“May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth!”
Psalm 115:15 ESV
Shortly after sunrise on a clear and cold morning the garden is at rest as we have welcomed a new year. Sometimes I do think becoming “bear-like” and taking on winter sleep, or being dormant for a season, isn’t such a bad idea. I actually don’t do “rest” very well but definitely get more of it in January than any other month. Today is an everyday living kinda stroll around our place!
In case you don’t remember or didn’t see my SSS post 510 back in August , these old Christmas ornaments were on the verge of being history as I was continuing a summer clean-out. For fun I saved a few from the trash heap and decorated the trees so I could play a joke on the grands. They loved it. I never removed them from the tree and this is how they look now. I have decided that they deserve a special place next season and should be saved as keepsakes after such a display of courage and endurance!
We understand the weather is about to change but it only takes a little moisture and a few mild days for the ever present fire ants to complete major construction. Nothing much is growing now but these mounds are a problem for the lawn and garden year round. Not to mention those ant bites that inflict much “fiery” pain. And yes, these ants will definitely bite in the winter!
It also only takes a couple of mild days for the gobblers to get in their minds that they can strut and fan their feathers and fool the ladies into thinking spring has arrived…
…but the ladies, seeing the pumpkins by the fence and noticing Christmas decorations are still up, did not fall for this trick! I observed them from the Sunshine Cottage and the boys eventually gave it up and went on their way.
Along a south facing garden edge I discovered that vetch was coming up thick and green along a path about one foot wide behind the wildflower bed. There is apparently enough protection provided by the wall and enough warmth facing the sun that decent growing conditions exists. Move out more than about 12 inches and it is a different story. Sometimes little can be much!
I found these tracks spaced out in the pasture in a manner indicating a big cat. I thought about that paw print sticker I see sometimes from the Clemson, SC folks or others with the tiger mascot. Clemson was first to come to mind for some reason. Before a rumor gets started, this is a mushroom growing among plantain in the pasture. There is a group of them aligned perfectly and they most certainly gave me thoughts of tiger tracks! (A lot more imagination is needed when roaming outside in the winter.)
Winter is woodpecker time and the pileated woodpecker is the largest one to hang out in Alabama, and the second largest species in the country. They are around at other times but I am seeing them more now with all the leaves gone. They also have an unmistakable call, which I can’t describe, but know it when I hear it.
This smaller woodpecker is a Northern Flicker. A number of these were active feeders in the yard and garden this past week. It displays yellow under the wings and tail when it flies. A common name is Yellow-hammer. This is our State Bird (1927)! We technically have a subspecies of the Northern Flicker that is seen mostly in the eastern U.S. and it’s known as the Yellow-Shafted Flicker. Most of us have no need for such detail and just say Yellow-hammer! BTW, the wild turkey, seen earlier, is our State Game Bird as of 1980.
A garden is still a garden regardless of the month. I looked at a lot of spring and summer photos last week and realized just how much color is around in the warm months, and how dull things can seem in January. This can be a hard time for folks like me who enjoy a lot of color. But, I decided I could find beauty in the winter garden by looking a little closer. Sunshine ligustrum brightened up my afternoon with its gold and green display. And the flag in the background was a nice addition to the scene!
The spent, dried hydrangea blooms were all over the place, swaying in the breeze, indicating they were proud of their life’s work, and now set to enjoy retirement! Summers are hard here, they deserve it!
I guess I thought nandina was dull in the winter and around as a filler to take up space since it does keep leaves. I was wrong. Not only are the blush nandinas colorful in January, but they provided a bit of Christmas red last month.
The adagio maiden grass can be cut back any time now. I brought out the tools to take it back almost to the ground, but decided to leave it for a while. We decided it is “architecturally pretty” and adds its touch to the winter garden.
And what about the architecture found in the branches of a bare crepe myrtle against a blue winter sky!
