“Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”
Jeremiah 6:16 ESV
The first 2 days of this past week had a few clouds around, but cooler and dryer air settled in and we’ve seen nothing but clear sky since. A bit of fog along the ground drifted in from the river one morning just after sunrise and surprised me. I was headed back home after another clear sky sunrise and almost missed out!
I don’t know what the attraction is, but we kids love a new pile of dirt. I told WL he was the most humble of us all because he put horns on his own head. I’m not sure he understood, but EM did. EK had no opinion either way. But all had fun!
This momma was out with her little one behind the Sunshine Cottage. I decided to get her picture and thought to look at it later. I have no idea what made it turn out this way, but it was so interesting, almost like a water color, that I chose to use it in today’s post!
Several mandevillas continue to cling to the summer of ’24. I’ve watered them for so many months I kinda hate to see them go. The 40 degree nights that arrived last week will likely bring change so I feel I’m about to part with an old friend. (We have some mid-30’s predicted this week…a little early for that here!)
My remote cameras in the woods don’t deliver the greatest quality pictures, but they do sometimes yield something unexpected. I guess the deer and the blue heron surprised each other. I feel like the heron is aggravated that the deer came along!
Our sweet friend TR manages to capture some really nice pics along the river front downtown. This view is from City Hall. On Monday of last week we had a warm day and those summer-looking clouds, but very clear skies since. I call TR the City Ambassador and she doesn’t seem to mind!
When mother squirrel has said firmly, “you better eat everything on that plate”! Do you use corn in your fall decorations?
Our first Monarch to visit the garden this fall arrived yesterday. We might see one passing in April if we are fortunate and alert, but mainly have them stop by for a few days in October as they head south. I hope to get a variety of photos. PJ wants me to do an entire post on Monarchs, but that might be too much.
The invasive balloon vine is very autumnal in spite of not necessarily being welcome in a lot of places. And this one seems to be home to a grasshopper couple. Pam could only find one grasshopper at first so I picked another photo where I believe both are easily spotted?
I had never seen this drainage dry so I dropped off in the bottom and decided to take a hike. Not the normal place to take a walk but probably the only time I will ever get the opportunity. I thought a lot about the force of water and all that has taken place with these latest two hurricanes. Behind me is a large culvert that goes beneath a wide divided 4 lane highway. Beavers had a small dam started under the highway and I could see 4 of them moving about, but too dark for a decent photo.
Beavers have kept water backed up here for a long time and much of the timber is dead or dying. This big ole tree is failing little by little. Makes a nice place for vines to grow!
It was rough walking and getting dark down in this hole so I briefly enjoyed the waxing gibbous moon while slapping at gnats and mosquitoes. Like Ricky Nelson at that garden party, it was time to leave!
A shortcut climbing up through the rocks of the drainage had its own challenges. This common cocklebur didn’t appear inviting and was avoided just in time. It is hard to believe this burly thing is in the Aster/Sunflower family! It’s just not Daisy-like!
I love the mountain west and the aspens that have those golden leaves that shimmer even in the lightest breeze. This eastern cottonwood below the house is the closest I can come since we didn’t travel too far this autumn. The Populous genus includes cottonwoods, aspens, and poplars. This tree has the flattened leafstalks, and like aspens, the leaves do dance in the wind.
If you are familiar with aspens, you can see the leaves are very similar, but our cottonwoods do not take on the golden colors like aspens.
While on the subject of Aspen, I thought a throwback to October 11, 2017, would fit in here. The Maroon Bells, near Aspen, Colorado are the most photographed mountains in the US. We were told these aspens had lost their leaves a week or two earlier!
A lot of folks (many of you maybe) had the rare opportunity to once again view the Aurora Borealis this past week in many places in the northern hemisphere. I saw some amazing photographs, especially from more northern regions. This was Thursday night from our driveway. It is very unusual for us in Alabama and this is the second time this year we’ve had a few nights for viewing. Even folks along the coast and in Florida had a chance to see the display!
The waxing crescent as seen from our garden early last week. An October fingernail moon.
Thanks to our City Ambassador once again for providing this neat sunset photo. I see what I think are fishing rods or poles, but I really think these two are enjoying the moment and their dog, and aren’t too concerned whether the fish bite or not. This is near the wildlife park where I walk a lot and take photos often for the blog. I have on occasion seen a bald eagle perched atop the one lone dead tree you see in the background.
Please join us in continuing to pray for everyone and all ongoing situations created by the devastating hurricanes.
Wishing all a peaceful week!
”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
Such beautiful pictures! Thank you!
And thank you Mrs White. Hope you enjoyed. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Always such a beautiful blog post. Thanks for sharing wonderful pictures and commentary!
Thank you Janis. Hope you enjoyed. Wishing you a great week!
Butch and Pam
Lovely photos. Yes, I see both grasshoppers.
Thank you Carole. I had a couple of photos where one grasshopper was well hidden. Hope you have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Good morning! Is there anything better than playing on a dirt pile! Looks like a grand time. Is there a project in the making? The architecture of your bridge is truly beautiful. I love all of your pictures of the sky in every post. Last night I read about one of the search and rescue bloodhounds that located a family dog 20 feet up in a tree in a mound of debris. The father got his family out to safety when the river came up so fast and went back to get his dog just as the house was swept away. They lost everything but when they were reunited with that dog, there was not a dry eye.
Good evening Roxanne. I think the dirt is planned to help smooth out a lawn that was at one time a pasture. It was a picture perfect day here and I was out at sunrise. The morning made me ever mindful of all those who may see a beautiful sky now but everything on the ground is a different story. I was reminded to keep praying for everyone. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
I love the photo of you Butch playing on the dirt pile with your grands! The Monarch capture is gorgeous. I know you both are enjoying this beautiful Fall weather we’re having in Alabama. The Bama game was another nail biter, Roll Tide and Happy Sunday!
Thanks Jenna. What is it about a pile of dirt, gravel, or leaves!! We had an event with the grands yesterday afternoon and Pam missed the entire 2nd half of the game. Saved her nails!! Weather looks great so enjoy your week!
Butch and Pam
Good morning, what a joy to see God’s handiwork in your beautiful pictures!
Thank you for sharing and taking the time to describe each one, I learnt some new things today.I have never been to Alabama…but it definetly looks like it would be worth the trip.
Enjoy your fall. Winter will be upon us very soon.
Warmest wishes
Good evening C.S. We aren’t sure how far you would have to travel but we hope you come to Alabama sometime. We are currently having absolutely wonderful fall weather. Enjoy your autumn and have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Butch and the grands is so sweet. Happy new week. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. I’m the one who does a lot of playing and then I have to recuperate. A happy new week to you as well!!
Butch and Pam
Good morning Butch and Pam! As always, I have enjoyed all of the beautiful photographs featuring God’s handiwork. I’m envious of your cooler temps. We are unseasonably warm with temps this weekend in the low 90s. Hopefully, cooler temperatures are on the way soon. Wishing you both a happy and peaceful week ahead!
Thanks Shannon. It was upper 80’s today but we see a 35 predicted Wednesday night. If that holds true our cooler valleys will see frost. It’s a little early for that. Wishing you a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Good Morning Butch and Pam! I always enjoy your pictures. But seeing your grands on the dirt pile with you makes me smile. I also giggled at what you called the moon, a fingernail moon. 😄 I call sliver moons Hey Diddle Diddle moons. 😄
The sunset and the monarch are beautiful. And how about those grasshoppers?!
Thank you for another lovely Sunday Stroll. Enjoy your week to come.
Thank you Nancy for strolling along. I don’t know what it is about piles but they are fun; leaves, dirt, rocks. I think the full moon this week is called the Hunters Moon. We hope the monarchs stay around a few days. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
It is heart-tugging the way you, Pam and the Grands delight in one another. Just love the conquering the pile photo. When we lived in CO, a neighbor transplant from New England and its palette of Autumnal foliage, commented each Fall when viewing the aspens, “I never saw so many people go crazy over just the color yellow”. This week’s photos of earth and sky in your corner of AL are particularly special. Thank you for taking us along on your excursions. Continued prayers for those impacted by the hurricanes/tornado and for those
gallant souls who responded on site with help and comfort. A blessed Sabbath.
Thank you so much Mary. A New England autumn I’m certain is astoundingly beautiful but I must declare those aspens at their peak are quite amazing too. I mentioned to several that I was out this morning at sunrise and it was so gorgeous and peaceful. I was immediately impressed to pray for all those impacted by so many storms. I know it’s not helpful or even sensible to think in such a way, but I had feelings of guilt that I was able to enjoy the day as I was. I wished it for everyone. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Knowing you, it probably was not earned guilt, but gratitude for such peace and beauty.
thank you for yet another beautiful Sunday of photos and information. Love the grands and the fun on the mound of dirt. Have a great and wonderful week.
Thank you Kari. There’s something about a dirt pile or a pile of leaves that compels us to jump to the middle or the top. Have a safe week!
Butch and Pam
Butch, sorry I’m late. Too much going on here. But I had to comment on the dirt pile. Your love for the grands is special. Each child has the love for you all over their faces. As a child we saw the Aurora Borealis often. I was afraid it was Jesus returning. Oh how I wish🙏
Thanks Alice. We know you have a lot going on right now and you are in our prayers. I saw the Aurora the first time while visiting Montana many years ago and I too wondered if Jesus was returning. I didn’t know what it was at first. Wishing you a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
The dirt pic is adorable! All the kids, including Butch, were having fun! The squirrels tried to tote off our small hay bales on the porch. They got them as far as a loveseat leg and had to give up. Our faux pumpkins were askew too. It appears they enjoyed the Indian corn. All the pics were enjoyable. You always explore fun places that I would be reluctant to experience because of snakes, etc. I do enjoy seeing the area when you explore them though! We’re going to have fall weather this week. I must get the house flowers inside as we’re going to be in the high 30’s mid week at night. Happy Monday! I’m a little behind in my blog reading. Clara ❤️
Thanks Clara. It does look like this is the week to get plants you wish to keep moved indoors. We did enjoy the dirt pile but I couldn’t play king of the hill, didn’t want a broken leg or hip. I don’t land as well as I used to. I was surprised that I didn’t encounter a snake last week in the places I walked. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
I had to laugh at the dirt pile – my husband and I were just talking about how children love them. The other photos are soothing and preparing me for Garden Club Monday morning!
Thank you Leslie Anne. The dirt pile was definitely a hit with all of us, now and years ago. We hope you enjoyed your Monday morning and that you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Happy fall to you, friend. I’m always captivated by photos that are misty and foggy … something so calming and mysterious about them. And yes, I’ve been surprised to have a rose or two, dahlias, and a few zinnias still breaking out full bloom. In mid-October. Kind of a surprise way up here in New England.
I’m happy to snip them and bring them indoors where they’re still speaking summer memories to me.
Enjoy your week …
Thanks Linda. I really loved the photo that Butch snapped, it looked ethereal. Our summer was so hot and dry, my zinnias were worn out by mid September! Blessings~
Pam and Butch
Stunning pictures! Your post made me smile! Have a lovely week ahead.
Thank you Maristella. Keep smiling. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful pictures as always Butch! Like so many others here, I loved the dirt pile with you and all the grands – so special. I love both deer shots too but the one that looks like a watercolor is especially beautiful. Great shot of the monarch and delighted that you were able to see the Northern Lights – they were quite prominent here for a couple of nights. I love the sound that aspens leaves make in the wind. Happy new week Pam and Burch!
Thank you Kim. The dirt pile was a hit for sure. I imagine the northern lights were quite a show for you and that you get to view them a lot from your location. I do now remember the sound of aspen leaves in the wind, glad you mentioned it as I had forgotten about that. Have a lovely week!
Butch and Pam
Butch!
Beautiful photos!
Thanks so much, Susan!
Pam and Butch
Your walks reveal such interesting things! I can’t believe how big your grandkids are getting. Time moves on so quickly and they grow so fast!
Yes, they grow up quickly! Thank you, Cheryl.
Pam and Butch