“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Romans 12:12 ESV
My last visit here found Noccalula Falls high and dry, but this past week we were blessed with a few rainy days. I always prefer sunny days and felt somewhat cooped-up, but we definitely needed the rain. I failed to empty my rain gauge, and after the rain, we hit 20 degrees Friday night. You can easily surmise that I need a new rain gauge. At least it was my ancient plastic one and not the newer decorative garden feature!
The power of water is hard to measure I suppose, but it is said to be the most powerful force on the planet. Just a glimpse of this rushing stream from a safe spot gave me pause as I had thoughts of those unstoppable and unforgiving walls of water experienced by so many during Helene.
There’s something special about those plants that are the “firsts” to give hints of the coming of spring. The firstborn and firstfruits are significant in Scripture and are important in many cultures today, as well as throughout history. These are our first daffodils. We have a very cold week ahead, with freezing nights, a couple around 15 degrees. Such unseasonal cold might slow things down a bit…us and the plants!
It takes a closer look in some cases to get an idea that hope for a new awakening has come at last. A month ago, this was a dead looking twig on a dead looking stem of a maple tree that I pass on the wildlife boardwalk. These “firsts” look promising. They could get a shock with the coming cold but they will bounce back.
I was totally surprised to find this green and growing so well. Not many days ago all was frozen and herons were walking nearby on ice. The water hyacinth is a beauty when it comes to blooms…
…but it will be mid-summer before I will find the same water’s edge looking like this. This is a throwback from July. Watching the transformation is truly amazing. The wonders of creation!
Appalachian Media captured this awesome nearby river scene as a freight train crossed the 100+ year old bridge. I’ve seen large framed prints of this photo in some local businesses. This was made over 8 years ago. Seeing this again, and knowing that an occasional train still crosses prompted me to have a look from a different perspective.
I did look both ways before venturing onto the tracks. There’s something about all the old wood and other well worn things that are visible that does make me wonder about passing on the highway below while a train crosses above. At last account, I understood that trains were extremely heavy!
I took on another perspective when I crossed the river and went underneath the wooden trusses where the tracks are overhead for a distance over land. Some of the old stubs of previous supports are still here. I really wonder how old those are? There is a lot of erosion too. There were no barricades or signs that warned me against being beneath the tracks, but I assure you I did not walk across the train bridge to get across the river. I cannot outrun a train!
Strolls through the woods this time of year can really be dull but at times something interesting is found along the path. I spotted this fungi from a distance and walked over to check it out. I didn’t notice the brown fungus until I walked much closer. Pam said the mushrooms are pretty. Maybe they aren’t technically “mushrooms”, but I agree, they have their own unique shapes and colors! These belong to a large and widespread species group of wood growing fungi.
Down the ridge at the bottom of a very steep place, the creek was shallow and not flowing. The weather had been dry for this time of year, but as you’ve already seen, that changed mid-week when a lot of rain moved in. This lush looking plant life caught my attention so I made my way closer. I told Pam I saw a plant that we used to call watercress when we would find it in creeks as boys. One of the boys said his granddaddy called it watercress, so we always called it that. I did a little research and I found out it was really known as…watercress! Don’t underestimate grandpa!
Thriving next to the watercress and just below the surface was a large area of a native aquatic plant called Marsh seedbox or Marsh purslane. Considered an invasive in Australia, but not in the U.S., some people plant it in their aquariums. I saw it listed as an herb in one source, but I have no idea of how the plant might be used as such.
This can serve as a little late Christmas cheer or perhaps very, very early greetings for 2025. Actually this holly has always caught my eye as it seems healthy and full of berries, just a pretty bush. I’ve passed it on walks for several years, but trees, bushes and vines always blocked my access and view. Winter, and some cleanup along the trail made it possible for a much better look. Sorry for the red and green but I simply thought it was a pretty sight!
Sometimes in the early morning or late afternoon I find myself gazing mainly in the sun’s direction, but in some instances it doesn’t hurt to do a 360. I immediately had a thought come to mind when I looked up…this is a soft, peaceful winter scene! It was calming and marked the closing of another blessed Valentine’s Day. We spent our Valentine evening with dinner at home and time reading old cards, enjoying old photos, and telling those stories that all started like this…”Do you remember…..”!
You may notice a few less photos today. It has been a busy week. We celebrated our 55th Valentine’s Day together on Friday and also our first Valentine’s Day with Daniel, who was one day old! EM, EK, and WL have a little brother and we have another precious grandson! Everyone is so excited. Love is in the air!
Have a peaceful winter 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
Beautiful baby boy, Daniel James! Congratulations to your family!💙 Butch, thank you for the reminder of the rain gauge. I must bring mine in later today, as we are about to be hit with another polar vortex and impending snow storm. There is a lot of flooding currently in our surrounding areas. We received 4″ in the last 24 hrs, but many of our southern coalfields were hit a lot harder. I love the opening verse from Romans. Have a blessed, new week, Richardsons.
Congratulations on the birth of your newest grandson. Glad everyone is doing well.
Thank you Rachel. Pam has the old crud so we haven’t been able to hold the little guy yet. Maybe soon. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Thank you Rita. We saw the weather you were having and expecting. No hints of spring in that. Stormy here last night and we lost power for a few hours but all is well, and cold. I decided to use a verse from Romans 12 each week for a few Sundays. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Congratulations! What a nice Valentine’s Day gift!
Thank you Nancy. He almost held out until Valentine but now we can celebrate two days in a row every February. Have a good week!
Butch and Pam
Congratulations on 55 years together! Daniel James is truly a blessing! He’s adorable! Glad everyone is doing well. The falls are beautiful. Enjoyed all the pics. Have a wonderful week! Clara ❤️
Thank you Clara. We are truly blessed. We’ve had 55 Valentines together and if the Lord allows us to get to next Sunday we will be married 52 years. Hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Congratulations on your new grandson James. I can attest to the power of water as we watched our beautiful Biltmore Village and the Arts district flooded with buildings totally destroyed. The other side of nature is beautiful and calming. Your photos are beautiful. Enjoy your new grandson. Much love to you both.
Thank you Dianne. We think about NC and the other places that were so devastated every time we see water raging. Water, essential to life yet so powerful in ways that take life. Nature’s two sides for sure. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Congratulations and God bless little Daniel. Well not so little-9 pounds!
Thank you Ruth. 9 pounds looks little to us because we’ve not had a tiny one in almost 4 years, but I guess as newborns go he isn’t so little. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Congratulations to your family. I’m sure the girls and Will are excited to welcome Daniel. You two of course, isn’t being a grandparent so much fun?
Thank you Della. Grand parenting is fun and tiring. Yes,sisters and now big brother are all very excited. WL thought Daniel would be big enough to play immediately. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
How thrilled you all must be to finally welcome Daniel James into your loving fold…especially WL who
will now have a tractor playmate with whom to cavort. Each of your pictures is thought-provoking…
especially that bridge and its aging prospects. The rushing falls just resonate their power, especially
considering that dry surface not too long ago… Your time celebrating St. Valentine’s Day sounds ideal…
so much gratitude to be expressed. Thank you for these continued insights and inspirations not readily
found elsewhere. Your Sunday strolls are very special. Blessed Sabbath and Happy Anniversary.
Thank you Mary. Next Sunday is our actual wedding anniversary (52) and I wrote a quote about the qualifications to become a modern day saint but I’m yet to convince Pam that I should use it in next Sunday’s post . WL thought he would have an instant tractor playmate but has realized quickly that there will be a time of waiting. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Congratulations and congratulations, on your anniversary and grandson! Love the name James, our son’s name as well. Beautiful scripture and amazing photos from your walks. Daffodils are my favorite, maybe because they are the first soft new hope. Wishing you and Pam a beautiful and blessed week ahead..,,
Thank you Emily. As long as God allows we will have busy February’s. Grands birthday, Valentine’s and then anniversary on the 23rd. We’ll be busy with our own card making. You are correct about those daffodils, they bring promise. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Welcome Daniel James. This is no little baby! 9 lbs of a baby boy. Whew! Watch out WL. You are going to have competition with that John Deere. What a wonderful gift for Valentines Day straight from Heaven. We have an abundance of purslane here. It’s fun to eat. Straight from where God planted it. Watercress there may not be watercress here. Edible? I don’t know but I can safely say there is neither under all the snow we have here. Have a blessed week with all the love you hay surrounds you.
Thank you Alice. I believe the watercress is the same and it is edible and supposed to be very healthy and good. WL did think Daniel would arrive ready to play tractors but now realizes it will be a while. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Oh goodness!!!What a beautiful baby!! Welcome Daniel James!! You are truly blessed, congratulations!
Thank you Jenna. We are blessed and excited about Daniel. We can’t keep up with 3 so we best be adopting a workout program. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Such a wonderful scripture to carry us into a new week, an interesting stroll showcasing the wonders of creation, and the blessing of Daniel James’s arrival! So very happy for you all!
Thank you Sue. Daniel is another blessing among many. Creation is wonderful and truly a wonder. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Oh, how wonderful!! Congratulations to all of you on the blessed birth of Daniel. I know your cup overflows and I’m so happy for you. Much love and hugs, Judy
Thank you Judy. We are excited and truly blessed. Hope you are doing well. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
What a sweet blessing to receive on the eve of a sweet day! – And one more thing, that train photo dead-eye on the tracks makes me nervous! Whew! Get down from there! Congratulations on such a dear little boy.
Thank you Leslie Anne. February will even be a busier month of celebration for us now. I will stay off the tracks and hope I’ll be around next February for all the occasions. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
You’re seeing some remarkable early spring bits. There’s so much to love but those tree fungi have my vote for coolest ever!
Thank you Jeanie. It is amazing that a fungus can have such unique design and color. So many varieties of the stuff. Hope you have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Oh, what a beautiful baby boy! Welcome Daniel James and you all must be so excited. Butch, those railway tracks make me very nervous I have to admit lol and I certainly wouldn’t want to be on the highway underneath either when a train was passing. Yikes. The fungi have very interesting shapes for sure and the waterfalls are gorgeous. Seeing the daffodils instills hope that spring is on the way – at least somewhere. Congratulations on your 55th Valentine’s Day spent together and I wish you both a wonderful week ahead. Stay warm.
Thank you Kim. We know you are probably very ready for spring but it’s still a ways off. The daffodils are tough winter warriors. We are actually having some very cold ( for us) weather this week and even a mention of snow Wednesday. We are excited about Daniel for sure. Hope you have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Welcome to the world, Daniel! May God always bless you. I can already see the family resemblance!! Butch, the same thing happened to my glass rain gauge even though I had made a mental note to bring it inside before the freeze. Woke up this morning before 6 AM to all sorts of tornado messages going off and massive lightning/thunder/rain which I saw came up from your direction. By church time it was all gone, skies are blue, and we may have snow again on Wednesday!! Congratulations on the expansion of your beautiful family.
Thank you Roxanne. We had some wind and lost power for a while but nothing major here. A lot of damage around the area though. All clouds here today and we too are hearing about possible snow on Wednesday. We are very excited about another little boy. All evened out. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Thank you for your lovely trip visiting beautiful and interesting sights. I love to look at all the beautiful clouds, sunrises and sunsets. The skies are so beautiful. Congratulations on the new baby….one more little grand to love and spoil. I hope Pam gets over her crud…I always call it the creeping crud because it just creeps around touching so many of us. LOL Have a Blessed day and beginning of a new week. God is so good and amazing isn’t He?
Thank you Kari. We will continue spoiling I’m almost certain. God is truly indescribable. Pam wants rid of the creeping crud (we like your definition) because she’s ready to hold that little boy. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Oh that little Daniel is a beauty! What a heaven sent Valentine’s Day gift to you all. I am so delighted, Pam …
xo
Thank you Linda. We do indeed all have heavenly blessings to celebrate. We hope you have a delightful week!
Butch and Pam
Dear Butch and Pam,
Congratulations on another grandboy! How darling!!! I’m sure the siblings are “over the moon”, too! Of course his was my favorite photo! 🙂
I couldn’t wait to get to my PC this morning to comment. I enjoyed this article, the amazing photos and memories. From the early signs of spring to the watercress (we used to pick it to eat as Mom loves it)–from the train (partial since my son works for BNSF now!) to he peaceful winter scene (Do I see a large nest in that tree?).
I’m so sorry for the “crud”. It’s awful.
Are you all safe from the weather devastation in Alabama? Was it close to you? I was praying as soon as I heard about it.
Yesterday my twin, B.I.L. and I spent the day with my parents. We are expecting up to a foot of snow tomorrow.
After recovering from the “crud” and continuing bone pain, I’m feeling good to have support from palliative care (even a nurse to check in every 4-6 weeks). I’m praying the weather doesn’t impact my return to the NCI March 2-5th.
God is good through it all. That peace you write about can only be found in HIM and our Creator’s beautiful nature. And to look upon little Daniel’s face. How can one not believe in our Almighty God?
God bless you all. My prayers and love never cease!
Thank you Karla. Most of the storm damage was some miles away, nothing major near us, just some trees down mostly. The grands are very excited about baby brother. That lone nest looking sight in the tree is actually mistletoe. We saw you would be getting snow. Might even be a little here on Wednesday. We are much ready for spring to arrive. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Congratulations on the sweet addition to your family and beautiful grandson Daniel! He’s a keeper at 9 lbs! I know everyone must be thrilled to have a baby brother. Hope your daughter-in-love and mom is do well. Best wishes to their household. ♥
Thank you, Mary. The girls are smitten with Daniel and everyone is doing well!
Daniel James is my son’s name, I believe I will watch yours with special eagerness! Congrats to the proud parents, siblings, and grands. You are truly blessed.
Thank you Cheryl and thanks for sharing about the name. We are blessed and hope you have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Love these musings on the sights you encounter on your walks. Those bowed daffodils reminded me of those in our area a few years back when a cold snap seemed to do them in. But when the weather warmed up, they perked up! A lesson in revitalization–don’t give up and turn toward to Sun/Son! / Congratulations on the new grandson! Such fun to come!
Thank you Nancy. Our daffodils will get to take on some cold nights ahead but we love what you said about looking to the Son. The ultimate and only redemption. And the daffodils will be ok too. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Congratulations on the arrival of sweet Daniel! Watching him grow will be an adventure of a lifetime! Every little moment spent with him will be a picture-perfect snapshot I hope you will share with me!
It appears nature is your sanctuary and happy place – keep enjoying and capturing the special moments!
Thank you Mary. Outdoors is definitely my go-to place. We are thinking the grands will be nature lovers but one never knows. It won’t be because they aren’t being exposed. Well, not yet for Daniel, but soon. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Congratulations on another precious grandson! Daniel is a welcomed addition to your wonderful family! I bet the little ones are so excited!
What a wonderful week you have had!
Let the fun begin!
Happy New Week to you!
Congratulations on another precious grandson! Daniel is a welcomed addition to your wonderful family! I bet the little ones are so excited!
What a wonderful week you have had!
Let the fun begin!
Happy New Week to you!
Thank you Nancy. We and the little ones are very excited. The sisters are old enough to think they are little mothers and WL thought Daniel would arrive ready to play. It was a wonderful week and we hope this is a great week for you!
Butch and Pam
What a February this has turned out to be for y’all!! Congratulations on your newest grandson & a fabulous addition to the family too!!
Also, congrats on your 52nd Anniversary, As well as celebrating 55 Valetine’s Day’s ‼️
We welcome Spring here in Florida, although we have had lots more chilly days than ever before. But we welcome sunshine as well as the needed rain too! Thanks for always keeping us updated in your lives & your nature walks. We do miss Alabama so much & have fond memories of it❤️
Prayers for your sweet bride, Pam for a thorough recovery. I am sure you are spoiling her & making her rest😍✝️🙏❤️
Thank you Penny. We are also ready for spring, another cold week this week making us all the more ready. Pam is better and hopefully will be spending time with the grands today. Thanks for your prayers. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Congratulations on the blessing of Daniel James! What a beautiful baby boy to welcome into your family. 💙
Thank you Kitty. We are excited about another boy. Even’s it out at 2 & 2. Hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Dear Butch & Pam,
Congratulations on your grandson!!! He’s a keeper. 🙂 That’s exciting that he is an almost Valentine’s baby! A good time to have a birthday party each year. Also, congratulations on 52 blissful years together!!!!! It is amazing how time flies. <3
Warm hugs to you both and I hope the rain doesn’t wash SC away. Charles told me last night that there were historic snows in the mountains the past day or so (Feb 19/20th). I hope the folks recovering from the floods are doing alright. I follow a few YouTubers from up there now. <3
Barb 🙂
Thank you Barbara. February has turned into occasion and party month for us. Excuses to eat cake. We had a few snow flurries this morning but mostly just very cold now for February. We did see where there was major snow and floods to our north. Have a good Friday and weekend!
Butch and Pam
Awww, congratulations on the arrival of No. 4 grandchild, Daniel! How very exciting & around Valentine’s day too! He’s very cute indeed!
A lovely post Pam & Butch.
Blessings, Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer. He is a blessing!
Butch and Pam
Oh, how precious! Congratulations to all of you on the birth of little Daniel! Two girls and two boys! Such a perfect family! May God continue to bless all of you!🙏❤🤗
Thank you Cheryl. Yes, little Daniel evens things out for us in the girl, boy department. We are excited. Hope you have a great week!
Butch and Pam