“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
Happy Sunday to you all. The skies of last week had a lot to offer, as July gave way to August. The “dog days ” of summer will be with us through next Sunday. The dog days of summer can vary from source to source but have traditionally become tied to the dawn rising of the Dog Star, Sirius. The Farmer’s Almanac says the 2024 period is from July 3, through August 11. So, happy dog days also!
We’ve been blessed lately with a few downpours like this one. As I looked out, a John Denver lyric came to mind…”Even when it’s raining, The sound of heaven singing, Is simply joyful music to me”.
Raindrops keep falling on his head, and dripping from his face. Ah, but we know the rain will eventually subside!
And when the rain ended, I took off in haste across the pasture after seeing that a rainbow was forming. It was faint but growing brighter. You know I love a story and there is one for this occasion. I rushed on foot across the field wearing some old crocs and no socks. My only pair of $600, progressive lens, prescription glasses happened to be hanging by a $2.00 strap around my neck. I needed a good vantage point to catch this rainbow before it disappeared. I thought me and the cow were all alone until I realized quite a few fire ants were also present, living in a mound just below my feet. Upon rushing back to the house to retrieve a bottle of alcohol, I discovered I still had the cheap strap, but no glasses were attached. The bites are fine now but several searches have not turned up the glasses. They will probably be in a future bale of hay. I wasn’t happy with the rainbow photo, but after the ordeal, it was a must to show it!
Pam and I both chose the same dessert after a wonderful meal last Wednesday at Bottega Cafe in Birmingham. Peach semifreddo. It is peach season and Alabama has some great peach growers a couple of counties to our south. We were celebrating an anniversary of sorts. Our first date was on July 31st, 54 years ago! We find all kinds of excuses to celebrate with food!!
Again, you know I love a story, especially when I am encouraged by one. This is my friend James. He goes about the gym encouraging and helping everybody. He’s outgoing and so positive and always the same. But what made me ask James if I could mention him on the blog was this…James has scars from head to toe, the results of stitches and surgeries. Broken arms, legs, head injuries, and punctured lungs to mention only a few things to overcome. If he notices someone struggling, he makes it a point to instill some motivation with his kind, but challenging words. But, it was easy for me to see that James had no doubt had struggles of his own, after all, no one is exempt. I wanted to know his story, and he was glad to share it! He told me of an eventful day in April, 2011.
James knew it was stormy that day as he drove in Walker County, Alabama. After a rain shower the sun briefly peeped out, but things suddenly changed. A loud roar and crashing noises came out of nowhere and he realized his vehicle was no longer on the asphalt, brakes and steering useless. We get a lot of tornadoes in Alabama, but there were several devastating and deadly tornado super outbreaks across the south that April. His car was spun and flipped and tossed like it was a toy. Needless to say the injuries were massive from head to toe. It took about 15 minutes for rescuers and medics to arrive. With metal across his head, James was pinned and the crew had to cut away parts of the vehicle to free him. He remained conscious the entire time.
The actual active rehab was about a year and a half, but you never completely recover from something so traumatic. It was God’s blessings that allowed James to remain positive and work hard in spite of pain and major challenges. Seen here adding plates to a leg press machine, this is an exercise that he does 3 times each week. And by the way, he places about one thousand pounds on this machine. I hear James laying some straight talk on the young guys that come to work out. He doesn’t mince words when he encourages (lectures) them about living responsibly, respectfully, and hard work. His head injuries in 2011 caused him to stutter he says, but his speech is very plain to me and others. I can see that these guys listen and respect him.
With a close look you might notice one scar on his left leg from above the knee and all the way down under his sock. He has plenty of battle scars. A group of kids from a local boys ranch come in occasionally. They don’t know a thing about working out and their caregiver can’t possibly manage and instruct all of them in this setting. James takes them in, giving instruction and motivational talks. I notice those boys standing in groups sometimes just watching James. At 69 and a half he works as an Uber driver. He emphasizes that “half” because every day counts he says. After he got off this machine he looked at me and said, “I give out, but I don’t give up”!
A side note: A couple of weeks back he was hit in his car on the driver’s side door by another vehicle. His car was totaled. I know he is sore all over and probably should not be in the gym just yet! I teased and said I am not riding anywhere with you!
It’s the time of year where there isn’t a lot of new color along the way but I decided that I needed to hit the trails, it has been a while. In late July, early August, I like to search for those “firsts” of the season, giving at least a hint of change, reminding us autumn will show up soon. One is my favorite wildflower, goldenrod. I spotted this one on Thursday.
