“Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky.”
Psalm 85:10-11 ESV
I ventured out in the darkness a couple of days ago. It was really nice, about 60 degrees and very calm. I wandered over to a place where at times I see a skunk or two and realized it would’ve been wise to have included a flashlight. I chose to wait for better light before proceeding, that’s when this happened. Walking in the light is a very good thing. I was reminded at this point of the first 6 verses of Psalm 19!
Seeing no skunks or other troubling creatures, I decided to spend a little more time in the vicinity and see what that lucky old sun might do next. I wasn’t disappointed when low thin clouds helped create this scene. It’s good to wait around sometimes because unexpected changes can come!
Wandering back west toward the house as the sun started to cast that perfect light on everything I stopped at our latest addition to the back yard. This season was such a trying one (at least for us) as far as sunflowers. I thought to try something different. I made a 40 foot long raised bed last week, and brought in soil that is supposed to have the right composition for raised beds. If I am here and able next spring, this is where two rows of sunflower seeds will go.
It was time to start removing plants that have stopped performing to make way for pumpkins. Regardless of fertilizer and watering, when the annuals get to this stage, it is over and done. I told Pam the plants are like the gardener, mostly worn out! Can people become root bound?
We spotted a new mural in town and thought the artist did a great job. The street scene on the lower left looks just like the downtown main street (Broad Street) which is just around the corner from this mural. The artist’s name is Mallory Walls. We are not familiar with her, but she is obviously talented.
This is not part of my low carb high protein program, but I ate every bite anyway. Baked feta in red sauce with basil and a few other ingredients surrounded by lightly toasted focaccia bread…and this is only a starter. I would not have felt guilty had we been celebrating a special occasion, but we weren’t!
Close friends gave us a tree like this one (from this tree actually). Their peanut butter tree is a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds and is beautiful this time of year. Ours has grown and is about 6 feet tall. Maybe in a few years it will look like its parent!
Richardson Landworks continues to excavate along our new river access road, clearing brush and scrubby trees for a future picnic and/or camping spot. We’ve built over 1/2 mile of new woods roads this year that serve as a fire break, as well as a place to ride, play, hike, jog, and enjoy the scenery. Seth is opening up a really nice view looking downstream, with still more to do in the future!
A few photos from this week showed up in my memories and I felt compelled to show them because they perfectly fit the season. This was September 20, 2013, in the high desert of southwest New Mexico! Sure wish I was there!
This is called rabbitbrush. It grows in the west and the peak blooming time must be late September. I recall seeing it scattered about, and at the time I called it New Mexico’s version of goldenrod. It isn’t goldenrod of course, but nevertheless made me feel right at home in the desert in the middle of nowhere!
I had a strong feeling last week that the first pumpkin run of the season was overdue. I also have a new sense that there will be more needed, especially locating some that make those nice stacks. Some of our pumpkin sources from previous years no longer raise them so we will probably need to widen our search. It would help brighten our mood for the task if the weather was a little cooler.
Our largest ginkgo already has color that is normally seen about one month from now. We are wondering if it will keep turning and be all yellow in a week or so…or maybe slow down and wait on October? Tomorrow is the “official” beginning of autumn for us folks in the northern hemisphere. Perhaps the tree is aware!
The grasses of late summer, early autumn…I always plant purple fountain grass. It’s in a big pot in front of the cottage. I think it displays a nice autumnal look. I plant it simply because I like how it looks. That’s isn’t necessarily wise reasoning for a lot of decision making, as looks can be deceiving. But for a plant, it is OK!
I am thankful for the opportunity to return to the wildlife park where I enjoy walking. My troublesome knee has hindered me somewhat, but I made my first visit back to the trail in a few weeks yesterday. This native plant is called woolgrass, and sometimes cotton-grass bulrush. It would be a sedge. A few cattails also joined the party.
On down the trail is another favorite that really has a “fallish” touch. Depending on what source I use for info, I have two very different identities for this one. It really looks like silvergrass which is not native and should not be here. But this plant is very widespread and also looks like ravennagrass, also called false sugar cane by some folks. That too would be introduced and not native. I would lean toward ravennagrass because this is a riparian marsh type location and that would suit ravennagrass, not silvergrass. Regardless, I like this plant for the same reason I like purple fountain grass; I think it looks good.
We now move to the “birds of the boardwalk”. This blue heron allowed me to walk up and stop within a few feet and did not fly away. You can see a slight glare on the bottom left from the boardwalk handrail. The bird literally walked under me, under the boardwalk, “out of the sun”…song lyrics pop in my head often when I am observing things. Never had one of these birds seem so tame!
The great egret is a common heron around our wetlands and this one, like the blue heron just down the boardwalk, was not bothered by me stopping. They might sit still as long as I continue walking, but normally if I stop nearby, they are off to the races!
It has been a strange year for the water hyacinth. I have seen a limited amount of these aquatic bloomers this year, but was glad to see a few last week. I have my own theory. We had an early period of too much water, and then a big drop in levels where it seemed there was too little!
A waning crescent just before sunrise (only a tiny sliver). I call them fingernail moons. The skies are always filled with planes and I often wonder where each one is headed. On any clear morning at sunrise, without fail, there will be vapor trails catching the first light. We currently have no fall travel plans but wish we did. Maybe you are headed somewhere special?
We wish you a pleasant and peaceful first week of autumn. Tomorrow’s the day, the autumnal equinox is here!!
“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’ve never heard of a peanut butter tree, had to look that one up. I like your philosophical question of whether or not we become root bound like plants. Speaking of, my containers are definitely root bound. water just sits before sinking into the soil/roots. Like pumpkin harvesting, I need temps a little cooler to do the work.
Happy Fall, y’all!
Thank you Rita. If we rub a leaf or get really close the tree does smell like peanut butter. I attempted to water a few remaining pots this morning and the water just stands. Everything is compacted. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
So beautiful is our Alabama in every season! Love the egrets and the Peanut Butter Tree!
happy officially Fall Pam and Butch!
Thank you Jenna. The seasons do seem to arrive quickly. We agree, our state has a lot to offer in all seasons. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Good Morning Butch and Pam. I bet you guys are loving the relief from summer. Up here in the midwest we are two seasons at once. Summer flowers holding on and trees beginning to change their colors. We have a problem of letting go and moving forward up here! Love the clouds and rainbow so pretty and magical. Have a good week. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. It is that time when the seasons seem to do battle. Yesterday the temp was within a couple of degrees of being as warm as we’ve seen all summer but not as humid with nights definitely cooler. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
I have never heard of a peanut butter tree, but it is beautiful. Your walks are always informative and have pretty natural elements. Your sunrise shots are the only ones I ever see! I’m not a morning person. I really enjoy them! I enjoyed all the pics. Enjoy your week! Clara❤️
Thank you Clara. Friends gave us the peanut butter tree and the leaves do smell like peanut butter. I’m thinking it’s probably an invasive since it is definitely not native. Pretty, but maybe not a good choice. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Gorgeous. Baked feta in red sauce doesn’t sound high carb (unless it had pasta in it, then all bets are off!) but that foccacia probably rocked the boat! Looks worth it, though. And those stunning herons! I noticed the pumpkin cart is out from our neighboring farm so that’s on my shopping agenda this week! Have a marvelous week!
Thank you Jeanie. The focaccia was enough to sink the ship, along with dessert. We would love to have a nearby pumpkin farm once again. Happy pumpkin shopping. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Hi Butch and Pam! I’m like everyone else and have never heard of peanut butter tree! We have that same silver grass growing here too. I may have mentioned a big tree fell in our pond from the neighbor’s side two years ago. He has promised and promised to remove it, but there it sits annoying me. About a month ago eleven white egrets decided the tree is the perfect place to roost! Every evening around sunset they fly in, and I count to make sure all 11 arrived safely. Seth is really doing some serious work with the clearing project! Maybe he can do some aerial photos for an update! Have a blessed week.
Thank you Roxanne. Maybe the annoying tree has at least provided some enjoyable bird watching and the egrets are hoping it stays. We have several grasses that are similar and vert fall-like but I sometimes have trouble identifying them, keeping them separate. Realizing where they are growing helps to make identification easier. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Happy Fall! Goldenrod will soon be here and the cotton is already starting to bloom here in South Alabama. I’m not scared of skunks – but I think I would run anyway!
Thank you Leslie Anne. Cotton down your way is mostly ahead of our fields I would think. Skunks prefer to be left alone so I think that’s alright with me. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Thank you Butch for another wonderful Sunday photo tour…always looked forward to and always pleasing, entertaining and educational. I learn so much from you. Never heard of a peanut butter tree…it makes me hungry just talking about it as I would like a peanut butter cookie as we speak. The herons are always fun to look at….we have quite a few here in Florida. I have one that visits our home every few weeks. Have a great and Blessed upcoming week. Hugs to Pam and your wonderful family…how nice that Seth is working paths and protection near your home. 🙏🏻🎃🍁🌻🏈🐿️
Thank you Kari. The fact that Seth has equipment and loves to play on it is very helpful. Seems like we have peanut butter every day on something and it’s a must have with grands living nearby. I see where Roxanne has 11 pet herons/egrets coming often. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
You do a wonderful job at capturing the magic of Mother Earth! The peanut butter tree is intriguing and new to me. Wishing you two a wonderful fall!
Thank you Mary. The peanut butter tree was a gift to us two years ago and was certainly new to us. It is growing and the leaves do smell like peanut butter. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
There’s so much to love in this post! I’m happy your knee cooperated on the trail, Butch 🙏 I understand about the beauty of things that are sometimes not natives! The birds were stunning! The boardwalk song ~ yes!
New Mexico is always glorious~ but your homestead and area is as beautiful to me! The mural is wonderful! Movement!
Seth is doing amazing things for that area~ it doesn’t surprise me since he’s your son!
🥰
The Richardson’s know how to work the land! I can only imagine great things coming (and amazing sunflowers too). Yes, gardeners can become root-bound~ but just in time for a winter rest too! Much deserving! Much love and prayers to all
Of you daily! 🙏 🌈 🌻 🎶 🍂 💚☀️
Thank you Karla. Glad someone else remembers “under the boardwalk “. I like your root-bound thoughts especially about winter rest. We are at a place where we should be cutting back but keep finding new projects and new ideas crop up all the time. Thanks for your prayers and we wish you a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
You’re welcome, Butch & Pam! Thank you for your prayers as well, dear friends.
A 40 foot sunflower bed was a lot of work, now I’m looking forward to seeing your hard works flowers. Yes I’m cutting g back spent flowers and the yard looks dead except for the grass. These very cool nights and watering have the grass looking beautiful. I’m not fond of herons. Once I had 14 koi and much to my sorry I’m down to 4. They will be 31 years old in 2026. I have to keep the pond covered or I wouldn’t have these 4. I haven’t seen a pumpkin farm this year. What’s happening? Farmers are going to other produce. I also would like to see an aerial view of Seth’s work. Peanut butter tree??who thought that up? I would probably have o e in my yard if it would grow here. I bought roses and clematis this year and all died except one. Is it my gardening or what? The yard man thinks I bought duds. Anyway I can dream about next year. Have a blessed week Richardson’s🙏🏻
Thank you Alice. I think your climate has ways of being tough on a garden like ours does at times, different challenges but challenges nonetheless. The peanut butter tree does smell like it, especially when you rub the leaves. Most of the country roads we’ve been working on are hidden under a canopy of leaves now but maybe an aerial after some leaves fall would be nice. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Love the sun shots and sl glad you waited a few minutes for that second shot. There’s just something about the light from the setting sun. The birds are so gorgeous and love the fall grasses. I, too, have never heard of a peanut butter tree – so fun. That feta and red sauce appetizer looks so good that I’m going to google it to see if I can find a recipe. Love, love the waning crescent shot – what a great pic. Have a wonderful week Richardson’s and can’t wait to see how the pumpkins are displayed!
Thank you Kim. The baked feta was outstanding. Don’t know if there are any recipes floating around. Pam has a cookbook by the chef at Bottega where I had that dish but I’m not sure that particular recipe is in the cookbook. A recipe for focaccia bread is however and I’m hoping I might find that sitting on the counter one day. I guess that is a strong hint. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
A peanut butter tree? That’s a new one for me. It is so pretty!
Your first photos of the sunset are absolutely gorgeous! I am glad you did not see any skunks!
Your early morning picture and you calling the moon a fingernail moon gave me a chuckle. I call crescent moons a Hey Diddle Diddle moon. 😃
The Herron and egret enjoyed posing for you—such lovely pictures.
I was amazed by your very long raised bed that you made. Wow! The sunflowers should love their new home!
I once again am tardy in commenting. We had a whirlwind trip to Texas for a big celebration, but we are back home in Pennsylvania now.
Happy Fall Y’All!
Thank you Nancy. Peanut butter tree was new to us and to most people. We understand whirlwind trips but glad you are in PA. Should be some nice autumn weather up there soon, leaves turning. We may get a decent rain Thursday. If so, first in quite a while. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Whew…that raised bed and Seth’s project illustrate how industrious are the Richardsons. A peanut butter tree with its very own aroma…surprised it is not
more widely known. The heron photos are a treat, as is the baked feta. That
new town mural looks like an ambitious piece of textile art by a gifted artist.
We have had a few storm days this past week, but time to get out and pick up
the seasonal supply of exterior pumpkins and trimmings. We have cleared and set in place our interior Autumn displays and will soon be ready to break out the Christmas planner. Although saddened by Charlie Kirk’s untimely passing,
we are comforted by the loving and peaceful response his legacy has wrought.
Surrounded by prayer. A blessed Sabbath.
Thank you Mary. The peaceful response you mentioned is a refreshing thing and does add some comfort in this insane evil culture of violence. We began bringing out the fall stuff yesterday, both for the inside and outside. It’s time to move on it because Christmas will be upon us before we blink an eye. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Your sunflower bed is going to be exquisite next year, and I look forward to seeing it. I have never heard of a peanut butter tree! How fun is it at??!! I did enjoy seeing touches of Fall on your walk and thinking of how we may get root bound too, like plants. Happy Fall! 🍁 🍂 🍁
Thank you Kitty. Hopefully the new bed will be helpful with the sunflowers as they struggled this year. The peanut butter tree is new to most everyone it seems. Fall has arrived and we are still thinking of a few more pumpkins. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
The squirrels have discovered our deck planter and just about ruined the contents. They’ve tromped on the Creeping Jenny and eaten all the petunias. We’ve tried all sorts of remedies but so far have not found the solution. Now that fall is here, perhaps I’ll try plastic gourds and pumpkin stack, even SILK plants and flowers. Surely they’d leave those alone! Then again, maybe the nearby nursery can recommend plants they don’t like. Have you been able to discourage squirrels from creating havoc in your gardens?
Thank you Nancy. Squirrels are a big problem. They even gnaw on the picnic table and eat hickory nuts and pine cones on top. So far they’ve not bothered pumpkins and a stray cat that’s hanging around may be discouraging them too. I think what helps us is the abundance of stuff to their liking that’s nearby and all around but not part of our garden or yard. Our petunias were root bound and gone as of this week. Have a good week!
Butch and Pam
Thank you, Pam! It helps to know we’re not alone in our squirrel-struggle!😁
Yay! It is finally autumn! Such a glorious time of the year, and it always makes me think of one of my favorite songs, “Change in the Air” by Clint Black. I think that song perfectly encapsulates the feelings I feel during autumn, but can’t put into words. God bless you all!
So much of nature’s beauty in your post, Pam. I’m sure you worked off that yummy focaccia while hiking around to take all these gorgeous photos.
Amalia
xo