“Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created.”
Psalm 148:4-5 ESV
I suppose February is considered the “dead of winter”. It has been quite cold, below normal, and was breezy and very bitter when I dropped by the lake last week. The old groundhog saw his shadow too, so we could assume everything is dormant and will remain that way for a while yet…or is this really the case?
This caught my eye and definitely had the appearance of a very dormant winter scene. I made my way up on Lookout Mountain and was able to take a short walk on a familiar level trail. Not too far on the “new” knee, but it was nice to get out and enjoy the outdoors, even if only for a brief, easy trek.
Back at home, a short walk provided a peaceful February scene on a chilly but sunny afternoon. And, with the exception of the green of an eastern red cedar, all appears to be continuing a long winter nap. But everything is not always as it appears…
…hidden beneath the twigs of last season’s growth, new life is waiting to burst forth when the time is right. The candy corn spirea is sitting on ready. All isn’t dead, just resting!
Having not walked through the garden lately, February brought some surprises. We set these plants out last year, but not much happened. We had planned on removing them and trying something else. It is an evergreen perennial candytuft and when researched I discovered the peak bloom time is February and March. I suppose that explains why it did not look so well back in August!
The extremely cold nights and frozen soil has not prevented the daffodils from breaking ground. I am not sure if the yellow tips and bands of yellow are normal or a result of the cold. I’ve not observed them closely each year to recall seeing this before. Is this the way they typically look?
My physical therapist happens to be someone we’ve known for years. Pam and I watched him grow up, become a Doctor, and now owner of a rehab facility. While at therapy last week he told me to come over to his place near the river and see all the birds that had shown up. He knew I could view what was going on without walking an excessive distance. Pam and I dropped by. Upon arrival, and after a short walk, this was my first photo! An angle, a view, and look you don’t get very often.
The migration of the white pelicans had begun and they were gathering in the shallows along with a variety of other birds. Fishing must be good here. With gear down, this bird had been cleared for landing…
…and made an easy uneventful landing beyond the other pelicans. The white pelican has webbed feet, three webs connecting four toes. That equipment seems to work great as landing gear as well as swimming!
It seemed everyone was getting along well which makes me think there was an ample supply of food for all species. The coots were happy to be here and even an egret was standing by. The sky was also filled with gulls and other pelicans.
Until recent years, our lakes and rivers were not stopping off places for white pelicans. They now come in autumn and return again in January or February. You just have to know where to find them. I think this was part of my therapy!
As I made my way along the top of Lookout Mountain heading back to the truck, I decided to take a shot of the lake and valley below. While this was truly a winter view, I realized that I might not have the opportunity to be here for a while, and this scenery would undergo changes very soon…groundhog shadow or no groundhog shadow!
While walking through the yard making notes in my mind of all the work that needs to be done prior to spring, I paused directly behind a large cedar to check on a garden spot. I’m was overwhelmed thinking on what I needed to accomplish in the coming weeks, knowing I would not be able to do it all. But at least when I looked up, the sun directly behind the big old tree cast a spiral-like glow on the vines and limbs and I just stood admiring this very simple sight. I didn’t have to do one single thing except “notice”. Pam said her first thought was that it looked like a stained glass window. I determined all the work would wait, getting done when needed, and everything would be alright!
Valentine’s Day means something different to each of us. It can bring rejoicing as well as heartache, excitement as well as grief, and peace as well as longing. Memories, present plans, future plans or no plan at all. But rest assured, all is encompassed by the fact that God’s stedfast love endures forever. I am encouraged when I read Psalm 136…you can read it in 2 minutes…check it out!
On my way home one afternoon, the sky was dark, gray and overcast. I had thought I might see a nice sunset, but too many clouds. The heavens can be full of surprises. In a matter of seconds it seemed the clouds were on fire. I had to pull over and attempt a photo. In less than a minute it faded. Once again I thought…Creation is filled with surprises, and things aren’t always as they appear!
Have a LOVEly Valentine’s 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
Today’s article along with the STUNNING photography, hit my heart and soul deeply. Thinking of the changing seasons, things coming out of dormancy, the cold evenings to the “stain-glassed” tree view, from love and heartache for some on Valentine’s, to the love that surpasses no other~ Christ’s love! That Psalm is one of my favorites, Butch. I’m so happy your knee is getting you to the places you both love in nature! I really want to hire your therapist so I’ll be right down when I can! Tell him it has nothing to do with that pelican and lake view at all!! Wow! What captures! Please give my love to your sweetheart. Thank you both for making our world so beautiful and better! God bless you both!♥️🙏
Thank you Karla. I’m not venturing too far yet on foot but glad to be getting out and about some. I often say happy Valentine’s but in reality holidays and occasions can be hard, sad times too. We noticed a patch of daffodils blooming in the pasture today so I hope to get out there and get some photos for next time. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Good morning Butch and Pam, thank you for the sunrise and sunset photos. I love seeing the flora and fauna too. I know it must be frustrating for Butch thinking of all the things on his to do list that are don’ts right now. We’re in the 20s this morning but warming up to almost 70 on Tuesday which is hard to believe. Wishing you both a wonderful week ahead. Happy Sunday ♥
Thank you Mary. I saw we had some warmer days ahead and that’s good news. I have told myself over and over that the work would wait on me, it’s going no where. But if it hits 70 it will be impossible not to attempt a few things outdoors. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
What a pleasure to have you out and about in Gods beautiful earth. And aren’t you healing so quickly from knee surgery! Must be the care of that sweet wife. The lake holds so much life even if it’s cold. So many different birds. Thank your therapist for letting you know of the many kinds of birds. And he was right there to remind you to only walk on level ground. There is not one bulb or flowering shrub in my frozen yard that’s decided to a show up. But our weather this past week has been in the 60’s. We need moisture and so does the mountains. This will be a water controlled spring and summer I fear. Happy Valentine’s Day Richardson,
Thank you Alice. I thought I read where the snow pack in the mountains was very low. I do have an excellent therapist but I think the real healing place is definitely right here at home. Sounds like you had a warmer week than we did last week. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I really enjoyed the nature shots. The stained glass shot was magical! The pelicans, coots, and egret seemed to be enjoying the lake. After 2 weeks at home because of being iced in, we were able to get out Friday. Once you got out off the icy neighborhood streets, the other streets were clear and normal except for the piles of ice along the edges. The Walmart parking lot had been plowed and the ice was piled up several feet high. At the rate it is melting, it will be several weeks before that stacked up sleet will disappear even in 60 degree weather. Your sights this week were much more pleasant to view than ours although the bright sunshine Friday along with the warmth was indeed a blessing! I had to giggle at the spirea comment that now looks good! Isn’t it nice to discover blooms in the midst of everything else resting? We’re glad to see you’re getting to explore a bit. Don’t let your to do list overwhelm you. Everything will get accomplished in due time hopefully. We’re thankful your knee has made good progress. Enjoy your week! Happy Valentine’s Day to you both! Clara❤️
Thank you Clara. We know you’ve had an icy mess for quite some time and will be glad to see it disappear. We spotted daffodils blooming in the lower pasture on our way to church this morning. That was a surprise. I’ll have to get over and make a few photos of those. And you’re right, the work will take care of itself in due time. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Butch it sounds so great that you are getting out and about. Gorgeous pictures from all the lovely views you could take in on your walk. Everything here in the midwest are diffidently still sleeping for a few more months. It was nice to see life coming back to you in the South. Glad to hear the new knee is getting stronger each day. Wishing both you and Pam a beautiful week and Happy Valentine’s Day. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. Walks are slower and shorter but I’m grateful to be coming along. We spotted some things blooming today we hadn’t noticed and with predictions of a warmer week there might be more discoveries. The weeds are the first to take advantage of longer and milder days. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
That pelican in flight is astounding. And I’m so glad you can finally get out, even if you can’t do the walk you would otherwise do, Once again, gorgeous photos. I wish you both a wonderful Valentine’s Day.
Thank you Jeanie. Getting out a little has been helpful so I’m grateful for the progress. We hope you have a happy Valentine’s and a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Happy Valentine’s week, Butch & Pam. Beautiful imagery of the winter bareness. I don’t recall bands on my daffs, but certainly yellow tips from cold snaps. As far as all the work that needs done, just prioritize what you can do, and either let the rest go or enlist help. Our former landscape got to be just too much, but I am currently happy with being able to handle this one. That is, except for the snow removal! We’ve done most of it, but did enlist a few football players from the university down the block once. It was fun to see them enjoy the work, take care of the chore for us (and a few other neighbors), and to help them with some money.
Thank you Rita. No snow removal on my list, at least not yet, but a lot of other things. We have some work that will require a chain saw. Normally I would do everything including the chain saw but your idea of enlisting help sounds like a good plan this year. Finding people who want to work isn’t so easy these days but you seem to be in a place where that’s not a problem. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Thank you for sharing all the wonderful photos. Glad you are on the road to recovery from your knee replacement.Have a beautiful week ahead.
Thank you Della. I am seeing progress so that keeps us motivated. We should have a nicer week weather wise according to predictions. Hope you have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Such beautiful photos!!! And your suggestion of Psalm 136 fit so well with what is happening in our household of late! I like that pause and to remember that it’s going to be alright… Like mother nature, we are enjoying some of the “resting” phase with suprises underneath. We have had some of the most beautiful blue skies and “sunshine on our shoulders” this week “made us happy” 🎶
Loved Pam’s Valentine’s inspiration post, thank you Pam❣️ Wishing you both a Happy Valentine’s Week and continued healthy recovery and strength.
Thank you Sue. And you know how to get our attention when you mention sunshine on your shoulders. We should hit 70ish degrees tomorrow and the next so that will be nice. I actually mowed winter rye grass Saturday, sitting on a John Deere of course. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Those pelican photos are fabulous! Hope your recovery continues to go well.