Another familiar plant that I spotted for the first time last week is also a good indicator that change is coming. Mountain mint is beginning to come forth in the open areas where I roam and some are blooming. Bees and butterflies love it!
I tried to convince Pam I had found pears growing along the hillside not far from the house. She took a closer look and gave me that eye which means I need to stop making up stuff. Besides having great fall color and berries a little later in the season, there is a fact about smooth sumac (it isn’t a pear tree) that is interesting which I had never read. This is the only wild shrub or tree that is native to, and found in, all 48 contiguous states.
Growing nearby and in harmony with the smooth sumac, winged sumac is already displaying it’s red berries. Deer, birds, and opossums are a few critters that are probably glad to see these showing up!
I wasn’t aware devils walking stick would be beginning to bud and bloom by early August but there it was, standing tall in the middle of all the sumac and blackberries. The name is fitting as this thorny thing is definitely a “look but don’t touch” item!
I thought this was a very well designed and fancy entrance. This old eastern red cedar fence post is home to something but I’m still investigating what that something might be. I observed it for a few minutes but no action. I tapped on the post several times, but still no action. Maybe carpenter bees??
I found this in a pine thicket near the trail. A very old tree is dead, but moss now has life. It made me think of one of my quotes:
“Found at the end of everything is a new beginning”
~Butch Richardson
Japanese beetles have been quite numerous this summer and they love crepe myrtle. You may notice the brown area in the middle of these blooms…the results of the beetles congregating to feast in one spot!
Pam loves a walk in the garden at dusk, and some days the reflective lighting adds to the peaceful ambience. A nice thing after a long day.
We pray your day and your week will be peaceful!
”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
Good for James, He is a hero. I enjoyed reading about him and always all you offer us.
Thank you Ruthie. I notice that lot of the young guys listen to a guy like James who puts himself out there. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Good morning Butch and Pam! What a wonderful post…I do love a good story, especially well told like these. I am so sorry about your glasses. They have got to be out there somewhere! Last week I was pruning a boxwood, not knowing it had a wasp nest. They were not happy, nor was I five stings later! That story of James is incredible. God saved him for a reason, no doubt about that. It appears back surgery is in my near future, and I was told nothing but walking and a lot of it until then. Our Planet Fitness was all but empty yesterday bc the Clemson students aren’t back yet. Keeping an eye on Debby as she comes up the coast. Have a blessed week
Oh Roxanne those wasp really hurt. I’ve found large wasp nest in thick shrubs like boxwoods many times. I try to remember to take a stick or something now and shake each bush before I prune. Praying about your back surgery. Debby won’t affect us but maybe you will see rain? Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I love reading the seasonal observations in nature, Butch, thank you. James’ story is nothing short of a miracle, and it continues! If you find your glasses that will be another miracle (so sorry). We experienced a miracle this morning at 1:55am….I heard what I thought was a fan running, only to awaken to the sound of rain! We got 1/2 inch and I’m so excited! That’s 1/3 of our entire July precip!
Have a great Sunday and new week.
Thanks Rita. I believe my glasses are history but I did search again this afternoon. A half inch of rain is a big deal when it’s been as dry as you’ve had it this summer. Sure hope you see more precipitation soon. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Happy Sunday, Butch and Pam! As always, I enjoy reading about what you find in nature. I’m so sorry about your glasses. Thanks so much for sharing James’ story with us. It is such an inspiring story and what a blessing he is to others by motivating and inspiring them. I wish you both a most wonderful day and week ahead!
Thanks Shannon. James went through some rough times growing up too so he can speak to the young guys from experience. I think the glasses are a part of history as today’s search turned up nothing. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Look forward to your post every Sunday morning. I do hope your glasses show up. What an inspiration James is. Love, love, love your quote. I have a friend who is at the end of his journey here on earth but what a new beginning- to ever be present with the Lord!
Thank you Bobbie. As for that quote, someone said to me; that’s correct except when we die, to which I said, especially when we die. So good to know your friend has obviously placed his trust in the Savior’s finished work. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
I’m sorry about your glasses and the ant bites…they really hurt. James sounds like he is giving back for his second or perhaps third chance in life. I’m sure those young boys need all the help they can get. Happy Sunday,
Happy Sunday to you too Karen. I do believe James is a help to some. Not all take heed but he keeps after them anyway. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
We hope James is better soon! We enjoyed hearing about him. He’s been through a lot. He is a great influence to the children. Will be praying for him. The peach dessert looks delicious! Sorry you lost your glasses. Red ants are horrible! Enjoyed all the pics. The rain was nice but we’ll be without it this week. Enjoy your day. Clara❤️
Thank you Clara. James is an encourager for certain. I do think the glasses are a lost cause but in the big scheme of things it’s only glasses. And yes, the heat and dry air have returned. Hope you have a good week!