We weren’t dreaming of a white Christmas, but it happened for us in 2010. The only white Christmas thus far in my lifetime here at our tiny speck on the planet. Our meteorologists are predicting a big change in temperature for us by tomorrow, with unseasonably cold air moving in for the remainder of the week. Originally there was talk of snow and I still see that mentioned as possible at the end of the week. Our weather people admit making snow predictions in our part of the world is most difficult. One stated this week that it is extremely tricky to predict snow possibilities here only 24 hours ahead, much less long range. (The Williamsburg Fan above the door is the only thing that has looked the same through 14 years…except it was relocated in 2024!)
We have an area in the yard that some 40 years ago I chose to plant a few pines and leave a section like an island that would remain natural, no grass or mowing. Those pines are large now so it seemed reasonable to plant 4 or 5 more to have young trees fill in some space in the future. Recently while picking up limbs, I found that the “young bucks” (deer, young whippersnappers) that I presented in a recent post had chosen to polish up their mature antlers last fall by rubbing all our young pines!
We would like you to meet Modeste. Modeste lives in Togo, West Africa. Pam, Seth and I were blessed with an opportunity to spend time in West Africa in 2011. We worked at the orphanage where Modeste lived. He really warmed up to Pam and each day just wanted to sit in her lap. He was 5 years old then, our little Emma’s current age. We were able to become his sponsor and have been through the years. Modeste is now in training for sheet metal work and automotive painting, living in a rented room. We have only seen him through photos for these 13+ years but he is doing well. Look at that smile!
A break in the clouds just before sunset one afternoon allowed a brief stream of light to bathe the landscape and the old barn at the close of a peaceful winter day. Small moments of calm are good to witness and experience in the midst of a world that contains much evil and chaos!
The crepuscular rays right after sunset can be quite amazing. A photo really cannot capture the depth and intensity that is associated with sunlight streaking through the atmosphere.
An amazing evening reminds us to wish for you an amazing and beautiful week!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV)
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Love the story about Togo. God bless you.
Thanks Ruth. It’s not likely we will see Modeste again but who’s to say. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Your winter stroll is peaceful (except for those fire ants!) Send your weather northward, please!
How wonderful to see Modeste’s growth and progress over the years!
We are sitting in the midst of a winter storm warning band today. We are told to expect 3 phases: snow, rain/ice, and more snow/wind for the next 36 hrs, and power outages likely. I pray we are not impacted as seriously as it is being reported!
Thank you Rita. It does look like your weather is going to be anything but peaceful. We may get a taste of it Friday but nothing like we are seeing in the news up your way. Have a safe week!
Butch and Pam
I love that you had a white Christmas. For us up in Michigan, it is no big deal — nice but if it doesn’t happen, snow fans will usually get more than their share within a few weeks! A ground covering is perfect. Happy New Year to you all!
Thank you Jeanie. You’d get a chuckle hearing and seeing us when snow comes or even talked about by the weather people. It was a treat that Christmas. Happy New Year to you!
Butch and Pam
I love seeing the photo of Modeste. I’m on my way to hear a Scottish missionary speak this morning. It really makes the world a small, beautiful place to know good people like this! Happy New Restful Year to you.
Thank you Leslie Anne. We’ve watched Modeste grow up in pictures. Technology can, and is, being used in very bad ways, but has some good too! Restful is a good wish for 2025. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Thank you Butch for showing me how to find beauty in nature in these dreary winter days! I always admire your love and respect for Mother Nature. How wonderful to be sponsoring Modeste, so kind and generous. I am not a fan of winter in the least, especially when it snows and shuts our whole area down for days! Love the turkeys and the “tiger tracks!” Stay cozy this week Pam and Butch!
Thanks Jenna. It is much harder to find myself admiring things outside in winter but I’m trying. And snow should be an exciting thing but you are correct, it shuts everything down in Alabama when it snows. It almost does when weather people even speak of it as a possibility.
Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Winter here doesn’t even allow vetch to grow. I woke up to something resembling snow yesterday morning. It wasn’t ice and it wasn’t snow. Read somewhere that there was a dust, really! And it “ain’t” even dust. Don’t know what the people in charge are doing.
There have been a male and female turkey hanging out in the middle of the road since last Fall. He sticks so close to her as she has a hurt leg. I called the wildlife people and they showed up but the turkeys hid. Don’t know where they are finding food or water. Still here however.
Butch I can’t find one thing that I like about he maiden grass. But the Williamsburg piece is beautiful and the snow magical!
Modesto is a handsome young man. It’s a joy to follow these children we support.
My daughter called to tell me an MRI showed lesions in her brain and spine. Prayers needed. I had MS and she could have inherited this. God healed me and He’s still in the healing business if we love and obey Him.
Thank you Alice. We’ve spent a few winter days here and there through the years In Colorado and I didn’t see too much growing. Lots of skiing back in the day. We have a large population of wild turkeys around our place. Praise the Lord for your healing and prayers for your daughter. Have a blessed day!
Butch and Pam
Butch and Pam
It was nice to meet Modeste through your blog. He seems to be on his way in life with good goals and a great smile. Your assistance through the years has helped him thrive. I know he is blessed to have you both in his life and vice versa. It’s truly thrilling to see a young person thrive in challenging conditions. The winter stroll was enjoyable. Vetch seems to grow year round in the south and fire ants are relentless! I must admit I like seeing the snow even though it’s rare here. I am not looking forward to the arctic blast (no snow, just frigid temps) that’s coming tonight after severe thunderstorms and high winds. Happy New Year! Clara ❤️
Thank you Clara. We too wouldn’t mind seeing a little snow since we don’t get to very often. The kids love it I was always excited over it as a kid. The arctic temps we can do fine without. Yes, Modeste seems to be doing well. Have a safe and warm week!
Butch and Pam
If you look closely, grey, dreary winter days do have slight bits of color. Dawn’s early rays and evening sunsets usually provide welcomed warm glows.
Thanks Karen. We agree, those early and late rays of sun seem to provide the best, in every season, but especially winter. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Our scripture class was not held early this morning due to possible “icy” conditions…
our forecast for the week also calling for deep frigid weather …brrr. What an inspiring note
on Modeste’s update. Nothing is by chance and one day the soul connections may be further
understood. What a life blessing you are, Pam and Butch. The great bones of the garden
put to rest make it’s winter outline just as appealing as in warmer days. I just wonder at
the blue of your winter skies…so lovely. How whimsical is that Christmas ornamented grove
custom-made for the little ones.., and oh, the beauty of that after sunset sky….. Thank you
for these Sabbath gifts…..
Thank you Mary. Sorry about your class cancellation but icy conditions are best not to be ignored. I plan to recover the items from the ornamental grove tomorrow and put them in a special place until next December. I’ll have to attach a note to remember what they are and why I saved them, Ha. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
There is something special about wandering in nature in the winter months. Perhaps you may get another dusting of snow with the upcoming artic blast we too will be enjoying! I’m sure the grands had fun discovering the treasures in the woods!
Happy winter!
Thank you Mary. Wandering in winter can have unexpected and unusual rewards. Our upcoming week of bitter (bitter to us at least) winter weather may discourage my wandering. It’s simply harder as we get older. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Your winter garden is just beautiful. So uch going on and unless you stop and look, you will miss it. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Nonie. You are right, there’s so much out there that will escape the eye if only given a passing glance. We wish you a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Love the peaceful winter stroll and Tonga’s story. What a blessed life you two live. Happy New Year!
