“Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.”
Psalm 85:7 ESV
While taking an early morning walk, I paused here and thought…”I believe an angel was not finished with his rest and decided to pull down a shade”. I’ve never actually seen an angel while out walking, but I have never doubted their nearness. And too, EM has me reading The Chronicles of Narnia. I am on book 5 of 7 and I am fascinated by the stories. I do hope she doesn’t test me on remembering all the names!
While we enjoy seeing the bales in the field, the time comes when it must move on. Not only does this reflect the nearing completion of another season, but it symbolizes preparing for the future, when winter arrives and the grass has withered. There are a few people who wish the bales could just be left in the pasture…
…like this little farmer and his siblings. Their daddy lined up a group of bales over by the barn so they could run on top like they were stepping stones!
Pam introduced this group to me as the Purplecone family. I think she has read too many children’s books as well!
An area I once enjoyed hiking across had become so overgrown that by this summer I simply could not wade through the brush. You can get an idea of the “before and after” in this photo, as Seth (Richardson Landworks) has begun clearing. There is so much to encounter here. It is surprising and very interesting to discover what grows naturally when land is left undisturbed for several years.
Some of the brush was just too big for a tractor and mower. There is a normal natural growth pattern which occurs when open land is left undisturbed. It’s called succession, and where we live, pine trees are usually the dominant plant associated with primary succession. But the shrubs and trees found here were so varied and most are not pines, not yet anyway!
Surprising to me was the number of honey locust trees and groundsel trees/shrubs. There are dozens of each scattered across the hillside. The locust is the tall one behind. In addition there are very many sweet gum trees, rogue Bradford (Callery) pear trees, and also popcorn trees. The Bradford cultivar and the popcorn tree are not native! The Chinese Tallow or popcorn tree no doubt came from trees in our yard over a quarter mile away. We removed all that were close to the house and drive years ago. It is a story for another time, but we suggest…never plant a popcorn tree! The miraculous way plants spread and propagate is another ‘beyond amazing’ part of the Creator’s design and control over all things.
We had discussions last week about the passion flower vine. I mentioned ours had been mowed down and I must search for another. I found one along an edge where Seth was cutting brush and was able to get a photo, just in case this one goes the way of the brush cutter. The vine and leaves resemble potato vines, but I researched and they are not in the same family of plants!
I’m always borrowing (I do ask permission) photos from PJ. I asked for this one of the cottage garden to add a little color to this post. I had a medical procedure last week that went well (thankful), but did take me away from my normal for about 3 days. I didn’t venture to some of the places I might typically go, and I have realized that every photo in today’s post was made last week at our place. I suppose that’s as close to everyday living as it gets!
I decided on a few photos that share a common theme for which I chose to describe as “look, but don’t touch”. The Carolina horsenettle has appealing yellow fruit by late August, but a close examination will reveal a mean vine filled with briers. A field left to itself can become a brier patch in a short period of time. To me, there is something to be learned from this on a broader, deeper level, as it might apply to everyday living!
Someone gave good advice when they said “don’t climb a honey locust”. There’s a good reason we can’t attempt to rid the area of a few dozen trees like this one with a tractor that has regular tires. A flat tire searching for a place to happen!
Commonly known as devil’s walking stick, this tree has late August berries that are great for birds and also add some nice color to the landscape. But, don’t grab the trunk of this native shrub/tree unless you are seeking proof of why the plant has such a bad name. Wicked thorns line the main trunk of all but the very young small shrubs, but the babies do grow up.
Ironweed is in full bloom by this time of year around these parts. It is a native with a stem that some say is “tough as iron”. Having no thorns of its own to provide protection, this one wisely sprouted up in a spot where the community has adopted “neighborhood watch”. I would not wish to reach in bare-handed to cut this flower to take home for Pam to use in a wildflower arrangement!
I hope we didn’t wear you out with butterflies last week. I had to show one more gulf fritillary because this one was so bright orange that it stood out among all the others. This particular butterfly never left the Chaste tree blooms but was willing to share with…
…a couple of girls that dropped by for a late afternoon snack.
I was surprised by the hummers while trying to photograph the bright orange butterfly. I was standing very still and a hummingbird brushed by my hair, either lightly touching me or close enough for the wind beneath those wings to move my hair. A new experience for certain!
I pruned the Chaste tree after the first blooming and I am glad I did. It is blooming again and is very popular these days.
Another native invader that will make itself at home on an undisturbed place is called hogwort. I hope hogs aren’t fond of it because we don’t wish to have anything around that attracts hogs; wild pigs that is. Feral pigs are a real problem, very destructive to agriculture, and almost impossible to control. Parts of the county has them, but fortunately we have not seen evidence around our northeast part of the county. The name is not derived from the plant being a favorite of hogs…
…but the name comes from the fact that someone decided the bloom had the appearance of the bristly hide of a hog. Do you think so? Or maybe you haven’t examined a hog recently?
August is closing out after today, so I decided to let this country road take me home where I can prepare for Labor Day and September. This is one of our roads that goes to the river. Just under a half mile, and I will find an iced tea waiting!
Have a peaceful 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
Very little in nature is straight lines. The “shade” story you gave explains the straight lines of the light sky. Hee hee I’m totally buying your angel explanation
Thank you Gail. No two skies are the same but all beautiful. We hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Good morning Butch and Pam, it is such a blessing that your grands are getting to experience childhoods close to the ones we enjoyed…out in the sunshine, running and playing, with parents and grandparents deeply involved in their lives. From chasing Poppy through the woods, I can attest to the variety of briers out there! How do I end up scratched from head to foot, but the dogs don’t! Enjoying my favorite time of day while reading your post…the sun is barely up, out on the porch with my coffee, and watching the hummingbirds buzzing around. Hope you are recovering well and have added you to my prayers for complete healing.
Thank you Roxanne. It is a fine morning here too. I’m not a coffee drinker but Pam definitely is and I’ve had my iced tea already. And thank you about recovery, I’m doing fine now. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Good morning Butch and Pam, Your first photo takes my breath away! Loved the butterfly photos last week and am always delighted to see hummingbirds…great captures. Our hummingbird activity has picked up around our feeders as they prepare for migrating in a month or so. Adorable little farmer atop the hay bale! The last time you mentioned Richardson Landworks, I thought it was tongue-in-cheek. 😊 I googled and saw Seth has an excavation, site preparation / land clearing business! Wishing him much success, Happy Sunday ❤️
Thank you Mary. It’s understandable about the Landworks. I’m much about tongue- in-cheek in many of my captions and that would’ve fit me perfectly. It’s part of my way of writing I suppose. I’ll need to Google that, didn’t know he would show up there. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
We hope you are feeling better Butch! The pictures are all beautiful. I really enjoy the sky shots, butterflies and hummingbirds. The hay bales are beautiful in the field and fun for children. Your little farmer is growing up. Richardson Landworks would be popular here as we now have another tree down! The wind has wreaked havoc with trees and big limbs here. Thankfully, they are all away from the house and didn’t block our driveway. Hope you both have a wonderful week! Clara❤️
Thank you Clara. It seems we have limbs or another tree down somewhere every time there’s a breeze, but like you, nothing near the house or drive. We are constantly having to clear all our trails and woods roads. Hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful photos again this Sunday.
Thank you Carole. Hope your Sunday and week are pleasant!
Butch and Pam
Love all the pictures of interesting plants and trees on your walks. We have honey locust trees also and can attest to the fact their thorns are wicked to tractor tires and humans alike! We’ve seen many more butterflies and hummingbirds this week. So thankful Fall is on the way and cooler temperatures. Glad you are on the mend.
Thank you Rachel. I think the butterflies and hummers are sensing that change is coming. We have seen cooler temps. Maybe that will hold out. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
The photos today are absolutely gorgeous! Hello September!
