“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:25-26 ESV
Last week was warm for January, but most days were filled with clouds. This was Monday, which turned out to be our best day overall to see a lot of sky. Pam asked if I made this photo on the lake. The orange at the bottom does in fact look like a reflection off the water. The sun is below the horizon however, and this is all sunlight reflecting upward on clouds! (And you know I always like to catch those vapor trails)
It was rainy and misty all day Tuesday but not cold. I was very surprised when I looked out and saw dozens of birds gathered in the pasture that were behaving like robins behave. There was a reason they looked like and acted like…robins. Groups of robins are normal migrating visitors, and we always love to call them our pre-spring guests, indicating spring is around the corner. I do fear they are in reality a little ahead of schedule this year!
A few minutes after the robins all flew to the next pasture, this young buck came along and decided to bathe or primp right out in front of the pumpkins. What’s interesting is that I have observed this little guy several times over the past few weeks and he has a noticeable limp. I got a better look on this day and it appears he favors his left front leg. But, I could not see any outward sign of injury. I’m thinking he will be fine.
We recently cited a few plants that seemed to be season disoriented since we’ve had some warm days from time to time. These turkeys are at a spot about 50 yards from where the deer in the previous photo was standing (not at the same time). The gobblers once again were doing their best to rush spring and convince the ladies it is March. The girls weren’t going along with this nonsense!
Many wildlife species have made great comebacks or expanded their range in recent years. That has given us opportunities to experience wildlife at home or close to home that in times past would not have been the case. Admittedly, there are a few species that are not native to the area that we aren’t excited about. Sandhill cranes are back in large numbers and we are happy about that. These birds weren’t at our place but were discovered only a short drive northeast in the neighboring county. We are only a couple of miles from the county line.
Our spot on the river was so calm and peaceful early Friday morning. And no, I wasn’t there, but Seth gets by here often. Richardson Landworks crafted the road and cleared out a nice recreational area where one day we might build a gazebo. Just a thought. Taking a picnic table this spring may be a simpler way to enjoy hanging out. The grands like to ride down here and the girls are now able to ride their mountain bikes on the trail. This calm was before the storm however, as later Friday and most of Saturday brought thunderstorms, heavy rain, flash flooding, and even a tornado watch. We fared well, just quite wet outside!
I couldn’t bring myself to try the river walk Friday morning. I have a strict caregiver who cracks the whip and means business with her instructions, which I follow to the letter, (at least for a while). I remained at home with my new companion, the ice pack!
As I mentioned earlier, it was last Monday that brought us some sun, sky, and a very nice close to a pleasant early January day. This is looking east, over the pumpkin graveyard, and away from the evening sun!
Turning west, the sun had dropped below the horizon already. I rarely catch a sunset from the back of this pasture, but it gives a decent view in winter when the deciduous trees are bare!
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
Thankful that you have had surgery on your knee and came through it with your humor in tact. Bird watching and beautiful photos of sun rising snd sun setting are in your near future. Behaving and following doctors (Pam) orders right now in order so that those long walks we love can again bring us the beauty of Gods earth. Maybe a few good desserts that come from Pam’s kitchen with speed healing. Have a blessed week ahead Richardson’s.
Thank you Alice. I like the dessert idea but must proceed with caution since there won’t be much walking for a while. I can see a few lbs in my future if I don’t watch it. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
I caught an early flight this morning and was able to see the sun rise over the eastern skyline. Your photos are just as gorgeous from a different perspective. – Isn’t it grand?
Thank you Leslie Anne. Pam mentioned the reason for your trip. Prayers for you all. Have a safe journey.
Butch and Pam
Happy to see your knee surgery is behind you now, Butch. I wondered if we would have a SSS this week, and am happy we do. Strict caregivers tend to deliver the best outcomes, so you better be on your best behavior in compliance!
We had a most unusual visitor this week ending – a snow goose! He/she is a single, and one friend wondered if the goose didn’t get lost from its group during some of these high winds we’ve had over the past couple weeks. Winds are kicking up again today, so perhaps the bird will continue south and east.
Have a good week, work hard in PT!
Thank you Rita. Interesting about the snow, I figured they were always at least in pairs and right now in groups. Probably lost as you said. Have a w/ week!
Butch and Pam
Butch, please accept my apology for being behind on you and Pam journey! Including your knee! I read where you had surgery and I’m so happy you’re recovering!
Your pictures do not need any repair, however!
I enjoyed your captures of the sunset. A cardinal appeared in my yard the other day with 75 degree weather. They are confused! The Sandhill Cranes are gorgeous! Turkeys just know don’t they? And the robins will be here sooner every year it seems!
The gazebo sounds like a great idea!
Your first verse hit home! It’s exactly as I feel!
Thank you for always sharing the beauty of nature (and the vapors lol! They’re in several
Of mine lately! lol). God bless you and Pam so much! I will continue praying for your healing. Please give her my love too! 💚🙏
Thank you Karla and good to hear from you. We’ve had the unusually warm weather too but beginning today it looks like a cold seasonal week. But I don’t have to venture out in the cold except for PT trips. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
You’re welcome!! If it’s anything like Missouri, our weather goes up and down like a bouncy ball! Oh my! Take care and prayers and blessings to you all!
Good Morning!
I am so glad you are home and icing your knee! Praise the Lord!
Your PT people are going to love you and your humor! And listen to your caregiver, she is a cutie!
How fun to see the Sandhill Cranes. And such a large number. I have seen one or two and never that many.
Your skies are always so pretty. I always enjoy them.
I pray that all goes well with your healing and that you stay ahead of the pain.
I think I will graduate from PT next week!
Happy Sunday, Folks!
Thank you Nancy. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation. I think PT actually stands for physical torture. Ice packs are good though. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
As always, beautiful photos of the nature all around you. Kudos to Pam, the care giver. All the best for a quick recovery. Follow Pam’s directions! I have an appointment with my surgeon this week. My right knee has not been in recent months. I think it needs to be assessed as it is the same leg as my hip replacement.
Happy New Year!
Thank you Sarah. It seems when one thing wears out sometimes it has already put unnoticed stress on other areas and that can show up later. Hopefully your knee will improve. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
So happy your knee surgery went well. Love seeing the birds. Glad you are being a good patient and resting. Have a good week. Hugs. Kris @junkchiccottage.
Thank you Kris. I’m at a disadvantage and must behave for now. I’ve been good, so far.
Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
I believe you have the best caregiver ever. I know she will make sure you heal properly so that you can continue your walks. I couldn’t believe the photo of the Sandhill cranes, the most I’ve seen together was a family of four, walking together on the busy street outside our development.
Thank you Karen. My caregiver is the best and I’m complying so far. We see large groups of sandhills now but this only in recent years. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I hope your knee heals well, do your physical therapy, it makes a huge difference in recovery and range of motion. Good for Pam for being such a good caregiver. Gorgeous birds today.
Thank you Carole. Everyone says doing the PT is key. I think the therapist and my in house caregiver will whip me back in shape. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Butch, sending you healing wishes for a speedy recovery so you can embrace the great outdoors again soon! Blessings to your sweet caregiver! 💕💕💕
Thank you Mary. I’m up some today but having to embrace the outdoors through the window, but that’s ok for now. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Wishing you a full and quick recovery. That does NOT look pleasant at all — and yes, keep it iced and elevated. PT is great; they know just what to do! So glad you have an in-home caregiver — taking care of each other is so important. I’ve heard knee surgery is a bear, so hang in there! (And loved the birds and sunset too!)
Thank you Jeanie. The therapist is good and we’ve known him since he was a kid. He’s now a Dr and owns the business so we are proud of his accomplishments. And I threatened him if he hurts me (ha). Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Oh, there’s a few limpy characters in this post – hope everyone gets better, humans and bucks alike! All the best for 2026, regards, Linda x
Thank you Linda. I saw the deer again and he’s doing better than I am at the moment. But I’m coming along too. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Oh Butch, I can sympathize with you as I had knee surgery about 10 years ago and I am sure they have come a long way since then, but it did take me awhile to get back to ‘normal’ whatever that is. Turning it all over to HIM (which I am sure you have) is the only way. And you are right PT is a bear and so is learning to walk (balance) with a cane. LOL. I had 3 different types of canes until I graduated to complete removal. I also had a caregiver…I tend to equate him with a drill instructor although he would disagree with that assessment! 🥰
We always love your photos and I especially loved the one of the River as I imagined the memories you all would make on the family picnics with lots of food and laughter.
Take care of yourself and give our love to your sweet caregiver because I know the extra care she is giving you.
Thank you Kari. Seth sent me a photo of the river today after about 5 inches of rain. Maybe I can show it next week. I know the PT is tough but I will do what they say. Surviving the in-house PT might be the challenge but so far I’m behaving. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Hi Butch and Pam, so glad the surgery is behind you and things can be onward and upward now! Welcome to the Bionic People Club!! Looking at that picture, I bet right now you are thinking “why did I do this”. But you have an excellent and very cute nurse taking care of you, so that is a major blessing. It has turned significantly colder here today and the weather guys are talking the “snow word”, so it is a good time to stay inside and obey orders. Prayers will continue for a speedy and complete recovery.
Hi Roxanne and thank you. You are correct, when the effects of the “controlled substances “ wore off that day I was thinking “what made me think this was a good idea”? And then the cute nurse came by and that automatically eased the pain. Colder here too but I don’t think I’ve heard the snow word yet. Have a good week!
Butch and Pam
So enjoyed your fabulous photos! You live in such beautiful country…
Good to hear you are through surgery and on to recovery, so fun that you both have such a fun sence of humor while taking care…continued healing wishes and prayers…
Thank you Sue. A sense of humor is hopefully a part of recovery and surely helps. My caregiver may lose her sense of humor having to deal with me but so far it’s going well.
Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Praise God your surgery went ahead Butch & all seems to be going well! And as you recover you get to spend time being spoilt by your sweet wife!
I thought the opening photo may have been water too but on closer inspection I realised not. We have some welcomed rainfall atm after a heatwave that went through this past week.
Bush fires unfortunately have claimed thousands of acres in the state of Victoria with a whole village burnt to the ground & sadly a life lost thus far in our Summer. But we know to be continuely on watch as our Aussie bush can go up in flames very quickly & without warning.
Continuing to pray for complete healing for you Butch.
Blessings to both you & Pam, Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. All went well and I’m in good hands at home. Sorry to hear of the fires and loss of property and life. We pray for relief for your people and places. The Aussie bush and many other parts of Australia are places I’ve wanted to visit since I was young. Glad we can visit through you. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
We’re so happy your surgery is over and you’re working on recovery. The pictures are all good. The nature shots are great and the sky shots full of beautiful colors. Take it easy and please continue to listen to your caregiver! Clara❤️
Thank you Clara. My week was short last week so not too many photos but you do what you can. I’m listening to the caregiver who is pretty strict by the way. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
It keeps telling me I’ve already said this, but it doesn’t post. So trying again.
As always, beautiful photos of the nature all around you. Kudos to Pam, the care giver. All the best for a quick recovery. Follow Pam’s directions! I have an appointment with my surgeon this week. My right knee has not been in recent months. I think it needs to be assessed as it is the same leg as my hip replacement.
Happy New Year!
Beautiful photos…love seeing the wildlife and glorious sunsets! Prayers for a speedy recovery for your knee Butch. Follow your caregiver’s and PT’s orders. Thinking of you both, stay warm and cozy this week. ♥
Thank you Mary. I’m doing well and definitely trying to follow orders while at the same time trying to figure out a way to get photos for next Sunday. It’s definitely cooling off. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
I hope you recover quickly from your surgery. I enjoyed the wildlife you photographed. Such fun to see turkeys. Take care and have a great week.
Thank you Leslie. Hopefully the wildlife will come even closer and drop by where I can view out the windows these next few days. I need interesting things to show up since I’m not able to travel very far. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful sunset photos Butch, and oh my, those flocks of feathered friends are terrific. I hope those robins aren’t heading north in January because even though it’s been unseasonably warm here (+15 predicted for Wednesday), this is definitely a weather anomaly and there are rumblings about a polar vortex event coming our way. And we still have February and March to get through. So please stay there sweet birdies where it’s warm(er). I’m so glad your knee surgery is behind you Butch and best wishes for a quick recovery. I laughed at PT standing for physical torture lol. Have a great week you two!
Thank you Kim. You are right about the robins, it would be a mistake to head north prematurely. We aren’t fond of those polar vortex events either as they often penetrate the deep south. Enjoy your nice temp tomorrow and have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Pam, a very belated Happy New Year to you, friend. I’m struck that even though we’re hundreds of miles away that sky looks the same and the robins are still migrating. God’s creation is full of mystery and wonder, isn’t it . . .
Yes, creation is full of wonder! How great is our Creator!!
Hi Butch, prayers for you that you have a speedy recovery on your knee. I’m sure that you have the best nurse to care for you!
The nature photos are so amazing with all the wildlife and then those majestic skies!
Have a wonderful week of rest and healing.
Thank you Kitty. The grueling but necessary rehab has started but I do have the number one nurse. Makes it much better. Have a wonderful evening!
Butch and Pam
Praise our loving Lord that
the surgery has been accomplished and that your recovery is being tended by His healing
mercies and Pam’s devoted
care. I suspect my former
message.was.lost into cyberspace, but you have
been covered in prayer
throughout, to be continued until your return to that wonderous trailblazing you do in that
beautiful corner of AL Be
determined and patient and it will happen surpringly soon.
been enclosed in prayer throughout until you are back to taking your long
and productive nature
.
Thank you Mary. I too am glad the surgery is behind as I’ve needed it several years. I’m so impatient and need recovery to happen in a blink. We all know that isn’t the way things go in the real world. My caregiver is highly aware of my ways and is keeping a close watch. We appreciate your prayers and wish you a blessed evening!
Butch and Pam
Nature in your part of the world is simply stunning. Hope you get well soon.
Amalia
xo
Thanks so much, Amalia!
I pray your injury is healing well! May God bless you all!