“For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.”
Psalm 95:3-5 ESV
The sun continues to make its way further south, and when I observed this sunrise from the edge of the east pasture it had the appearance of a forest fire. Not much change in the leaves just yet but it won’t be long! Our best color is not usually until early November. What about where you live?
Asters bring us memories from early years of our marriage. Our sweet neighbor who lived in the two story home place that stood near where our grands live now always had beautiful flowers. Not long after we moved into our house, (46 years ago) she divided her asters and gave us plants. She had grown them for years. They lived along our back sidewalk for a long, long time and bloomed in the fall. We don’t have those plants now and have never found another variety that could match their beauty. These with the morning dew are pretty, but not quite the same!
Thanks to the Appalachian Media “crew” for this awesome photo taken from the middle of Tennessee’s Ocoee River yesterday. This section of the Ocoee was the site of the whitewater competition for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. The pedestrian bridge in the photo was installed in 1995 for the Games. The 336 foot span was designed as a cable-stayed bridge.
We usually have a number of October days that allow us to get photos of Monarch butterflies as they migrate through NE Alabama. All of today’s butterfly photos were taken on the same day…
…as it was the only day that a Monarch has been spotted in the garden!
Pam and I believe this to be an unusual year for Monarchs at our place and last week’s cold nights may have pushed them southward!
With frost advisories issued for several nights, maybe we should’ve waved goodbye to this one as it flew away. We’ve not seen another one!
I’ve tried to hang on to the summer of ’24. I do love autumn but I didn’t want to give up the long warm days of summer. I finally decided it was time. I needed to get over it and accept reality. Frost was predicted for the night so I made my move. You are looking at what was one of the zinnia gardens. Except for a few orange ones, they were totally spent. The lantana however, is more stubborn than I am, refusing to yield to fall weather!
We did have light scattered frost as predicted, so I wasn’t saddened by my choice to remove summer plants and clean up areas preparing for winter. Then the next day I find this, blooming as well or better than it had all summer. There’s just no rhyme or reason to the great outdoors sometimes! That’s probably why I am such an outsider, as in staying outside all the time (according to Pam).
Spiders will place their webs just about anywhere, even all over a fallen crepe myrtle leaf! I first thought it was tiny cracks all over the leaf but a swipe of the hand showed it was fine threads of some type web. I’ll make a photo of just about anything I suppose!
We are getting set up for our annual pumpkin carving. We hope to get together with the little folks and get jack-o-lanterns carved, hot dogs grilled, and marshmallows roasted by the fire toward the end of the week. Temps are due to be back in the 80’s but the nights are cool and eating outside should be pleasant!
Our view across part of the front yard still has a summer look but this will be changing over these next few weeks. We don’t know what to expect from fall color after a very dry growing season. We did have 2 nights of scattered frost last week.
I planted a small spot down by the woods beside the pasture with a wildflower mix. The soil isn’t great and I can’t water the area so it is just left on its own. Some seasons it turns out fine. But this year it was basically dried up weeds and I almost mowed it a month ago. We started noticing all sorts of color scattered amongst the weeds. I guess the heavy morning dew brought enough moisture to bring life to a wide variety of flowers that also intend to stretch the season as far as possible! This cosmos has conquered the drought and weeds while our other cosmos in the garden has ‘bit the dust’!
On November 2, 2016, I passed through Bat Cave, North Carolina and made this photo along with several other pictures. I traveled on to Chimney Rock and across Lake Lure. Such a beautiful drive that day. The devastation in this area is unbelievable and it will not ever be the same. This throwback continues to remind us to pray for and support the folks across the southeast who are suffering, and the many who are helping.
He knows by looking around at all the fall decorations behind on the Sunshine Cottage porch that autumn is here and cold weather is coming. I don’t blame him for soaking in as much sun as possible. He is even resolved so much to the seasonal changes, he is content to reside on a mum. As it cooled off and the sun faded, PJ noticed he ducked down into the plant beneath the flowers!
On Wednesday afternoon the full Hunter’s Moon was up a little before dark. I eased out to the east pasture fence line to get a clean view. I read it was the brightest supermoon of 2024.
Have you ever felt as if you were being watched? As I turned to head home, the discovery was made that I was indeed being watched! She is always sneaking up on me!
Most of our days have been totally clear but some scattered afternoon clouds drifted by and provided a spectacular sunset. Thanks to Appalachian Media for this October evening shot!
Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy is extended to Alice, a faithful reader and commenter, whose beloved husband passed away on Friday. Please pray for Alice.
Have a blessed autumn 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
My sympathies to Alice and her family. We traveled to the northern part of the state over the weekend, and the color was surprisingly good! We should have peak color in the SW corner of our state in another week. I love how many plants are rejuvenated with the cooler evening temps. I’m seeing several of mine perk up, growing (after I cut them back) and some new blooms! I saw a monarch yesterday, Butch, so there is likely one or more still yet in your future as they head south.
