“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”
Hebrews 11:3 ESV
We are blessed to have easy access to a good viewing spot on the lake about 5 minutes from home. Pam and I were taking a short walk along the shore, but didn’t stay as long as planned. It is not a good year to forget the insect repellent. This was also the calm before the storm. We had a thunderstorm in progress when we arrived back at the house!
Even though we were attempting to escape a mosquito invasion, this red beacon about 6 feet high on a stalk caught our eye and we had to pause briefly. Growing near the shore, it was another hibiscus. It is called rosemallow, or according to my source, Halberd-leaf rosemallow or scarlet rosemallow…the first one of these I have encountered nearby! The leaf is definitely different from the rose mallow growing in our garden.
This old fallen one has obviously rested here for a long time based on the decay. Even though its day as a vibrant tree has long since passed, it still nourishes new life with that which remains. I guess I would call this the “legacy of a log”! Reminds me of a line in the lyrics of a song I have sung many times…”May all who come behind us find us faithful”.
While sitting in my hideout waiting for photo opportunities, I happened to look up to see hundreds of maple seeds maturing. I realized I was under a beautiful canopy, providing once again an example of the Creator’s magnificent design for a species to be fruitful and multiply. The shape and color of the winged seeds are the neatest things. I call them helicopters because of the way they spin when carried by the wind.
WL and I dropped his sisters off at the house to visit PJ, but we decided to do a few things outside. As we rode by the garden toward the back pasture he really wanted to pick a few of these flowers. He loves to pick a flower for Pam and for his mother. It’s really a sweet thing that he is always doing. We didn’t stop however, as I convinced him there were other things he would enjoy along the way. Just beyond the picket fence he also spotted the blueberries, but again we kept moving.
He was soon very happy as he loves all things farming, tractors, cows, and the like. We were convinced they kept mooing “eat more chicken”. Instead of flowers for Pam, we chose to pick blueberries which was a great choice. The results are in…
…blueberry cobbler, thanks to the sweetest and best cook in the land! It doesn’t get any better than going from bushes in the yard, to preparation in the kitchen, to a cobbler on the table in around two hours. Fresh indeed!
I am discovering that button bushes are in abundance near the edge of many area lakes. We found quite a few along the walking trail as we headed away from mosquitoes and gnats back to the truck. An amazing water loving plant!
After the passing of the fast moving and unexpected thunderstorm, the sky and clouds were bathed in reflected light from the sun which had set behind Lookout Mountain. A strange, almost eerie look and feeling was in the air. The little lamb hydrangeas are a brilliant white, but that is not how they appeared this day just before darkness set in!
The fast moving high clouds opened up to reveal a waxing gibbous moon. It was a brief, but quite awesome late afternoon/early evening display provided by the skies of summer.
On a normal late afternoon as the sun is nearing the western horizon the little lamb hydrangeas will have this appearance!
Summer and the Independence Day holiday means going to the beach for many people. We don’t get to the beach often, as we prefer the mountains. But 10 years ago we were privileged to visit St. Maarten as guests of special friends, and this was our view. Since we probably aren’t getting to the beach this summer, this throwback will have to be our sand and water visit for now!
Another unbelievable site from our balcony was the arrival of the Royal Dutch Airlines daily flight from the Netherlands. Part of the island is Dutch (St. Maarten) while a portion is French (St. Martin). The arrival of a hurricane in the area did add several days to our journey as the airport was closed for a time. It was an interesting trip! We included it in a blog post after returning home.
Our ginkgo tree that is over 35 years old began bearing fruit (not actually a true fruit) about 3 summers past. That would be of no special interest except ginkgo trees are dioecious, meaning trees are either male or female. We were advised not to buy female trees, as they produce the “fruit” that contains seeds, the fruit which also has a very bad odor (like vomit to be exact…sorry). We are supposed to have male trees!
A small number of the so-called fruit has fallen from the ginkgo. The ginkgo is one of the oldest tree types on the planet. I read an article some years ago about a city that planted a number of the trees in a downtown area, not paying any attention to male parts or female parts. When the mature trees began dropping putrid smelling fruit and driving people from downtown the trees had to be cut down!
One of the most intricate and delicate appearing flowers found anywhere grows on a vine and is native here. I love to find these vines every summer and photograph the purple passion flower, given to us by the Master Designer. I usually find them blooming until October.
I have never shown what forms after the purple passion flower completes its blooming, which, by the way, like a daylily, lasts only one day. This little pod looks large in the photo, but was only a little larger than my thumb. It is said that Christian Missionaries in the 1600’s began associating parts of this flower with the final days of Jesus’ time on earth, up until His crucifixion. Thus the name reflecting the Passion of Christ!
Once again, shortly before darkness after the passing storm, the sky exploded with color. It really did look like a giant explosion!
We wish you a pleasant and peaceful July week!
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 ESV
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Your post was my pleasant start of the day. Thank you
Thank you Gail and we hope the rest of your day is a pleasant one!
Butch and Pam
That information about the Ginko trees is very interesting. Little Wyatt with those blue eyes is just adorable inside and out. The cobbler looks so yummy. Happy Sunday. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. The blueberries need to be picked daily but I sure don’t need the calories of cobbler every day. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
What an interesting story about the ginko tree! Does the foul smelling fruit have a seed for an offspring tree? I wonder if the putrid smell is designed for carrion eaters to eat it and transport the seed to another location.
The blueberry cobbler looks delicious!
Thank you Carole. The fruit is still young and firm and not smelly right now. I need to open one up and inspect the inside as I’ve not done that. Hadn’t thought about what might eat the fruit. I need to research that. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
thank you! so interesting about the lovely passion flower. i love getting your emails on Sundays
Thank you Merilynn. We find the passion flower vines growing all around and those flowers are amazing but only last one day. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Oh the water looks so inviting and I long to be near and in it. I have been watering it because it is so dry. The sprinkler system isn’t enough so in late afternoon I add addition water. The small veggie garden needs it every day. Your picture of the Rosemallow is my favorite color. Maybe not . I love green also because this state is brown. But then WL’s picture is the sweetest thing I’ve seen. He captures my heart and probably everyone that sees him. Glad you had the truck to escape too or you would have been drenched before you got back home. The clouds look angry. Why do you think God made the bloom so beautiful but the fruit to smell to bad? That makes me think of the comment that looks can be deceitful. Blessing to you this Sunday and a happy healthy week ahead.
Thank you Alice. Things are a little greener here than normal by July, but we too are now watering some things every day. I’m going to open up the ginkgo fruit and check the smell and the inside. The fruit is immature right now it seems. You are correct, things aren’t always as they appear. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful pics! WL sounds like a very thoughtful, sweet boy and his eyes are beautifully mesmerizing! The cobbler looks delicious. The nature shots with all the colors are gorgeous. Enjoy your day. Clara❤️
Thank you Clara. Pam’s cobbler is the best but I sure don’t need it every day. My waistline increases just thinking about it. WL is a thoughtful and loving little guy. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
“May all who come behind us find us faithful” … in retrospective thought, it reminds me
of your discerning and loyal stewardship of His creation that surrounds you. Each week
I marvel at your ability to discover and communicate the wonders of nature’s bounty
to fill our well of awareness. Thank you Wyatt, handsome blue-eyes, for picking the
berry bounty to fill that delectable cobbler creation by Grandma…what a cooperative
effort…with great reward. Prayers for those impacted by the Texas storm and blessings
to all at the close of this special holiday weekend.
Thank you Mary. We join you and many others who are praying for all who have been impacted by the Texas floods. Wyatt was here Friday and picked handfuls of blueberries and brought to each of us in the garden to eat right off the vine, a healthier undertaking than consuming cobbler. But, I do hope the cobbler keeps showing up maybe once each week. Have to step up my exercise routine. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Our city did the same thing in planting ginkgo trees. I used to park along that street for ballet rehearsals and, worse than the smell would be if you stepped in the fallen fruit on the sidewalks, especially after a rain. Nasty!
WL is such a beautiful boy. And the blueberry cobbler looks so good!
Happy new week, y’all!
Thank you Rita. Sounds like you have firsthand experience with the ginkgo trees. I can see where the fallen fruit on a sidewalk or street would be stinky but also dangerous/slippery. The cobblers have been delicious. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Happy Sunday, Pam and Butch! Goodness Pam’s cobbler looks delicious! Can you text me a bowl?!? Your cloud pictures are amazing. It is so hot and dry here at the moment, an afternoon tstorm would be most appreciated! Is there anything better than a young boy spending quality time with his grandfather? Ginkgos have such beautiful fall foliage, but that stinky smell is something else!
