have a few more pictures to share from our recent journey. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
What beautiful photos of your drive through the mountains…and that strawberry shortcake! I imagine that old barn was there long before the road. Pam’s photo of the chestnut oak looks like something out of one of my favorite British tv series, Midsommer Murders. I have loved mimosa trees since I was EK’s age and still have a scar on my back after falling out of one! We are loving the longer days too and our little treat of cool, rainy weather. Suspecting a Sunday afternoon nap is in my future!!
Thanks so much Roxanne. In case you aren’t yet napping, I am glad to hear someone else fell out of a mimosa. Another reader mentioned the old tree looked like a scary scene from a movie and I’m thinking a series named Midsommer Murders is not all fun and games either, Ha! Have a great first week of June!
Butch and Pam
You Just make my week. Every Sunday I look forward to seeing where I will go and what will I see. The little red cabin is so intriguing, I hope someday you will meet the owner.
Thank you for your comments Nonie. I’m thinking we should’ve stopped and asked around about the cottage. Maybe next time. Have a wonderful first week of June!
Butch and Pam
Wonderful post of photos to welcome June. Your photos always bring delight. I especially like that little red head! Adorable! Happy Month of June!
Sarah, thank you for your comments. We are kinda partial to the little cowgirl along with her brother and sister. We wish you a delightful first week of June!
Butch and Pam
Happy June! EK is so adorable! Beautiful photos. Have a lovely week ahead. Blessings.
Thank you Maristella. June seems to have arrived so quickly, the summer season for us. Hoping you have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Enjoyable post as usual!
I’m glad you had a retreat at the Swag. That dessert is decadent!
Emma Kennedy is adorable. So love her cowgirl boots!
I’m intrigued by the red cottage also.
But the last photo is my favorite! Bonnie
Thanks so much Bonnie. We did have a nice retreat but I ate too many things like that dessert. It’s back to the basics on food for me for a while. The little red cottage is popular it seems. Have a great first week of June!
Butch and Pam
Happy first of June to the two of you! I too am loving that little red cottage and I think I would find a reason to stop and knock on the front door!!! And of course the ‘resident cowgirl’ is so very lovely! I’m sure every bite of the strawberry shortcake was a memory maker!
Thank you Mary. Maybe we should drive back to the mountains and check out the cottage further. While there I’d have an excuse to try more of the strawberry shortcake. Have a wonderful first week of June!
Butch and Pam
The Swag sounds like such a wonderful place to visit! I hope to see more about your recent trip. God bless you all!
Thank you Cheryl. We do enjoy a few days at the Swag when possible. It’s about a 5 1/2 hr drive for us. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
I love the little red cottage and your imaginary sheep and shepherd Butch! Cowgirl Emma reminds me of when my daughter went from dance class to softball practice and changed from her tutu into baseball uniform in the car on the way! The Swag sounds like such a peaceful place to relax and unwind. Yes please on the strawberry shortcake! I love mimosa trees, so pretty and what a sweet little rabbit! I think old barns are fascinating too, I always try to visualize their history and function back when they were in use. Beautiful sunset in the clouds! I hope you both have a blessed first week of June!
I know I’ve said this before, but your blog brings only happiness to me. I love the bible quotes, the beautiful photos and your commentary.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful area with us. Oh my goodness, that little shed is adorable. I’d love to look inside it as well.
Thanks so much for your comments Lisa. Everyone liked the little red shed. I guess we need to learn more about it next time. Have a wonderful first week of June!
Butch and Pam
Butch and Pam,
Happy June! I love everything about your posts, pictures, and words–always! I never know which to choose as my favorite. I’m so happy you had a wonderful “mountain getaway”–so deserving! Look at the beauty you captured in the sky, creatures, trees, flowers–and precious E. She and I are similar in style–in many ways! She’s darling and growing so fast! I’m so happy you had a wonderful Memorial Day. Your musings and memories come straight from the heart of our Maker! Love and blessings to you all, always!
Thank you Karla and happy June to you. We are thankful for all those that Memorial Day is for, and we did have a nice few days away also. Blessings to you and we pray you have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
I feel as though I was on your mountain getaway with you both! What beautiful photos!
I am thrilled you got to enjoy a trip away from home.
I would love to pick up they cute red shed and put it in my backyard! Its darling.
That little one is growing so fast! I love her style!
Happy Monday!
Thank you Nancy. Mountain getaways are very nice and we are thankful for a few days. And you’re right, little ones grow too fast. Everyone loves the red shed. Hoping you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
The Swag looks like a beautiful place to enjoy a few days relaxation and that strawberry shortcake looks delicious – yes please! EK is an adorable cowgirl and I love the transformation. That oak tree is nothing short of amazing and same with those mushrooms. I’d be really curious about the little red cottage too. The sunset in the clouds is gorgeous. Happy first week of June to you!
Thank you Kim. There’s such beauty where you live and we sure enjoyed visiting Canada. The Appalachians are amazing too and the Swag is a really neat getaway. Beaches are wonderful but I guess I’m mostly a mountain person. The red cottage has us all curious now. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
I really enjoyed this post!
Thank you Dolly. The weekend is getting close, hope you have a good one!
Butch and Pam