Have a wonderful week of jack ‘o lanterns, grilling out and making memories by the fire! I love and appreciate all your everyday observations of the great outdoors.
Thank you Rita. Makes us wish we could slip up to WV for a few days. We still have a few blooms hanging on so if a late Monarch comes by maybe there’s something to offer. I’ll be on the lookout. Have a beautiful autumn week!
Butch and Pam
Good morning Butch and Pam, I will be praying for Alice. She always has such lovely comments. Taking down the hummingbird feeders is the bittersweet ending of summer for me. Once the time changes, it is winter in my mind no matter what the temperature! Pumpkin carving and hotdogs sounds like a grand time. Every day I watch the 11 am update from western NC. It is mind boggling the amount of work that has been accomplished by the power crews from all over the country, DOT, and volunteers. Biltmore just announced it will be opening for its spectacular Christmas celebration. But you are so right that the landscape has been changed forever.
Thanks and good morning to you Roxanne. I agree that once the time changes it’s some sort of mental thing but Pam reminds me that there’s exactly the same hours in the day regardless of where you set the clock. I know that but somehow it’s not the same. I’m glad I’ve had the privilege of visiting much of western NC through the years. Have a wonderful fall week!
Butch and Pam
The destruction of Bat Cave and Chimney Rock are beyond words. Lake Lure is just as bad. All three may never fully recover. The main road, Hwy 9, and the bridge on Hwy 64 are still so badly damaged that cars cannot go on those roads. The economy of those towns is almost completely dependent on tourism, and the biggest season is fall. The mayor of Chimney Rock said yesterday that the area is now 100% unemployed. Food banks, civic groups, and agencies are all working to make sure people have food and shelter. It is heartbreaking.
Thanks Carole. When I was in those small NC towns it was autumn and I realized what a popular place it was especially for fall tourism. Very sad indeed. Thankful that so many have responded to help, that part is at least encouraging. We wish you a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
My heartfelt condolences to Alice. Prayers for peace for her and her family.
I too have got to take care of the summer gardens. They took a turn for the worse just two days ago as we had a hard frost. I never look forward to it as I love our summer blooms.
We are in peak color right now here in NW Pennsylvania. I’ll be sharing some pictures on Tuesday’s post.
I look forward to seeing all the jack-o-lanterns! Have an evening of fun grilling out and roasting marshmallows! Always great fun!
Have a wonderful week ahead my friends.
Thank you Nancy. I’m imagining the colors in PA and will be checking it out on Tuesday. I’m hoping to round up our grands from their busy schedule to do our pumpkins this week. We’ve only had a couple of light scattered frost and it’s warming back into the 80’s this week. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
It is very hard to lose a spouse, I prayed for Alice this morning. We had a couple of frosts here in PA. Presently it is 36 degrees but it feels colder because of the dampness in the air. Our snapdragons that were planted in the Spring of 23 are still thriving! I am anxious to see if they survive another winter. My husband being a civil engineer appreciated the picture of the bridge. Quite a few of trees in this area are wearing their fall colors. Homemade soup and chili weather has arrived. Wishing everyone a blessed week.
Thanks so much Maryann. Hearing from you and others from PA it seems you are all seeing some nice fall color. Maybe those snapdragons will be tough and make it ok. We have had chili already so I guess we got a head start on that. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
It is hard to say goodbye to summer, but we are enjoying beautiful Fall weather now. The only thing I don’t like about Fall is that winter is behind it! I have noticed some Fall color in the trees here. I know everyone is looking forward to your Halloween tradition of pumpkin carving, hot dogs and marshmallows, so much fun! The full moon photo is beautiful! The devastation and suffering in North Carolina is heartbreaking.
Prayers to Alice~
I hope you both have a great week!
Thanks so much Jenna. Agreed, old man winter lurks behind fall and I stay cold all the time these days. Cold hurts but I still get out there. We do see some color now and the weather has been unbelievable. October is usually this way but we know it’s also hurricane season and that’s been all too real this year. Have a splendid autumn week!
Butch and Pam
Ha ha on the donkey. She is too funny. Pictures beautiful as always. Happy Sunday and have a great new week. Hugs. Kris.
Thanks Kris. The donkey was only 10 yards away and I had no idea. I don’t hear we’ll but they can really sneak around quietly. Hope you have a great week as well!
Butch and Pam
Heartfelt condolences to our Alice and her Family. The devastation in NC boggles the mind, but it warms the heart to see the responses of love and aid that is being provided. A pity those areas are so remote.”A Biltmore Christmas”
on Hallmark is a staple on our viewing list. Looking forward to your pumpkin carving and the gathering around the fire for hot dogs & marshmallows. We will vicariously be in attendance. The snap is in the air, the days are shorter and the gardens have been put to bed for Winter’s rest. Another Butch/Pam Sabbath of inspiring photos and discoveries to last the week long and beyond.
Blessings to all.
Thanks so much Mary. It is heartwarming to see the tremendous response and outpouring from people and organizations all across the country as they work to help the folks in NC. We visited the Biltmore one Christmas, lodging at the Biltmore Inn and touring. I have mixed emotions when we put the garden away for the winter but I think I too need the rest. We pray you have a restful week!
Butch and Pam
Prayers are going up for Alice indeed. The loss of a dear loved one is so difficult. The super moon was amazing! I had to bring in all the indoor plants off the porch. Enjoy the pumpkin carving festivities. It sounds like great fun! We’re ready for fall. The earlier sunsets are not my favorite, but understood. I truly get sleepy earlier now! We enjoyed all the shots. More monarchs will perhaps show up as we have seen a few recently. Enjoy your day! Clara
Thank you Clara. You and others are still seeing Monarchs so maybe we will still have a chance. I’ve not left many flowers to attract a passing butterfly. The time change and shorter days are good according to Pam. She says it forces me to rest! Maybe so. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I went to the Whitewater Olympic competition in that very spot in 1996. We took our new 3 month old baby in his little Olympic baby outfit. It’s such a beautiful area and we made great memories that day. Lovely Asters!
Thank you Leslie Anne. That’s so interesting that you were at the ‘96 Olympics and have those wonderful memories. It’s just over 2 hours for us to get to that area of Tennessee and we’ve traveled that route many times. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Sorry for your loss Alice. Pam the photos are beautiful. Thank you for sharing. love the Pumpkins sitting together.
Have a great week
Marilyn,Joan and Marion
Thanks so much Marion. We seem to have plenty of pumpkins hanging around even though the flowers are fading now. We wish you, Joan and Marilyn a wonderful week!
Pam and Butch
Condolences to Alice. None of us are promised tomorrow and I am getting closer too. I so appreciate the photos and commentary.
Sounds like such fun with pumpkin carving, grilled hot dogs, and marshmallows.
Remember when they were called “Kodac memories”?
NC needs new clothing. coats and blankets. Even the smallest donation to Samaritan’s Purse helps. All of these areas need blood and plasma, including Florida. My friends were in their second home near Lake Lure when the hurricane hit and it was a challenge getting out.
Question: Do you own the mineral rights to your land?
People are trying to buy out the land in NC because of lithium and the best quartz in the world.
Wishing you a good week.
Thank you Myrna. O yes, Kodak memories. We didn’t get nearly the number of photos as we do these days with digital and a camera in everybody’s pocket. We are supporters of Samaritan’s Purse. They and many others do a great job. I was not aware of the lithium and quartz as far as NC goes. We hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Oh my gosh – that photo of the supermoon is stunning! I’m glad you were able to capture at least one pic of the monarch. The donkey is so funny but it must have given you quite the startle at the time. Most of our trees in Calgary have lost their leaves now except for a few – the columnar aspen are always among the last. We have our first snowfall today – so not ready for winter yet. Prayers for Alice and wishing you both a wonderful week. Enjoy the upcoming pumpkin carving!
Thank you Kim. Our trees are just beginning to turn but it is noticeable the last few days. The donkeys are mother and daughter and they do show up out of nowhere and very quietly too. We rarely get snow but I wouldn’t mind a little snow, maybe not until January though. We wish you a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
My heartfelt condolences to Alice. Prayers for peace for her and her family.
We are enjoying the season in the midwest…beautiful colors.
We look forward to seeing all the jack-o-lanterns! Have an evening of fun grilling out and roasting marshmallows! We are all going to the lake this week end and taking our campers…lots of hot dogs and marshmallows.
Thank you Kari. We are finally seeing some color around the southeast too. Sounds like hot dogs and marshmallows are popular items this fall. Have a fun week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful photos… Sending prayers for Alice…So sorry for her earthly loss. God bless all of you.
Thank you Maristella. We know Alice is grateful for all the prayers. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
I pray Alice senses God’s presence surrounding her, giving her comfort and peace during this difficult time. / Fall is certainly in full swing here in SW Ohio, with pumpkins and Halloween decorations here and there, trees at various stages of changing colors and dropping leaves. One tree near the creek bed behind our house creates lovely golden-leaf showers as fall breezes tug a dozen or more leaves from their branches all at once. / Halloween should be quite balmy for trick-or-treaters in our area–a most welcome change from last year’s bitter cold with even a few snowflakes!
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Alice’s husband. May God comfort her and all who mourn his passing. And may He bless the two of you and your family always.
Thank you so much Cheryl. We pray you have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam