“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.”
Psalm 85:8
I was out well before sunrise one morning and waited, and then waited some more, until finally the sun found a peep hole. I almost headed back to the house for a bit of breakfast, but decided to be patient and see what might happen. It turned out to be a good choice. I’m always in a hurry and not very patient most of the time. Just one of many things I need to work on! (Pam agrees)
Being late for breakfast is not necessarily a bad thing, especially if something like this sunrise is the reason for delay. As the sun began to rise above the clouds I noticed, by what I could see, and by what I could hear, that everything around me was waking up.
Once the sun broke free from the stubborn clouds the morning light illuminated the pasture grass and I found myself in a field of gold. I pretended I was in Kansas and walking in a wheat field. We have a grass which is not native, but I see it everywhere. I think this might be it… yellow foxtail, sometimes called yellow bristlegrass? It is considered a weed and farmers have problems if it invades crops. I understand that it is a grass that has long been planted by crews during road construction and for other applications as well. It can be seen by late summer thriving on road shoulders, right of ways, and in pastures.
We all try to control weeds and most often get frustrated because weeds pay little attention to our efforts. Now for certain, weeds are part of creation and we need them, but if you are like us, you wish they would grow in the places you choose. But I do feel better about my recent weed control failures now that I’ve found that not even a stop sign can keep them in check. Weeds are lawbreakers, like all of us!
Speaking of weeds…I discovered this plant a few weeks back towering above and doing much better than the fading marigolds it was growing amongst. I left it on purpose when I realized it was a ragweed that I missed when I pulled up the crop of ragweed that had sprouted throughout our marigolds. You may remember the post where I showed how much the plants looked alike. I missed this one. Since the marigolds in this bed are basically done for the season, I thought it just as well to leave something growing. You can see a dying marigold underneath in the middle of the ragweed! Weeds do flourish.
Have you ever eaten monkey bread or seen a recipe? This reminded me, at least at a distance, of monkey bread. It was the first thought that came to mind. I suppose I am always hungry. I haven’t had any in years but remembered it was very good. PJ didn’t so much think it looked like monkey bread, but since I mentioned it, she too remembers how delicious it is and I think will likely make some. My reasoning is that the grands would love it!
I was walking over the recently cleared acreage after Seth completed his work and found the remains of a turkey nest. It appears that this was a successful nest as it looked to me that the eggs hatched and were not invaded by a predator. From the kitchen window, we had observed a lone hen back in April spending time in our pasture quite often for a few minutes. This was a sign she likely had a nest nearby. This nest was about 50 yards from our pasture’s edge!
Do you remember the reflective, colorful, translucent, foil-like paper that was used to cover Easter baskets? Or maybe you’ve seen such used in other ways for wrapping or decorating for occasions? I thought I was only seeing this car and imagining it looked like my old Easter baskets because I had on my sunglasses. Then I took them off!
We are beginning to think about changing leaves and harvest as September ushers in the beginnings of both. A sweet gum tree is showing a lot of yellow. Sweet gums can have nice color here and often change earlier than other trees. This color is probably more associated with the stress of summer, and now, very dry conditions.
Sumac is sporting nice color and grows along the roadsides and edges. Smooth sumac is often called scarlet sumac and for good reason. The plant has smooth, hairless stems and leaves. I am surprised it’s not called bald sumac. With a long history of Native American use and significance, I read that ‘sumaq’ is a word of Algonquin origin…very interesting!
In case you ever wondered what soybeans look like while still green and not quite ready for harvest, wonder no more. While I was out flying the drone over some nearby fields (including this one), Pam ventured into the soybeans and provided us with a very good representation of just how many bean pods might grow on just one plant!
Pam was directly below the drone at the edge of a soybean field when I took this photo. Every green field in view is extremely thick with soybeans. Lookout Mountain, foothills of the Appalachians, appears in the distance as we enjoyed driving through and flying over some of the nearby farm land. I wonder how many million beans are growing just in the fields that are in view. In my opinion, it would be a staggering number.
Looking across this corn field definitely changed our mood and got our focus and thoughts on “harvest”, even if only for a brief moment. The reason the thought faded quickly is because, as we drove away, I noticed on the truck thermometer that it was 93 degrees, and we were sweating (perspiring if you prefer) from the excursion!
I thought someone left cupcakes in the front yard, but upon closer examination, I determined that these were not ‘cupcakes’ of the edible kind. It has been so dry lately that I have been surprised to find mushrooms popping up in spots with full sun. I finally figured out that these areas are getting a lot of moisture from my watering of nearby plants, shrubs, and flowers.
If you know country music you may remember the George Strait song about a chair. This chair, like that one, has a story, although no song has been written about it. My mother kept everything and my sister is so much like her. She wanted me to have this chair. It has been re-caned several times, but this was given to my dad when he was about 2 years old. If dad was living, he would be 100 come February. So, I am the owner of a little chair that is nearing or maybe already 100 years old.
We’ve had some delightful skies this past week. I am always in wonder when I see cloud patterns that take on similar shapes…what in the atmosphere had the same affect (or is it effect?) on the clouds and caused their similar shape? She’s almost hid by the puffy clouds above, but there is a little girl holding a basket of flowers in the middle just above the longest cloud. Sometimes I see the image and the next time I cannot. Pam can’t see her so don’t hurt yourself by looking too hard. Much, much imagination needed!
Late in the day on the same day as the previous picture I started up the drive and thought, “why not take a photo of the moon”. I had no plan to use it in a blog post. But to my surprise, when I looked later, an airplane had slipped into the space and I had no idea! With the low white clouds around, the moon and the plane really seem not so far apart. Does it appear that the plane could fly around the moon and then continue on its journey?
September evening skies are here. We hit the 90’s again last week, but today is supposed to be picture perfect, sunny and only 80 with 50’s tonight. No complaints about that!
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
Glorious sunrise photos Butch and Pam! I love the drone shot with the mountains in the distance. Such a sweet little chair that belonged to your dad, it deserves a special place of honor. Wishing you both a wonderful Sunday. ♥
Thank you Mary. My drone doesn’t have a fancy camera but it’s fun to fly once in a while for a different view. We wish you a good Sunday and a great week!
Butch and Pam
I didn’t realize that soybean pods, also known to me as edamame, had fuzzy skins. When I order them in a restaurant, they must be well cleaned. Interesting mushroom photos, the one you thought looked like monkey bread (yes I remember that too) looks a bit like a brain to me. Maybe I have been looking at too much Halloween stuff lately, LOL!!
Thank you Carole. The mushroom does remind me of those brain drawings we see. It was sunny and hot the next day and the mushrooms were just dark spots on the soil. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Good Morning Butch and Pam. Happy Sunday. Glad you were patient and capture the sun coming through the peep hole. What a beautiful sky. Have a beautiful week. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. I’m having so much trouble with a worn out knee that I’m not maneuvering as well these days so patience and staying in one place is helpful for that. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Butch, You have me reviewing monkey bread recipes at the moment. The drone shot is so pretty. Weeds growing from the top of the stop sign is further evidence that they grow everywhere! How could that weed survive the extreme heat and drought? Amazing indeed! That little chair is adorable! I know the younger grands must like it. The sunrise shot is beautiful as are the others. Enjoy your day. Clara❤️
Thank you Clara. That weed grows from the small amount of soil where the post is in the ground and all the way out the top. Amazing how it survived. I’m thinking Pam will make monkey bread but I don’t need the temptation. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Well, all I can think about is monkey bread now! That sweet little chair holds several lifetimes of memories. I love the drone shots and as always, the beautiful sunrise and sunset…have a wonderful week!
Thank you Jenna. When our little 6 month old gets a bit bigger we hope to get him sitting in the old chair, at least long enough for a photo. The monkey bread idea is causing a stir. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Oh, those beautiful skies and fields! And I had to smile at the monkey bread! I haven’t had that in ages and I agree — it is a dead ringer! Happy week!
Thank you Jeanie. I didn’t realize how widespread that monkey bread must’ve been in its heyday. I guess it may bring some calories to our kitchen soon. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
What beautiful photos to open up your post Butch….nothing like being up and about at first light…what splendor there is to see. Thanks for the Kansas reference. My home state is famous for those golden wheat fields (if for nothing else) but they are beautiful when the sun rises and when the sen sets. Just another of God’s creations that bring Glory to Him. I love the little chair and can imagine Pam using it in a vignette with a few of her Mother’s dishes or quilts along side. I tried to see the little girl with basket; but only a black faced sheep with dusty wool surrounding the head…no body just the head. LOL Have a Blessed Sunday!
Thank you Kari. I was imagining a windy Kansas wheat field that morning. I think the little chair will see some pumpkins too. Glad you found something in the clouds, there’s always something in the clouds if one looks hard enough. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Leslie Anne
Have a great week Leslie Anne!
Butch and Pam
Wow, a beautiful sunrise capture!!! Worth the wait, Butch. Thanks for sharing!
The little chair that belonged to your dad is truly a treasure in my mind. It’s special to keep family treasures, know their history. Yes, your chair has it’s story. Monnie and I were both drawn to interesting chairs, and as a teacher of young children, I loved finding special small chairs. A friend recently told me I should compile a book about the chairs Monnie and I added to our home through the years. Perhaps that can be a winter project. Who knows?
Happy Sunday!
Thank you Sarah. So interesting about your love for little chairs and we can understand why. Maybe you should write a story book about the chairs. You no doubt have a lot to share. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Thanks for working with nature and asking it to be so very photogenic!
Thank you Mary. Nature is amazing and has everything to offer sooner or later. I need to learn to wait for it. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful photos! Have a lovely week ahead. Blessings dear friends!
Thank you Maristella. Spring is just around the corner for you. We hope all is well and that you have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Oh the cloud pictures were worth the wait! Autumn has arrive in your area even if it is subtle. We had a low of 42 Friday morning. I almost turned on the heat but instead I turned the oven on and baked a pan of sweet potatoes. I found the little girl and her basket. Also is that an umbrella above her head? The turkey’s nest survived the mowing of the field but where is mana snd her babies?
I haven’t seen pumpkins yet but I’m suspecting I’ll see them at you beautiful yard. Have a blessed week Richardsons.
I’m
Thank you Alice. The turkeys would’ve been following momma around by May and long gone before the clearing, and pretty good size by now. She had them well hidden. I’ll have a look and see about an umbrella in the clouds. We can usually begin finding pumpkins by now but if we get them too early they won’t hold out in our heat and last the season. Cooler today but we will have 90’s I think before the week ends. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Happy Sunday, Butch and Pam. Your “monkey bread” looks like brains to me! (too many years working in a pathology lab gives you a different mindset, sorry!!). I had been letting 2 mystery plants grow up that have gotten quite large. I had no idea they were ragweed and will be dealt with tomorrow. September weather seems to bounce all over the place. We watched Clemson on rain delay yesterday, and at our house 10 miles away we got nothing! Hope you get some cool, beautiful days inthe week ahead!
Thank you Roxanne. I’ve not worked in a lab but the mushrooms do look like brains. I’ve had brains and eggs ( thanks to my grandmother) and I somehow like the idea of monkey bread better. We have some great weather going on but need rain, like you, it’s missing us. I think we have some 90ish stuff coming back later also. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful pictures! I enjoyed the corn field picture as my dear friend, who was raised on a Minnesota farm, told me as farmers are driving down the road, farmers check out how straight one’s rows are, and take pride in being able to plow straight rows…your farmer has skills!
What a sweet story and chair. It’s so nice that you have had this little treasure in your family for 100 years or more…
Your posts so often touch my heart…
Thank you Sue. I’ve always been fascinated looking down those corn rows and other crops too, like cotton. I don’t know how in the world they get things so straight. I can just imagine how the fields would look if I did it. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful sky shots as always, and I’m glad you waited around for the sunrise. That little chair is really special and can passed down to Seth and his family – so sweet. I can’t see the little girl above the longest cloud, but call me crazy… I can see a little girl next to the longest cloud on the right. Her dress is really flared (maybe she has a crinoline on), she has a hat on and is holding on to something – maybe flowers… Thanks for sharing all the beauty that you find and wishing you both a wonderful week!
Thank you Kim. Others found things in the clouds I did not see but I did after they were pointed out. I’m going to take a look again based on your description. There is always something to be found in the clouds. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I was just thinking this morning that it’s about time to catch another sunrise. It’s been a long long time since my last viewing, but was so worth it when I actually got up and out to capture its majesty. Thanks for nudge to follow through, friends . . .
Enjoy these final weeks of summer. God’s creation is so beautiful and compelling, isn’t it.
Thank you Linda. It is often harder to get up and out early these days but once I get there I’m always thankful I can and glad that I did. Summer is going to be stubborn it seems as our long range forecast shows some 90+ temps next week. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Mmmmm I’ve made monkey bread in the past, a now you have me wanting to make another one. I enjoyed my views with you as my guide. There’s so much being God’s creation!
Thank you Kitty. Creation is beyond description for certain. Pam mentioned today that she must now make monkey bread. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
The sky is amazing! Well worth getting up early.
Amalia
xo
Thank you Amalia. I need to be up that early every day. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Such fun to peruse your photos and “listen in” to your thoughts about each one. Your little chair will be a precious keepsake for those grandchildren of yours. I own my grandmother’s child-size rocker. She was born in 1890 and received it as a birthday gift when she was three years old. Five generations have now rocked in that chair! I WAS able to make out the little girl-cloud with the flower basket. She’s wearing a lovely hat!
Thank you Nancy. The girl did have a hat. The story of your rocking chair is amazing. So glad you shared that. When Daniel gets a little older we hope to get him in the little chair. Counting down to the weekend and hope you have a good one!
Butch and Pam
A lovely post as always Butch & Pam. My husband always says that a weed is just a plant where you don’t want it, lol.
I can’t see the little girl in the sky but that’s an amazing photo of the setting sun above!
Blessings to you both, Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. We love what your husband says about weeds. Perfect description and maybe makes us feel slightly better about weeds. We hope you have a great week!
Butch and Pam
,We hit 92 this weekend.Todays stroll through your thoughtful photos and Psalm brought
healing to a saddened time. May we soon be brought to repentance, restoration,
thanksgiving and genuine peace.Let us be so blessed and a blessing to one another.
Thank you Mary. Your insightful words reflect our thoughts as well and we hope the feelings of many across this land. And yes, the weather is a bit of a roller coaster this time of year. Hot and dry here, but the nights have been pleasant. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
It took me a little while, but I was able to see the little girl with the basket of flowers! I love looking at cloud formations. And it is so neat to see how quickly they can transform into something else. I truly believe God is pleased when we take the time to observe the things He puts in our view, and I sort of think He does certain things for our pleasure and enjoyment when He sees that we are interested. He is an awesome God!