“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.”
Colossians 1:16 ESV
Greetings for today from the sun, flower that is. Facing east and ready to welcome the morning, (waiting for early clouds to move away), this sunflower is a new one for us. It was part of a seed mix which also contained several other varieties we had never grown. Johnny’s Seeds calls this one ProCut Red/Lemon Bicolor. I believe the name fits it well!
There was something about the fading light behind this ‘patch’ of zinnias which were also backdropped by crepe myrtles that caught my eye. It was peaceful to scan across the flower tops with all the colors as the sun behind Lookout Mountain added more touches of yellow and orange to the scene. Since no mosquitoes had discovered me, I stayed a few minutes, but departed before dusk settled in…and mosquitoes wised up!
Sorry for a ‘not so great’ photo, but as I was trimming with the push mower, this butterfly showed up practically in my face. I could only grab my cell from my pocket and attempt a quick photo before it fluttered away, not to be seen again. A passing butterfly would not normally cause a work stoppage, but this is a monarch. We’ve no memory of ever seeing a monarch here in July. The pic doesn’t reveal whether the wings have the two black spots or pouches that are found on males. Male or female…I can’t say…maybe an expert out there can tell us!
We had a special time last week at the Grand Opening of Wyatt Lee Meadows. Named after our WL, he was the star of the show. Wyatt had asked us earlier if he needed to bring his own scissors. As you can see, a pair almost as big as he is were provided. I think he would’ve taken them home if allowed! We gathered around as WL prepared to cut the ribbon.
Mayor Taylor (left), mayor of the city of Rainbow City, cheered Wyatt on as he made the cut. It was a fun event with plenty of food, refreshments, and special guests. Many of the residents who now live at Wyatt Lee Meadows were present and got to meet their community’s namesake! Several of the ladies wanted to keep him!
I guess he also has a street named after him. WL Meadows is a single level complex with 56 units, all restricted for residents 62 and older. An uncle suggested Wyatt wait about 15 years and drive his dates by here to impress them! Ha! You never know!
Pam was roaming about in the garden and discovered my latest hideout. This spot is a few feet from zinnias and marigolds and I’m hoping to grab some close-ups of visiting critters. And, it is in the shade!
We had the healthiest looking basil we’ve ever had back in June. Pam made pesto and we had it chopped on various dishes, often just pasta. But when the plant began to struggle, there was no turning back. Nothing we did helped, so about 10 days ago I gave up on it. When I decided to pull up the plant to make a place to plant something else, the entire soil block came out in one solid piece. How can something become so root bound!!
Pam and I were out doing some weed pulling and other yard work and heard some unusual sounds in the distance. I joked that maybe a UFO had landed. We both happened to look up shortly to get a good laugh as a line of aliens were strolling across our pasture. Again, only a cell phone in hand, but we couldn’t let this get by. They were actually a crew hired by Alabama Power to do some “right of way” maintenance, and were crossing our pasture to gain access to their next work location!!
I’m not going to tell you that with a huge imagination it is possible to see a couple of faces, lying on their backs, side by side but in opposite directions…so the main reason I chose this is because it was such a beautiful scene created by a sunset which was behind me. This is facing east at the end of the day!
I had not seen anything like this before. The heavens were shining a spotlight down on the golf cart trail. The gold ring around that one small opening in the clouds was simply breathtaking. A camera just can’t capture such a thing. This was actually a fog bank that drifted across just before sunset one afternoon after a pop up shower!
It’s been a few years since I stopped in for a burger, fries, and pie at the Pie Town Cafe in Pie Town, New Mexico. But, should you find yourself traveling west on Highway 60 from I-25 in New Mexico, just past the Continental Divide, don’t miss this little nugget. If you happen along on the second Saturday in September you can enjoy the Pie Festival. I guess it is a bit out of our way to stop in for lunch, but I sure wish I could have the experience one more time!
The morning breeze was in my face while out for a walk on a new route Thursday. I was certain I was sensing the unmistakeable sweet fragrance of kudzu blooms. That is typically an August experience and always gives me my first thoughts of the seasonal changes that aren’t too far away. About a hundred yards later I came across this kudzu jungle to find, that with close examination, there were a few small purple blooms. The smell was real. We live near several jungles, at least that’s what I call them!
This is a small, close up view of the nearby vast ragweed jungle. Ragweed is responsible for bringing on miserable allergy issues for many in late summer and early autumn. I’ve never had problems with seasonal allergies, but that changed over the last 2 years. I understand our body chemistry is always changing. Maybe that is why allergies come and go. Like allergies, I’m discovering a lot that wasn’t, now is!
This is our first year to have giant orange marigolds. They have proven to be a good choice. They are tall and subject to being wind blown, but are so bright that it almost appears that they give off their own light. These can brighten up a garden and hopefully will brighten up your day!
I took an alternate route home after a brief visit to Little River Canyon National Preserve. Having an appointment to make, I was rushing to get home, but turned around when I spotted a large swampy area. I discovered another bog where the lotus flowers were everywhere. The place I normally photograph this aquatic plant is about 15 miles from this spot, and the flowers there are probably a few weeks ahead of these in their growing cycle. Perhaps they could also be a different variety, however the American lotus is the only species native to Alabama. I hope to return with more time to check things out.
Even though I was short on time, making a brief stop at Little River Falls was calling. The changes from my last visit were major. The river was flowing gently and sparingly. The heat of summer had lured quite a number of visitors into the cool clear pools. It did look very refreshing!
Pam was walking out front one afternoon and made us a nice photo after that lucky old sun, which had nothing to do all day, settled cozily behind our Appalachian Foothills!
Have a colorful and delightful week. July is on the run!
“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
Beautiful pictures! I had never heard of kudzu until I married my husband and we visited his family in north Mississippi. It does create a jungle and rapidly. Thankfully, it does not grow here in Texas.
Thank you Rachel. I didn’t know Texas has escaped kudzu but I’m glad to hear it. Kudzu can’t tolerate the slightest frost. One night of frost and it is brown and down. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
That monarch is lovely. It is great that you have flowers to support its journey. I hope you see more in the coming weeks.
How did Wyatt get a place named for him? Or is that tongue in cheek?
Thank you Carole. I actually developed Wyatt Lee Meadows and I named it after him. It’s located in our county about 15 miles from us. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
All pictures are beautiful and serene. Love the Monarch visiting and enjoying your garden. Happy Sunday. Have a great new week ahead. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. Hope you had a pleasant Sunday. We haven’t seen the monarch again, only passing through we expect. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful start to a BEAUTIFUL Lord’s day
Thank you Martha. Yes, beautiful and we hope your Sunday was splendid. And that’s our wish for the rest of your week!
Butch and Pam
I can see why the ladies loved Wyatt, he’s adorable! That will be a memorable experience indeed. The monarch is pretty and your flowers are very healthy looking! With the weather being so hot, our flowers are struggling since the daily afternoon rains have stopped. We’re trying to water them but it’s just not the same. Maybe the basil likes to spread out in a larger bed rather than a container. It’s amazing how such a tiny plant can have that large of an invasive root! The nature shots are all beautiful! Enjoy your week! Clara❤️
Thank you Clara. We are with on the watering and truly it’s not nearly as good as rain. We are now seeing a lot of plants struggling. Sorta happens every year about this time.
Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Good morning Butch and Pam, I adore your gorgeous bicolor sunflower! 🌻 Your zinnias and marigolds are thriving in this heat! Beautiful shot of the zinnias with the sky in the background. We are sweltering here and the garden is struggling…like me. You just can’t water enough to make up for a week of triple digit temps. Great timing and capture of your monarch! 🦋 Happy Sunday 💗
P.S. Wyatt is such a cutie!
Thank you Mary. Watering is just not the same as the real thing and everything here is beginning to struggle. I do see increased rain chances late in the week but those long range forecasts aren’t so reliable. Zinnias and marigolds have done better than other things. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Your photos are always good but the capture of the zinnias with the backdrop by crepe myrtles looks like a lovely landscape painting.
Thank you Karen. I’m not a photographer and I tell people I’m just a person who owns a camera. Sometimes it’s just hard to mess it up and a shot turns out ok. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Not only dates..but one day when he is running for office others will be impressed by Wyatt’s early fame
engraved for all to see. The face in the clouds duly noted, including the luxurious hair topping it…
Those orange zinnias are a “must have” for our garden and I’ll be on the lookout for them at the
nursery. The shot of vari-colored zinnias at sunset is so mellow and most photos of Little River Falls
never disappoint. Going to settle into your lovely chair in the shade, take in all the beauty you create and enjoy the rest of the day. Be blessed….
Thank you Mary. Wyatt and the mayor hit it off well so maybe some form of leadership will be waiting for him. That municipality is in our county about 15 miles from us. We’ve had good success ordering seeds for zinnias and the big marigolds from Johnny’s Seeds. I didn’t get an opportunity to try the hideout this afternoon. Seeing a lot of female hummingbirds so maybe tomorrow I should spend time in that shade. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Flowers and beautiful skies make a delightful post to start my day. Thank you, Butch and Pam. Happy Sunday!
Thank you Sarah. We hope you’re Sunday was a happy one. A very sunny hot day here but still a blessing. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Wyatt Lee is famous, rightfully so! Love that new sunflower, and all the outdoor captures. I can see the two faces and, funny, I took a similar photo (sun & clouds, not the faces) of a sunrise behind me, looking westardly, with beautiful colors like that! The spotlight of sun/fog is awesome. Kudzu seems to be more than a jungle over here, it’s all over our roadsides and riverbanks.
Have a great week!
Thank you Rita. It is amazing that sometimes the beauty is behind you. You know that saying people in the south have about keeping their windows closed at night to keep the kudzu from coming in! Yes, WL was well received but he mostly liked the chicken fingers and cookies I think. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Love the lush orange marygolds
Invasive kudzu- ugh
Thank you Gail. Our first year for the big orange marigolds and they have really done well. With you on that kudzu. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
July is definitely on the run!
It’s always enjoyable to go along with you and your everyday adventures.
WL must have been so excited about the ribbon-cutting ceremony! How proud he must be!
The marigolds brought a smile to my face. I sure do like how tall they are and how vibrant their blooms are.
A monarch! How exciting!
I saw one the other day, but it was too far into a field, and I only had sandals on. I was fearful of snakes and ticks, so I had no picture.
Thanks for another lovely stroll! I always enjoy your commentary. Happy Sunday Folks!
Thank you Nancy. We usually don’t see monarchs here again until October so that was a rare thing. Sandals amongst weeds, ticks, and snakes isn’t the best idea so we don’t blame you there. Hard to believe August arrives Friday. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Butch and Pam, I write this with tears in my eyes. When life is so busy and filled with unexpected, and one has a chance to stop by your place, everything feels….just right. I know that you all have life struggles and situations like the rest of us; yet, your posts ALWAYS share the beauty of our world, family, and objects and places that many would never notice or take time to cherish. For that, I thank you both.
The highlight of this post was precious WL!!! Oh my heart. I was thinking as I looked at the ribbon cutting about the generations standing around him. About life in general and the legacy of your family that will be carried through this precious young ones. It made my heart so happy.
I miss you all and appreciate the photos, words, and inspiration you always provide! From sunsets to pies (yum–I love New Mexico, too) and orange marigolds to waterfalls and native plants. The aliens made me giggle, too!
God bless the Richardson family. You’re a gift to all of us! Please give Pam my love! Although I’m not here as often right now, I pray and think of you all daily!! ❣️🙏🏻🎶😊🙏🏻
Thank you Karla. So good to hear from you. Pam shared that you two had a nice chat earlier and she was thrilled to have that time. WL was excited about the ribbon cutting but I think liked all the food the best. The girls are shy but he never meets a stranger so he stepped right up to take the scissors. Seth had to be sure he didn’t cut before the count of three. We continue to pray for you. We wish you a peaceful week!
Butch and Pam
Thank you, Butch! It’s my pleasure! I’m so happy that Pam and I were able to talk. I hated to hang up so early–but I have a new ultra light scooter (I’ve lost a lot of mobility, Butch). I miss walking, but it WILL get better!
WL is so cute! I could “see” him just stepping right up there with those big scissors. And waiting until the count of 3! Tee hee.
Thank you for your prayers; I pray for all of you, too! Have a blessed week!
Great cloud photos. I must have missed the story of how Wyatt has an area named for him. But you couldn’t find a cuter ribbon cutter! And love those zinnias!
Thank you Jeanie. I developed the complex before I retired and had the privilege of naming it after Wyatt. He wasn’t shy about the festivities at all. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I don’t blame those ladies for wanting to keep Wyatt! What a big honor for a little fella!! I love the idea of the apartments being all on one level. When we moved John’s mother here, she was on the 3rd floor and worrier that I am, I was concerned about fire. That forest of ragweed would have had me racing for the Flonase! I have always had a Stephen King-ish story plot in my mind about falling asleep in a car in the woods and waking up to find it engulfed in kudzu!! Hope you have a peaceful, cool week and some good rain!
Thank you Roxanne. You’ve no doubt heard those kudzu stories where it creeps in the windows if you leave them open. I’ve never been bothered by ragweed but new allergies have hit me this year so I’m not looking forward to finding out if new fall allergies will overtake me. We do have Flonase and Benadryl close by. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
A lovely post Butch & how famous is Wyatt! The Marigolds did indeed brighten my day as did all the other photos.
I too could see the faces in the clouds before I read your comment on them. 😊
Blessings to both you & Pam, Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. Glad the marigolds brightened a winter day. A couple of others did see the faces too. Wyatt did enjoy the festivities although it was very hot. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
My goodness Butch. You outdo yourself every week. I love the chair under the tree, the big bright marigolds, WL and his scissors, the cloud pictures and the water hole. I couldn’t see what you said about what was cooling off in the water. Also the first picture. The light was so beautiful, you are quite talented with that camera. Blessing upon this week Richardsons.
Thank you Alice. We rarely see people in the pools above or below those falls because the water is usually rushing but the lack of rain and heat had people swimming in places not normally accessible. I really don’t know photography but just own a camera. Sometimes the beauty is just there and it’s hard to miss, even for an amateur. We hope you have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
I always enjoy the gorgeous Sunday photos! I love the one of your beautiful zinnia garden and the butterfly on the sunflower. That sweet Wyatt is already famous! What an honor to have the complex named after him!
Thank you Jenna. I think the monarch was passing through. They don’t normally frequent the sunflowers as much as the bees do but prefer the zinnias. Hope you’re doing better. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Congrats to Wyatt Lee and your family for creating such a perfect place to celebrate life! And thanks for taking me on another tour of your botanical wonders!
Thank you Mary. We are thrilled to know that Wyatt Lee Meadows serves older residents well, many of which are widows. We’ve met many of them. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Not currently being able to do my routine walking in our little Village, I so enjoyed being out with you two on this excessively hot day in Plano, TX. Thank you for allowing us less fortunate nature lovers, to tag along.
Thank you Elizabeth. We are glad you came along. I too cannot roam around at the level I would like but feel blessed to do what I can. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
What a truly lovely post in every way. Sigh. Nature is something else, isn’t it? What a blessing. And that young man Wyatt Lee, bless his heart! What a CUTIE!
Thank you Michele. Nature is truly amazing. We are blessed to be able to see a lot kinda living out in the country. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Gorgeous photos and stunning flowers. WL is so cute! Have a lovely week ahead dear friends.
Thank you Maristella. We hope you have a wonderful week as well!
Butch and Pam
WL is so sweet and how wonderful that a senior’s community was developed in his name. Bravo! The marigolds are magnificent and so is the sunflower. I’m not sure if we have ragweed that grows wild here – probably – but that crop is something else and I’m sure glad that I’m not allergic, at least as far as I know. I always have trouble growing basil here and I don’t know why. It starts out so great and then just deteriorates. I’ve stopped trying to grow it especially since it is always in the stores. The monarch is beautiful and what a great capture. Have a lovely week you two!
Thank you Kim. We seem to always have that same issue with basil. Maybe it looks good for a while because it’s growing so fast but becomes root bound quickly for the same reason? I’m thinking about a larger container or planting it in the ground. Hopefully you don’t have ragweed but there’s likely plenty of other things growing that will bother you if you should have allergies. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
That sunset photo with the gleam shining on the golf cart trail is just stunning! God’s handiwork on public display! Thank you for sharing your beautiful lives with us here. It is such a blessing to visit with you all.
Only our Creator can paint the sunrise and sunset! Thank you, Cheryl!