Butch and Pam
Have you tried using a high lumen very bright flashlight to look for your glasses? I find more “obvious” things with a flashlight than with the naked eye when I’ve misplaced something. If you do your search before the sun is high in the sky or after it is lower light, the flashlight beam might bounce off the lenses if you’re in the vicinity of where they were lost. I do hate you lost them! Be aware of the ant hills too. We don’t want you suffering twice! If you can remember if you got snagged up in some bushes, your glasses may be hanging in them and not on the ground. A flashlight is also good for sighting them in the bushes. We’ve had to search for all sorts of things and believe me, a good flashlight will assist you tremendously. Good luck!
That’s a good idea Clara and I did actually try that one evening just after dark. I used a very bright flashlight. I wondered if that was a crazy idea but I’m glad that I’m not by myself in thinking that might work. I do believe it’s not a bad idea and reflection is possible. I might try it again.
Kudos to James. He is a great example of preserving through challenges.Prayers that he heals quickly from his last accident.
Thank you Della. I hope to see James tomorrow and will share the many nice things you and others have shared. Hope you have a great week!
Butch and Pam
What an awesome guy, James is truly a gift to others. I hope you find your glasses, they can’t have gotten far!
Well thank you Carole. I’m trying to get a laugh out of those missing glasses. I looked again this afternoon. Hope your week is a good one!
Butch and Pam
I will pray that God directs you to your glasses. He knows where everything hides🙏
God bless James. He is a blessing to everyone in that gym. Thank you for telling his story. Oh the picture of the dark clouds reminds me of how Gods light will overcome the darkness.
The Japanese Beatles have been eating on my roses and the virginia creeper that covers the arbor over my back porch door.. we are in a drought and fires are popping up all around. We’ve had no rain since the end of May. I remind myself that we do live in the Desert. Looks like you’ll be getting more rain hopefully not the hurricane.
Thanks Alice. We won’t be impacted by the storm it appears. I knew it could be quite dry for you but seems like it’s especially so this season. Praying for everyone concerning those fires. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
How wonderful James was able to go through so much and know he is alive by the grace of God and that is what is a blessing. To encourage others is amazing. Sorry about the your glasses. That desert looks so yummy. Peach anything is my fave. Have a beautiful new week ahead. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. It’s kinda been funny about the glasses in away. I put on a pair of yellow tinted safety glasses and looked for them today thinking that might help me see better. It didn’t help a thing. A beautiful new week to you as well!
Butch and Pam
Thank you for the inspiring James story… he is quite a courageous soul and an example of overcoming for all of us. He is added to my prayer list, as well as your lost glasses…search again and let me know if they are answered. A local publication noted your mile-long sale in Gadsden and featured a neighbor whose front porch is a feasting hub for humming birds….quite a photo. Speaking of which, your photos and comments this week continue to fascinate….although that peach concoction is just too
tempting…A blessed Sabbath and coming week, dear ones.
Blessings to you Mary. That world’s longest yard sale ends, or begins in our city, depending on your perspective. I was tempted to travel for a few photos for next week but it is such chaos that I decided to stay away. Another search has not turned up those glasses so perhaps God does not want me to have that particular pair. We shall see, no pun intended. Hope your week is a splendid one!
Butch and Pam
I always love seeing a rainbow so I love the photo and effort, but so sorry you lost your glasses! James’ story is truly inspiring and incredible…Your dessert at Bottega looks amazing! Your garden and patio look so pretty in the rain~ Have a great week Pam & Butch!
Thank you Jenna. We did get some rain but not the flooding we saw in Jefferson County and other areas. I’m thinking another dessert would help me get over those lost glasses. Hope you have a great week too!
Butch and Pam
Your gym pal James is a remarkable man. He sounds like not such a strong, resilient human but one who is kind and good within. Thank you for sharing your story — it’s inspirational. And I wish you could find those glasses. How frustrating — although the photo is really great! Love that last photo of the evening with the lights. Lovely in every way.
Thank you for your kind comments Jeanie. I do believe real strength lies within and James is a good example of that. I’m trying to laugh about the glasses especially since our son mentioned I trusted a $600 pair to a $2 strap. Just a good lesson. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful post, fabulous Bible verse. Sorry for your glasses, I wish you find them. That dessert is mouthwatering! Happy August, dear friends.
Thank you Maristella. I may not find the glasses but I do know where there are more desserts. Mouthwatering is a good description. Have a happy week and a good August!
Butch and Pam
Pam and Butch–I came to my PC to share how much I love and appreciate you. Your posts always lift my spirits–reminding me of the beauty, strength, and resilience that is found in nature and in other people! James’ story touched me heart! WOW! Way to go, James. I prayed for him, and all of you, on my nature walk I squeezed in this morning after early church.
The pictures are breathtaking–the dog days of summer. I’m so sorry about your glasses while catching that rainbow, Butch. Ouch! I understand!
Congratulations celebrating the 54 years (yummy dessert!)! I’d love to walk in your garden, too. The ambience is perfect.
Butch–your quote is beautiful! And true!
God bless you all so much! I had my treatment on Thursday and am doing very well. I’ll go help my youngest son and family this week on their move to Owasso, OK (he begins new job with the Railroad). You’ll be in my heart and prayers.
Love, Karla and Finley💕❣️🐾🙏
You are so encouraging Karla and we thank you. Glad you are doing well after the treatment, even getting out on that walk. That’s good treatment in and of itself if you can squeeze it in. It’s getting kinda funny about the glasses now, although not at first. Hope your son adjusts well to that new beginning. Thanks for your prayers. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
God bless James. After my car accident I haven’t been quite as brave. He is my new inspiration. Thanks!
Thanks Nancy. James is an Uber driver and I’m wondering if he’s going to run out of vehicles to work in. I understand your fears though. My major accident involved falling a long distance and for a long time I couldn’t even get up on the first rung of a ladder. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I loved reading about your friend James, Butch. Goodness what a testimony & blessing this man is!
I also enjoyed your quote, indeed at the end of everything is a new beginning, I think of this life…when it ends our time in heaven begins, for those who love Jesus as their Lord & Saviour of course.
Blessings to you & Pam, Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. I know everyone has a story but sometimes I run across someone like James whose story and personality is just refreshing. Someone said regarding the quote that it was true except when we die. I said, especially when we die. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Butch and Pam, thank you for your beautiful photos and stories. I always love a story and have laughed so many times when we watch the movie “Steal Magnolias” and the Dolly Parton line…”I think there’s a story there”! cuz I love a good story. Your story of James is so inspirational and good for him to keep on tellin’ everyone. After my bout with Pancreatic Cancer, God has brought so many people to me so I can tell them my story of not only how Jesus saved me from my sins, but how God brought me through such a horrible cancer. Just like James, God brings them to me. Yes, there is a new beginning when we die…Praise God as He wipes away our tears and we will have joy and happiness living with our Lord and Savior.
Here on earth we have to remember God is in control and nothing happens without His overall plan. I also love the rainbow and each time I see one, I smile as I remember God’s promise regarding the rainbow. We received lots of rain and wind here in SW Florida but nothing we can’t handle with a bit of time and patience.
Thank you dear friends in Christ.
Thank you Kari. Great to hear from you. I know you’ve been able to share with many others after what the Lord has done in your life. We aren’t having any impact from Debby. Hot and dry again here. I love a story too. Hope you have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
What an inspiration James is! He truly is a walking miracle!
Your quote is perfect. At the end of everything, there is a new beginning. That also inspires.
I enjoyed all your seasonal changes. I, too, am seeing a few changes through migrating birds and water fowl on the lake. Fall is coming.
I’m so sorry about your glasses. Goodness, I hope they show up.
Enjoy those evening walks with your precious Pam! That last photo was the perfect ambiance for a stroll with your lovely gal.
Have a wonderful week!
Thank you Nancy. We do start seeing a few subtle changes on occasion in August that give hints of autumn. I think I’ll suggest to Pam that we take an evening walk and search for those glasses, possibly accomplish 2 things. We hope you have a joyful week!
Butch and Pam
That is quite the story about James – he sounds like a remarkable man! Love the pics of the clouds and the rainbow and I’m so sorry that you lost your glasses. The garden does look peaceful. I haven’t really seen any signs of seasonal change here but I suspect my eye is not as keen as yours. It’s been hot, dry, and dusty here but we finally got some rain yesterday and maybe some more later today – fingers crossed. Wishing you both have a lovely week!
Thanks so much Kim. So glad you received a little rain, hopefully more on the way for you. James is quite a guy. I missed seeing him yesterday but likely will tomorrow. I suspect you have a very keen eye but with hot, dry, and dusty, there wouldn’t be much sign of change. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
“Found at the end of everything is a new beginning” I really needed to hear that today. So, thank you!
Thank you, Cheryl. I am so glad it was helpful!
Butch and Pam