“I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.”
Ecclesiastes 3:14-15 ESV
The sun was below the horizon when this color showed up in a portion of the clouds. Our meteorologist has posted similar photos and called them sun dogs, but I’m not sure if this is the same thing. I was thinking the “dogs” were mainly seen in the winter as sunlight reflected on ice crystals in high cirrus clouds. It was pleasant to see in our early sky regardless of what we might call it!
I always love those times when there are fresh bales scattered about in our pastures. The early morning sunlight was still filtered by a few thin clouds as I continued a slow morning walk behind the house one day last week. At least I didn’t feel the need to run from the sun dog (if it was one) nor did it bark. In fact, it was a very quiet morning back at home, but I found myself reminiscing about the previous week’s trip and the cool…
…foggy, smoky days at The Swag and in the Smoky Mountains. Many of you commented on some of the photos, using words like spooky. I thought I would bring out a few more pics from that trip. The entrance to the garden and that which lies behind was super-spooky looking to me. I began thinking of some of the old shows like The Munsters and The Addams Family…or maybe this looks like the home of Frankenstein? Pam thought of The Twilight Zone! Your thoughts?
The dahlias were so inviting, I was lured into the midst of the fog for a closer view. Detecting no threat from the bushes, I paused for a photo. The wooden rail looked like a hitching post. Not that horses can get into the garden, but I wondered if a horse tied to this hitching post would enjoy munching on the dahlias? Do horses even like flowers? BTW, a trail that runs just a few yards north of this garden is in the National Park and people do pass here on horseback!
I absolutely love this photo Pam made, once I had searched and reported to her that there were no monsters or weird creatures in the garden. Nothing to be afraid of unless you are frightened by rabbits. For comparison on the difference made by a little sunshine and blue sky, I found a pic I had taken near the same spot the next day…
…and again, 24 hours can make a huge difference. Both have their beauty and purpose, but sunshine makes me happy!
I will dig up a few more garden shots in a minute, but as the fog and clouds began to lift, I made my way quickly up to a spot where I could get a view of the ever changing mountain scenes.
Of the many garden photos Pam made, I chose to spotlight this dahlia because it reminded me of sunshine. The climate at home is a little too hot for our dahlias to do well, but here at 5,000 feet, the story is very different. I find it extremely difficult to comprehend that one can look at such intricate detail as seen in just a single flower and not look further to see and realize we have an awesome Creator!
Speaking of intricacy and design beyond description, this garden phlox was bathed in dew drops from the low clouds and was hanging on to the natural moisture even after the bright sun finally melted the clouds away!
What about these tears! Our red crocosmia at home has long since faded away. I’ve even cut back the plants almost to the ground. The hummingbirds miss it as it was their favorite. However, this golden crocosmia called Montbretia (named after a french botanist) was thriving in mountain air and could be spotted from a distance, even through the clouds. I think we need to try this one at home next season. It was a show!
The garden had its own local pollinators living onsite. The bees buzzed all around me as I came close to the hives but seemed harmless. I did move intentional and slow. We don’t know much about hives and beekeeping, but at one time thought about having hives at home. We actually do not need one more thing to see after, not one single thing! (But I still keep adding stuff!)
I was observing the stems on these dahlias and commented to PJ that these were surely good flowers for a florist to have access to since they are single flowers on long stems. She said they certainly were, but some would turn their heads and bow to one side. I do see that in a few of the immature flowers in the background.
Could I interest you in a piece of Biscoff cheesecake? Pam gave this 5 stars, so to not be left wondering, I had one also!
This is an interesting idea. The natural wood cage contains layers of soil with straw layers in between. Each layer was planted with potatoes, thus the vines we see are potato vines. When the vines mature and turn, indicating it is time for harvest, the cage is pulled straight up and the harvest begins. I have never seen this but it seems a great way to have a decent harvest in a small space and would look so natural in any garden space.
As the clouds would come and go, so would I. Hiking toward a great viewing spot seemed like the thing to do one afternoon as it was evident that blue sky and sun were on the way. Along the route was a long stretch of Joe-pye weed in full bloom. The stems are hollow. The story goes that the name comes from a Native American healer who used the plant to treat various ailments. It is native to eastern North America.
As I arrived at a slightly higher altitude, this seemed like the perfect place to rest, eat a snack, and check out the views…
…and the snack was good, but the views were even better!
Looking east, in the distance is Mt. Mitchell, or Attakulla in Cherokee. It is the highest peak in the Appalachian Mountains and the highest point east of the Mississippi River!
It was time to stop dreaming and reminiscing about a few nice days away and settle into the rhythm and routine of being at home. So, I walked out behind our garden one afternoon last week, where I remembered once again, home is as good as it gets!
“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
I love the mystery the fog brought to your trip to the Swag! The photos are fabulous. Much to my surprise, I found a single red crocosmia blooming this week in the midst of newly planted black-eyed Susans. The crom has been there all four years we’ve lived here, but only bloomed this year for the first time. It is in a bed across from my other red crocosmia, long since bloomed and cut back.
Going away is beneficial to the body and soul, but home is truly where the heart is. Have a great week.
Thank you Rita. The fog and clouds were actually kinda nice especially since we had plenty of sunshine too. We too sometimes have a surprise plant show up when and where we did not expect one. Time away is helpful except I eat way more than anyone should. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful pictures once again. Even though I love to travel in the United States, there’s still no place like home!
Thank you Rachel. We too like to go but it seems after a few days it is time to get home. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
What beauty God gives us. And to have a great imagination is a great gift. I’m not one to enjoy a spooky imagination. This world is spooky enough, your comment about loving the sunshine reminded me of John Denver singing “Sunshine on my Shoulders ”. I ran across him performing on Instagram the other day. He had a lovely voice. Coming home and getting back into routine is a good thing. Sleeping in our own beds is a reward for coming back I think. God bless your coming week Richardsons.
Thank you Alice. Yes, there’s something about sleeping in your own bed that’s just so much better than anywhere else. My imagination doesn’t really head in the spooky direction either but with those clouds and old rustic structures it was easy to think about some of those old silly shows from long ago. And you know John Denver is our favorite. Have a pleasant week !
Butch and Pam
Such beauty, you were so close in Waynesville! The BRP is still closed getting close to Mt Mitchell, and it may be two years before it is back open again. I adore fog, it always seems to give the air an ethereal mood. It was foggy like that this morning on our mountain, lovely to sit on the veranda and breathe in the stillness.
Thank you Carole. I was in and out of Waynesville quite a few times through the years when traveling with my work. I really like the area so it’s neat to visit The Swag and occasionally get by that way again. We had a foggy morning here yesterday. Have a quiet and restful week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful pictures to excite the soul. Always thank you for sharing. We are in a trip in Tennessee and the views are amazing. God has truly blessed you all in the south. Have a wonderful new week. Hugs. Kris.
Thank you Kris. Every place has its beauty. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable trip. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
The gardens at the Swag are beautiful but yours are as well, just not as many. Love all the wonderful photos.
Thank you Karen. I’m glad by this time of year we don’t have as many. Typically we must water every day but a nice shower this afternoon gave me a break. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
The fog does change the look of The Swag features. In the sunlight, it looks welcoming. In the fog, it does look like the opening of a scary movie. It’s vastly hotter here and at your home than at The Swag. I would love their temps! The potato planting should save your back a bit when harvesting, I would think, in addition to saving space. Home is always the goal when tired, sick or just wanting to chill out. By the end of a busy day, home looks wonderful! Enjoy your day! Clara❤️
Thank you Clara. We realize there are many for various reasons who may not have the thoughts about home that we do so we count ours as a tremendous blessing. I think I drive faster heading toward home than away. It was definitely hot here today but a brief shower cooled things a little. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I agree, what a difference a day makes! The same scene in the fog, and then the sunshine, look so different! As always, all the photos are beautiful and I so enjoyed my Sunday stroll with you!
Thank you Jenna. We are glad you joined us for a stroll. It is amazing what a difference lighting can make on the appearance and mood of everything. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
The sight of the baled hay regimented like soldiers always called for a bow to the
farmers who go about their chores with such regularity and precision….constant
and neat… So happy you continued your Swag sojourn through additional photos…
Such apparent cooperation with surrounding nature… the potato cage is almost
artistic, as are the seating/viewing areas throughout…creative construction. The
misty shots are hauntingly lovely and not scary at all….we are so fortunate you took
us along. Blessed Sabbath.
Thank you Mary. I am partial to the farmers and cattle people whose toil is tough but rewarding for them (not always monetarily) and for us. I kinda want to try the potato cage out of curiosity next season but I don’t need any additional projects. Pam says absolutely not and she does have influence. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Wonderful ‘visit’ today. Love the flowers especially ❤️
Thank you Martha. Keep everyone straight up there on Sand Mountain. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful photos! Wonderful Dahlias. Have a blessed Sunday dear friends.
Thank you Maristella. Hope all is well down south. Pam especially loves the dahlias. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Lovely photos and such a nice trip…your floral photos are worth painting! Sandi
Thank you Sandra. I wish sometimes I could paint but not gifted at all in that area. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Home is as good as it gets! Amen, Butch! I adore and appreciate all these amazing photos. You’re a gifted photographer! The Swag holds many memories, undoubtedly, with all the beautiful landscapes and views. It’s neat what can grow at the higher elevations!
When thinking of “spooky” I thought of Sleepy Hollow (the version with Johnny Depp).
My verses today were all in Hebrews. In the change of seasons, temps, health, and other things, it’s easier to navigate when we know that Christ never changes!
I’ll be MIA for a while. Please let Pam know that I’m flying to Alaska on Tuesday (A dear college friend and her husband are accompanying me so I’m not alone!). Praise God my oncologist is lowering my dosage of chemo and “approved” me to fly to see my son and spend Ainsley’s 4th birthday with them. The only adventure I care about is playing with them!
I’m taking a few baby steps at a time and taking care. I pray that you all take care, too. I do love the view at your home, Butch and Pam! It’s priceless!
God bless you all. Love, Karla
Thank you Karla. So glad to hear your dosage is lower and you will get to make that journey to Alaska. We pray it goes perfect and that you have a fantastic trip. I didn’t think about Sleepy Hollow but that is a good thought about the spooky stuff. You probably know from our Sunday posts that Hebrews 13:8 is a favorite. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Butch, the shroud of grey, and the silence that comes with fog…can feel so special. I love the solitude that can be a bit eerie but when the fog is lifted…the bright sunlight promises a brand new day and time. And Another beginning. I also love a mystery of finding a flower or plant where it should not be. I think it draws out the Nancy Drew in me…I love trying to solve it. Many things in life will remain a mystery until our Lord comes to take us home….
thank you for all your inspirational photos. Have a great and Blessed day.
Thank you Kari. Life is filled with surprises and plants showing up where you least expect them or blooming completely out of season is one of those nice natural mysteries. I suppose we might lose our excitement of seeing the sunshine if we didn’t have some clouds and fog along the way too. One day all will be revealed. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Biscoff cheesecake – I will take one too! Love how the fogged danced through your images creating a mysterious haze and unexpected beauty. Best Sunday wishes to you both!
Thank you Mary. The cheesecake was delicious and I wish we could send you one… because if we could do that we would have a couple more sent to us also. Have a great Sunday and a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Hello dear Richardsons! The pictures of all the structures and flowers in the fog look magical to me! What glorious sights from the mountain tops. Daddy loved to drive to the top of Mt. Mitchell on our annual trips to the mountains from Charleston. John had bees for a while. We had Russian bees that just lazily flew around and never stung. Then we had a very cold winter that killed the hives. Next he got Italian bees that we swore were actually Killer Bees. Every time he got stung, the medical reaction was getting worse and scary. So a neighbor retrieved the hives and now brings us honey every summer! Win Win!!
Thank you Roxanne. I didn’t know you could drive to the top of Mt Mitchell. I will read up on it. I think someone else bringing you the local honey is a great outcome. Italians can be feisty. We’ve been getting some honey supposedly from nearby, an area called Sand Mountain. Picked up some today. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
The fog made everything so magical. I enjoyed seeing the fog drenched flowers but that dahlia you called Sunshine is my favorite!
So thankful for the stroll with you.
I am babysitting my grandson. He is starting to walk. So my comment is late and short. I gotta run after him! 🏃♀️➡️
Thank you Nancy. We know all about chasing little ones. We are thankful you had a second for anything. Enjoy your grandson and have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Such a beautiful walk, The fog, clouds and blue sky certainly gave you a different perspective each day. Beautiful photos from your trip and yes, home is as good as it gets! Thanks for sharing your walks…….
Thank you Emily. I guess seeing things from a different perspective can be a good thing. It was in the case of our recent trip anyway. Hope you have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Gorgeous pictures Butch and what a contrast between the fog and the sunlight. The views are spectacular and those dahlias are simply stunning. The home views are pretty spectacular too. That cheesecake definitely looks like a 5/5. Thanks for the stroll today and I hope you both have a fabulous rest of the week!
Thank you Kim. Our dahlias at home never do that well. I think it’s too hot here. The cheesecake however was definitely a keeper. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I was pinning away as I read through this one! I’m so thankful you share your beautiful everyday lives with us here. May the Lord continue to bless you both!