“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:25-26 ESV
Last Sunday I took WL and EK on an easy walk to the pasture’s edge behind the Sunshine Cottage. Ella Mae and PJ were busy reading so we left them in the garden. We were surprised by an up close encounter with a bald eagle, just above the field and then soaring over the pines toward the river. Of course, no camera handy. I went over to the river on Thursday with camera handy, but of course, no bald eagle. This rock is one of my river perches. It was nice to sit and watch for a while even without the eagle dropping by. Maybe next time!
The walk from the house to the spot on the river takes about 10 minutes. I usually encounter things of interest along the way. Squire the squirrel wasn’t bothered the least bit by my presence and in no way was I going to interrupt lunch!
Meanwhile back in the cottage garden, the look of fall is beginning to show this week around NE Alabama.
The annual jack-o-lantern pumpkin carving, along with grilling dogs and roasting marshmallows by the fire took place Friday. It was such a fun time, and as always, precious memories were made! We are planning a jack-o-lantern post for Tuesday!
There is something about bluejays we had not picked up on, or noticed until this year. We had not seen a bluejay around our place since probably late February until about 10 days ago. I did not recall in the past going an entire warm season without a bluejay coming by. We had realized it and had actually discussed it, wondering where the bluejays were. I suppose they chose to hang out where it was cooler!
When the jays did arrive, they came in numbers. We sometimes see 8 or 10 in an area!
Our coral bark maple is putting on its autumn show. And there is no better background than white clouds and cobalt blue October skies. I said I wasn’t going to do this but I can’t help it…do you see a face in the clouds? You have to focus for a few seconds but it does appear. Pam says it looks like George Washington! The reason I couldn’t resist can be attributed to what our friend Roxanne found and sent to us last week…
…this spotted on a sign somewhere. We thought it was hilarious, especially since I often search the clouds for images shaped like something!
We were surprised by a sudden burst of gold last week along the roadside near the house. This is not a group of trees that we typically think of as providing fall color. Chinaberry! Not at all in our memory from past years, but definitely caught our eye.
And look at all the berries! The trees are loaded. We had so much fun with Chinaberries as kids, and also used them at times for a bit of mischief I must confess. I realize none of you ever participated in mischief!
On the hike to the river, I discovered several mature honey locusts trees that were loaded with their long black bean pods. Wildlife will no doubt find them delicious. These pods aren’t quite mature but close. I broke one open and the gooey green honey oozed out. Deer love these pods, but can’t reach them. They will fall a bit later, and then I guess it’s first come, first serve!
I say the bald cypress is a self-decorating tree, providing its own ball ornaments. I found this one near the lake, and it is weighted down with the round balls (cones) that contain seeds. A larger tree next to this one did not have a single ornament. Bald cypress is a conifer, but unlike pines and others, it loses its leaves every autumn!
Cypress trees are known for their strange looking root protrusions called “knees”. I told Pam this one reminded me of one of those Old World Santa’s. Of course maybe that’s like those clouds, it’s only my imagination going wild again!
It seems autumn color arrived overnight. As invasive as popcorn trees can be, it’s hard to complain about them in late October. And, from this photo made yesterday, I’d say there will be plenty of the white “popcorn” this winter for the birds. We had to remove several of these trees years ago because they were too close to the driveway and the roots were causing problems. I am glad we left this one which is a safe distance from the driveway and structures.
Hay season has come to an end once again as the final mowing, raking, and baling happened last week.
Very dry and dusty here as it looks like we will go through October with no rain.
But somehow the grass managed to produce, not the yield hoped for, but not bad for such a warm and dry late summer and early autumn! Wild turkeys and crows can now enjoy a lot of easy to find seeds.
A bit of maple-magic is taking place this week! Next Sunday we will be on central time and November will be upon us! My, my, where did October go?!
Have a blessed 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
jeanie says
It’s lovely to be back and revel in your beautiful Sundays, Butch and Pam. As always, your photos and words are such a balm! Happy day and week to come.
Alice Genzlinger says
Fun post and I didn’t realize you had bald cypress knees in your area. I thought they were further south. And yes I can see the old Santa too. Your fall color is indeed beautiful, on our journey to SD we saw gold leaves everywhere. Our leaves are still holding on here in Colorado also. Your scripture verse is a must for me.
Clara says
Lots of interesting observations. We’re glad you take the time to take the pics and share a narrative too. I can see George Washington and the old world Santa. All the fall colors are beautiful. The decorated landscape is so cute. Everyone did a good job on jack o lanterns. Isn’t it just like an eagle to show up when there’s no camera? Years ago in Yellowstone, Old Faithful was spewing with an eagle above it. I was so busy looking at the geyser, I missed the eagle! My husband captured it on film. It’s one of my favorite shots and memories. I missed the forest because of the trees! 😂 Enjoy your week! Clara❤️
Jenna says
Fall color is finally arriving in our trees! It looks like the pumpkin carving party was a big success, so cute! The sign about the clouds is hilarious! The Tide certainly looked better in yesterday’s game 🙂 Happy last week of October Pam and Butch!