“Yours is the day, yours also the night; you have established the heavenly lights and the sun. You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you have made summer and winter.”
Psalm 74:16-17 ESV
The content of today’s post is up in the air…that is, mostly about things that fly, or possibly find their home in the clouds or the heavens. Some, like this Eastern tiger swallowtail however, spend a lot of their time sitting around on things that are tasty. At first we thought flowers were showing through the right wing, but a closer look reveals some parts missing from both wings!
After several weeks of perspiring, waiting, and hopelessly watching for the yellow birds, I happened to be in the right place at the right time. A more accurate assessment though is that sunflower seeds are now readily available, and they are the favorites of the gold finch. I moved my hideout close to the sunflowers and amongst the black-eyed Susan’s, only a few feet away.
This young sunflower was being scouted and investigated in preparation for a return visit when there will be more to offer. I was excited to get a lot of photos of the gold finch after trying a number of times, and he stayed for quite a while. Just as I decided I’d had enough of the heat…
…a friend showed up and I moved slightly to get both in the lens together. They are also fond of the zinnias.
After having success with the yellow fliers I decided to take advantage of a sunny day with little wind and do my own flying. We don’t always have as much “green” by this time in July, but rains have come often enough to help so far this season.
I see I left the gate open at the back of the cottage garden. There’s nothing to escape and the critters can come in anywhere they choose so I call it the “pretend gate”. Pam does a lot of nice weather tablescapes on the white table in this area of the garden!
I was in the flying mood last week and the hydrangeas were coming along nicely so I took advantage of another angle. The little lamb hydrangeas in the foreground aren’t necessarily “little” and will almost block the entrance, especially when the blooms are heavy after a rain!
While taking a short break from my flying, I discovered another flyer had come to visit. The first hummingbird moth of the summer had found the lantana. These moths can bounce around like hummingbirds and are almost always on the move. Like hummingbirds, I attempt a lot of photos with these guys in order to hopefully get a couple of good ones.
When opportunities come around for photos of fast movers and flyers, I am thankful for digital. How much time and patience did it take back in the days of film? I struggle spending 30 minutes to maybe get two photos like this one! Pam says I am several things and patient isn’t one of them. I’ll have to think on what she means, but I don’t believe it is a compliment!
We arrived home one afternoon after a short day trip to the Peach Park and it was sunny at first. I was preparing to mow grass, but clouds popped up quickly and the radar suggested I would not have time for much mowing! For once, the radar and future track of a thunderstorm proved to be accurate.
After the fast moving summer storm came through, I took the drone up about 300 feet straight above our driveway and faced southeast to view the river and the back of the storm that interrupted my yard work! No problem, there’s always another day and the grass isn’t going anywhere!
On that “another day” the sun looked promising to allow for grass mowing and other outside activities. But, the sun could not hold off another pop up summer rain. I told Pam that surely we would get a nice rainbow reminder of God’s promise with the sun shining through rain drops…
…and shortly thereafter this appeared over the back pasture toward the river! I was happy to delay grass mowing for yet another day!
The rainbow’s north end settled in the pasture. I rushed over to the spot to retrieve that pot of gold that we’ve all heard about. It wasn’t there. I am sure that the story about the gold at the end of a rainbow is true, so I guess someone arrived ahead of me. I came home wet and empty handed!
Geese do fly, and many people wish they would fly somewhere instead of camping out on their lawn, golf course, driveway, or parking lots where they shop, just to name a few spots. But in an effort not to be a nuisance, this group found a very smooth body of water near a parking lot and decided to land there and play follow the leader!
I stopped at City Hall yesterday to walk out on the hill behind the building where there is a wonderful view overlooking the river, boardwalks and bridges. I made a few photos which I may show on another day. As I started to close my truck door and drive off, I looked up at these flags and I immediately thought about Texas and the ongoing heartache and efforts related to the horrific flooding. I happen to notice that all were at half staff. I told Pam I did not know why they were but for me it was about Texas. PJ researched and found out the City did this last week in honor of the flood victims and to remember their families. Our Governor had ordered the state to lower the flags to show solidarity with the state of Texas. I was glad I paid attention. I thought, “today’s post is about flying things”, and I had to show the flags!
We had afternoon thunderstorms 4 straight days, with 3/4 inches of rain and some gusty winds on Friday. Quite a few limbs did go flying but no harm. Yesterday afternoon was a little different, and all limbs and brush have been sent to a better place!
The full Buck Moon rising at Grayton Beach State Park, Florida…It was too cloudy at home to catch the July full moon on Thursday, but Appalachian Media happened to be in a great location!
Have a blessed 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
Great post, Butch, all the flying things photos! My granddaughter always says, “open the gate” and lifts flowers that block our path as we cross past things like your Little Lamb hydrangeas. I love the aerial views of your garden. We had several pop up thunderstorms too. my rain gauge caught an inch or more on three different days. No drought this summer!
Thank you Rita. We had a busy Sunday which included a great time with the grands. We have gone 2 days now without a pop up shower, so it’s back to watering some plants. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Just lovely!
Thank you Carole. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful pictures and rainbow. Love the high in the sky views of your beautiful gardens. Happy New Week. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. Today’s pop up shower missed us by a few miles but we still enjoyed yet another rainbow. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
I can remember the first time I say a gold finch, I couldn’t believe how little and cute they were. Good captures.
Thank you Karen. The gold finch is a fairly small bird. We have 4 or 5 around every day now. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful shots! Your landscaping is healthy and colorful. The birds and butterflies are always a nice visitor to the garden. Enjoy your day. Clara❤️
Thank you Clara. Rain has helped us this season. You’ve been getting it too. Greener than normal. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Absolutely glorious photos, all…., particularly the drone captures. We are so fortunate
you share those rare views of the gold finch we might not otherwise see. The drive drenched
in showers points up the sense of cleaning and renewal a rainstorm can bring. But the most
poignant view is that of the three masts at half furl honoring those impacted by the Texas
tragedy…affecting the hearts of all. Love you both for the sensitivity of your blog and the
keen wisdom and insight it conveys. Have a wonderful week ~ be blessed and continue to
be a blessing, dear ones.
Thank you Mary. I’m late with my replies as we had a busy but joyful Sunday. The gold finches have finally made themselves at home it seems. We did escape the pop up thunderstorms yesterday and today but had another rainbow display today from a nearby storm. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Butch, your Sunday posts are always a treat for me. It’s extra fun to see the ariel views of your beautiful property. The yellow birds are magnificent! I’ve had the privilege of watching a nest of baby cardinals from mother building the nest to the 3 babies fledging. Mother cardinal built her nest in the topiary by my front door. I was successful taking photos from within through the glass door, and when mom and dad were away gathering food for the babies, I would quietly go out and take photos of the eggs, then the babies as they grew. I didn’t get to witness the fledging, but I’ve spied the 3 babies in my vines and trees learning to navigate the world. What a special experience for me. First time ever! Happy Sunday!
Thank you Sarah. That’s neat when nature provides a “birds eye” view for you by building just beyond a glass door. Sounds like you were able to witness the entire process. They may do it again next year. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Birds and sky! Beautiful photos and reflecting a peaceful time of enjoying God’s amazingcreation. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Linda. We do love the things around us. I spend so much time outdoors. We hope you have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Stunning post… Have a blessed week ahead too. Sending prayers for all of you. Hugs, dear friends.
Thank you Maristella and certainly thanks for your prayers. We hope you have a blessed week as well!
Butch and Pam
What a great theme of flying, Butch. And God had a hand in it all…from the rainbow to the thunderclouds to the wildlife. And God is comforting a grieving nation over the loss of so many in Texas.
I remember my father with his 35mm camera and light meter, posing us directly looking into the sun. We kids were always saying “Daddy, hurry up”! I now have about 2000 Kodachrome slides I would love to convert to digital, but wowza is it expensive!