Thank you Sarah. We have sweet memories of our visit to Africa. Happy New Year to you and have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Butch and Pam,
What a beautiful “Everyday living” life you share! From the amazing landscapes, the strutting turkeys (you can’t fool the ladies, you birds!), the colorful red still showing, to the peace and hibernation of YOU and the hydrangeas. But my favorite? The pic of you 3, and Togo’s story and spectacular smile! Today I’ve “hunkered” down after an amazing worship and time of being “present”–to pause, pray, and reflect–how is my relationship with Jesus? To stop and visit here and see the beautiful EDEN around you, despite the chaos and evil, and to read and see about how being the hands and feet of Jesus impacts those from all over the globe…that’s true living in freedom in Christ, Butch and Pam! God bless you all so much. There’s not a day I don’t lift you all (and Pam’s precious Daddy) in prayer. Much love from Finn and me! 🙏🏼💛💚💙🎶
Thank you Karla. The 3 of us were much younger in that picture. We played in the snow then, but now if it snows we will likely watch it out the window. I suppose grands that wanted us to come out and play could change our minds quickly. Thank you for your prayers and praying for you always. Pam’s dad is doing well too. Have a peaceful week!
Butch and Pam
Happy New Year my dear friends! Here is Summertime… Too much hot… Beautiful post! Hugs and blessings.
Thank you Maristella. I imagine our Christmas traditions that often center around winter and snow are strange to you as you celebrate the holidays in summer. You are dealing with hot, and this week we have predictions of very cold. Have a great summer!
Butch and Pam
Modeste’s huge smile is enough to warm up the entire South! What a blessing for you all to be a part of this young man’s life. You find interesting bits of nature even in winter. I enjoy the change in scenery where I can see things through the woods not normally visible. Yes, there are tiger paws on every road leading to Clemson! (my Carolina Gamecock sister says all dirt roads lead to Clemson!). Yesterday the county picked up the mountain of Helene debris from the front of our property, just in time for the predicted ice storm this Friday. Stay warm and safe…it’s hot chocolate season!
Thanks Roxanne. We kinda thought you might tell us something concerning those tiger paws. One round of debris gone but ice can definitely create much more. Hope you don’t get ice, bad stuff. They’re not settled on predictions here whether snow or ice or just cold. We’ll see. Hot chocolate either way. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Good Morning Folks,
What a lovely mid-winter stroll you gave us today. There is beauty everywhere, and Butch, you always find it even when mushrooms look like the Clemson Tiger Paw!
Modesto’s smile was so bright, and I could tell he was so thankful.
We are having a warm and very dry winter here in the desert. Unlike our lake house in Pennsylvania, which has 26 inches of snow on the ground as I type. This is in addition to the 70-inches in early December. 😳
Your cold snap may bring snow, but whatever it does bring, you both will be cozy inside!
Happy week to you!
Thank you Nancy. I do believe a warm and dry winter would be fine. We don’t deal with snow well but there is a possibility of the white stuff Friday and Saturday. Some flurries out there today and quite cold for us. We will try to stay cozy as you suggest. Have a great week in the desert!
Butch and Pam
Happy New Year Butch and Pam!
I just had a thought that y’all should do a photo book with pictures and Butch’s commentary for your grands when they are older or at least photo copy each post. They are a treasure trove of information and would be a great reminder for the grands of Butch’s talent and personality. They are too young now to realize the depth of all written each week. Bonnie
Happy New Year to you Bonnie and thanks for your thoughts. We have talked about various ways to save all the posts. I’m not tech savvy whatsoever but doing these posts is essentially like writing in a diary week to week. It’s all supposedly backed up but we want our own control and backup. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
These are beautiful pictures Butch – even in winter! The sky shots never disappoint. I’m sorry about the fire ants and the vetch (assuming a weed) but how great that Modeste is doing amazing. I hope you get to see him again even if just in pictures. We are covered in snow here so it’s a sea of white, including the mountains. Happy New year to you both and wishing you a wonderful rest of the week!
Thank you Kim. Vetch is really ok to have around. It’s a legume (pea family) and is good for the soil and livestock. But, we don’t have the White Sea like you do but some cold temps have settled in. Forecasts suggest we may get snow by Friday, only flurries today. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam