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Simple + Southern Sunday No. 532

January 19, 2025~ Alabama, Appalachian Foothills, Outdoors, Simple + Southern Sunday

““Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!””
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ESV

I was ready to move on from the “winter garden” theme after kinda hanging with that idea for a couple of weeks, but then this happened, freezing fog. It has always been a mystery to me how fog can exist and float around in the air while it is 25 degrees. I’ve read about what occurs and why the droplets don’t freeze until contacting a surface, but it is still puzzling to me. It is pretty but can be dangerous as well!

The nandina almost looks like a painting. I think it’s more interesting with the frozen feature than it is otherwise. It would be nice to have warm weather, but maintain the neat leaf fringe.

Our trees were dazzling in the sunlight as the fog faded away. Such a different texture and appearance than snow! 

This former chaste tree bloom was once a magnet for bees and butterflies. It doesn’t seem as if that was very long ago. Time flies when you’re having fun!

Our first visit this winter, to our knowledge at least, of a migratory Ruby-crowned Kinglet. This nervous little bird flits around and is always moving about. They constantly flick their wings and the ruby crown is usually hard to see. This male sat still just long enough to provide a great pose. If he wanted to hide his crown, he failed to do so! I’m sure you notice the snow…some shady spots had snow until Friday, hanging on about a week. 
 

A red oak leaf that had fallen in a large flower pot left a lasting impression in the snow. I spotted this several days after the snow. The way the snow melted and formed an outline around the leaf just deserved a photo in my opinion. Another interesting phenomenon to me, but Pam says I tend to find a lot of strange things interesting!

This pork chop on polenta with onion, potatoes, and spinach, plus an awesome sauce was not only an interesting phenomenon, but a very tasty one. A trip to Birmingham last week “required” a stop at one of our favorite places to dine, second only to eating at home. The best is found at our place near Turkeytown, I just keep that one a secret so it doesn’t become overcrowded!

I do have another sky photo but don’t fret, this one will not require a tremendous amount of study. I trust you can see the quill that Benjamin Franklin used when he signed the Declaration of Independence? Actually there are two, I think Ben used the larger one on the left!

When the snow was mostly gone and the sun provided a little warmth (mid 40’s) I decided to head back to the river to a spot I hadn’t been to since late summer or early autumn. It is Bald Eagle nesting month in our area and I wanted to see if I might be fortunate enough to see a bird soaring or fishing. I popped over a hill along the way and was greeted by another trail user. After a two minute staring match, I won out and she showed her white flag and left!
  

Moving on down the fence line and into a pasture that was mowed late in the season provided a clear view of Lookout Mountain and our Appalachian foothills. Things look so incredibly different in January. In the growing season this becomes head high and you have to pick your way through!

You may have seen my post a few months back where I had discovered several black walnut trees that were absolutely loaded with nuts. There were so many that limbs were sagging. I had never seen such an abundance. I walked under one of those trees on this trek and walnuts were so thick on the ground it was almost impossible to take a step without stepping on one. I wonder what value these would have now or what could they be used for? Maybe I should go back with a few buckets and do some walnut gathering! 
 

I finally arrived at one of the logs along the river where I sometimes take a break. Again, everything opens up in the winter. I sat for a while, watching for eagles, but no action. I was about to give up and head home when…

…this landed almost directly above me. A red-headed woodpecker stayed with me just long enough for one photo. I see other woodpeckers more often than the red head so I was really glad I had stayed on the log a while. The red head catches insects in flight and also eats nuts, fruit, even mice and other bird eggs, being not so much of an excavator of holes in trees like most woodpeckers!

Folks that don’t have the opportunity to spend time in the woods (or don’t care to) may not realize how much dead-fall and dead trees are likely to be in every wooded area. It is very natural but can be very dangerous as well, especially in the winter when all the deciduous trees are without leaves. I try to be conscious of dead trees when picking a spot to rest, camp, or for any activity in the woods, especially if it is windy. I happened to notice this tree that wasn’t too far from my log. At first glance it looked like the other trees, but it is very dead and will fall one of these days, probably soon. I’ll have to keep this in mind when considering sitting on that log!

