“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
Colossians 1:16-17 ESV
In last week’s post I had taken a stroll in the “winter garden” as I figured there was more there than first meets the eye. I was pleasantly surprised at my findings, but early Friday morning this past week brought the winter garden to a new level. Many of our stateside readers now have snow, and a number of you see it quite often, as snow is part of your everyday living this time of year. But getting snow here is rare, so it’s a treat for the kids. (It also turns adults into kids). It is the first significant snow for EK and WL.
The red, white (a lot of white), and blue looking good in a light breeze!
It’s as if they are discussing what to do about this frozen water situation. We had a cold week and the bird bath was icy for several days. I do take warm water and thaw things out on occasion. Fortunately that’s not needed too often!
The next day brought an even more challenging situation at the bird bath. The Bluebirds are thinking maybe they didn’t fly far enough south for the winter! The little bird bath is not big or fancy but is special to the garden. It belonged to Pam’s mother and was in her yard for many years.
The day prior to the snow was cold but water puddled on a rock and touched by the sun was thawing enough for a drink. Again, I wonder what a bird thinks when it sees itself in the mirror? It’s like, whoa, someone arrived here before I did!
Pam told me this post was “for the birds”. I guess as it turns out she is correct, but that’s OK. Birds are often our entertainment in January. And, we feed them a hearty meal most days, mid-December through mid-February!
When the feeding grounds became covered with ice and snow, a fresh spread was actually easier for the birds to locate on top of the white stuff as opposed to digging around in the grass.
House finches and other small birds flock to the yard daily once they discover the buffet. We have several feeders but right now I have chosen to spread wild bird mix directly on the ground by the sidewalk. That does require that I put out feed manually almost every day. If I put too much, raccoons, opossums, and others will feast at night. We have noted that a few species are reluctant to feed on the ground where many other birds gather!
The bigger birds, like cardinals and doves, gather with the wrens and finches, putting their differences aside when things are tough for everyone. Not always, but often, people do the same. When the provisions become scarce, the competition picks up and greed sometimes rears its head! That’s nature, human and otherwise.
These snowbirds paid us a visit, walking over a quarter mile in the snow. We knew, like the other birds, that they were cold and hungry so we put out food and drink. They were invited inside however, receiving preferential treatment!
I know you are tired of snow, so here is a bit of dry ground. A couple of days prior to the snow, Seth and I were roughing in a new trail into an area of the woods that is steep and hard to get to. I ran across this resilient little evergreen shrub peeping out of the layers of leaves. It’s a small native plant that is considered a shrub although it doesn’t grow very tall. Called spotted wintergreen, it will have creamy white, fragrant flowers in late spring.
Clear skies in the early part of last week allowed us to enjoy several afternoons under the waxing gibbous moon. This will turn into a full Wolf Moon tomorrow night! A lot of folklore and tradition surrounds the naming of full moons. At this time of the year wolves were believed more likely to be heard howling. Traditionally it was thought this was because they were hungry. Folks that are supposed to know say this is not true. Why howl at the moon?…to locate pack members, define territory, and coordinate hunting. I am personally more apt to howl when I am hungry!
Freezing rain is not a good thing. It can wreak havoc on everything, including trees and utility lines. Some of you received freezing rain last week, but the ice coating here occurred at a slightly higher elevation than our place. You can see the ice covered trees on the mountain. Did you get freezing rain where you live?
Snow covered mountains are beautiful but only something we dream about here, or enjoy through media. While we cannot claim snow-capped peaks here in Alabama, we have our own unique representation…snow-capped bird’s nests!
Afternoon sun and temps above freezing brought a welcome thaw as far as snow cover here at the lower elevations. The main roads cleared up and travel was fine by yesterday afternoon. We know many of you are experiencing difficult winter conditions that are ongoing after a couple of storms have made their way across the country.
Many across this land are seeing and feeling the devastation, loss, and grief that natural disasters can swiftly and indiscriminately bring upon an area, city, or community. Winter storms and cold add misery and great challenges to many in the east who were flooded by Helene. Others across the nation deal with winter’s fury while raging wildfires continue to ravage California. God is our refuge…a reminder to myself to pray for those who are at this moment struggling to deal with so much!
Not our backyard before the thaw yesterday…but a place we would love to visit again. Since snow has been in the news this week for some of us, I thought a “snowy throwback” would be in order. From 2 years ago, Triple Creek Ranch near Darby Montana!
Have a safe and blessed 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
Loved seeing your winter snow experience. I want your kind of snow – the kind that melts in one day! That’s what we had last year. It’s great the littles got to experience it.
Have a great new week.
Thanks Rita. For us, when it comes to snow, here today gone tomorrow is good. I hear you have a lot more and it will be with you a while. This event took it easy on us. Have a wonderful week! Butch and Pam
I remember the excitement we had when it snowed. We made snow ice cream but mama wouldn’t allowed us to make it until the second snow because she said the snow cleaned out the air. I’m not sure you had enough snow to make snow ice cream. The robins are so pretty against the snow. Don’t you worry that the seeds you scatter on the ground will turn into weeds if the birds don’t eat all of them? Love the picture of the younger Richardson’s❣️
Thanks Alice. We had enough for snow cream but didn’t make any. Haven’t had snow cream in years. They used to warn us it was radioactive. Don’t guess it hurt us, we ate it anyway. In warm weather I mow regularly where the bird seed is scattered so no invasion of anything unwanted. Have a blessed week.
Butch and Pam
I’ll enjoy your snow pictures and be thankful it passed us by. A few years ago we had 3-4” of snow that stayed around for several days and wreaked havoc for a lot of Texas folks. Love seeing all of your bird visitors. Our feeders have been busy as well. The goldfinches finally arrived last week.
Thanks Rachel. The goldfinches have been gone from here since November. We had 2.5-3 inches of snow I guess but with sun and 45 today it’s mostly gone. We aren’t complaining about that. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
I love seeing your little snowbirds. I bet they were having fun — were snowmen in the offing? And hot chocolate? And all the other birds — do they know what to make of it in your warmer climes? Another lovely Sunday!
Thanks Jeanie. Hot chocolate was a definite and some snowmen were around too. I do wonder about wildlife in an area that rarely gets snow. I know birds don’t reason like we do but I can still imagine them thinking…what’s this stuff? Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
That bright moon made it almost too light to sleep with the reflection on all the snow here. We hope to get some melting today so we can get a car down the mountain safely tomorrow. The spotted wintergreen sounds like a lovely shrub, I wonder if it would grow in the mountains. I’ll have to look it up.
Thanks Carole. That spotted wintergreen should grow there. We reached 45 today and most of the snow is gone here so maybe you will get some thawing. It is amazing how bright the nights are with snow on the ground. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Happy Sunday Pam and Butch! I know your grands had fun in the snow, they look so cute all bundled up! I can’t believe we got more than you did, and it was so beautiful! It actually still is, the streets are clear but the yards and bushes are still covered in snow. Luckily everyone was prepared this time and I don’t think there was any loss of power. I love your bird captures, especially the cardinal, they are my favorite bird. Stay warm and cozy, and have a wonderful week ahead!
Thanks Jenna. Most of the snow is gone here with a sunny day today. Our main roads were fine by Saturday afternoon. It’s fun but we are glad it doesn’t stay too long. Looks like long range there’s a chance for more snow in about a week. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Happy Sunday, Butch and Pam! I enjoyed seeing all of your snow pictures. I know that your grandbabies must have loved it. We received 7 inches, and it was such a pretty snow. I loved seeing all of your beautiful birds. Bird watching is one of our favorite things to do around here. I wish you both a blessed day and wonderful week ahead!
Thanks Shannon. We thought you probably had a lot of snow. Watching the birds has become a very enjoyable activity especially in the winter. When working we were never here on winter weekdays to see all that goes on. Hope you thaw out soon. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
I loved seeing all the various birds! We got 7.5 inches of snow; the 14th largest snow in well over 100 years. It was beautiful! We know the children, both large and small, had fun and made memories. Our snow was fluffy and wet with no ice, a bonus for us! Enjoy your week! Clara❤️
Thanks Clara. 7.5 inches would shut us down for a week. Some of our readers would laugh at that. We have noticed that our city and the state are better equipped and prepared now than those years when we grew up, even though it’s not needed often. Yes, fun and memories, that’s the best part. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Loved seeing all the birds and what fun for the grands to experience snow…I hadn’t thought, until you mentioned it, that January’s a great time for bird watching! We so enjoy that too. We are seeing Chickadees and occasionally Turtle Doves and keeping plenty of food for them this time of year. What a sweet memory to have Pam’s mother’s birdbath to look out upon. As always, thank you for a delightful post.
Thanks Sue. It was a small weather event but fun for the grands. A big deal for them. For two of them, their first time to have snow to play in. Some January days are harsh and we don’t get out as much so we’ve found watching the birds is a good winter activity. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Good Morning Butch and Pam. Everything is gorgeous even with the rare snowfall. We are seeing snow here in Illinois and it looks so pretty to cover all the dead outside. I feed our birds all winter and I just love seeing all the new baby cardinals. Plus our little squirrels like to partake in the food too. Have a wonderful week. Hugs. Kris
Thanks Kris. I imagine you get a chuckle seeing us going crazy over 3 inches of snow. It is pretty and fun for the kids since it’s a rare thing. I remember how excited I used to be as a kid when I saw a snow flake. Our squirrels do slip in on the bird seed too but not so much now that we do it very near the house and keep an eye on things. Have a splendid week!
Butch and Pam
Good morning! Beautiful photos of your area in the snow! It was my idea of a perfect snow day…it came, it left, we didn’t lose power. The grands must have been ecstatic!! Our snow did turn into freezing rain that lasted about 8 hours. Even this morning there are icy patches in the shade. I put out big clay saucers of bird seed under the shelter of the deck roof, and we did a booming business! I watched one of my kitties sit quietly in front of the window for hours watching the action. There were many pictures yesterday of people still in tents in NC with a 3 mile line of cars trying to get propane. So much destruction and heartbreak across the country, we must continue to pray as we sit safely in our warm homes.
Thanks Roxanne. Your summary of a perfect snow day is right on. We had freezing fog this morning and it was actually beautiful and caused no problems that I know of, and we hit 45 degrees this afternoon. We continue to see the scenes from NC. I know California is in great need too. Continuing to pray for all and giving to organizations that are solid and on the ground helping is certainly something we can do from where we are. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Dear Butch–what a feast for us, not just for the birds looking for food and shelter! Yesterday I took a stroll in the snow and waited longer than typical for the birds to stop and pose! They weren’t having it, Butch. Cardinals are my favorite. Your captures are stunning!
But my favorite snowbirds are the 5 that bundled up to come and see you!
Snow is so rare in your parts–but what’s not rare is your love and devotion to Christ! Through it all–the devastations and unknown in this life, HE has us.
We had freezing rain to begin our week. Between teaching and not feeling good a couple of days, I was praising God on my winter walk yesterday in the 8 inches that was already melting. The peace of snow reminds me of how God can “blanket” us with his comfort during these unpredictable times.
The ranch in Montana looks dreamy. I love it! My youngest son was stationed in Montana for 3 years and I never tired of visiting there when I could.
May the Lord bless and keep you all. On a personal note, will you please let Pam know that I pray for you all daily (and her Dad)? My Dad has a follow up on Wednesday–we will meet with the surgeon and cardiology team as his fluid has returned around his heart. Both of my sons are moving (the youngest one AGAIN) and there is a possibility I might be moving. Life changes occur–yet our Heavenly Father NEVER changes! Love and blessings to you all!
Thanks Karla. Winter walks are quite different from summer hikes but quite refreshing in many ways. In 8 inches of snow it would also be a good workout. We did enjoy the snowbirds. They came in, warmed and snacked and then went on their way. Was your son at Malstrom? We do love to visit Montana. Pam read your comments. Her dad is doing well. Praying for your dad and your possible move. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
You’re welcome! Yes, Jay was at Malstrom!
I’m so happy to hear her Daddy is doing well. Thank you both for your prayers and support. What a blessing you are! Please take care, too!
The bluebirds in the snowy bath are beautiful. Stay warm and thanks for the report from the frozen “north.”
Thanks Leslie Anne. It is good to hear from the deep south, tropical Alabama. We have an abundance of bluebirds, most we remember seeing this time of year. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
The paragraph below the Psalm 46:1 is a perfect outline for prayer intention during this unsettled time.
So many are wrapped in fear and concerns due to the storms and fires. Such difficult times have been
challenged and overcome before, and I pray we continue to have the fortitude to do so again. A perfect
time to unite in prayer and support of those affected. The photos of the birds are particularly delightful
and the Richardson snow birds pushing through the 1/4 plus mile snows to get some of Pam’s great vittles and cocoa look like they already know the preferential treatment awaiting them. We have bright
sunshine today, melting some of the accumulation. This snowfall did not discourage travel and walking
(brave ones) but most of the markets were emptied of milk, bread and eggs. We may see more rain and
snow on Tuesday … in the meantime, the little ones are having a grand time enjoying snow activities.
Take care and be warm….
Thanks Mary. Sunshine and 45 here today so most snow only remains in shady places. Fear and challenges are overcome when they encounter praying people. Our markets were emptied of those items also. I noticed that cheese was in short supply. Had not seen that before. I did see on the long range forecast that more snow might be coming. You do get a bit more of the white stuff than we do. While we wait and see, keep warm and enjoy the week!
Butch and Pam
Butch, so fun seeing your grands and famly’s trudging through the snow to grandmother’s and grandfather’s house they go! Growing up in Kansas, I remember big snow storms and while they are pretty as that first snow is falling…after weeks of sub zero temps and snow plows who come down your street depositing all the new snow on your just shoveled driveway and sidewalk with “dirty” snow it gets old rather quickly. LOL.
