“I made the earth and created man on it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host.”
Isaiah 45:12 ESV
As most of you know, the latter part of last week brought catastrophic devastation and loss of life in the southeast US. We are fine at our place in NE Alabama, but this is not the case with our neighboring and nearby states. Please pray for the people and places that Hurricane Helene has impacted. This is an ongoing situation and will be for years to come, as some places will never be the same.
With a storm predicted to pass east of us, but still 48 or more hours away, I took a chance that there would be some sun and a few clouds at sunrise. The clouds won out however, but we ended up with a much needed 3/4 inches of rain later in the day. That rain was actually not associated with Helene. I tried to locate an elephant in the sky attempting to chase off other creatures, but I’m not going there!
We cannot believe that an entire growing season has passed and this crepe myrtle got away with living under this large hydrangea unnoticed all this time. The invader might have gotten away with living here, but pride goes before a fall…it just had to show off with a bloom! I was amazed that the plant went from seed, in a shady spot, and bloomed in one growing season.
I sometimes hike through brushy places in low light or even in the dark. For many reasons it is good to know the territory and be familiar with the surroundings, this being one example!
PJ made this photo that I love because it speaks the language of everyday country living. The original home place on the property was built in 1860 and stood within a few feet of where Pam was standing when she took this photo. This of course is now part of our family’s front yard. Mr. Hood, who built the original house, was a pastor and once pastored a church that stood…
…at the edge of this cemetery. In fact, Reverend Hood is buried in this cemetery, but this is not his grave. If you saw last week’s post you know that I mentioned we had picked out cemetery lots in a country cemetery where corn fields and graves are neighbors. When I was placing our foot markers, I couldn’t help but notice this plot with all the red spider lilies. More common names for this flower really fit the time and place. They are often called Resurrection lily, Equinox flower, or Hurricane lily! And it is equally interesting that a group of these lilies are also currently blooming below Seth’s house, near the spot of Reverend Hood’s original 1860’s cabin.
I made a trek over to the woods edge to the east while the skies were still blue to discover this walnut tree that was absolutely loaded with nuts. All hickories around here lose their leaves early and the foliage is usually ragged and not too great for fall color, but they sure make up for that with the variety of nuts they produce. Hickory nuts are plentiful this year too, so I hope that means a good year for pecans. We do love pecans!
There were so many walnuts that the weight had them hanging low enough for me to put a few in my pocket. I haven’t figured a way to use them in Pam’s fall decor just yet, but they are part of the harvest!
We had a cloudy and rainy late week but that wasn’t the case this day. Forecasters stated that this might be our last 90-ish day of the year, but they did stress “might be”.
The garden and the gardeners were glad to see the mid week showers, unrelated to the hurricane. It has been so dry that we decided to celebrate the gift of raindrops! As I type this however, we are under a tropical storm warning and a flood watch, so later captions may bring additional thoughts!!!
Daylilies turning into water slides.
This mandevilla may be shedding tears as its last drops are about to fall away!
I’ve watered this large pot of blue haze (dwarf morning glory) almost every day for close to 5 months, but it finally holds drops of the real thing. There’s something about rain that is so much better than any watering I can do. This plant has been a good one, blooming all season!
Even the pumpkins whose days are done had happy tears!
Fall boneset, seen here beside a cotton field, is an important late season bloomer for many pollinators. It is an interesting native plant that originated in the eastern US and was used by native Americans and early settlers for medicinal purposes. It is thought by scientists that this weed/flower has been a part of the ecosystem special to North America for several millennia. My thoughts then…placed here after the flood!
My preying/praying mantis has taken time off and appointed another well adapted guard to oversee the cottage garden. I chose a picture that I hope is a little easier for spotting the visitor than some in the past. I think he was finding plenty of moisture in the cupped shaped leaves after the morning rain. He showed no interest in selling insurance!
Another wonderful sign of the harvest will soon extend an open invitation to the local ‘possums, raccoons, and others. Right now a bite into one of these persimmons would not be a pleasant thing as far as I’m concerned!
But again, the persimmon trees around here (there are quite a few) are loaded, and will yield a bountiful harvest. Some of the fruit higher on the trees seems to be ripening. A tree at the edge of our yard has a lot of orange fruit.
We close with a peaceful and pleasant autumn look at the Sunshine Cottage garden. We were west of Helene’s storm track which brought us minimal impact. This photo was made prior to the late week storm. The flooding, wind damage, devastation, and loss of life we are witnessing from this hurricane is incredible and heartbreaking. Many people in our neighboring states need our help and certainly our prayers.
Blessings to you all!