Having enjoyed a short visit in a quiet spot near the river and seeing a red-headed woodpecker, it was time to start home. Ella Mae was visiting her PJ so I had two girls at the house I needed to see. As I stood to leave, the woodpecker returned for a brief moment so I took a couple more photos. I apologize if this appears a little out of focus but he was in a hurry so you take what they give you. That’s the way with wildlife. I did not realize until I looked at my pics later that this was not the return of the red-headed woodpecker to the same tree, but was in fact a yellow-bellied sapsucker. The sapsucker is only found in Alabama in winter and is our only woodpecker that does not breed here! Sitting on the log paid off I guess.

This oak has no leaves in January to display as ornaments, but it does have a large noticeable tree topper. A mistletoe tree topper.

My grandfather didn’t have access to instant weather forecast, radar and all the things we now have right on our phones. He only had a radio with a lot of static and long range forecasts weren’t very “long range”. He always said the coming of the blackbirds in droves meant a change in weather was soon to come. I remember as a kid  watching long, seemingly endless strings of blackbirds crossing the sky. There were thousands traveling together. I always wondered how they had enough to eat, being so many in one place. I still wonder about that. There were several thousand in our yard and fields Friday. The weatherman says our temps will fall below freezing today, and may not rise above freezing until Thursday. Maybe my grandfather knew something? Seems like we would see those birds and in a few days it would be very cold!

Another very colorful January sunset as seen from the Sunshine Cottage porch!

We wish you a peaceful and pleasant 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

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  1. jeanie says

    January 19, 2025 at 6:22 AM

    What a beautiful walk, and something wonderful to come home to as well. I love the frosty photos of edge-tinted leaves and the pine. And lucky you with a red-headed woodpecker! That makes a walk extra special. A happy week to you both!

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 19, 2025 at 9:28 AM

      Thank you Jeanie. Taking long walks usually provides some interesting things. We have a very bitter cold week ahead so getting out will be a challenge. We hope you have a wonderful week!
      Butch and Pam

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  2. Carole @ From My Carolina Home says

    January 19, 2025 at 8:22 AM

    Oh, I am with you on the interesting things to photograph. I’ve only seen one kinglet and it was a golden crowned one. The ruby is beautiful. So fun to imagine the quills in the sunset sky.

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 19, 2025 at 9:33 AM

      Thank you Carole. I don’t think I’ve seen a golden crowned kinglet but have read about them. It’s going to be so cold this week I may only view things that can be seen from the windows. Have a great week!
      Butch and Pam

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  3. JoAnn says

    January 19, 2025 at 8:51 AM

    Especially enjoyed the cloud quill pens ! The mistletoe was interesting as we don’t recognize it if it’s in our area .

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 19, 2025 at 9:40 AM

      Thank you JoAnn. I didn’t realize it for a long time but the mistletoe that grows here does not grow in a lot of states/places, especially west and northwest. I always thought of it as being everywhere. Have a pleasant week!
      Butch and Pam

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  4. Nancy says

    January 19, 2025 at 8:52 AM

    Butch, your the best. Always look
    forward to your posts. Love PJ’s
    comment that you always find
    something interesting. You do!
    And so do I in your posts!

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 19, 2025 at 9:43 AM

      Thank you Nancy. You come to my defense. I guess there’s a fine line between interesting thoughts and weird thoughts. Have a great week!
      Butch and Pam

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  5. Jenna says

    January 19, 2025 at 9:10 AM

    The freezing fog is amazing! Love the quills in the sky, and the brilliant blue sky in several of your photos Butch. Pam is right, you do find interest in the littlest things, and that makes your walks so much fun. Love all the pretty bird captures. Keep warm this week, it sounds like it’s going to be extra frigid~ crazy that yesterday was 65 and sunny and this morning the wind chill here is 26! Stay cozy Pam and Butch!

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 19, 2025 at 9:47 AM

      Thank you Jenna. It does look like a good week to stay indoors. And maybe more snow, mainly south of us, even down along the coast. That is crazy weather. Yesterday was a spoiler. I mowed and did some weed trimming if you can believe that. Have a wonderful week!
      Butch and Pam

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  6. Alice Genzlinger says

    January 19, 2025 at 9:14 AM

    I woke up to minus 9 and an hour expected high of 19. Winter is upon us. Oh I forgot to say we have 6 inches of snow. It’s too slippery to go to the mailbox so I might stretch my will and get in the car and drive the few feet to get the mail. I would have called myself chicken in younger years but these days I’m not looking for broken bones. Butch I’d love to have a bucket of those black walnuts. Mama made the most delicious black walnut cake. I’d like to make this cake again because I had worked to get the meat from the shell. That’s long hard work. My friend who is 84 has walnuts frozen in her freezer that her mother had frozen and she just made a black walnut Bacardi rum cake for her husbands 87th birthday and invited me to enjoy a slice. It was delicious! Does that do anything to you?

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 19, 2025 at 9:52 AM

      Thank you Alice. I brought a walnut home in my pocket. I think I’ll test it and see how much trouble it is to get to the meat before I walk a half mile to gather any in the very cold air. We will probably get 9 degrees Tuesday night but not minus 9. Thinking about that cake you mentioned might cause me to attempt the walnuts. Stay warm and have a blessed week!
      Butch and Pam

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  7. Clara says

    January 19, 2025 at 9:21 AM

    The effects of the frozen fog is so fascinating! It gives a bearded affect on everything it seems. The walk through the woods is always interesting. We saw a huge number of blackbirds Friday, so your grandfather was correct! It has gotten colder and it’s only beginning! Brr!! Stay warm! Clara❤️

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM

      Thank you Clara. Bearded is a good way to describe the frozen fog. Our huge number of blackbirds left yesterday so they were aware of the forecast. You are probably a little colder there in TN than we are here. Have a great week!
      Butch and Pam

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  8. Heritage Hall says

    January 19, 2025 at 10:40 AM

    I share your fascination with the bearded visions wrought by icy cold. Only nature seems capable
    of recreating herself to suit the season. I saw BF’s quills and then the fringe-wearing clouds in the
    sunset. All that and the frozen mist and I could surmise Who was wielding the brush. Thank you
    for giving a name to the beautiful birds you spy….a real treat, as well as that tempting dish at
    the ??? mystery restaurant. We are getting ready to honker down for a long Winter’s “nap” in the
    midst of a frigid forecast, well fortified with all things hot and comforting. Be warm, safe and blessed.

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 19, 2025 at 10:51 AM

      Thank you Mary. God’s creation never ceases to amaze. It’s snowing here this morning and the deep freeze is coming, yet I found an aster bloom yesterday. I may show that little resilient bloom next week. We do have a pantry that surely has some things like cocoa which will be put to use this week. Not able to get to Bottega Cafe’ this week, we will remain at my favorite restaurant, home. Have a blessed week!
      Butch and Pam

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 19, 2025 at 11:07 AM

      PS A friend gave us two beautiful cashmere scarves that will provide warmth this week!

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  9. Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says

    January 19, 2025 at 10:45 AM

    What a beautiful walk. Love your little friend the Woodpecker. Hope you guys warm up soon.
    We are only 4 degrees this morning. At least the sun is out that helps. Have a beautiful new week. Hugs. Kris

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 19, 2025 at 10:56 AM

      Thank you Kris. I was out yesterday and saw another type woodpecker out back. I think of the 9 species of woodpecker we have in the state, I have seen 5 of them the last few days. At 4 degrees though, I would need them to drop by just outside the window. Sunshine does make it seem warmer and helps my feelings. Have a wonderful week!
      Butch and Pam

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  10. Kay Shumate says

    January 19, 2025 at 12:04 PM

    I have never heard of Turkeytown. We enjoy good restaurants. Went to The Club this week for lunch but the food wasn’t that special. I guess you go for that view of Birmingham.

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 19, 2025 at 4:17 PM

      Thank you Kay. We don’t have fine restaurants in Turkeytown but it is a real place. We are never disappointed with the food in Birmingham at Bottega or Chez Fonfon. We hope you have a great week and stay warm!
      Butch and Pam

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  11. Kari Rogers-Miller says

    January 19, 2025 at 1:18 PM

    Thank you again for a beautiful walk and lovely birds. I love birds and enjoy the excitement of seeing those that are not frequent visitors to my Secret Garden. However, I am usually not armed with the right photo equipment to get beautiful shots (like yours) but I get to look at them for as long as they allow. I watched mockingbirds, blue jays and turtle doves the other day and I have to admit I am a bit happy there are not many sparrows near my home…even though they remind me of the Bible verse and the song…..”His eye is on the Sparrow…” (they seem to be plentiful near fast food places) and like you…the Captain and I prefer the food at our home though a meal out every now and then is usually welcomed. I did see the feather quills and love your imagination which I’m sure is shared by Pam. Hugs and much love to you both from Sunny, yet a bit cooler, Florida.

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 19, 2025 at 4:28 PM

      Thank you Kari. We too would rather eat at home than anywhere but an occasional good meal out is a nice treat. The birds are really active today with this cold air settling in. The upcoming weather is strange, not much snow coming for us but a lot predicted for south Alabama and even possible in the Florida panhandle. You are far enough south to escape that but the folks in places like Mobile may get a decent snow. Very rare for sure. All the little birds like wrens, finches, sparrows and the like are hard for me to identify, looking so similar. Have a wonderful week!
      Butch and Pam

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  12. Linda Primmer says

    January 19, 2025 at 1:55 PM

    Love seeing the frosted leaves. Winter can be cold and brutal. The blue skies are always amazing. Love taking walks around our property. The wildlife is always here. Stay warm and cozy this winter.

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 19, 2025 at 4:32 PM

      Thank you Linda. Our winters are generally not too bad. This is an unusually cold week. Pam shared with me where you live, such a beautiful area. We hope to keep warm and we wish you a good week!
      Butch and Pam

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  13. Roxanne Bernard says

    January 19, 2025 at 4:09 PM

    Butch, I bet when you were a little kid, you always won the “I Spy” game! Is frozen fog the same thing as hoar frost? It certainly is beautiful. I always think about falling trees and limbs if I got outside when it is really windy, like right now bringing in that arctic front. Now that the leaves are down, we can really see how many trees came down in Helene. You spotted some beautiful birds this week!

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 19, 2025 at 4:45 PM

      Thank you Roxanne. Funny you mention “I spy”. The grands love to play that, I thought it went out years ago but apparently not. It’s hard to tell the difference but if I understand it hoar frost forms under different conditions and probably looks more feathery and delicate. I’m not claiming to know much about it except it makes for a pretty scene. I think frozen fog is maybe like what they call rime ice?? So many trees will be down naturally so I can’t imagine how it is after Helene, and much more obvious in the winter. Have a blessed week!
      Butch and Pam

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  14. Nancy says

    January 20, 2025 at 8:56 AM

    Hello Folks! The frosty, fog garden was beautiful to see. It seems the whole nation is cold. We are at 34 degrees this morning and will warm up to 60. Its winter in the desert.
    I saw the quills. That was a wonderful sighting. And the sunset from Sunshine Cottage was a treat. Thank you!
    Stay warm while you are out and about. Bundle up!
    Enjoy your week!

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 20, 2025 at 11:37 PM

      Thank you Nancy. 60 sounds very nice. We made it to 29 today and the gulf coast is expecting snow tomorrow of all things. We will have single digits Tuesday night but no precipitation here. Have a great week!
      Butch and Pam

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  15. K.L. Hale says

    January 20, 2025 at 6:20 PM

    What a feast of frozenness, Butch! These stunning captures tell the story of the beautiful transitions in nature–coupled with the danger (I took a walk in the woods during our last snow and was very careful about falling dead limbs). I “caught” a woodpecker and a few birds. I love the Kinglet, deer, and Jefferson’s quill! Your words, wisdom, and verses always start my weeks in an amazing way! I’m already drinking my tea as I “view” your colorful January sunset from the porch.
    I made it back from Kansas City (brrrr) a bit early–my body and bones were very achy. It was time to retreat to home much earlier than expected so I could rest.
    Each day I pray for all of you and Pam’s Daddy. I hope Ellla Mae and Pam had the best visit, too. I took Finley with me to Kansas City and she met a new rescue dog, Millie Mae (my son, DIL, and granddaughter rescued her). Finley, being only 5 lbs, didn’t warm up to big chocolate lab Millie. But today we have stayed nice and warm at home.
    God bless the Richardson’s. Thank you for making the world brighter!

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 20, 2025 at 11:44 PM

      Thank you Karla. It’s so cold here we aren’t getting out so much and it’s probably much colder where you are. Ella Mae and Pam had the best time and Emma comes to visit on Tuesday. Their tea will likely be in the form of hot chocolate. Thanks for your prayers and we certainly pray for you. Have a blessed week!
      Butch and Pam

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  16. Nancy Ruegg says

    January 20, 2025 at 6:23 PM

    Thank you for explaining about fog when the temp is below freezing. We were wondering about that just yesterday on our way home from church. Our hillsides were shrouded in fog, yet the temps were in the teens, I think. Your photos of freezing fog on plants and trees are mesmerizing–a category of beauty we aren’t privileged to see very often!

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 20, 2025 at 11:48 PM

      Thank you Nancy. That freezing fog is rare but seems we do have it at least once or twice every winter these last few years. It’s always been a puzzling phenomenon to me. I just figure if it’s that cold water can’t be just hanging around as fog, but that’s not the case. We hope you have a wonderful week!
      Butch and Pam

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  17. Kitty says

    January 20, 2025 at 7:36 PM

    What a beautiful stroll it was in your area. You have the prettiest birds that I don’t see around here. I had a woodpecker visiting my feeder but he’s not nearly as striking as yours. Thank you for sharing the winter beauty.

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 20, 2025 at 11:55 PM

      Thank you Kitty. With the weather so bitter here this week, we may have to stay in and be bird watchers out the window for the next few days. White pelicans are usually around in January so I dropped by the lake to check. The wind chill was about 15 degrees and with no pelicans in sight, I shortened my stay. Have a great week!
      Butch and Pam

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  18. Kim says

    January 21, 2025 at 8:19 PM

    Oh my goodness – it sounds like you have had your fair share of unusual weather down there! I’ve never heard of freezing fog but the pictures are so pretty. Such a brilliant blue sky in some of the photos. Love all the woodpecker shots you were able to capture and the sunset shot is gorgeous! Hard to believe that those walnuts could make something tasty. Stay warm and cozy and have a wonderful week!

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 21, 2025 at 9:24 PM

      Thanks Kim. The walnuts don’t look very appetizing lying around on the ground. And the weather today is very unusual. We have no snow in NE Alabama but probably 8F or 9F tonight here while south Alabama and N Florida including the coast and beaches are covered with a lot of snow. I read one city had a record amount, breaking the record of 130 years. A lot of younger people down there have probably never even seen snow. We wish you a wonderful week!
      Butch and Pam

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  19. Rita C at Panoply says

    January 22, 2025 at 9:31 AM

    Beautiful walk and imagery once again, Butch – thank you!

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 22, 2025 at 10:48 PM

      Thank you Rita. Hope you’re thawing out a little. Have a good week!
      Butch and Pam

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  20. Awakening Wonders says

    January 22, 2025 at 3:16 PM

    Mother Nature provides the photographer so many gifts if one takes the time to be in it! Thanks for being in it and capturing your journey!

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      January 22, 2025 at 10:50 PM

      Thank you Mary. It’s been so cold this week I admit I haven’t been in it too much. Hope to get out some tomorrow. Have a good week!
      Butch and Pam

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  21. Cheryl says

    February 15, 2025 at 3:45 PM

    Your sunset photos are always so interesting! It’s hard to believe spring will soon arrive. I have never seen time go as quickly as it does now. The seasons come and go like a blur!

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    • Pam @ Everyday Living says

      February 15, 2025 at 7:54 PM

      Time does go by swiftly as we get older. Thank you, Cheryl!

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A big southern welcome, y’all!  We are Butch & Pam and we are so glad you landed here at Everyday Living. If you stay around here long enough, you’ll learn that we are into a lot of different hobbies. You may find Pam putting together a tablescape, our travels, pullin’ weeds in the garden, and a variety of other things…just sharing our everyday living with you.  We both love reading and trying our hand at photography, but best of all…and our favorite – We are “Da”and“PJ” to 4 precious grandchildren! Butch (sometimes referred to as Renaissance Man, or RM) does our Sunday posts. Thank you for stopping by!

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Happy Wednesday! I set a table next to our woodlan Happy Wednesday! I set a table next to our woodlands in memory of my beautiful Mother who was a lovely example of a Proverbs 31 woman. Mother had the gift of hospitality and shared it with everyone. Karl Rosenfield peonies from my garden fill a treasured keepsake pitcher handed down from my grandmother! A beautiful floral April Cornell ‘Lillianna’ tablecloth and Famille Rose salad plates elevate the status of the old picnic table next to our woodlands. I have collected bejeweled enamel trinket boxes for many years and shared a few on the table for whimsy and fun. For memories of my Mother, click the link in my profile. 

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30

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Happy Thursday! I am behind in posting spring flow Happy Thursday! I am behind in posting spring flowers from my garden. Lady Banks Rose in bloom on the arbor 1-3 Snowball Viburnum with its showy blooms 4-5 Gorgeous Kwanzan Cherry blossoms 6-7 Old-fashioned Bridal Wreath Spirea 8-9 10 Lady Banks Rose 

Click link in bio to visit the blog post.

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With glorious weather, the table next to our woodl With glorious weather, the table next to our woodlands was perfect for teatime! It is Tea on Tuesdays with blogging friends Mary and Kitty. The table is enhanced by views toward the mountain, woodlands, and the large Snowball Viburnum. The verdant rye grass appears as a green carpet that has been spread for Easter! Vintage Fitz and Floyd ‘Herb Garden’ teapots, sugar and creamer, and oval tray are suited for springtime with their embossed bows, vegetables, and words. A bouquet of Kwanzan Cherry blossoms add more spring color to the setting. 

I am serving a simple teatime with Earl Grey tea, savory egg salad filled phyllo cups, and sweet vanilla cupcakes with cream cheese icing, and macarons! A favorite cottage rose tablecloth and Essential napkins are by April Cornell.

We are most blessed to celebrate the resurrection of Christ, being the source of new life, yet new life that is eternal. The beauty of this spring will again give way to another autumn in a few months, but the significance of His empty tomb will never change! Wishing you a blessed Holy Week ✝️ Click the link in my bio to view the blog!

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Happy Thursday! I love setting a table next to our Happy Thursday! I love setting a table next to our woodlands and this is the first one of the season, an Easter/Spring table! I love all the sweet bunny decorations, but Easter is so much more. We celebrate Easter because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  His bodily resurrection enables all those who choose to follow Him to have assured victory over our greatest enemy…death!

 I look forward each year when some of my favorite blooms display their amazing beauty in our garden. Snowball viburnum in its full glory with large creamy white blooms. Climbing Lady Banks Rose is covered in hundreds of miniature yellow blooms cascading to the ground. An old-fashioned Bridal Wreath Spirea with its branches arching to the ground in a fountain-like growth habit is loaded with showy double white flowers in clusters of three to six that resemble a bride’s wreath. I still claim the Kwanzan Cherry tree even though it is now on our son’s property. Its ruffled pink double pink blossoms are some of my favorite blooms. All four of these blooms make up an arrangement with a few tulips from the grocery store. 

A fluffle of moss bunnies hopped up to the picnic table. A ‘Charming’ tablecloth with  Mary Lake-Thompson napkins and Williams Sonoma enchanting ‘Famille Rose’ bunny plates!

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I often shared my sweet Daddy and his stories on m I often shared my sweet Daddy and his stories on my blog. My precious Daddy passed away peacefully on March 26th at the age of 94, surrounded by his beloved family! He was born during the depths of the Great Depression. That may have been part of the reason he was always content and loved the simple things. 

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1

After high school graduation he signed to play professional baseball with the Cleveland Indians Organization. His baseball career was cut short when he was drafted in the army. He was seriously wounded in the Korean War and was awarded a Purple Heart and two bronze stars. Upon returning home, he married my beautiful Mother and they shared 54 wonderful years together before she passed away suddenly. 

My brother and I grew up in a Christian home, bathed in love, calm, security, and contentment, under the care of the two finest parents anyone could have. Daddy was known as Pawpaw to his three grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. 

My heart is broken, he was the best Daddy a girl could have. I know he is present with the Lord and I rejoice in that promise, knowing too, that my Mother is also in the eternal presence of our Heavenly Father. 

For more of my Daddy’s story, click the link in my bio.
Happy first day of Spring! One of my favorite bloo Happy first day of Spring! One of my favorite blooming trees of springtime is the Kwanzan Cherry! I love pairing them with my Snowball Viburnum blooms to make a lovely flower arrangement!

Wishing you a most beautiful day!

#cherryblossom #springtime #springinthesouth #kwanzancherry #mygarden #southerngarden #victoriamagazine #southernladymag #everydaylivingwithbutchandpam
Welcome to Sunshine Cottage and the March edition Welcome to Sunshine Cottage and the March edition of Tea on Tuesdays. My inspiration for teatime is the beautiful linens from @april.cornell With the celebration of their 50th anniversary, many Heritage Prints from the archives have returned. Eden is one of the beautiful patterns that has returned. It is a soft purple paradise where butterflies float, roses bloom, and soft sage leaves levitate. As an April Cornell Brand Ambassador, I was gifted these gorgeous linens! I have been a collector of @april.cornell linens for many years…the floral patterns resonate with my love of English Country. 

I am serving my favorite, Earl Gray tea, from an Eileen’s Reserve teapot. Teacups by Grace Teaware and vintage Rose Chintz salad plates by Johnson Brothers add more floral patterns to the mix. Japanese Magnolia blooms were cut from my garden and placed in a lilypad teapot!

Mary @ homeiswheretheboatis.net and I welcome Nancy @nance_endless_summer as our special guest! LINK in bio for the blog posts. Have a wonderful day!

#teaontuesdays #teatime #aprilcornell #southernladymagazine #teatimemagazine #teatimepoetry_ #homeiswheretheboatis #victoriamagazine #everydaylivingwithbutchandpam #englishcountrystyle #aprilcornellbrandambassador
Happy St. Patrick’s Day ☘️ A few photos from Happy St. Patrick’s Day ☘️ A few photos from our visit to ☘️ Ireland, The Emerald Isle and a tablescape in our Appalachian Foothills ☘️

“May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.
 May the soft winds freshen your spirit.
 May the sunshine brighten your heart.
 May the burdens of the day rest lightly 
 upon you.
 And may God enfold you in His love.”

#everydaylivingwithbutchandpam #stpatricksday
It felt like spring today with a high in the upper It felt like spring today with a high in the upper 70’s. Do you ever forget what you have? I do, so I compiled a partial catalog of my teapots. I have included some here and more on my blog. Click the LINK in my profile to see more! 

#teapot #teapotcollector #teapots #teaontuesdays #teatime #teatimemagazine #teatimepoetry_ #southernladymag #victoriamagazine #everydaylivingwithbutchandpam
Happy Monday! With March bringing the promise of s Happy Monday! With March bringing the promise of spring and looking forward to our garden awakening, I planted a blooming bulb garden in my Sunshine Cottage! The butcher block countertop under a window, was a perfect place for a mini garden. Muscari, hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils danced in the sunlight and filled the cottage with an amazing fragrance! 

It is Monday Morning Blooms with friends Lidy @frenchgardenhouse Shannon @bellebleuinteriors and Mary homeiswheretheboatis.net

LINK in bio to view blog posts

#southernladymag #victoriamagazine #bulbgarden  #springbulbs #indoorgardening #muscari #hyacinths #pjssunshinecottage #everydaylivingwithbutchandpam #thecottagejournal #portmeirion
Hello friends, I don’t know about you, but I am Hello friends, I don’t know about you, but I am ready for spring. Meteorological Spring begins this Saturday, March 1 and I am going with it. I have pulled spring flower arrangements from my blog archives. I hope you enjoy the flower therapy! You can see all of them by clicking on the  LINK in bio.

#springflowers #springflowerarrangement #springtime #southernladymag #victoriamagazine #flowermagazine #aprilcornell #gardener #everydaylivingwithbutchandpam
Happy Tuesday! Welcome to the Sunshine Cottage whe Happy Tuesday! Welcome to the Sunshine Cottage where it is warm and cozy on this cold February day. It is Tea on Tuesdays and I have set a tea table with the “Blue Roses” collection that was a collaboration between @victoriamagazine and @april.cornell The exclusive porcelain pattern and matching linens have been used many times and I still enjoy their blue and white beauty. Instead of fresh flowers, porcelain ones require no arranging. Sweet treats pair perfectly with a traditional English Breakfast tea. I am joining friends Sarah @sjpa48 and Mary homeiswheretheboatis.net

#teaontuesdays #teatime #victoriamagazine #aprilcornell #southernladymag #teatimemagazine #thecottagejournal #teatimepoetry #porcelainflowers #pjssunshinecottage #everydaylivingwithbutchandpam
Happy Thursday and Valentine’s Eve! In celebrati Happy Thursday and Valentine’s Eve! In celebration of the day, I pulled images from my blog archives for inspiration❤️💗❤️

Wishing everyone a lovely Valentine’s Day ❤️

#valentinesday #southernladymag #victoriamagazine #traditionalstyle #grandmillenial #valentinestablescape #valentinedecor #everydaylivingwithbutchandpam
Happy first Monday of February! After so many cold Happy first Monday of February! After so many cold days, we are experiencing a tease of spring with a 73 degree day that is forecast. After the gray and cloudy days, I needed a dose of color and decided to set a colorful citrus themed brunch! Using a bird gold and pewter stand, I mixed a citrus medley of lemons, oranges, and limes with pink and white carnations as the centerpiece. The table is highlighted with blue and white dishware. Fresh squeezed orange juice, French-pressed coffee and sweet treats of lemon poppyseed muffins, lemon cake with lemon icing, and lemon pastries are perfect for a small brunch. A faux lemon topiary belonged to my beloved Mother and seemed a perfect addition to a citrus-themed table! You are invited to join me and my Monday Morning Blooms friends, Lidy @frenchgardenhouse Sarah @sjpa48 and Mary homeiswheretheboatsis.net by clicking the LINK in my bio!