Hope you have a delightful week and stay cool!
Thank you Roxanne. The ginkgo’s do have such a beautiful yellow color, almost unmatched in the fall. So far most years we’ve not had to deal with stinky fruit and there’s not a bumper crop at least. We will text you a bowl of cobbler which will be very healthy with zero calories. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
I didn’t know that the passion vine grew wild. Its flowers are so special.
Thanks Karen. We find the passion vines in fields and overgrown areas. Some vines look 20 or 25 feet long. Likes full sun. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Butch I always look forward to your Sunday posts…they are so interesting and full of facts. Mosquitos are bad everywhere and I can see your hurry to exit that beautiful lake area. Our weather down here is considered monsoon season which I think just means mosquitos breeding season. LOL Also our hibiscus in Florida look quite different than the hibiscus in your photo…but we do have ginkgos down here…nuff said. Have a great and wonderful week.
Thank you Kari. I would think mosquitoes and monsoon go together perfectly. We planted an oleander this year which is an annual here but probably grows as a perennial down there. We are wondering if it will ever bloom. It’s trying but very slow so far. We have several hibiscus varieties that are perennials. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Interesting information on Ginkgo trees! I never knew!
The Blueberry Cobbler looks delicious. I now feel like I may need to make some.
Thank you for another lovely Sunday stroll.
Thank you Nancy. Pam picked another bunch of blueberries today. We are freezing some but there are only so many cobblers that we need to indulge in. My strolls need to become longer if I keep eating desserts. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
You two capture nature at its best! The blueberry cobbler – cozy comfort in every bite. And memories of past beach vacations are always the best. Your post today is a little slice of heaven! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Mary. We are thankful for so many good memories. There is comfort in food and especially desserts. Pam is to make a cobbler with peaches and blueberries. Double comfort. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Thank you for faithfully sharing God’s amazing creation. Those small nuggets are often the most meaningful.
Thank you Elizabeth. The little things are sometimes the best treasures. We pray you have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
I did not know that about the ginkgo tree and the putrid smell. Your little companion is too cute for words, and blueberry picking sure resulted in a gorgeous cobbler. I love my Sunday strolls with you to see all the beauty of God’s creations. Thank you for the scripture verses, too. Have a lovely week.
Thank you Kitty. I think we will be inviting a few cobbler enthusiasts over to help with all these berries. Pam is talking of adding peaches to the mix for the next one. We are getting fresh peaches this week too. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
I’m a day late, but Butch’s Sunday post is not to be missed. I love going along on the nature walks, and blueberry cobbler sounds enticing. What a precious little companion for your walk! How special for these grandchildren to grow up within this beautiful natural setting.
Thanks for sharing.
Such beautiful photo captures of the storm’s before and afters. The lake especially looks beautiful! I loved reading about sweet adorable Wyatt picking blueberries for PJ. the cobbler looks delicious!
Thank you Jenna. Wyatt likes to eat a lot of what he picks but we manage to always get enough for a cobbler. No storms lately but I see maybe a few possibilities for later in the week. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
The sky shots are so striking and the lake looks beautiful. WL is so precious – and how sweet of him to pick blueberries for his PJ. It was interesting reading about the gingko – it sounds quite odious – at least the female tree does. The shot of the Dutch plane landing is so cool; at first glance it almost looks like the front wheel of the plane has landed on the building lol. Have a wonderful week you two!
Thank you Kim. WL is all boy but also a sweetheart. He especially likes to pick flowers and present them to the ladies. So far our ginkgo has not dropped enough fruit to be a real problem. Maybe it won’t this year either. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
WL is adorable! Beautiful post. Have a lovely week ahead , dear friends !
What a precious time with your WL. How wonderful that you documented that time together–a memory to enjoy for years to come.
Our city has planted a few ginkgo trees in our nearby park (my happy place) over the past decade. I have always been fascinated by the fan shape of the leaves and I LOVE its absolutely stunning butter-yellow fall color too. I know it’s a slow grower, but the mature size of the tree is the factor that convinced me to refrain from planting it in our yard. Perhaps my new knowledge (thanks to you) about the possibility of stinky fruit will help me get over my disappointment.
God bless and keep you and yours in His care, Butch and Pam.
That is such an awesome story about the passion flower! God’s attention to detail never ceases to amaze me. May He continue to bless you and your family.