”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
Helene was so far reaching. we were east of its path, but just far enough nirth & east that it only hit winds as high as 70mph with some downed trees & power outages, about 50 miles west of us. The rain we received was good, but our grounds are still cracked from drought. Having said that, the daylilies I cut to the ground 5 days before already grew 3″ from the rain. The power of natural water is truly incredile. I pray especially for western NC, that generous hearts will pour out to help everyone rebuild their communities.
Butch, if you hadn’t mentioned insurance, I think I’d still be searching that sedum!
Blessings for a new week coming…and Pam’s birthday month!
Thanks Rita. We just don’t think about a hurricane causing such destruction in Western Carolina and East Tennessee. Water is essential for life yet can be the most powerful agent of destruction known. Some of our readers from other places may not know the insurance commercial with the lizard but I thought quite a few would get that hint. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Helene took a most unusual path. Having lived though many hurricanes in my life while growing up in NC I absolutely feel for those dealing with the effect of Helene. The rain blessed many. Hurricane Hazel pulled the nailed out of our new house in 1954. Afterwards went around the house pounding then back in. We learned a lesson and afterwards left a crack in the windows so that the barometric pressure didn’t explode out home. Butch you have an abundance of natures fruits this Fall. Did you ever make persimmon pudding? It’s a favorite. And mama made a black walnut cake. Guess who had to crack and pick the meal so that she could make that cake in that wood stove. I love the spider lilies places around the grave of a loved one. So much to comment on in this post but I should not write a book,
Thank you Alice. I’m not familiar with persimmon pudding. We certainly use black walnuts at times but I do not envy you having the opportunity to crack and pick those…not an easy task. I know you can relate to what those in the storm’s path are dealing with. It affected places we never think about being devastated by a hurricane but it’s all about the force of water. Hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
East TN and west NC really got slammed. The loss of a portion of both I-40 and I-26 will really hurt the truckers and others. We had several inches of rain with downed power lines and trees. Comparatively, very little damage. I see the little elephant and the lizard. All the fall shots are beautiful. The front yard shot is gorgeous. You have a beautiful place. Are you transplanting the crepe myrtle? Enjoy your day. Clara❤️
Thanks Clara. You are correct. It will take months if not years for some places to even halfway recover. Those interstates don’t get repaired overnight either. Glad you are ok in west TN. Enjoy your Sunday and have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Prayers and prayers for those impacted by Helene, so much damage and loss of life. All the photographs of your nature captures Butch are beautiful and so glad you got some much needed rain. The Sunshine Cottage garden looks so lovely bathed in Autumn light!
Thank you Jenna. We are still getting needed rain, light showers even today. Everything is turning a little green once again. I almost hate to mention it with the continued heartbreaking news of what the force of water has brought to so many. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful photos. Sending prayers for all of you. God bless America.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers Maristella. God bless you and have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Hi Butch and Pam, so thankful you were not part of this mess. We got 21” of rain in our personal rain gauge. Still no power in Greenville, Anderson, and surrounding areas, but these lineman are heroes working around the clock. But Asheville and Lake Lure are absolutely devastated. The gatehouse at the entrance to Biltmore Estate was completely submerged along with Biltmore Village. 1-40 collapsed. There are a lot of videos on YouTube right now bc you literally have to see it to believe it. It is literally incomprehensible and heartbreaking. Most churches are closed around here, but everyone is praying hard for the millions affected.
Glad you are ok Roxanne. We can’t imagine 21 inches of rain and the scenes you describe and that we see on the news and YouTube etc don’t even seem possible. Having worked and visited a lot of your area, east TN, and western Carolina it’s hard to think about some of those familiar places being under water. We agree, the linemen and many others do an incredible job under such difficult conditions. We only lost power for 5 hours and I’m sure many of our folks were headed east to assist other states. Blessings to you as you battle through things this week.
Butch and Pam
Into each life some rain must fall……. The devastation wrought by the storm is heart-rendering.. Hopefully, good souls will unite to bring comfort and aid to those so greatly challenged. Today’s photos are so interesting.. Pam’s shot is
especially lovely. Amazing how that critter blends into his environ…. Despite
the lack of rainfall, it looks like a bounty has emerged in your surroundings.
The Resurrection lily has given me another lesson I would not have had without your insight..How appropriate it is planted there in your country cemetery as a reminder and source of hope. Sabbath prayers for those affected by the storm.
Thank you Mary. As always, your words encourage all of us. It is refreshing to see that good souls do unite and help others in so many ways when tragedy strikes. Often disagreements and differences are put aside when disaster strikes. There is purpose in all things, God’s purpose. Have a wonderful Sunday and a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Prayers for all affected by Helene, praise God for all the first responders…. And thank you for your Sunday musings and photos. I saw an elephant in the clouds and the little gecko in the sedum. I love the red spider lilies in the cemetery and can only imagine who planted them originally and how their intent was for them to always be there when they could not. Sooooo sweet and that phrase I can only imagine reminds me of that song’s lyrics…
“I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk by Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes would see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine
Yeah
Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You Jesus
Or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees, will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You
I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine”
Pam & Butch, I. know you find joy in each day…Have a great and Glorious Lord’s Day !
Thank you so much Kari. Many things are beyond us, leaving us in a place to only imagine. It is hard to imagine the depths of the devastation we see at times like this but it is beyond imagination to consider the depths and riches God has in store for those who love Him, those called according to His purpose. I’m glad you spotted our green friend in the sedum. He was hid well except for the head. Blessings for you this week!
Butch and Pam
Thank you for these words
Your photos are just beautiful. But, then Fall is my favorite, though we are SO Green here in Chicagoland—probably from the summer rains, though it is dry now. Coming from LYCLink party!!! and you are on my list too!
Thank you Sandra. Fall is a great season but seems it is very short. Probably more so in Chicago? Glad you joined us. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
So thankful you are okay and missed the hurricane.
Friends in NC are not doing so well. My friend in NC just said Chimney Rock is wiped out. Lake Lure was suppose to evacuate. Pray for Mary at Home Is Where The Boat Is. Has a anyone heard from her ?
Black walnut trees bring back memories. My late uncle made boards from the trees and built kitchen cabinets. I prefer black walnuts over English walnuts.
Thank you for bringing flowers, sunshine, and God’s wisdom to us today.
Bless you and those you love.
Thank you Myrna and yes, we are fine. I’ve traveled Hwy 74 through Bat Cave, Chimney Rock, and Lake Lure and seeing video from there is unbelievable. Pam has checked in with Mary and she is fine. Black walnut is a fine wood for cabinets and furniture. Hope you have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Pumpkin season, here we come! I had a lovely time with a daughter and her teenage daughters at a garden center yesterday … walking among the rows of pumpkins and gourds of all kinds, picking out the perfect specimens for their porch. These are the good old days, all golden and warm and shades of autumn. I love it.
I hope you have a delightful week together, friends.
Thank you Linda. We learned today of a nearby place that’s supposed to have a large variety and supply of pumpkins. I really don’t think we need any more but maybe just looking around wouldn’t hurt. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Good Morning, my friends. We are praying for everyone impacted by Helene. The horrendous devastation is heartbreaking. I am glad you were not in it’s path. I was on the phone with my sister a multiple of times over the last few days. She and her husband were sparred this time from Helene. Praise God! They are still recovering from Hurricane Ian.
The happy tears of the pumpkin moved me this morning.
Prayers for All!
Good morning to you Nancy. So glad your sister was not in the path of this storm. We understand another storm might be forming in the gulf but much too early to know what that may do. Hopefully the next storm will venture out to sea. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Good Morning. Prayers are lifted for all of our southern neighbors that were impacted by the hurricane. It is so sad to see the devastation. I am glad you and Butch were ok and not impacted by the storm. The pictures are gorgeous as always. Thanks for sharing and have a beautiful new week. Hugs. Kris
Thanks and good morning to you Kris. We are fine but a few hours to our north and east the situation is much different. We continue to pray as well. We hope your week is beautiful too!
Butch and Pam
Hurricane Helene has impacted so much of the south, it is hard to take it all in. Prayers for all those who have lost everything including too many lives. Happy to know that you only received beneficial rain.
We join you Karen with prayers for everyone. We did receive beneficial rain and are grateful but it’s impossible to be thrilled about it in light of all that has happened in neighboring states. Hope you have a safe and blessed week!
Butch and Pam
I can see the elephant! And, a few clouds over to the left it almost looks like a pig with its snout facing the elephant. Or maybe I am just a bit crazy lol. The mandeville is lovely and the morning glory is so pretty but I agree, there is nothing like good old-fashioned rain. The pumpkin happy tears are delightful. Pam’s picture is beautiful and so is the one of the cottage garden. But I was particularly happy to see this post and to learn that you are both okay and didn’t sustain any damage. My heart goes out to all those who suffered losses – such devastation. Have a wonderful week and happy pumpkin browsing!
Thank you Kim. You’re not crazy. I envisioned a pig too but didn’t want to say too much as my imagination gets out of hand sometimes. We did receive only beneficial rain but that’s not the case for a lot of folks only a few hours away. We appreciate your concerns and hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
The Sunshine Cottage Garden is absolutely stunning! Such a beautiful photo. I pinned it. God bless you today!
Thanks so much, Cheryl!