Thank you Roxanne. We too have a lot we would love to convert and since Pam lost her dad she has really been going through a lot of old photos. It can be pricey. My dad had several 35mm cameras, and I remember the light meter. Digital has its downside but there’s so much we can capture for memories now than before when it was film and one try. Have a splendid week!
Butch and Pam
I love all your aerial photos Butch…it always puts things in perspective doesn’t it? I like to think of a child’s view of a small puddle and he says it is a lake and a small mound of dirt is a mountain…We can chuckle and marvel at the misconceptions and I believe God does the same thing with His children. How awesome will it be to see God’s view and the majesty of His creation someday. Meanwhile, He has given us so much beauty to see right here on Earth and your photos reflect that. As for Texas, the only way I can wrap my head around it is to imagine Jesus’s outstretched arms gathering all those little campers into the safety of His Love. Blessings and Much Love to you and Pam.
Thank you Kari. Creation is groaning in this fallen world but the beauty and intricacies of it all is still beyond amazing. I spend a lot of time outdoors. That’s just my place. The new heaven and new earth we cannot comprehend. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Great shots Butch!
Yes, the Texas floods were horrific, I have been praying for all of those families who lost dear loved ones…so very sad.
Blessings to both you & Pam, Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. I’ve worked in the area where the Texas floods occurred and Pam and I in the past have visited the places that were devastated. Hard to imagine. It is truly a beautiful area in the hill country. We hope you have a great week!!
Butch and Pam
This is such a beautiful post! The yellow birds are so pretty, and the aerial photos of your gardens are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing these lovely images with us. Wishing Pam and you a blessed week ahead!
Thank you Shannon. The yellow birds have finally become regulars, feasting on flowers. Amazingly they don’t bother the blueberries that are next to the sunflowers. Not yet anyway. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Such incredible captures and gorgeous photos!! Nature’s beauty showcased in all!
Thank you Jenna. There’s so much beauty around us that it’s hard to take it all in sometimes. We hope you have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Timing is everything and I see where you have rocked it more than once — with those fabulous “yellow birds” (aren’t they a treat?) and the that rainbow! Glorious, all.
Thank you Jeanie. The little yellow birds have taken up residence it seems and they are putting on a show amongst the sunflowers. We’ve had several rainbows over the past week. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Oh, what a lovely post! The goldfinches are spectacular. I have not seen a hummingbird moth yet this summer, but I am staying hopeful. Seeing your gardens from the air is sensational. What loveliness surrounds you!
We all pray for Texas. So very sad!
May you all have a wonderful week.
Thank you Nancy. That was our first hummingbird moth this summer. Maybe I just have been alert to them because I was trying too hard to get the gold finches to cooperate. Praying for Texas as well. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
What a beautiful article filled with hope (God’s promises), spectacular and stunning photos, the full moon, hummingbird moth, gold finch…the RAINBOW!
Butch–please give Pam my love. I’ve missed you all very much! God bless you! Have a blessed week!
Thank you Karla. Pam sends her love and prayers. We’ve seen rainbows a lot lately with the summer pop up thunderstorms. The gold finches have taken up residence in the sunflowers. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Nature’s poetry in petals and wings – thanks for the flying tour of your property! It was a captivating glimpse into a property maintained with love!
Thank you Mary. Even a small place like ours requires a lot of labor but we do enjoy it. It is labor-therapy. I say do what you can while you can. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Such beautiful photos Butch – all of them. What a great capture of the yellow birds and hummingbird moth. I hope the swallowtail butterfly makes it – it’s so pretty. Love the rainbow and the sky shots. The aerial shots showing your property are gorgeous. Love the show of solidarity for Texas from the flags at half mast – my thoughts and prayers are with them. Wishing you both a wonderful week ahead!
Thank you Kim. Hope all is well in Calgary. That same butterfly was here today and still flitting around easily so I guess partial wings work just fine. I like to do the aerial shots but it seems we have mostly windy days so I only attempt it occasionally. We wish you a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Wow! The photos in this post are just stunning! The sky, the hummingbirds, etc. Such a blessing to visit with you all today!
Thank you, Cheryl!
Butch and Pam