Simple + Southern Sunday No. 559

“And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

As John Denver sang, “Welcome to my morning, welcome to my day”…welcome to SSS. The sky was a canvas this day and the Master Artist, as always, painted it perfectly. When I looked at the photo again later, I told PJ that I thought of “E.T. the Extra Terrestrial” as I stared at the center. That was a 1982 movie that I did not see! Perhaps you saw the movie? I’ve never been a movie goer.
 

A lot of potted plants as well as some “in the ground” plants are now suffering from the summer heat. Many of those in containers are likely very root bound by now. This particular pot has been an exception and the hummingbirds have taken notice.

Parts of the yard along the woods edge were taken over as small trees and vines have encroached in one corner over several years. While doing a clean up, cutting the trees, shrubs, and vines, I found something interesting, (at least to me). A honeysuckle vine had so wrapped itself around a young oak tree to cause it to grow in a spiral shape. This had to have taken a few growing seasons. Who would’ve thought a vine was stronger than an oak!

A dear friend of ours, a missionary to Southeast Asia, is home for a few weeks. In order that neither of us would have to drive a great distance, we met for lunch in Ft. Payne, Alabama. After lunch I decided to go over to Main Street and look around. I discovered these statues on a corner beside a beautiful city park. You may remember a recent post where I had visited the Alabama Museum and Fan Club of the country music group Alabama. Ft. Payne is the home of the group. As you might imagine, this small southern mountain town (they call it Alabama’s Mountain Town) is quite proud of the hometown guys!

Having never spent much time here, especially in recent years, I decided to find a park and walk around in the small downtown area. I’m glad I did. From the parking lot across from the statues I spotted the old DeKalb Theatre. This is DeKalb County, hence the name. The theatre is one of only a few of its kind to be restored and still operational. It opened in 1935. I had no idea!

I walked north on the main street (known as Gault Avenue and US Highway 11). This restored building houses a local business that is typical of some small southern towns. Local art work, local honey, hometown goodies as well a variety of other things were available. The Boom Town Makers Market showcases works by over 60 local and regional artists. The building dates to 1878!

After passing a city park, I spotted the old railroad depot, now a museum, about a block off the main street. I wandered over to have a look and thought the tracks needed to be in the photo. It is an active railroad. If we headed up the tracks in the direction I am facing for 60 or 70 miles we would find ourselves in Chattanooga, Tennessee! Pardon me, did I hear the Chattanooga Choo Choo?

Leaving the depot and strolling back up to Gault Avenue I found the Fort Payne Opera House. I did not know the history but noticed a historical marker out front. Actually I didn’t even know there was an opera house here.

I thought we could learn the history of the opera house together. This did make me wonder what was the boom period? I was running short on time (and it was very hot) so I headed back toward my truck.

Before reaching the parking lot I had a chance for one more photo. This nice mural again pointed to “boom days”. I had to research. It’s a long story but when coal and iron were discovered around here and the railroad was completed, northern investors with deep pockets turned Fort Payne into what some call the “Pittsburg of the South”. The “boom” occurred from 1889-1891. The Boom Days Festival is huge and happens in Fort Payne every September!
 

Late in the day when I arrived back at home this greeted me (along with Pam). I’ll take an evening like this any time, another piece of heavenly art work!

The early morning sun brought to life shiny red patches in the top of a very old and large cedar tree that stands in the edge of our yard west of the drive. Honestly, I thought it was blooms and I could tell there were vines everywhere. My first thought was that kudzu was blooming and had climbed 40 feet to the top of this tree almost overnight, bringing some truth to the jokes about kudzu invasions. What I discovered is even more of a mystery. This is porcelain berry, an invasive that is not native but only cultivated. Where it came from we have no idea, brought by birds probably. I have never seen these berries before and the vines are loaded, literally 40-45 feet up in the treetops. It is actually rooted in the woods and grew up a large pine and then over to the cedar. The cedar was an old, large tree when we bought this property 50 years ago!

A photo of Burger King demands a good explanation. On Thursday (July 31) Pam and I celebrated the anniversary of our first date, 55 years ago. That evening, after a movie, we dropped by Burger King for a quick bite before I took her home, knowing she had to be in at a very reasonable time. She did not eat, saying she had supper just before I came. That saved me a little cash. I ordered something and I guess she watched me eat! Yes, Burger King was in business 55 years ago, and more importantly, this is the same location. A new building in the very same spot. I decided to take her back Thursday as a surprise for “old times sake”. I was shocked again when she didn’t order anything. So, rather than eat alone, I ordered a diet Dr. Pepper, and we hit the road to…

…Bottega Cafe, where a kind waiter took a photo when we were seated. We shared a starter (focaccia bread with Bottega’s special infused olive oil). We each then had an additional starter, entrees, and desserts. Pam definitely ordered this time, which I assure you, more than made up for the savings 55 years ago! 

Maybe it isn’t necessary to mention, but just in case, this was my entree and it’s not a burger and fries! Spice-crusted pork chop, sweet corn polenta, peach relish, and a few other goodies!

This little bird thought she was camouflaged well as she blended in with the chaste tree foliage. My hideout paid off and I happened to be paying attention when she landed. Hummers don’t rest very long, but she paused long enough. Facing the camera would’ve been nice, but I was glad for this pose!

I was bush hogging or brush cutting (mowing if you live in the city) one of the fields and stopped a moment for water. I spotted some movement under the tractor. It pays to be on the lookout for yellow jackets when mowing. They nest in the ground and can really get you when you mow over their hideout. That’s typically not a problem until late August and September. I did however, scare this little guy, especially when I wrestled him out of the grass he attempted to hide under. I guess he may have thought I was a tortoise shell collector. But no, he was released in a safer spot and seemed happy about it!

A pop up shower in the late afternoon cooled things off and provided a pleasant farewell to yet another day… and another July has given way to yet another August.

Coming up we will likely be in an area with limited or no internet access so our normal comments may be somewhat delayed…we will see how that works out! 

A blessed week to all!  

“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