I love your birds…especially the cardinals and finches. I could watch them for hours. Thank you again for lovely Sunday musings and photos. Have a great week and stay warm.
Thanks Kari. I do think we are glad that we don’t deal with sub zero and long weeks of snow on the ground. It’s all perspective I guess, what we’re used to, grew up with. Our summer heat and humidity is not fun and can get old quickly too. The grands did enjoy the snow though and the grandparents enjoyed them. We had a different migratory bird show up today that I need to take a photo of and identify. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Yep, your winter garden is certainly that this week, Pam! I hope you are cozy and warm inside, puttering around to your heart’s content, and looking forward to spring’s (hopeful) early arrival. Bless you in the process.
Thank you, Linda!I have enjoyed a cozy afternoon! Wishing you a wonderful week!
Pam
Wow what a snowfall you had! We don’t get snow by the sea here on the East Coast of Australia & only our “Snowy Mountains” in Victoria get a annual snowfall where our snow fields reside in Mt Kosciuszko.
Although on occasion the highest peaks down the East Coast of Australia called the Blue Mountains which are a part of the Great Dividing Range, that reach from the state of Victoria, through New South Wales right up into Queensland (3500km in length) will get a dusting in our coldest of winters.
So seeing snow is always a novelty for us, even online! 😊
A lovely post Butch & Pam as always.
Blessings, Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. Snow is rare for where we live but not so across much of the US. You live in such an intriguing an fascinating place. Australia remains on our list of places to visit but maybe online will be our only method of travel there. Glad we have the opportunity to visit that way. We will definitely do a bit of geographical study and try to locate the places you mentioned. I love geography and maps. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
We have been snowed in here for three days. It has been wonderful! I got to have my husband and son home an extra day from work, and we have had so much fun together. God is so good to give us these bonus blessings! How I do thank Him!
Thank you Cheryl. Being snowed in isn’t such a bad thing, especially if you were prepared and have plenty to snack on. Sounds like you’re making the most of it. Have a great rest of the week!
Butch and Pam
What beautiful snow post! stunning birds. Your Family is adorable. Blessings dear friends.
Thank you Maristella. We have 4 very distinct seasons here and there are things to enjoy in each. Hope your summer is going well. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Hello Snow Friends!
I enjoyed seeing your snow. How fun for everyone. I bet the Grands enjoyed seeing the snow and perhaps made a snowman or had a snowball fight. Then, of course, it was hot chocolate time!
What a treat to see Bluebirds at your birdbath. In Pennsylvania, it is hard for me to see them as they are a bit shy.
We are in a severe drought here in Arizona. It has not rained here since August. The desert is extremely dry. We are praying for some rain.
Stay Cozy Friends!
Thanks Nancy. We’ve had more bluebirds around lately than we can remember and they are letting us get very near. They are normally very shy. The fun in the snow was definitively followed by hot chocolate. A lot of rain would be welcome there and So Cal. We pray that happens. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
A beautiful post Butch a Pam. We had snow here as well and enjoyed the beautiful sparkling white cover. I enjoyed my visit here, seeing your sweet family and i love the scripture you shared. Have a wonderful week.
Thanks Emily. Our snow is almost completely gone now but there are rumors of more possibly in our future. I think one snow is plenty and it’s time for spring. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Wonderful photos! It sounds like you’ve had very similar weather to us here in Wales this past week… Snow, freezing rain, ice and frost! Thankfully, it’s warmed up a little here now, though the wind is still cold.
Thanks Nikki. Wales is beautiful, we visited in 2015. Nice here today but more unseasonably cold is on the way we understand. Hope you can thaw out. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Ohmygosh, it is just so unusual to see snow in your photos Butch! I know it’s a rare event so I’m glad the grands got to enjoy it. I love all the bird pics – especially the one of all the different species on the ground – at least if the bluebirds are wondering if the flew far enough south, they can be comforted that others are in the same boat. I’m happy to hear that your snow event didn’t cause any major issues. Have a great rest of the week you two!
Thank you Kim. I know you must get a chuckle when we get carried away with 3 inches of snow. It was fun but we are ready for spring. Long range forecast is for more cold and possibly more snow so we guess spring will have to wait. The bluebirds are numerous unless the weather does push them a little further south. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
That was a beautiful “for the birds” post! I’ll bet your snowbirds really enjoyed their walk in the snow. I especially loved seeing the bluebirds because I never see them in my backyard. We had lots of snow in Texas last week, and even now, there are a few patches left. Thanks for sharing your wintry beauty and lovely Scripture verses.
Love these snow memories and the wonderful verse. I’m sure you are snow free by now!
Thanks Mary. We still have a few small white patches in the shadiest places. Very cold and maybe more snow or ice coming next week so they tell us. Have a blessed day!
Butch and Pam