Thank you Jenna. Hard to believe September is upon us but we are ready. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Clearing land can uncover some interesting surprises. A thirty acre piece of land by our home that was cleared revealed beautiful palms that were never seen before. Brazilian pepper trees had covered everything. Have a healthy and happy week ahead.
Thank you Karen. We are not familiar with Brazilian pepper tree but it’s apparently a non native invasive. I’m about to look that up. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful pictures as usual and thank you for my Sunday Tour that I look forward to each Sunday after the Captain and I have gone to church, eaten our lunch and settled in for an afternoon of sports on TV….and a perusal of a few favorite blogs. Multi-tasking don’t ya know. There are many invasive plants in Florida and because the weather is conducive to plant/tree growth, we must “Clear Out” periodically. I like to think of it as a renewal, much like we humans need. I also know that our Creator made EVERYTHING, weeds included…which brings to mind Romans 8:28…”For all things work together for good….”
I wish you and Pam a wonderful and Blessed week. 🥰🙏🏻
Thank you Kari. I can imagine the weather in Florida is great for a lot of beautiful growing things but with that comes a prime climate for invasive’s too. Sounds like your Sunday schedule is a very pleasant routine and a blessing indeed. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Sweet Pam, leaving you a glass of iced tea! I would love to ride that road back home. It looks cool and especially knowing what waits for me at the end of the road. The butterfly is so pretty. And how luck were you having the hummers coming so close to you that you felt the air they disturbed as they flew by. Now Butch I’m very familiar with hogs. I looked and can’t find a thing that looks like that weed. I have two locust trees in my back yard not honey locust and I do not like them. Those little leaves fall all year long. They travel in on my dogs feet and mine. I have to blow them off the patio almost every day. Never plant a locust tree close to a house. Hope you have fully recovered from your procedure. Take care and have a great Labor Day and week.
Thank you Alice. I’m doing fine after the procedure and back to normal this week. You may have black locust. They are native to the Appalachian region but have spread everywhere. We do love our iced tea around here. Hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Stunning photos and glad you are doing well Butch. I love the first photo, I do believe in angels and I’m sure they’re there! Have a wonderful September Butch and Pam………
Thank you Emily. September has arrived and it is usually a very nice month to be outdoors, but as you know, in Alabama it can still get very hot. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Do I spy a bunny seated in the curve on the left side of that cloud formation?
Prayers for your complete recovery, Butch . Great photos of the butterflies,
hummingbirds and kudos to Pam on that colorful floral shot. The handsome
farmer looks right at home on a bale. A blessed Sabbath.
Thank you Mary. Indeed you do see a bunny. It’s so obvious now that I go back and look but I had not noticed. You have an eye for the sky. And, I am doing fine from last week’s procedure. Next thing is this worn out knee that needs replacing. Have a blessed first week of September!
Butch and Pam
The sky shot is magnificent of course. I would never tire of seeing butterflies and that photo and those of the hummingbirds are gorgeous. I don’t recognize a lot of the trees, vines, and shrubs you named but rest assured, we have our own invasive species here lol. WL looks adorable on the hay bale and what fun for all the grands. Glad that you are back to normal after the procedure. Happy September and have a wonderful week ahead!
Thank you Kim. I guess invasive plants are everywhere, just different because of climate. I am fine now from the procedure. It has been a bit cooler here and the unusual weather has given us a glimpse of autumn. We hope you have a lovely week!
Butch and Pam
Your sojourns are the best – thanks for another adventure with nature!
Thank you Mary. Hopefully the weather over the next couple months will make roaming about much more pleasant. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
I so very much enjoy these posts. Thank you for sharing all that beauty.
Thank you Michele. Glad you enjoy and we wish you a wonderful week’
Butch and Pam
I’m thankful to hear that the medical procedure went well. God is so faithful! This post was packed with so much interesting information, and the photos were so beautiful, as always. May God bless you all!