#mondaymorningblooms🌻 #citrus #floraldesign #brunch #southernladymagazine #victoriamagazine #thecottagejournal #grandmillennial #traditionaldecor #lemons #everydaylivingwithbutchandpam
Welcome to Sunshine Cottage where I have been fluf Welcome to Sunshine Cottage where I have been fluffing for Valentine’s Day! For many years my Sweetheart and I have celebrated February 14th at home where it is quiet, no reservations are required, and we always have a table by the window! 

I love the traditional colors of red and pink! Frilly carnations fill a vintage Staffordshire, ‘Charlotte’ pitcher which rests on an antique Limoges plate with a velvet gold-crowned heart. The plate stack consists of a Royal Stafford ‘Asiatic pheasant’ dinner plate, American Atelier ‘Baroque’ luncheon/salad plate, Johnson Brothers, ‘Winchester’ salad plate, and a vintage pierced Bavarian rose plate! I am a huge fan of mixing colors, patterns, and textures for a collected look. 

I have joined 17 table stylists for a Valentine’s Day Blog Hop. Click the LINK in my bio to see all of the Valentine inspiration!

#southernladymag #valentineday #valentinestablescape #valentinesday #victoriamagazine #romanticdecor #traditionalstyle #replacementsltd #flowermagazine #thecottagejournal #pjssunshinecottage #everydaylivingwithbutchandpam
Happy Tuesday! On this very cold winter’s day, I Happy Tuesday! On this very cold winter’s day, I am serving my favorite tea, Earl Grey, in the Sunshine Cottage where it is warm and cozy! The magic of dancing sunlight enhances the table that is dressed with a warm tartan plaid throw repurposed as a tablecloth! ‘Winter Fauna’ bird salad plates from Pottery Barn (many years ago and now discontinued) remind me of the birds I watch from my kitchen window during the winter season. The Grace Teaware set adds more blue and white to the Spode ‘Blue Room’ dinner plates. Sweet treats were placed on a stack of Bordallo Pinheiro plates! A darling Hummel ‘Icy Adventure’ depicts a scene of an outdoor frozen pond with a pair of sweet ice skaters, a rosy cheeked boy and girl who have fallen down on the ice. I am sharing Tea on Tuesdays with Shannon @bellebleuinteriors and Mary homeiswheretheboatis.net Link in my Bio will take you to my blog post! Stay warm and safe!

#teaontuesdays #teatime #teatimemagazine #teatimepoetry #victoriamagazine #southernladymag #pjssunshinecottage #tea #graceteaware #everydaylivingwithbutchandpam
Happy Thursday! Mid January with cold weather and Happy Thursday! Mid January with cold weather and I am thinking about my spring and summer garden! I have ordered seeds that are to arrive tomorrow…zinnias, sunflowers, and giant marigolds! On today’s blog post (LINK IN BIO) I am sharing my photo journal from 2024’s garden! Grab a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and join me.

#mygarden #gardening #cottagegarden #gardendesignmag #gardengatemagazine #southernladymag #victoriamagazine #gardener #gardeninglife #everydaylivingwithbutchandpam
My precious family enjoying a rare snowfall in Ala My precious family enjoying a rare snowfall in Alabama!
Rare scenes in our Northeast Alabama Foothills! # Rare scenes in our Northeast Alabama Foothills!

#snowday #winterwonderland #everydaylivingwithbutchandpam
On this cold, gray, and wintry day I am sharing fl On this cold, gray, and wintry day I am sharing flower therapy to hopefully brighten your day! On the blog today is a review of my 2024 Monday Morning Blooms! Joining me are my friends, Lidy @frenchgardenhouse and Mary homeiswheretheboatis.net 

CLICK LINK IN BIO for blog post! I hope everyone stays safe and warm!

#mondaymorningblooms🌻 #floralarrangement #flowerarrangement #southernladymag #victoriamagazine #flowertherapy #everydaylivingwithbutchandpam #tablesetting #tablescapes
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