Thank you Carole. Recovery seems to be on schedule. We hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I love, love my visits, where you take me on such beautiful walks with God. I also love that you take the time to really see what is given to us to enjoy. so many time I look only at the work that needs to be done and do not take the time to see the tiny buds forming, getting ready to burst forth with beauty. Thank you for the reminder to slow down and really see.
Thank you Nonie. Of my tremendous number of bad habits, always being in a hurry and needing to get to the next thing is a big one for me. I’m trying to be intentional about working on that. Walking around outside helps with that. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Nature never hurries and I think the forest has a way of healing us – one step, one moment in time! Fun captures!
Thank you Mary. I do enjoy seeing the seasons unfold, never too early, never too late, all in its own time. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Another wonderful virtual visit Butch…after coming home from church, we started watching the Olympics and will follow that with the Super Bowl… so seeing all your beautiful outside photos allows the Captain and I to imagine we are outside and walking (or driving) around enjoying the views God provides, instead of being glued to the boob tube. LOL So we are living vicariously through you and sweet Pam. The sunrise and sunset photos are amazing and the white pelicans are so cool. We have both the large white and the smaller Brown pelican here in SW Florida and I always find it interesting in the different ways they feed. I can sit and watch them for hours…as I can all birds. Enjoy your walks, as you will soon be going farther and longer as you once did. Congratulations to you and to your caregiver. hugs and blessings.🥰🙏🏻
Thank you Kari. I think the white pelicans nest in the country’s interior on up into Canada. We never had them swinging by and stopping off here but we do now. I can’t remember the first time I saw them here but for me it’s only been a few years although time does get by. I think the brown pelicans are still only seen in the coastal areas. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Love the photos of the Sunset, the Mountain view & the silhouette of the trees, all breathtaking!
Great to hear that you’ve been able to get out & about Butch, God’s creation is so very healing for the soul.
Blessings to you & Pam, Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. There is something healing about being able to spend time outdoors. I do hope to do more of it as the weeks are heading toward spring here in the northern latitudes. We wish you a wonderful week ahead!
Butch and Pam
What wonderful therapy in seeing the pelicans and the beautiful sky views! Happy Valentine’s week to both of you and yes His mercy endures forever ❤️
Thank you Kitty. Getting out and about is good therapy and a blessing. By His mercy I have been able to be moving again. We hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Butch, you are making excellent progress. It is okay to say “I just can’t do this right now”. Keep reminding yourself it is just temporary. But I will admit there were things I had to let go in my yard last year because of my back surgery, and now I can’t wait to get out there and do it myself (the way I want it done!). It sounds like your PT truly understands you and will get you back to doing what you love. Your pictures really look like the dead cold of winter, but you found some promises of Spring. I am loving the longer daylight hours!
Thank you Roxanne. I saw an interesting map of daylight gains in the month of February for different latitudes and we gain about 55 minutes this month. You should be about the same. And I do understand “the way I want it done”. We spotted some daffodils blooming in the pasture this morning. Got to get out tomorrow for a closer look. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful post.I hope you are on the mend,with a complete recovery. Happy February days, dear friends.
Thank you Maristella. I’m coming along fine I do believe. We hope you have a February filled with pleasant days!
Butch and Pam
How nice to see you getting out and about! Very quick healing! I am so happy for you!
Your photos are spectacular, but that last sunset, all dressed in reds, is breathtaking. And so is the stained-glass photo, along with all the pelicans. I guess I can not choose a favorite!
Have a Happy Valentine’s Day, and your anniversary is coming up as well, right?
Enjoy, my friends!
Thank you Nancy. You have a great memory and are very thoughtful…we do celebrate 53 years on the 23rd. I hope you are doing well after your surgery. It’s a slow go at best. I’m glad to be moving about somewhat and especially on a day like today, sunny and 70 degrees here. Have a wonderful Valentine’s week!
Butch and Pam
Butch, I am so glad that your knee is recovering and you are able to get out and about – at least a bit. It sounds like your physical therapist knew exactly what you would like – those pelican photos are fabulous and what an amazing landing that you caught! The sky shots are always so cool and I am so happy that you are seeing signs of spring after the very cold spell that you have had. I looked at the photo of the light through the trees several times but my brain keeps telling me it’s a forest fire – must be something left over from all the nasty forest fires we have had here in the past. I too am appreciating the slightly longer days here. Have a wonderful Valentine’s week you two!
That sky photo is amazing! I pray that your healing and recovery from knee surgery are still going well. God bless you all!
Thanks Cheryl. I do seem to be doing well according to the PT folks. I understand it takes about 6 months for all swelling to go away. That’s a big challenge. Have a great Sunday!
Butch and Pam
I know you must be thrilled to be out and about Butch. It definitely lifts the spirits when there is so much beauty to observe especially with the promise of spring. We had a real taste of winter at the beginning of February with three consecutive nights of record-breaking subfreezing temperatures in our area of Florida. Lots of work in the gardens for us all but take it slow.
Thank you Karen. We read of the record low temps in a number of places in Florida. It seemed that particular cold blast just penetrated deeper south than most do. It’s quite warm here presently but we will have more cold before it’s gone for good. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam