“Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!”
Psalm 113:2-3 ESV
Tuesday was a pleasant morning considering it is February, and the sunrise was an undeniable blessing and gift to get us moving along our way. We had a busy day planned, and this was an immediate reminder that the Sunrise/Sunset Designer is also the One who is always sovereign over our days (and our nights), and our plans!
Pam utilized 2 potted hyacinths last spring for a table she was presenting. Some time later I was in the process of cleaning things up and putting pots away. Pam reminded me those now faded plants were bulbs. I had cleared out my place where I always plant lantana and left nothing but soil and bark in the space. So, putting the plants/bulbs in the ground rather than tossing them seemed like a reasonable idea…nothing to lose. I placed the leftover hyacinths in places where I would not set lantana plants. Now, it appears those potted plants will be hanging on for another spring to give us a nice showing long before it is lantana planting time again! We never knew they survived!
I tried to roam around a bit during this past week to see what wild flowers might be sneaking out of hiding. After all, we enjoyed several days in the 70’s and 80 on Thursday. A spring tease maybe, but this creeping sorrel took advantage of it anyway!
This photo is not upside down although it certainly looks that way. This is all reflection. I dropped by our little recreation spot on the river and discovered the river was very calm with almost no noticeable flow, and no wind. It is very rare to find all these forces at rest!
This is actually upside down. I only removed the watermark which of course would’ve appeared upside down. What appears to be sky and clouds is water…a reflection in the river…the trees too!
After finding the creeping sorrel, I continued a short walk in the woods on the west side of the house. I thought perhaps it was about time to find periwinkle beginning to bloom. This section of woods is filled with periwinkle vines and I don’t recall exactly how long it has been here. Probably an escapee from when we grew it years ago, but it has remained confined to one area and not invaded other places (so far). Only a few blooms are currently present, but there will be many in the coming weeks. This is common or greater periwinkle (Vinca major).
Maybe you happen to notice that there is a more upright plant that does not look like the periwinkle vines. I spotted this as I was leaving the woods. Pam and I at one time planted Bishop’s weed. We didn’t know how invasive it would become. It was touted as something wonderful to have around. Maybe weed being part of the name should have prompted more investigation. I pulled up all I could, but there was no way to rid us of this menace. I finally began spraying all I spotted every season until a few years back when it did not appear again. I was successful in wiping it out…or at least I thought so! This is the only plant I saw.
I returned to the woods via a different route with gloves and a garden tool in order to pull up the Bishop’s weed. I made another discovery just beginning to rise above the pine needles, and upon investigation, this is lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor). At some point both varieties of periwinkle had to be discarded by us into the nearby woods, thinking it was dead. We cannot remember tossing old plants out in this particular location but they are both here as survivors. I knew the ‘greater’ periwinkle was here, but had never seen the ‘lesser’.
The grands, especially WL, didn’t want to part with the worn out, humped over nutcrackers last Christmas. You may have seen the post where I kept this one out behind the garage because the kids hated to see them transported to the nutcracker resting place. Last week, as a prank, I moved him to the back of the pasture to stand guard at the woods. I told no one but waited to see who would notice first. He can be seen right out the kitchen window but Pam did not see him until the next afternoon. Everyone had a laugh about it and I decided to just let him stay there a while. I considered using him as a scarecrow or deterrent for deer and other creatures in the garden this summer. I looked out the kitchen window the following day to find that the nutcracker might not be a good choice to deter anything. The grands aren’t the only ones fond of him!
The autumn fire sedum is really coming alive. This plant performs from now through November, taking very little time off!
We really need to get to the park for the Lantern Festival one evening. We do see butterflies, rabbits, and chickens around here, but polar bears and purple leopards are quite rare in Alabama.
These tropical birds made a very nice display even in the daylight!
From 3 years ago tomorrow, today’s throwback is a photo of a younger couple at their 50th wedding anniversary celebration. The husband was singing to the wife the song (“The Twelfth of Never”) that he sang to her at their wedding ceremony on February 23, 1973!
“You don’t need pen and paper to write a love story.”
~Butch Richardson
In a more up-to-date anniversary celebration (yesterday) we chose to eat at another favorite, this time a very well known and popular French restaurant/bistro called Chez Fonfon. Pam thoroughly enjoyed Boeuf Bourguignon-short rib, red wine, lardons, mushrooms, and carrots. In order to be in keeping with the style and atmosphere of the evening, I ordered a hamburger and French fries. Now before you think on my selection (seen here) too critically, the fries are French, and this appears on the menu as Hamburger fonfon with pommes frites. And, a number of groups that rate various foods and restaurants consider this the best hamburger in Alabama.
There’s a section of dead-end road near us where there’s no traffic since a new section of highway opened in 2024. I have found it a smooth, level place to walk which is needed for a while as the new knee heals. I tried it out Thursday. It was 80 degrees and I thought the sky and clouds had the look of summer. But I also thought a dog was running across the treetops, head to the right with mouth open. Maybe he was chasing me!! Pam didn’t think much of my dog vision. I did walk 1.5 miles, but that was a little too much as I found out by the evening. Sore but no harm!
Later in the afternoon the sky provided something else to gaze upon. There can never be too many reminders!
I have one place that I can get to quickly from the house, (on foot or on the Ranger) that gives me an evening view this time of year that can provide this kind of sunset. Given the right clouds, angle, and timing, the dead trees are silhouetted and I love that!
We wish you a peaceful and joyful final week of February!
“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
Your timing was perfect to capture a photo of the deer with the nutcracker. 😁
Thanks Rachel. I saw a squirrel sitting on the nutcracker today so he definitely does not need the job of scarecrow. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Looks like the world is waking up again for spring around you! We have a few more weeks of winter yet. Those are such great sculptures for the Lantern Festival.
Thank you Carole. The spring awakening’s may go into hiding for a few days. Cold today with upper teens possible tonight. It is still officially winter. We will wait for a warmer evening to see the lanterns. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Good morning! The nutcracker and deer will definitely go down as an all time favorite! I looked out the window to see a huge doe nosing near my Lenten roses (hellebores) which are in full bloom. She was totally uninterested, thank goodness, because I was prepared to go running out like a banshee! This is crazy weather, 80 to taunt us and 43 high for tomorrow, but I love it. It sounds like you are making fantastic progress with your knee! I know how hard you have been working, and it is paying off. Happy Anniversary to a beautiful and devoted couple, wishing you many more.
Thank you Roxanne. I was telling Rachel that a squirrel was on the nutcracker but I didn’t mention that I placed a trail camera out there next to him yesterday and last night a skunk dropped by and smelled his feet. Glad the deer haven’t taken a liking to your roses. I think our high tomorrow is upper thirties. I like 80 better. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
“At the Cross At the Cross where I first saw the Light” is the first thought I had when I saw the cross in the sky. The sunrise/sunset designer gives us reminders every day if only we would look.
WL has my heart. I love that he wants the old nutcracker still around. And the deer was checking it out. And Spring seems to be with you already why with 80 degrees I think it’s with you.
I loved the anniversary picture and the loving expression on Pam’s face. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ❣️and that long walk on that new knee showed you what you shouldn’t be doing. Singing love songs to Pam is much better on the knee.,
Thank you Alice. It’s cold again today but this spell isn’t supposed to last long, and it’s not Colorado cold so we can’t complain. Thanks for the anniversary wish. I suppose singing would be easier on the body but I think my voice is as worn out as my knees. We hope you have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
The nutcracker standing guard is hilarious! WL should enjoy seeing him. The Lantern Festival animals look interesting. The children should enjoy them. I’m ready to see all the plants waking up. The reflection shot is beautiful either way you look at it. The sunset shot is magical. The burger and fries look delicious. Glad you found a nice flat spot to walk. Enjoy your day. Clara ❤️
Happy anniversary!
Thanks Clara. That burger and fries is so good, not the typical fast food stuff. I order it almost every time we eat at that place. Pam tells me to try something new but I say if it’s not broke don’t fix it. We will wait until this recent cold snap gets by and the maybe plan an evening visit to the festival. Have an enjoyable week!
Butch and Pam
Always enjoy your Sunday posts, Butch. With your permission, I have another quote to add to my grief journal.
“You don’t need pen and paper to write a love story.”
~Butch Richardson
Beautiful, meaningful words for me.
Hyacinths are popping up in my garden as well. I always replant bulbs: hyacinths, amaryllis, muscari. Yesterday was the start of major clean up to prepare for spring. Our weather is still up and down, 80s last Friday, but cooler this weekend again.
Happy Sunday to you and Pam. Thanks for sharing the beauty.
Thank you Sarah. By all means place the quote wherever you desire. Neither of us have walked in those shoes but we know that one day one of us will be there. Holding hands and leaving together would be wonderful in a way yet it would not be for the children and grandchildren. God has everything planned for the ultimate best. Have a peaceful week!
Butch and Pam
Oh my gosh the cross in the clouds how beautiful. These are the moments that are so precious and remind us God is here with us. Your hamburger at the French restaurant looks pretty yummy. Happy Anniversary. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. All those fancy French dishes and I have a hamburger; but in my defense, it’s not an ordinary hamburger. We did share a French baguette with the best butter I think I’ve ever tasted. Thankful for precious moments. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Oh, it look like spring is finally coming your way and I’m so glad. It’s lovely to see your blooms (even though we got snow last night — maybe especially because we got snow last night.) All those flowers are wonderful but the photo that really stole my heart was your singing to Pam. What absolute joy and love.
Thank,you Jeanie. Snow, my, my. We didn’t get snow but it has turned quite cold again with upper teens predicted. That will shock a few blooms but everything usually bounces back. We can’t send any spring weather but we do extend warm wishes for the week!
Butch and Pam
All images are glorious! Such a warm week and now a freezing cold blustery day. It’s the time of the year we have daily surprises! Happy Anniversary!
Thanks Leslie Anne. It is a shock when you have temps around 85. We saw where there were record highs down your way. It’s a spoiler. It is a typical up and down February. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
It’s sweet to see your plant life waking up from its winter nap. It means our plants will soon follow suit. I did get a chuckle out of the deer hanging out with the nutcracker.
Happiest of anniversaries to you two.
Cindie
Thanks Cindie. Seems everything likes the nutcracker. I saw a squirrel on him so I put a camera out and now I’ve got a group of turkeys on camera hanging out with him. Thanks for the anniversary wish and we hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Oh Butch my favorite photo is of course the cloud formation of the cross. And of course the nutcracker in the woods with the deer who is obviously freightened and getting ready to run for his life….or at least he is thinking about it. I also love that Pam can see it from her kitchen window. The hamburger looks great and I am sure it is healthy or at least I believe everything in moderation if it’s not. Congratulations on your anniversary, Blessed by our Creator. Have a great and wonderful week.
Thank you Kari. I really did think about using the nutcracker in the garden but he would be useful only to attract critters it seems. I’m not sure if the burger was healthy but one little unhealthy thing surely couldn’t hurt. It’s my habit of eating the unhealthy stuff daily that’s my current problem. Not being able to exercise for a while too is catching up with me. Time for renewed discipline. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Happy wedding anniversary to you both!
A lovely post as always & I too saw the dog running across the treetops Butch!
My favourite photo is the sunset at the end. I really do love sunsets with the trees & mountains in silhouette.
We get some pretty special ones here on the East coast of Australia with different shades of pinks, reds & oranges.
Blessings to you both, Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. We dream of seeing some Australian sunsets and sunrises firsthand but that probably won’t happen. Never hurts to dream, you never know. Thanks for the anniversary wish. We pray you have a lovely week!
Butch and Pam
You’re right Butch, it never hurts to dream 😊
A cross in the sky! What a beautiful reminder that God is still in control.
Thank you Viv. It was a beautiful reminder. I’m reminded of His control over everything constantly when I get out and allow myself to observe all He has made. Hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Happy Anniversary, you guys!
And I am so inspired to see those little colorful blooms popping up around you. Especially when we’re making our way through a blizzard here in the northeast.
You give me hope that yes, springtime will arrive. And thank you for that hope!
Thank you Linda for the anniversary wish. We saw photos of the weather that was hitting the northeast. Spring is coming but probably not soon enough for a lot of people. Stay warm and have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Such beautiful pictures in your lovely woods! Thanks for the inspiration this morning!
Thank you Barbara. We are seeing hints of spring. Hopefully today’s cold will be short lived. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
A lovely post. I enjoyed these early signs of spring though winter, by all accounts, is not yet ready to let go. Stay blessed.
Amalia
xo
Thank you Amalia. Winter is hanging on here with 19 predicted tonight but that’s not nearly as wintry as what many are facing. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
How lovely to see the flowers poking their heads up in anticipation for spring – we are still under snow here with more expected later in the week, sadly! I too see the dog running across the tree tops. Your nutcracker story is funny and the deer is so obviously not bothered by it at all lol. I think the hamburger looks so good – my mouth is watering now. The cloud cross in the sky is amazing. Happy anniversary you two and have a wonderful week!
Thank you Kim. Sorry about all the snow and hoping the flowers we have at least keeps you optimistic, spring will indeed come. Every critter around seems to like the nutcracker so my idea of moving it to the garden for the summer would not be good. We hope you too have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
The deer with the nutcracker gave me my morning giggle!
I am late again, but we were away for the weekend.
I enjoyed seeing all the spring life waking up in your neck of the woods. Spring brings us all Hope! That life begins again after a long winter.
Glad to know you are walking long distances. Be careful, though.
Happy Anniversary to you two lovebirds! You have a beautiful love story… and it’s not written on paper. Except in cards and love notes. 🙂
Enjoy your special day! ❤️
Thank you Nancy. It was 19 here this morning but the flowers I’ve checked on seemed to be throwing it off and doing fine. It’s a brief cold snap with tonight being 20 degrees warmer than last night. We are ready for spring but probably not nearly so ready as folks in the northeast. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
I’m so happy I made it to the anniversary, early spring, Nutcracker “scarecrow” party —-late, but better than never, Butch and Pam! What a treasure trove ! Butch, your photos are amazing!
Happy 53rd anniversary to a wonderful couple! You both inspire me so much! Butch, your “French” fries are my vice!
Spring seemed to appear in Missouri last Thursday as I walked by Springfield Lake to pray. I talked to 3 turtles sitting on a log who agreed that God is good! See, even turtles know!
Then,…it dropped over 60 degrees and we had a cold weekend. I accompanied my parents to my Dad’s cardiology appt yesterday. Today on a quest to retrieve my Mom’s glasses that were left.
In this new phase of my life, my own health journey, my aging parents and their health, the kids and “grands”, I’m not here on WP like I used to be. But I pray for you BOTH and your amazing family daily! As a matter of fact, when I’m out and about, God places you all in my heart.
Last Tuesday while driving with a former pastor, I saw a cross in the sky. After that, a cardinal and then, a yellow butterfly flew past the car. God’s promises are everywhere when we look! There’s a beautiful and sad story to accompany that picture when I’m able to write what the Spirit has for me to share.
Your quote is perfect, Butch! Again, happy Anniversary! Please give Pam my love and hugs too!
Thank you Karla. I suppose a good thing about a post is there’s no timeline, you’re never really late. Like us, we see you had hints of spring and then a big change back to winter. We do see predictions of a very nice weather weekend ahead. Creation does so reveal much about the Creator but I’m certain only a hint of all He is. Beyond our minds to comprehend. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
You’re welcome, Butch and Pam! You have a blessed week, dear friends!
Happy wedding anniversary, dear friends. you are an inspiration for me. Always a beautiful post! Thank you for your encouragement.
Thank you Maristella. We enjoyed a nice anniversary. We hope you are having a wonderful week.
Butch and Pam
Happy Anniversary, your golden journey of love is beautiful and bright and infinitely treasured! What’s not to love of the Nutcracker tale – it’s so good!
Thank you Mary. We hope your week has been pleasant thus far and the weekend is near! Have a blessed evening!
Butch and Pam
Happy 53rd Anniversary to both of you!
I loved all the emerging signs of Spring in your area. The guarding nutcracker was too cute and the cross in the sky was a beautiful reminder of Our Creator!
Thank you Kitty. The more we observe the guardian nutcracker the more we think he needs to be reassigned. We don’t have the heart to fire him. Have a wonderful rest of the week!
Butch and Pam
Finally catching up and absorbing all the love and wisdom always found here. That picture
of the lovebirds warms my heart with the reminder of how your
spirit of devotion to one another and us continues to shine through. We are almost
out of the hole in time
created by the ice storm.
Blessed warmth returns
this coming week.
Thank you Mary and so good to hear from you. We know you are beyond ready for relief from ice and cold. It is predicted to be a warm week ahead with lower 80’s here by next weekend. Blessings to you!
Butch and Pam
I love hearing about your love story! Happy Belated Anniversary! I think it is so sweet that you sang “The Twelfth of Never!” My Daddy loved that song, and reading this today reminded me of him. It always reminds me of my sweet Mom, too, when I read of your anniversary, because February 23rd was her birthday. If God has spared her life until now, she would have turned 98 the other day. We never stop missing them, do we? I’m thankful to know that your knee is healing well and you are able to be out walking again. May the Lord continue to bless all of you!
Thanks Cheryl. We do miss them. Pam lost her dad last March and we were talking today that it’s hard to believe that it has been a year. February 23 will always be a memorable calendar day for you. And yes, I can’t walk too far or too fast but it’s a blessing to be out and about some now. God bless you!
Butch and Pam