“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.”
Isaiah 40:28 ESV
When you’re unable to venture very far, but still long for a taste of how everything looks from the outside rather than an inside…you must call on your people and send them on a mission. A sunny winter day early last week made for a nice walk to the mailbox, and Pam took advantage of the opportunity, making a few photos along the way!
I have a drone, and while it isn’t a toy, it is very inferior to the equipment and expertise of Appalachian Media. Seth flew up and away behind the house and lined up with a transmission line that goes to nearby Weiss Lake. A zoom lens is a must for this type of shot. The lake and the Appalachian foothills that we have shown at times in the Sunday blog can be seen quite well on a winter day from this vantage point. Again, it is good to have your folks out and about when you are sort of confined to the house!
All sorts of winter storm predictions and possibilities for our area floated around last week, but as roving photographer PJ discovered Tuesday…the daffodils haven’t received the message.
A pair of northern flickers dropped by close enough for me to observe them one afternoon. These woodpeckers are commonly known as yellowhammers. The yellowhammer is our state bird. The yellow however, is under the wings and tail and noticeable mainly during flight. A red band on the nape is an identifiable marking.
While the flickers were foraging just behind this snowball viburnum, another of our woodpeckers was hiding out only a few feet away. Can you spot the yellow-bellied sapsucker in the viburnum? We have 9 different woodpeckers in Alabama. This one is only here in the cooler months.
The yellow-bellied sapsucker is shy when I try to sneak up for a real close photo, but this cardinal, watching from about 3 feet away, seems to be of no concern to the small woodpecker.
While sitting almost in the dark with an ice pack on my knee, I was treated to a neat moment quite by accident. Pam had placed a single rose, a leftover from an arrangement she had prepared earlier, in this vase on the counter. There are only a few days all year where the angle of the sun just before sunset sends a stream of light through the side door and across the counter top. This vase, placed here out of the way to be moved later, was perfectly situated for the very brief passing moment. You know I have a thing about reflections too. And I didn’t have to roam anywhere!
The winter landscape has its own architectural beauty. Once again, Pam’s trip to the mailbox was productive, even though all was junk mail. Do you receive a lot of junk mail?
It was cool but sunny and our patio is on the south side of the house, shielded from the north wind. So, I decided I had to get outside, even if only a few feet from the back door. I had orders from the caregiver to not be roaming any further and to keep my phone handy. I like to always be looking up and this day was no different. These turkey vultures, known mostly to us as buzzards, came circling around overhead so I made a photo and sent Pam (who was just inside) a text. I said these buzzards have spotted me and are thinking that I’m not looking so good and they won’t leave. She doesn’t always understand my humor, and sometimes understands, but doesn’t necessarily appreciate…this being one of those instances! I did get to stay out a while longer though.
When putting away Christmas decorations, it is always needful to toss old used ornaments that have served their purpose. Sometimes I keep a few from the trash bin to use as outdoor displays and I hang them in different places to see if anyone will notice. Even with numerous trips to the Sunshine Cottage, my green bird was not discovered by Pam until last week. I’m not able to roam and get a lot of pictures of real birds, so Pam decided to provide me with a bird picture. I was excited when she announced, “I have a neat photo of a bird for your post next week”. That declaration brought anticipation. The joke was then on me I guess, so I decided to make the best of it. I suppose it was a payback for the buzzard thing!
Pam asked, “why are we taking a camera to physical therapy”? Well, because we could be greeted by a ring-billed gull just outside our car door in the parking lot. Pam said we needed to show the gull because he matches our weather. I agree. We are on the borderline of possible freezing rain, or only a cold rain. It’s “iffy”. Many of you are really taking a hit with winter weather precipitation. It does appear this entire week will be extremely cold where we live, far below normal. We pray you fare well if you are being impacted by the big winter storm!
Winter honeysuckle, we wish you could smell it! You have to get a bit closer to enjoy the fragrance than you do when the wild honeysuckle blooms here in May…but what a sweet fragrance to find on a grey January afternoon. With permission (and assistance), I was able to ease into the yard and check it out.
Physical Therapy (PT) is critical to proper recovery after something like knee replacement. I am working with therapy 7 days a week, traveling to the rehab facility some of those days. However, the chief team of therapists are providing in-house critical care that is vital to getting well. This therapy session, for example, was all encompassing, bringing emotional, mental, and physical renewal. Mind, body and soul!
Our mid-week was actually quite nice and the heavens displayed that which is typical for many of our winter days. As we completed today’s post, it did appear that perhaps our area will be spared the brunt of the current winter storm that is sweeping across such a huge part of the country. Time will tell!
I’m thankful for the progress that I’m making, which included being able to ride the golf cart down the trail near the barn to get a better view of the late afternoon sky on Friday. Another day came to a close. The end of one thing simply initiates the beginning of another…sunrise, sunset…seedlings turn overnight into sunflowers!
Have a wonderful week! Seek warmth for the body and the heart!
“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
Love the Wedgwood photo-I have the same iconic little pitcher. Yes, the reflection makes the photo extra special.
Glad you have a good PT team there. It will be two weeks tomorrow since I had mine. Coming along.
Best wishes and happy knee bending!
Thank you Ruthie. Didn’t know you were having a knee done too. Isn’t that bending so much fun! It’s slow but sure. Glad you are coming along. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I’m grateful to hear that you are making progress, Butch, and definitely on the mend. I love that you are back to photography and getting out a bit and love the ornament idea! Nice luck with the rose/vase, too. And daffodil shoots! It gives me hope! Here in Michigan, they are deep in the ground (I hope) as temps are sub-zero. I hope you escape the ice and snow I’ve seen, which (so far) has missed us here in my part of Michigan. Of course, that’s just this week. Meanwhile, good luck with PT — I love PT. If one is committed, then it is almost no-fail. You’ll be back to everything”normal” soon!
Thank you Jeanie. We are located in an area where enough warm air from the gulf drifted north and so far all we have is rain. We are surrounded by places that have ice and snow but I think all we will have is a bitter cold week. Your daffodils are in a safe place for now. We wish you a great week and hope you will keep warm!
Butch and Pam
With all the country under a deep freeze it’s nice to know that not everything is covered with ice and snow. The winter honeysuckle is a precursor of things to come. Things are looking up here with a low this morning so far of 7. We’ve had minus temperatures this past week. Yesterday my church group delivered meals to 6 firehouses. While I enjoyed being with everyone and meeting the firefighters I was glad to get home and out of the snow. All this bundling up to stay warm will wear a person out. I especially think your PT group is the best possible healing a guy could have. Healing personified.. so glad you don’t have ice. Be well Butch.
Thank you Alice. We are in that one swath that seems to only have a cold rain and we are grateful. We may have single digit temps tomorrow night which is rare for us. I’m hoping my PT people will stop in for another workout this afternoon. As someone already mentioned, the PT is a good and necessary thing. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
I’m glad to read your PT is going well and you’re being compliant, Butch! You have a great team surrounding you. We are right, smack dab on the line of freezing rain, happening since 6am and forecast to go through noon-1pm, then rain, and back to snow early evening. Not fun, praying for electric to stay on.
Thank you Rita. We hope you manage to keep electricity. Ice is the worst case. We are only getting rain which should end this afternoon. Then bitter cold all week, at least for what we are accustomed to. A lot of people have generators but we’ve never invested in one. I do think I’m being reasonably compliant, not perfect but reasonable. Have a wonderful week in spite of the weather!
Butch and Pam
Best wishes on your continued recovery from your knee replacement. Yes, do your physical therapy consistently, it is so important for mobility and to prevent complications. Your eye for photography is amazing, the photo of the vase is stunning. The light on the front, the dark behind it, the reflection, the rose, this is a show stopper! Consider entering it in a photo contest.
Thank you Carole. It’s interesting that I made that vase photo with a 600mm lens from my stool only a few feet away. I had my camera lying nearby with the long lens on in case I spotted something out the window. I didn’t know how that would turn out. Everyone encourages the PT and I’m following that advice even though it can be rough! Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Glad to hear you’re doing so well. The PT with the grands is the best! We have ice this morning here in SE Texas, but thankfully not as bad as predicted. The wind is blowing like crazy so it feels much colder. A severe thunderstorm blew through at 4:00 this morning. The lightning was spectacular. My grandmother always said if it thunders in January, it will frost in April. The next two nights we drop into the teens with wind chills in the single digits or negatives. Yikes! Hope the winter storm missed you entirely. We also get way too much junk mail.
Thank you Rachel. Yes, because of what the meteorologist are calling a tongue, where a low drifted from the gulf into Alabama, we are getting a cold rain. It’s 39 now. I was surprised to see on the maps how far down in Texas this stuff was predicted. I believe it is supposed to be near 70 after while in south Alabama with a threat of tornadoes. That was the original forecast anyway. Crazy weather indeed. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Loved the pictures, especially the Wedgewood vase with the rose. Your at home therapy team looks great! They will keep you on track for sure! We’ve had mostly sleet since late Friday night. We are getting freezing rain also and just a bit snow. It is extremely cold for these southern bones! I’ve hung heavier curtains throughout the house the past few days in hopes that it will help. We’ll be inside for the next several days as we are in single digit temps. Be safe. Clara❤️
Thank you Clara. We saw photos from your area. Wasn’t sure if it was sleet snow or ice but maybe it’s a little of all. Staying inside for a few days sounds like a good idea if you can do that. Keeping electricity is the big deal for everyone and I imagine many will lose power and already have. Stay warm and have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Good morning, dear Richardsons! I am happy to be writing with heat and lights during this storm! Getting itchy to be outside is a great sign you are making excellent progress, Butch!! Your cute nurse is going to have her hands full keeping the patient reeled in. Wow, is Queen EK the spitting image of her Da. The picture of Pam’s pitcher is quite beautiful. And I love seeing Seth’s and Pam’s shots while the leaves are down, a totally different perspective. The sleet has turned the ground completely white here and freezing rain is pinging. There is a ton of birdseed in saucers and feeders on our deck, and we are doing a booming business especially cardinals and Carolina wrens. Big pot of grits simmering and praying the lights stay on. The good Lord surely has protected us from this storm.
Thank you Roxanne. Grits, what a comfort on a day like today and you have those local grits if I recall. We hope you and others can hang on to electricity. We are only getting a lot of rain thus far. I pray for all the people on crews that are out working in all this to get things going and help folks. We’re seeing mostly wrens and cardinals here too and the bird seed is a popular item. I don’t have to go anywhere but PT so I guess we will hunker down and do a little reading maybe. Have a cozy week!
Butch and Pam
Sixteen years ago I had both knees replaced at the same time. PT can be a bear, but that and prayer and the love of your beloved family will get you through. I look forward to reading your posts every Sunday and soon you will be on your way to seeing God’s beautiful creation through your own eyes and sharing those views with the rest of us. God bless you and your loved ones.
Thank you Mary. O my, both knees at one time. Bless you. That’s a challenge for certain. Prayers and PT are definitely the necessary things for getting back to some normalcy. With our current weather, not being able to get out doesn’t hurt quite as bad as it would if it were sunny and 75. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
That rose in the Wedgewood vase was gorgeous! I needed that today. It brought me peace.
I am so glad you are doing well. And using your camera a bit. Keep up the good work, my friend! And your PT team is exceptional!
Enjoy your Sunday!
Thank you Nancy. Pam had plans to use the wedgewood but changed her mind and happened to leave it in that spot with a rose in it. Good timing. I’m hoping the same PT team can drop by again this afternoon otherwise I’ll have to do all my in house therapy today on my own. My caregiver is attending church but I have orders to stay in my spot. She knew with our weather so bad that I wouldn’t sneak out. Hope you have a tremendous week!
Butch and Pam
Sabbath blessings to you both. And thank you for this beautiful, assuring verse from Isaiah. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.”
Isaiah 40:28 ESV
I hope you are safe and cozy today.
Thank you Linda. Of late, I have started reading all of Isaiah 40 daily. It’s a great chapter, not that there are anything but good chapters. Some just hit us where we are at particular times and seasons. Right now we are cozy but many are having a rough time with this weather. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Nice capture of the lone rose in the vase with the stream of light. So beautiful. I am glad to hear you are moving forward with healing and PT. When you get your strength back and your knee is healed fully you will feel like a new man. Ha Ha about Pam capturing your green bird too cute. Have a good start to the new week. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. I guess whatever the Dr placed in my knee is the newest part of me. Most people I have spoken with that have had replacements say it’s rough for a while but in the end they are glad they had it done. Hopefully that will be my story as well. We hope you stay warm and have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Butch you amaze me with your photos week after week…even if you have to delegate your photo taking…your cohorts comply! Great job with outside and inside pics. Your PT team always make me smile especially WL…I think it is his smiling eyes but he always makes my day. Your lovely caretaker is doing a great job… as you have found out… what would we do without them? The Captain is still taking care of me, even though I insist I am capable of doing so myself.
When we lived in N.M. I would find orange or yellow feathers from the flickers. Both birds were abundant but evidently careless because the feathers were almost a weekly find in our yard. For some reason, the beautiful coral feather or two fascinated me, although the yellow ones were beautiful too. I am sure Pam told you about the yellow cardinals on the Atlantic coast that I posted on my blog last week…oh how I wish I could see one personally, particularly because I love the size, color, shape and conical beak of the red cardinal (love your pic near the flicker) and I know the yellow cardinal would leave me breathless. Our God is amazing, isn’t He? Take care and Blessings Always.🙏🏻
Thank you Kari. I read your blog last week and that yellow cardinal was a beautiful bird. I enjoyed your post. It would be quite a treat to actually see a yellow one. I don’t recall ever seeing a painted bunting but the next time we are in Florida I will be on the lookout. I know what you mean about the blessing of a caregiver even though I also insist on doing things now that I believe I can do but I’m not allowed! Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Sounds like your therapy sessions are going well, Butch, but I sure do like your emotional, mental, and physical therapists the best! Aren’t they the cutest??!! We are having very frigid temperatures here and I couldn’t even open my mailbox because it was frozen shut. Thank you for the beautiful nature photos. I loved seeing the flickers especially. The birds at my feeders are stocking up.
Hope you both have a wonderful week. ❤️
Thank you Kitty. So far nothing here is frozen but that should change tonight. The rain has stopped so maybe we will escape any real problems. Probably some icy roads etc in the morning because everything is so wet. Therapy is going well but the home therapists are the best. Hope you can stay warm and have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Oh Butch, I love your musings. All the nature, scripture, details – makes me feel as though I am over visiting you and Pam. It’s just such a joyful blog and I truly am blessed I found you – may be late to the party but not sorry I am here!!! And one last thing- take care. I am saying prayers for your recovery. You have many miles to walk still, my friend – so do everything they tell you to do. God bless. Our God is a healing God! ♥
Thank you Michele. So appreciate your encouraging words and prayers. I’m doing my best to do what I am instructed to do, knowing that’s part of the recovery process. God is the ultimate One to bring true healing. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Butch you are so lucky to have such a devoted nurse and in home therapists…they are the absolute best. I’m happy to learn that the worst of the weather is skipping you. It is 73 and sunny here in my area of Florida but tomorrow the high will be 53. It sure beats our former home in New Hampshire where they have already had 16 inches of snow as of this morning and it is still snowing. It is beautiful but it is also why we moved south.
Thanks Karen. We were fortunate here as far as the way the ice and snow skipped us. It may hit 8 or 9 degrees tonight and only reached 29 this afternoon but we have electricity and my therapy folks and nurse are near. I know NH is beautiful and we hope to visit there sometime in the fall season but 73 (even53) and sunny sounds very appealing. Enjoy your week!
Butch and Pam
Butch, the pictures are gorgeous, especially considering your knee and limited mobility. Pam did you proud (of course she did!) and so did Seth. Love the picture of the sky with the wispy clouds and the bird shots are fab. Glad to hear that you are recuperating and how great to have such a wonderful PT team to keep your spirits up. I’m also glad to hear that Fern missed you – I’ve been watching here from Calgary and she was a nasty one. Stay warm down there and have a wonderful rest of the week!
Thank you Kim. Fern was a bit crazy in Alabama. We had rain at our place, but many had an ice storm, some had sleet, some snow, and there were tornadoes in south Alabama. It is very cold for us and will be for a while it appears…not Calgary cold of course. My PT people are taking good care and I’m trying to follow orders. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Your three little therapists will have you on the mend in no time! I’m also glad you are adopting the pace of nature in your healing process. All our best to you and Pam. 💖💖💖
Thank you Mary. The pace of nature is sometimes hard for an impatient person like myself but it is definitely the way to go. And definitely the 3 little therapists are bringing healing of all kinds. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
So glad you have been able to get out to see a sunset Butch & your team are so very cute.
Blessings to you both, Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. A cute team really helps with the healing. We hope you’re having a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I pray your recovery is continuing to go well! You certainly have some sweet little therapists! May the Lord continue to bless you all!
Thank you Cheryl!